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Color genetics myths, let's go!

Since there are so many of these, I decided that my next informational post on this could go over at least some of the major ones. Myth 1: Merle works differently depending on the breed. Fact: No, it doesn't. If you haven't followed merle research, you may not know this, but merle has different lengths, that express differently depending on the length. That's about all you need to know for this post. I think the reason this myth came about is because some lengths are more common in some breeds than others. Harlequin merle, the longest length of merle, is the most common length in border collies and aussies, while classic merle or even atypical merle plus, two shorter lengths, are more common in other breeds, such as catahoulas or dachshunds. This myth mostly comes about, when we're talking about double merle dogs, and double harlequin merle is higher risk than double atypical merle plus (which still has risk, just a slightly lower risk) - That's why so many people say double merle doesn't have the same risks in catahoulas versus border collies, for example. But that's not because merle works differently, because the same would be true for any breed with those lengths. As far as I know, there hasn't been a breed that doesn't have all the lenghts - Just some lengths that are more common than others.

Myth 2: High amounts of white cause an array of health issues, including limb/skeletal deformities, neurological issues, blindness, deafness, allergies, cancer, bowel issues, and early death.

Fact: This is partially true - But by partially, I mean not that much of it. White caused by white spotting genes can cause deafness, because the inner ear needs pigment to function. White is the absence of pigment, so if that happens to cover the inner ear hearing will be impaired. White caused by double merle can cause eye and hearing impairments. Deafness for the same reasons as above, and eye impairments due to the "scrambling" of pigment interfering with the development in the eye. It is also true that areas with pink skin are more sensitive to the sun, and thus skin cancer is a higher risk if that skin is not protected. However, this is true for ANY white markings. The dog does not have to be mostly white for this to be true. Sensitive areas tend to be areas with less fur; Snout, ears and stomachs. If the dog is hairless or has very thin fur, you might need to protect more areas with sunscreen, just like us humans. The rest? Not true. It is likely derived from other species, where sometimes white spotting genes can cause issues like this, such as lethal white (homozygous frame overo) in horses. But horses also have ~30 other white spotting genes that do NOT cause those issues. Myth 3: Blue eyes tend to be blind Fact: There is no evidence for this at all. As with humans, blue eyes can be slightly more light sensitive, but that is not the same as blindness. This myth mostly persists in breeds that do not commonly have blue eyes.

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Dragon Resting its Head on the Lap of a Woman by Anton Robert Leinweber, 1912

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I found this photo on a swedish english springer spaniel breed standard/history page, with no source on who or where it has come from. I am enchanted.

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Blax is displeased about my lack of activity in this blog. Oof

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Can confirm soft Aussies.

Sometimes aussies look at you in such a soft, gentle way, and it melts your heart and then you die.

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How to Bathe Different Dog Coat Types

The people that did the Science of Skin seminar I went to at the grooming expo (and own Iv San Bernard) have a lot of the info from the seminar on their website! It of course includes their products but the How To and Info is still really good. Honestly if I had my own salon I would want to mainly use their products

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Imagine being able to detach your titties before bed.. so you could actually sleep on your stomach. Lol

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My dog giving an honest review of our “dogs on the couch while there’s food” policy.

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King Cavaliers. They’re just too darling for the problems they face.

What breed would you say is a “heartbreak breed”?

For me I’d say Golden Retrievers. They have beautiful temperaments, gorgeous looks and one of the highest cancer rates. I love them but have sworn off them because the risk is just too high.

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Soft snout check-ins, with Coba not quite in frame

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New bandana! 💜💙💜💙

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Stink face in the morning sun 

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Matching icons for you and your equally disgusting shepherd friend.

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I always though he looked like an aviator guy.