Genetic Structure of the Purebred Domestic Dog

2004/05/20 by Heidi G. Parker, Lisa V. Kim, Nathan B. Sutter +7 · 19 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Human-Animal Interaction Studies #Genetic diversity and population structure #Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock

paper · doi:10.1126/science.1097406

openalex publication_date 2004/05/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

We used molecular markers to study genetic relationships in a diverse collection of 85 domestic dog breeds. Differences among breeds accounted for approximately 30% of genetic variation. Microsatellite genotypes were used to correctly assign 99% of individual dogs to breeds. Phylogenetic analysis separated several breeds with ancient origins from the remaining breeds with modern European origins. We identified four genetic clusters, which predominantly contained breeds with similar geographic origin, morphology, or role in human activities. These results provide a genetic classification of dog breeds and will aid studies of the genetics of phenotypic breed differences.

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