Coat Genetics in Dogs: Understanding Shedding, Doodles, Poodles, and the Hypoallergenic Debate

Unraveling the mysteries of your furry best friend's coat can be as complex as understanding your own genetic makeup. For dog owners, allergy sufferers, and breed enthusiasts alike, the interplay of genetics and coat quality is not just a matter of aesthetics — it’s a matter of health and comfort.

This detailed breakdown explores the role of coat genetics in dogs, focusing on the shedding phenomenon and unpicking the highly debated topic of hypoallergenic dogs, particularly the popular "doodles" and poodle breeds. Here's what you need to know about your pup's coat, allergies, and the breeds that cause a stir.

Understanding Shedding in Canines

Dog shedding is a natural, seasonal process of losing old or damaged hair to make room for new growth. Some breeds shed minimally, while others can seem to blanket your home in a layer of fur despite your most diligent vacuuming efforts. The frequency and intensity of shedding are influenced by several factors:

Shedding Rates Across Breeds

High-shedding breeds like the Alaskan Malamute or the Labrador Retriever are built for colder environments, shedding their dense coats twice a year. On the other side of the spectrum, breeds like the Maltese or the Bichon Frise barely shed at all, thanks to their finer, single-layer coats.

Phenotype: Dogs with one or two copies of the variant alleles shed less than dogs with no copies

Mode of Inheritance:  Complex

Alleles: MC5R SD = low shedding variant, N = Normal shedding

                RSPO2 F = low shedding variant, IC = Normal shedding

Shedding (SD locus) plus Furnishing and Improper coat

• Dogs with SD/SD and F/F or SD/N and F/F genotypes are associated with minimal shedding.

• Dogs with SD/SD and F/IC or N/N and F/F genotypes have low shedding associated variants and are predicted to have lower rates of shedding than would be considered average for the breed.

• Dogs with SD/SD and IC/IC, SD/N and IC/IC or SD/N and F/IC genotypes have variants predicted to result in average shedding.

Gene: MC5R in EmbarkVet test

This gene affects how much a dog sheds. Dogs with furnishings or wire-haired coats tend to be low shedders regardless of their result for this gene. In other dogs, a CC or CT result indicates heavy or seasonal shedding, like many Labradors and German Shepherd Dogs. Dogs with a TT result tend to be lighter shedders, like Boxers, Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas.

Gene: KRT71 in EmbarkVet Test

For dogs with long fur, dogs with a TT or CT result will likely have a wavy or curly coat like the coat of Poodles and Bichon Frises. Dogs with a CC result will likely have a straight coat—unless the dog has a "Likely Furnished" result for the Furnishings trait, since this can also make the coat more curly.

• Shedding (SD Locus) plus Furnishings and Improper Coat (IC)

• Shedding

• (SD Locus)

• Furnishings

• and IC

• INTERPRETATION

• SD/SD

• F/F

• Variant combination identified in minimal shedding breeds.

• SD/N

• F/F

• Variant combination identified in minimal shedding breeds.

• SD/SD

• F/IC

• Variant combination identified in dogs with a reduced shedding rate relative to average shedding breeds.

• N/N

• F/F

• Variant combination identified in dogs with a reduced shedding rate relative to average shedding breeds.

• SD/SD

• IC/IC

• Variant combination identified in dogs with an average shedding rate for the breed.

• SD/N

• F/IC

• Variant combination identified in dogs with an average shedding rate for the breed.

• SD/N

• IC/IC

• Variant combination identified in dogs with an average shedding rate for the breed.

• N/N

• F/IC

• Variant combination identified in heavy shedding breeds.

• N/N

• IC/IC

• Variant combination identified in heavy shedding breeds.

Discover shedding secrets with Stokeshire Doodles overview:

• Genes MC5R and RSPO2 control shedding.

• MC5R (TT = light, CC/CT = heavy shedding).

• RSPO2 affects furnishings like mustaches (terriers) and curls (poodles).

• FF/FI (RSPO2) = light shedding with these features.

• Furnishings (RSPO2 FF/FI) = reduced shedding.

Environmental and Health Influences

Beyond genetics, the dog's health, stress levels, and environment can affect shedding. Improved nutrition and regular grooming can mitigate some shedding factors, like skin conditions or poor diet.

Coat Types and Patterns

Double-coated breeds such as the Husky have a soft undercoat for warmth and a coarser topcoat for protection. Dogs with explosive shedding seasons, like the Golden Retriever, typically require more intensive grooming routines.

Doodles, Poodles, and the Hypoallergenic Hype

Poodle mixes, or 'doodles,' have surged in popularity due to their perceived hypoallergenic traits. These designer breeds, like the Goldendoodle or the Bernedoodle, are typically a crossbreed of a poodle and a shedding breed. The specific coat types these breeds possess are key to their “hypoallergenic”classification:

Poodle's Signature Coat

Poodles have hair that is quite unique compared to traditional canine fur. Their coats are tight and curly, similar to human hair, which helps trap dander and hair, thus reducing the amount released into the environment. Dogs that have long coats and carry at least one copy of the T allele gene tend to have a wavy or curly coat, which is a characteristic feature of Poodles and Bichon Frises. Dogs with two copies of the ancestral C allele gene are likely to have a straight coat. However, other factors can also cause a curly coat, for example, if they carry at least one F allele for the Furnishings (RSPO2) gene, then they are more likely to have a curly coat. It is also possible for dogs with short coats to carry one or two copies of the T allele gene and still have straight coats.

How Genetics Influence Allergies

Allergies to dogs are typically triggered by proteins found in dog saliva and urine. When dogs lick their fur, these proteins — along with dander — end up in their coat. Poodles and doodle mixes are thought to produce fewer of these allergens due to their coat characteristics and reduced shedding compared to non-crossbred breeds.

Addressing the Hypoallergenic Misconception

Despite the hype, no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic. The term is a misnomer, as even poodles and doodles can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The genetic aspects of the coat play a significant role, but they are not the sole factor in determining allergen compatibility.

The Reality of Allergens in Canine Coats

The level of allergens often correlates with the amount of time a dog spends grooming. Poodles and their mixes may indeed have lower overall allergen profiles, but many other factors — including individual protein sensitivities — must be considered.

Managing Allergies in a Canine Household

For individuals with mild allergies, living with a dog can still be a possibility with the right precautions. Regular bathing, grooming, and a well-maintained home environment can significantly reduce allergens, improving overall air quality and comfort.

Practical Tips for Dog Owners

Whether you're planning to bring a new furry friend into your life or already have one, there are crucial strategies to manage shedding and allergens in your home.

Grooming Best Practices

Establishing a consistent grooming routine is vital for all dog owners, regardless of breed. Regular brushing, baths with hypoallergenic shampoos, and grooming by professionals can minimize shedding and allergen exposure.

Breed Selection Based on Coat Genetics

When selecting a breed, it's essential to understand what kind of care their coat requires and how this might impact your lifestyle. Poodle and doodle mixes, while potentially less allergenic, can have grooming needs that should not be overlooked.

EmbarkVet DNA Coat Tests

A recent survey conducted by Embark Health revealed that nearly half of respondents noted their dogs shed a moderate amount or more.

Understanding Dog Hair Dynamics The primary function of a dog's coat extends beyond aesthetics; it serves as a regulator of body temperature. This function varies depending on factors such as coat length, thickness, and color. Additionally, a dog's coat provides protection from light, aids in sensory perception, and serves as a barrier against injuries.

A dog's coat undergoes transformations throughout its life stages, including the transition from puppyhood to adulthood and seasonal changes.

Insights into Hair Growth Dog hair growth operates in cycles, enabling dogs to adapt to environmental fluctuations. This cycle encompasses phases of growth and rest within individual hair follicles, influenced by factors like age, breed, and location on the body.

Decoding Dog Shedding Shedding occurs as older hairs enter the resting phase, paving the way for new growth. According to experts such as Keith Hnilica and Adam Patterson, shedding follows a mosaic pattern, ensuring that hair follicles are in various stages of growth simultaneously, thus averting baldness.

Factors Influencing Shedding Indoor pets, exposed to artificial light year-round, may exhibit shedding throughout the year. Stress also plays a role, triggering accelerated shedding akin to human experiences under duress.

Unraveling the Genetic Quotient Genetics significantly influences shedding patterns and coat diversity in dogs. Studies by Edouard Cadieu et al. pinpoint specific genes associated with different coat types, including RSPO2 (wiry coats like Poodles), FGF5 (short or long coats), and KRT71 (curly coats). Notably, variants in the RSPO2 gene are linked to low-shedding wiry coats.

Shedding is intricately governed by two key genes: MC5R and RSPO2. MC5R dictates shedding intensity, with "TT" indicating lighter shedding and "CC" or "CT" signaling heavier shedding.

Meanwhile, RSPO2 influences the development of characteristic furnishings like mustaches and curls, often associated with terrier and poodle coats respectively. Results of "FF" or "FI" typically indicate lighter shedding alongside these classic features.

Notably, dogs with furnishings (RSPO2 testing FF or FI) tend to shed less regardless of their MC5R status.

Explore further interactions between genotypes and shedding, as well as other coat att

Additionally, research led by Dr. Adam Boyko identified the MC5R gene, impacting shedding intensity. The interplay of these genes dictates coat length, conformation, and shedding propensity across various breeds.

Identifying Potential Concerns While shedding is natural, certain conditions warrant attention, such as mites, ringworm, endocrine abnormalities, or nutritional deficiencies. Vigilance and appropriate intervention are crucial in such instances.

Embracing Shedding as Natural Shedding is an intrinsic aspect of dog ownership. While some breeds are renowned for their low-shedding attributes, shedding to some extent is commonplace among indoor dogs. Regular grooming and monitoring for signs of abnormal shedding are vital. Customizing care products to suit your dog's shedding profile can optimize their well-being. Remember, shedding signifies a healthy functioning coat.

At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of non-shedding coats, enriching the bond between humans and their beloved companions.

Conclusion

Understanding your dog's coat genetics is crucial when considering shedding and allergy issues.

However, it's not a black-and-white conversation. Effective management of shedding and allergies requires a combination of genetics, environment, and proactive care. To best care for your furry friend, arm yourself with knowledge, consult with a veterinarian, and remember that the love we have for our four-legged companions knows no bounds, even beyond their genetic code. At Stokeshire, we’re also here to help you navitage the genetics of each litter to the best of our abiltiy!

The Magical Furnishing Gene