SHL/BSD Information

Many young Pomeranians develope a luxurious puppy or first hair coat which fails to shed and is not replaced by an adult coat. As the puppy coat ages it breaks off and falls out and can result in a dog that is hairless over much of its body. This disease is sometimes called black skin disease, coat funk or woolly coat. It also occurs in Keeshonden and Alaskan Malamutes. Although females can have the disease, it is much more common in males. This suggests, but does not prove, that the mutation responsible for the disease is on the X chromosome. We propose to determine if a DNA marker from the canine X chromosome associates with the disease. If so, this marker could then be used to distinguish genetically normal puppies from puppies that are likely to develop the disease. This marker could also identify female puppies that will not develop the disease but are likely to pass the disease on to the next generation.