Dog Genome Project!

The Dog Genome Project is a collaborative study involving scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Oregon, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. It is aimed at producing a map of all the chromosomes in dogs. Such a map can be used to locate the genes causing disease and those controlling morphology and behavior. Continued here.
Our Collaboration Includes:
Cloning Simple Sequence Repeats which will act as signposts for the construction of the map. Tetramer Repeats at the FHCRC Dog Genome Group WWW server. These markers are available from Research Genetics.
Localizing and ordering these markers on the dog chromosomes using linkage analysis and Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH).
Generating Hybrid Cell Lines that have only one dog chromosome in them. For more information, see the FHCRC DGP page.
Developing new techniques to aid in the faster identification of disease genes. One method currently being adapted for use in canines is the " Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequences technique" (CAPS).
Cloning very long stretches of dog DNA into manipulatable minichromosomes using Yeast Artificial Chromosomes (YACs).
Using the Dog Codon Frequency Table to design PCR primers find the dog versions of already cloned human and mouse genes.
There is a page available for you to get a quick look at how we map genes using DNA markers.
For a more in depth description, check out the Primer on Molecular Genetics from the Department of Energy. (This is written about the Human Genome Project, but should help in understanding what the Dog Genome Project will be doing).
This site was originally created by Melissa DeMille with assistance from John Lovell. All questions relating to the Dog Genome Project should be directed to Jasper_Rine@ls.berkeley.edu .

Perfect Dog Gift Ideas for this Christmas

The selection of dog gifts available today is anything but dull. There are dog gifts available in almost any shape, form and kind, so you will have no problem in finding a wide variety to choose from.
No pet parent can resist coming home with a gift for their pet any time of the year, especially at Christmas. Dog gifts at Christmas time are a multi-billion dollar industry. Among pet parents some of the most popular dog gifts are chew toys, dog collars and treats.
Do you have someone on your gift-giving list that is hard to shop for? Do they have a dog that is part of the family? Pet parents are some of the easiest people to shop for. Get a gift for their dog or a gift that centers on their dog's breed.
There are all kinds of dog breed products available, including ceramic mugs, doormats, throw blankets, paintings, door stops and stuffed animals. Many pet parents enjoy collecting items that focus on the breed of their own dog.
What do you get a dog for Christmas? Collars are among the favorite gifts. A collar and matching leash make a great gift to give your own dog or for you to give a dog owner.
A fancy dog collar and matching leash are just what you need to say "I love my pampered my pooch". Fancy dog collars make wonderful dog gifts. Many designer dog collars offer matching dog leashes to complete the outfit.
Durable designer dog collars come in several materials including leather, nylon, and fabric - in colors and designs for the finickiest of tastes. Reflective dog collars make a great gift, especially for the dog that is taken for walks after dark.
Another great Christmas gift item for your own dog or for a friend's dog is gourmet dog treats. They are made with whole ingredients and no artificial preservatives.
There are gourmet dog treats made with all natural high quality human grade ingredients. The result is healthy, tasty dog treats for every special dog.
Dog gift baskets are another popular gift idea. Filled with tasty treats and a toy or two, gift baskets are a great choice for the dog owner on your Christmas gift list, or for your own dog. From dainty delights to hearty munchies, you can find dog gift baskets filled with easily digestible, preservative-free, wholesome and delicious treats.
A handy and practical gift for the owner of a small dog is a dog tote bag. There are dog tote bags with wheels and tote bags that look like purses. These are very nice to have for trips to the vet, to take on walks in case little legs get tired, or to take on trips.
Perhaps your dog would enjoy a throw blanket or throw pillow. You can personalize it with the dog's name if you choose, and could get a blanket with a picture of the dog's breed.
Today's selection of dog toys and dog gifts is impressive. With the huge selection of dog toys, treats, dog totes and beds, there is no shortage of possible gifts to give your pet or your dog-owning friend. These gifts are all available at many local pet shops or you can search for them on the internet.
Carol Stack enjoys writing articles, especially about dogs. She lives with her husband, three children, and several dogs and cats in the United States. Carol and her daughter Christy are working on a web site at http://www.christysdogportal.com/ where you can get more information about dog care, dog training, and selecting the best dog breed for your lifestyle.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Stack

Dog Adoption: 5 Things To Do When Visiting The Shelter

There are 5 things that will help you find the perfect dog to adopt at your local shelter.1. One of the most important things to do long before heading to the shelter is deciding what kind of dog you really want. Spend time researching through articles on the internet, looking through breed books, and talking to friends about their dogs.If you don’t have a clear picture of the kind of dog you want to live with, you could come home with the first dog whose big brown eyes and drooping ears made you feel sorry for him. Later on, you’ll be feeling a lot sorrier for yourself.There are so many different personalities and temperaments, and such huge variations in size and coat length (and propensity for shedding and barking) that going to the shelter before doing your homework is just asking for trouble.Once you know exactly what sort of dog you need, and what kind of activities you’ll be sharing with him, you’re ready to head to the shelter for the first time.2. Be sure to take a piece of paper and a pen with you. Since those brown eyes and droopy ears can be such heartbreakers, you will probably want to look at all the dogs in the shelter, look at the notes and comments left by the shelter staff, and make your own notes about the dog’s personality and appearance.Then take your notes home with you and calmly decide which dog will be the best fit for your household.If you see a gorgeous mutt that you just can’t stand to leave behind, even for a few hours, at least go out to the car and talk it over with your family before filling out the adoption papers.3. Wear old clothes. The Humane Society shelter near you is kept as clean and sanitary as possible, but lots of dogs living in close quarters do tend to smell. When you take your potential pooch out to the exercise yard to get to know him, he may forget his manners and jump up on you in his excitement. A wool suit is probably not the best choice.4. Take everyone who will be living with the dog, if possible. Everyone should have a chance to help make the final choice, as far as their age and experience will allow. Since it’s even harder for kids to resist those sad eyes when they're attached to the wrong dog, it's even more important to do your research ahead of time.By the time you make your trip to the shelter, everyone in the family should know you’re looking for a small dog (or a big one), a short-haired dog (or a long-haired dog), a shepherd (or a lab). If you know what you’re shopping for, it will be easier to pass by the dogs that just wouldn’t fit into your household, in spite of their desperation to go home with you.If you children (or your in-laws) are afraid of dogs, there may be specific breeds that trigger their fear. If your child was bitten by the neighbor’s cocker spaniel, that would not be a good breed choice for your family. Even if you don’t let your kids make the final decision, take them with you and watch them closely for any signs of fear around certain dogs, and for any signs from the dogs that they may not be kid-friendly. You should also ask the shelter staff if the dogs have been temperament tested, and which ones they recommend as safe around children.5. Expect to go home without a dog. If you go to the shelter with the firm intention of taking home a dog, it will be more difficult if none of the available dogs really fit your criteria. You may find yourself fudging a bit, deciding that maybe that Rottweiler will be okay, even though you had your heart set on a Golden Retriever.Remember – there are hundreds of dogs that need homes, and your perfect pooch may be in the animal control van right now, on his way to the shelter. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for today, there’s a very good chance that you’ll find your dog the next time you visit, or the time after that.If you don’t see what you need, talk to the shelter staff and put in a request. Give them the criteria you’ve listed, and ask them to call you when the perfect pooch comes through the door.So remember – the secrets of finding the best dog to adopt are preparation, research, and patience. You should be practicing patience anyway, since your future adopted dog is going to need lots of love and patience while he earns a place in his new home.
Article Source: http://ezine-articles-planet.com
Learn everything you need to know about dog adoption, including choosing the right breed for your family and how to avoid common dog adoption mistakes, at www.older-dog.com

All About Dog Kennels

A dog kennel is a great way for your dog or dogs to spend time outside without chains or tied but still secure and safe. This allows your beloved pets to see what is going on around them while still giving them plenty of room to run about and move around freely. A kennel keeps your pet safe and out of danger as well as keeping them from endangering others even if they are aggressive. This gives the owner peace of mind. Dogs are great escape artists and even with a completely fenced yard, they sometimes find ways to escape. Tying a dog up is a worry because everyone has read of incidents where they accidentally become tangled up or hang themselves, which is a frightening thought. Dog kennels also reduce your dog’s change of getting into a fight with another dog, contacting diseases or being poisoned. Unlike a cage, where the dog has very little room, dog kennels provide your pet with enough space to exercise, see the sights and enjoy some fresh air safely.Here are some important precautions and guidelines to follow when building a dog kennel that helps keep your pet safe, healthy and happy:·A dog kennel needs to provide shelter for your pet from the outside elements, such as extreme heat, rain or snow. If the dog will be outside for more than twenty minutes, provide shelter such as a doghouse or even indoor access.·There should always be fresh water available, even if they are only outside for five minutes.·Provide your dog with a comfortable place to lay or sit, such as a blanket, dog bed or even a piece of carpet.· Kennel floors made of cement hold both heat and cold. Provide your pet with a place to stand that protect your dog’s paws from this.Portable dog kennels are great for people that travel or visit a lot and love taking their dog along. Pet stores and large department stores usually carry a wide selection of dog kennels, normally in standard sizes. If you have a very large dog, you may have to ask them to special order one for you, that is big and secure enough. Portable kennels are quick and easy to set up and take down. Some come with a screen, to block the sun.Permanent dog kennels are usually constructed of metal or aluminum screens and steel posts set into the ground. Often the floor is cement but some people prefer earth floors. For a dog or dogs that spend a fair amount of time outdoors in their dog kennel, some owners add a dog run to give their pets more room to play and exercise. Permanent dog kennels are sturdy enough to withstand a dogs jumping and pushing, without collapsing.Custom made dog kennels are fabulous as you decide what shape, size or special items you want. Designed to your specification, some cost a bit more but are certainly worth the money. Many people have and enclosed area added to allow their dog to get out of the elements. Usually the company or people working with you on designing your pet’s kennel, install them also.