Quote:
Originally Posted by sierrapups  Although the Biewer originated from the Yorkie it has now evolved into a breed of its own. This is where the differences lie within the clubs. Through genetic testing we are able to see where they no longer are the same breed. There is a wait and see period when all will come out.
WoogieMan, thank you for trying to educate. Your posts were very informative. There are always those that will close their minds and not want to see the science behind breeding. |
I came into this thread late and my interest was piqued by the link Nancy1999 posted earlier about deafness in dogs (post #106). It was easy to find a lot of info regarding deafness and the piebald link as one cause. I also found some info about the Biewer being included in a recent piebald genetics study. Here's a quote.....
"The Piebald (Spotting) Gene Study
Researchers have now pinpointed a variation in the genetic code at a specific point on the DNA called SNP's that
are associated with white coat color. The highest-ranking SNP from their analysis resides in assection of the dog
genome that contains one gene, called MITF, an important developmental gene. Here is where the SINE
mutation (an inherited change in the genetic material of an individual) takes place. (SINE is a type of small
dispersed repetitive DNA sequence) SINE/SINE shows homozygous inheritance (having like alleles in the same
location). This mutation is what is now identified to express the piebald coat.
Okay, so now what?
What does this mean to the Biewer world? The answer is two fold.
The Biewer breeds white coat pattern is indeed a result of the piebald gene, not from another dog being bred
into the Yorkshire Terrier.
Is the Biewer in any health danger due to being piebald? There is no data on this presently. White coat color has
been identified in other studies as the cause of deafness in Dalmatians and anomalies in other breeds with white
coat patterns. However, because Biewers have pigment of Blue/Black/Tan/Goldother than white around the ears
and eyes on the head, it is suspected, not proven, that the Biewer escapes the anomalies due to the presence of
darker pigment. This is a strong case supporting a practice to breed selectively in order to keep the strong head
colors present."
...Here's the link this quote came from...
Biewer Breed Club of America Health Regisrty... BBCA