Sequencing the Genome of the Domestic Dog Canis familiaris

Abstract

In the following White Paper we argue for the development of a 6x assembled sequence of the dog, much as is currently available for the mouse, to facilitate the identification of genes that explain the enormous diversity of mammalian variation observed in nature today, and to better understand the genetic basis of complex diseases affecting both human and dog. In Section A we discuss some advantages of genetic mapping in dogs and provide examples where canine genetics is best suited to solve problems associated with mapping complex traits. We next turn to biomedical issues highlighting the contribution of the dog in the development of protocols for bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy. Finally, we address the limitations that the canine genome mapping community currently face in exploiting this canine diversity, and consider the benefits and advances that an essentially complete canine genome sequence are anticipated to yield.