Inheritance of different coat colours in Newfoundland dogs in Poland

Abstract

The aim of the study was to present the manner in which coat colour genes are inherited in the Newfoundland dog breed and to estimate the number of dogs with various coat colours in the Polish Newfoundland dog population in 2017. This population numbered 656 dogs, including 248 males and 408 females. The estimated number of dogs of this breed also included all registered puppies, broken down by gender and coat colour. The genes determining coat colour are described, including more precisely the genes responsible for the coat colour of the Newfoundland breed. According to FCI regulations, the coat colours for Newfoundland dogs are black, brown and black-and-white. Other colours, such as brown-and-white or blue, are not recognized for breeding purposes in Europe. The study found that the dominant black coat was predominant in the Polish Newfoundland dog population in 2017. These dogs could be heterozygous at some other loci and have undesirable alleles. The second most common coat colour was chocolate, while the fewest dogs had spotted coats. The group with spotted coats contained more males than females, in contrast to the other two colour variants. There were also individuals with the blue coat colour, which is not accepted for breeding, as the result of mating of parents with proper coat colours. An understanding of how dog coat colours are inherited and the need for tests to determine coat colour genotypes would make it possible to foresee the occurrence of incorrect colours in subsequent generations, which is crucial for Newfoundland dog breeders, whose goal is to obtain dogs whose coat colour is in line with the FCI standard.