SIBERIAN HUSKY

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POMERANIAN
Cute, feisty and furry, Poms are intelligent and loyal to their families.Don't let their cuteness fool you, however.These independent, bold dogs have minds of their own.
They are alert and curious about the world around them.Unfortunately, in their minds, they are much larger than they really are, which can sometimes lead them to harass and even attack much larger dogs.Luckily, if they are properly socialized with other dogs and animals, they generally get along quite well with them.Poms take their name from the province of Pomerania, in Germany.They became especially popular when Queen Victoria allowed some of her Pomeranians to be shown in a conformation show, the first Pomeranians ever to be shown.Pomeranians make excellent pets for older people and those who are busy, because they aren't an overly dependent breed.
They are also good for apartment dwellers or homes that don't have a backyard.Because of their small size, they aren't recommended for families with small children who might injure them accidentally.While Poms are good with children, they are not a good choice for very young or highly active children because of their small size.Never let your small children and your Pom play without supervision.Because they are so small, Poms can be perceived as prey by owls, eagles, hawks, coyotes, and other wild animals.Never leave them outside unattended, and be watchful if there are predatory birds in your location.If this is the case, stay close to your Pom to discourage birds from trying to carry them off!

Fun Fact
In 1925 a team of Siberian Huskies saved Nome, Alaska by carrying the serum to cure diphtheria a considerable distance by sled.The run was done in the middle of a blizzard and in conditions below -23 degrees Fahrenheit.The run is remembered by the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Race, and Balto, the famous sled dog who led his team through the final leg.

SIBERIAN HUSKY
The Siberian Husky originated from the extreme north east of Siberia.They were initially domesticated by the Chukchi -an ancient population that thrived by herding reindeer and moving with each season to new grazing regions.They came to America in 1909 and found their place in the Alaskan wilderness.They love to be out in cold weather and are known to be the ideal sled dog.They have strong insulated paws that are perfect for traction in the snow.The Siberian Husky also has two layers in their coat that protects them from Arctic winters.

MATERNAL LINE
Through Archie's mitochondrial DNA we can trace his mother's ancestry back to where dogs and people first became friends.This map helps you visualize the routes that his ancestors took to your home.Their story is described below the map.

HAPLOGROUP: A1d
This female lineage can be traced back about 15,000 years to some of the original Central Asian wolves that were domesticated into modern dogs.The early females that represent this lineage were likely taken into Eurasia, where they spread rapidly.As a result, many modern breed and village dogs from the Americas, Africa, through Asia and down into Oceania belong to this group!This widespread lineage is not limited to a select few breeds, but the majority of Rottweilers, Afghan Hounds and Wirehaired Pointing Griffons belong to it.It is also the most common female lineage among Papillons, Samoyeds and Jack Russell Terriers.Considering its occurrence in breeds as diverse as Afghan Hounds and Samoyeds, some of this is likely ancient variation.But because of its presence in many modern European breeds, much of its diversity likely can be attributed to much more recent breeding.

HAPLOTYPE: A247
Part of the large A1d haplogroup, this common haplotype occurs in village dogs all over the world.Among the 32 breeds we have sampled it in, the most common occurrences include Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, and Papillons.

PATERNAL LINE
Through Archie's Y chromosome we can trace his father's ancestry back to where dogs and people first became friends.This map helps you visualize the routes that his ancestors took to your home.Their story is described below the map.

HAPLOGROUP: A1a
Some of the wolves that became the original dogs in Central Asia around 15,000 years ago came from this long and distinguished line of male dogs.After domestication, they followed their humans from Asia to Europe and then didn't stop there.They took root in Europe, eventually becoming the dogs that founded the Vizsla breed 1,000 years ago.The Vizsla is a Central European hunting dog, and all male Vizslas descend from this line.During the Age of Exploration, like their owners, these pooches went by the philosophy, "Have sail, will travel!"From the windy plains of Patagonia to the snug and homey towns of the American Midwest, the beaches of a Pacific paradise, and the broad expanse of the Australian outback, these dogs followed their masters to the outposts of empires.Whether through good fortune or superior genetics, dogs from the A1a lineage traveled the globe and took root across the world.Now you find village dogs from this line frolicking on Polynesian beaches, hanging out in villages across the Americas, and scavenging throughout Old World settlements.

HAPLOTYPE: H1a.15
Part of the large A1a haplogroup, this haplotype is found in village dogs from across the globe (outside of Asia).As for breeds, it is primarily seen in German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.It is by far the most common haplotype in German Shepherds.

TRAITS: COAT COLOR
TRAIT RESULT

E Locus (MC1R)
The E Locus determines if and where a dog can produce dark (black or brown) hair.Dogs with two copies of the recessive e allele do not produce dark hairs at all, and will be "red" over their entire body.The shade of red, which can range from a deep copper to yellow/gold to cream, is dependent on other genetic factors including the Intensity (I) Locus, which has yet to be genetically mapped.In addition to determining if a dog can develop dark hairs at all, the E Locus can give a dog a black "mask" or "widow's peak," unless the dog has overriding coat color genetic factors.Dogs with one or two copies of the Em allele usually have a melanistic mask (dark facial hair as commonly seen in the German Shepherd and Pug).Dogs with no copies of Em but one or two copies of the Eg allele usually have a melanistic "widow's peak" (dark forehead hair as commonly seen in the Afghan Hound and Borzoi, where it is called either "grizzle" or "domino").

No dark mask or grizzle (Ee) K Locus (CBD103)
The K Locus K allele "overrides" the A Locus, meaning that it prevents the A Locus genotype from affecting coat color.For this reason, the K allele is referred to as the "dominant black" allele.As a result, dogs with at least one K allele will usually have solid black or brown coats (or red/cream coats if they are ee at the E Locus) regardless of their genotype at the A Locus, although several other genes could impact the dog's coat and cause other patterns, such as white spotting.Dogs with the k k genotype will show a coat color pattern based on the genotype they have at the A Locus.Dogs who test as K k may be brindle rather than black or brown.

More likely to have a patterned haircoat (k k ) A Locus (ASIP)
The A Locus controls switching between black and red pigment in hair cells, but it will only be expressed in dogs that are not ee at the E Locus and are k k at the K Locus.Sable (also called "Fawn") dogs have a mostly or entirely red coat with some interspersed black hairs.Agouti (also called "Wolf Sable") dogs have red hairs with black tips, mostly on their head and back.Black and tan dogs are mostly black or brown with lighter patches on their cheeks, eyebrows, chest, and legs.Recessive black dogs have solid-colored black or brown coats.Dogs with two copies of the d allele will have all black pigment lightened ("diluted") to gray, or brown pigment lightened to lighter brown in their hair, skin, and sometimes eyes.There are many breed-specific names for these dilute colors, such as "blue", "charcoal", "fawn", "silver", and "Isabella".Note that dilute dogs have a higher incidence of Color Dilution Alopecia, especially in certain breeds.Dogs with one copy of the d allele will not be dilute, but can pass the d allele on to their puppies.E Locus ee dogs that carry two b alleles will have red or cream coats, but have brown noses, eye rims, and footpads (sometimes referred to as "Dudley Nose" in Labrador Retrievers)."Liver" or "chocolate" is the preferred color term for brown in most breeds; in the Doberman Pinscher it is referred to as "red".

Black or gray hair and skin (Bb)
Saddle Tan (RALY) The "Saddle Tan" pattern causes the black hairs to recede into a "saddle" shape on the back, leaving a tan face, legs, and belly, as a dog ages.The Saddle Tan pattern is characteristic of breeds like the Corgi, Beagle, and German Shepherd.Dogs that have the II genotype at this locus are more likely to be mostly black with tan points on the eyebrows, muzzle, and legs as commonly seen in the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler.This gene modifies the A Locus a allele, so dogs that do not express a are not influenced by this gene.

Not expressed (NI) t t TRAITS: COAT COLOR (CONTINUED)
TRAIT RESULT

M Locus (PMEL)
Merle coat patterning is common to several dog breeds including the Australian Shepherd, Catahoula Leopard Dog, and Shetland Sheepdog, among many others.Merle arises from an unstable SINE insertion (which we term the "M*" allele) that disrupts activity of the pigmentary gene PMEL, leading to mottled or patchy coat color.Dogs with an M*m result are likely to be phenotypically merle or could be "phantom" merle, that is, they have a merle allele that does not affect coat color.Dogs with an M*M* result are likely to be phenotypically merle or double merle.Dogs with an mm result have no merle alleles and are unlikely to have a merle coat pattern.
Note that Embark does not currently distinguish between the recently described cryptic, atypical, atypical+, classic, and harlequin merle alleles.Our merle test only detects the presence, but not the length of the SINE insertion.We do not recommend making breeding decisions on this result alone.Please pursue further testing for allelic distinction prior to breeding decisions.

Hairlessness (FOXI3) LINKAGE
A duplication in the FOXI3 gene causes hairlessness over most of the body as well as changes in tooth shape and number.This mutation occurs in Peruvian Inca Orchid, Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless), and Chinese Crested (other hairless breeds have different mutations).Dogs with the NDup genotype are likely to be hairless while dogs with the NN genotype are likely to have a normal coat.The DupDup genotype has never been observed, suggesting that dogs with that genotype cannot survive to birth.Please note that this is a linkage test, so it may not be as predictive as direct tests of the mutation in some lines.

Hairlessness (SGK3)
Hairlessness in the American Hairless Terrier arises from a mutation in the SGK3 gene.Dogs with the ND genotype are likely to be hairless while dogs with the NN genotype are likely to have a normal coat.

Very unlikely to be hairless (NN)
Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 2 (SLC45A2) LINKAGE Dogs with two copies DD of this deletion in the SLC45A2 gene have oculocutaneous albinism type 2 (OCA2), also known as Doberman Z Factor Albinism, a recessive condition characterized by severely reduced or absent pigment in the eyes, skin, and hair.Affected dogs sometimes suffer from vision problems due to lack of eye pigment (which helps direct and absorb ambient light) and are prone to sunburn.Dogs with a single copy of the deletion ND will not be affected but can pass the mutation on to their offspring.This particular mutation can be traced back to a single white Doberman Pinscher born in 1976, and it has only been observed in dogs descended from this individual.Please note that this is a linkage test, so it may not be as predictive as direct tests of the mutation in some lines.

Likely not albino (NN)
TRAITS: OTHER BODY FEATURES The T allele is associated with heavy muscling along the back and trunk in characteristically "bulky" largebreed dogs including the Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and Rottweiler.The "bulky" T allele is absent from leaner shaped large breed dogs like the Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, and Scottish Deerhound, which are fixed for the ancestral C allele.Note that this mutation does not seem to affect muscling in small or even mid-sized dog breeds with notable back muscling, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, and the English Bulldog.

Likely normal muscling (CC) TRAITS: BODY SIZE TRAIT RESULT
Body Size (IGF1) The I allele is associated with smaller body size.

Intermediate (NI) Body Size (IGFR1)
The A allele is associated with smaller body size.

Larger (GG) Body Size (STC2)
The A allele is associated with smaller body size.

Intermediate (TA) Body Size (GHR -E191K)
The A allele is associated with smaller body size.

Intermediate (GA) Body Size (GHR -P177L)
The T allele is associated with smaller body size.

Larger (CC)
TRAITS: PERFORMANCE TRAIT RESULT

Altitude Adaptation (EPAS1)
This mutation causes dogs to be especially tolerant of low oxygen environments (hypoxia), such as those found at high elevations.Dogs with at least one A allele are less susceptible to "altitude sickness."This mutation was originally identified in breeds from high altitude areas such as the Tibetan Mastiff.

Appetite (POMC) LINKAGE
This mutation in the POMC gene is found primarily in Labrador and Flat Coated Retrievers.Compared to dogs with no copies of the mutation (NN), dogs with one (ND) or two (DD) copies of the mutation are more likely to have high food motivation, which can cause them to eat excessively, have higher body fat percentage, and be more prone to obesity.Read more about the genetics of POMC, and learn how you can contribute to research, in our blog post (https://embarkvet.com/resources/blog/pomc-dogs/).We measure this result using a linkage test.

Normal food motivation (NN)
Dogs with two copies of the b allele produce brown pigment instead of black in both their hair and skin.Dogs with one copy of the b allele will produce black pigment, but can pass the b allele on to their puppies.
or two copies of the F allele have "furnishings": the mustache, beard, and eyebrows characteristic of breeds like the Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier, and Wire Haired Dachshund.A dog with two I alleles will not have furnishings, which is sometimes called an "improper coat" in breeds where furnishings are part of the breed standard.The mutation is a genetic insertion which we measure indirectly using a linkage test highly correlated with the insertion.is known to affect hair length in many different species, including cats, dogs, mice, and humans.In dogs, the T allele confers a long, silky haircoat as observed in the Yorkshire Terrier and the Long Haired Whippet.The ancestral G allele causes a shorter coat as seen in the Boxer or the American Staffordshire Terrier.In certain breeds (such as Corgi), the long haircoat is described as "fluff."Dogs with at least one copy of the ancestral C allele, like many Labradors and German Shepherd Dogs, are heavy or seasonal shedders, while those with two copies of the T allele, including many Boxers, Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas, tend to be lighter shedders.Dogs with furnished/wire-haired coats caused by RSPO2 (the furnishings gene) tend to be low shedders regardless of their genotype at this gene.Dogs with a long coat and at least one copy of the T allele have a wavy or curly coat characteristic of Poodles and Bichon Frises.Dogs with two copies of the ancestral C allele are likely to have a straight coat, but there are other factors that can cause a curly coat, for example if they at least one F allele for the Furnishings (RSPO2) gene then they are likely to have a curly coat.Dogs with short coats may carry one or two copies of the T allele but still have straight coats.

Unlikely to have hind dew claws (CC) TRAITS: OTHER BODY FEATURES (CONTINUED) TRAIT RESULT Blue Eye Color (ALX4) LINKAGE Embark
Dogs in medium-length muzzle (mesocephalic) breeds like Staffordshire Terriers and Labradors, and long muzzle (dolichocephalic) breeds like Whippet and Collie have one, or more commonly two, copies of the ancestral C allele.Dogs in many short-length muzzle (brachycephalic) breeds such as the English Bulldog, Pug, and Pekingese have two copies of the derived A allele.At least five different genes affect muzzle length in dogs, with BMP3 being the only one with a known causal mutation.For example, the skull shape of some breeds, including the dolichocephalic Scottish Terrier or the brachycephalic Japanese Chin, appear to be caused by other genes.Thus, dogs may have short or long muzzles due to other genetic factors that are not yet known to science.Whereas most dogs have two C alleles and a long tail, dogs with one G allele are likely to have a bobtail, which is an unusually short or absent tail.This mutation causes natural bobtail in many breeds including the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Australian Shepherd, and the Brittany Spaniel.Dogs with GG genotypes have not been observed, suggesting that dogs with the GG genotype do not survive to birth.Please note that this mutation does not explain every natural bobtail!While certain lineages of Boston Terrier, English Bulldog, Rottweiler, Miniature Schnauzer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Parson Russell Terrier, and Dobermans are born with a natural bobtail, these breeds do not have this mutation.This suggests that other unknown genetic mutations can also lead to a natural bobtail.Common in certain breeds such as the Saint Bernard, hind dewclaws are extra, nonfunctional digits located midway between a dog's paw and hock.Dogs with at least one copy of the T allele have about a 50% chance of having hind dewclaws.Note that other (currently unknown to science) mutations can also cause hind dewclaws, so some TT or TC dogs will have hind dewclaws.researchers discovered this large duplication associated with blue eyes in Arctic breeds like Siberian Husky as well as tri-colored (non-merle) Australian Shepherds.Dogs with at least one copy of the duplication (Dup) are more likely to have at least one blue eye.Some dogs with the duplication may have only one blue eye (complete heterochromia) or may not have blue eyes at all; nevertheless, they can still pass the duplication and the trait to their offspring.NN dogs do not carry this duplication, but may have blue eyes due to other factors, such as merle.Please note that this is a linkage test, so it may not be as predictive as direct tests of the mutation in some lines.