Shedding

Summary

For pet dogs (less so working dogs) it can be really important to understand how much a dog will shed. Many puppy buyers factor this into their purchase decision, either because of allergies or simply as a lifestyle choice.

The shedding gene interacts with the furnishings/improper coat, and dogs with both furnishings and a low shedding genotype will on average drop the least amount of hair.

This test does not identify dogs that shed on a seasonal basis. Instead it identifies dogs with a fluffy undercoat that increases the amount of hair that is shed.

Gene or region and technical reference

Gene: MC5R (causative). Reference: Hayward et al. (2016)

Reported alleles

n. Test developed using artificial DNA, animal controls.

LS. Test developed using artificial DNA, animal carriers.

Panels: groups of tests that are often ordered together

This test is in the coat type panel.