A critical mutation in the genes responsible for the small size of some dog
breeds, such as Pomeranians and Chihuahuas, arose in canine ancestors long
before humans started breeding them. In fact, the mutation has been traced
back to wolves that existed over 50,000 years ago, according to the study’s
authors.
Data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dog Genome Project, a
citizen science project in which owners gather DNA samples from pet dogs,
led researchers to the mutation, which they located in the insulin-like
growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene.
breeds, such as Pomeranians and Chihuahuas, arose in canine ancestors long
before humans started breeding them. In fact, the mutation has been traced
back to wolves that existed over 50,000 years ago, according to the study’s
authors.
Data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dog Genome Project, a
citizen science project in which owners gather DNA samples from pet dogs,
led researchers to the mutation, which they located in the insulin-like
growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene.
