Now days, Romania have three dog breeds homologated by FCI (Federation Chynologique Internationale): Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog, Romanian Charpatian Shepherd Dog and Southeastearn European ...Shepherd Dog. The fourth breed, Romanian Shepherd Dog Corby is in homologation. It was studied the evolution of the population and two phenotype parameters (weight and wither height) at the Romanian shepherd dogs. The first three breeds have a good homogenity and a positive numeric evolution. Romanian Shepherd Dog Corby are less homogene and the selection process must be improve.
The aim of this study was to explore the development of the gut microbiota in 168 German Shepherd dogs (30 litters) from 7 weeks to 18 months of age and furthermore, to study the effect of ...relatedness, maternal microbiota composition and living environment in a large and well-defined population of dogs. Using 454 pyrosequencing, we assessed the effects of pre- and postnatal probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC533 (La1)) and analysed whether administration of the probiotic strain influenced fecal microbiota composition in a placebo controlled double-blinded study. The bitches were treated with probiotics or placebo during last trimester of pregnancy and until their puppies were 8 weeks old, the puppies received the same treatment as their mothers between 3-12 weeks of age. Samples from bitches were collected at pregnancy day 42, partum, 4 weeks postpartum and 7 weeks postpartum and from puppies at the age 4 weeks, 7 weeks, 12-13 months and 15-18 months. Serum IgA, total serum IgE, fecal IgA and IgG antibody responses against canine distemper virus were analysed by ELISA in order to detect any immune stimulating effects of the probiotic strain. Analysis of the fecal microbiota composition showed that the predominant phyla were the same in 7 weeks old puppies as in pregnant and lactating bitches (Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes). Proportions among different bacteria as well as diversity varied from 7 weeks old puppies up to 15-18 months of age. Litter mates had a more similar fecal microbiota compared to unrelated dogs and 7 weeks old puppies were more similar to their mothers than to unrelated bitches at 7 weeks postpartum but not at partum. We observed a change in the relative abundance of different bacteria during lactation, and an increase in diversity from pregnancy to end of lactation. The microbial diversity was affected by living area where dogs living in big cities had higher diversity compared to dogs living at the countryside. However, we were not able to demonstrate an effect by pre and postnatal exposure to Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC533 (La1) upon the diversity or composition of the microbiota or the levels of serum IgA, total serum IgE, fecal IgA or vaccine response. Our findings provide a better understanding of the canine fecal microbiota in growing dogs as well as in pregnant and lactating bitches. This information forms a basis for further research on the connection between early gut colonization and immune function later in life.
It is widely accepted that canine breeds stand and move differently. The prevalence of various musculoskeletal disorders such as hip and elbow dysplasia is also different between breeds. German ...shepherd dog (GSD) and Labrador retriever dog (LRD) are two large breeds with different conformations that have high prevalence of these disorders. This study quantifies the movement and standing posture of twelve healthy GSDs and twelve healthy LRDs to identify biomechanical similarities and differences that may be linked to sub-optimal hip and elbow mechanics. A pressure walkway and a motion capture system obtained measures of kinetics, kinematics and conformation during standing and trot. During standing, LRDs carry a greater percentage of the weight on the forelimbs (69%#177;5% vs. GSDs: 62%#177;2%, p0.001) and their body Centre of Pressure (CoP) is located more cranially (p0.001). GSDs had a greater pelvic tilt (79#176;#177;8 vs. 66#176;#177;9#176;, p = 0.004), more flexed stifles (44#176;#177;9#176; vs. LRDs: 34#176;#177;10#176;, p0.05) and hocks (58#176;#177;11#176; vs. 26#176;#177;9#176;, p0.01) and more extended hips (-10#176;#177;11#176; vs. 30#176;#177;12#176;, p0.001). During trot, the GSDs CoP had a longer anterior-posterior trajectory (151%#177;22% vs. LRDs: 93%#177;25% of the withers height, p0.001). Stride parameters and loading of limbs were similar when normalised to the size and weight of the dog, respectively. The LRDs had a more extended thoracolumbar angle (p0.001) and a less flexed lumbosacral angle (p0.05). The LRDs hip remained flexed during trot whereas the GSDs hip joint was less flexed during swing (p0.001) and more extended in late stance and early swing (p0.001). In conclusion, the LRDs and GSDs differ in the way they stand and move and this would result in different loading pattern of the joints. Further investigation is required to determine the extent to which biomechanical differences are linked to musculoskeletal problems presented clinically.
Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is considered a multifactorial disease caused by complex interactions between the intestinal immune system, intestinal microbiota and environmental factors in ...genetically susceptible individuals. Although IBD can affect any breed, German shepherd dogs (GSD) in the UK are at increased risk of developing the disease. Based on previous evidence, the aim of the present study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which may confer genetic susceptibility or resistance to IBD using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Genomic DNA was extracted from EDTA blood or saliva samples of 96 cases and 98 controls. Genotyping of cases and controls was performed on the Canine Illumina HD SNP array and data generated was analyzed using PLINK. Several SNPs and regions on chromosomes 7,9,11 and 13 were detected to be associated with IBD using different SNP-by-SNP association methods and FST windows approach. Searching one Mb up-and down-stream of the most significant SNPs, as identified by single SNP analysis as well as 200Kb before and after the start and the end position of the associated regions identified by FST windows approach, we identified 63 genes. Using a combination of pathways analysis and a list of genes that have been reported to be involved in human IBD, we identified 16 candidate genes potentially associated with IBD in GSD.
Shepherd dogs have been implemented in the transmission and distribution of many threatening pathogens. The presence of extended-spectrum-cephalosporin resistant Escherichia coli (ESCR E. coli) in ...dog feces can constitute a significance risk to human health due to transmission of antibiotics resistance from dogs to humans, other animals and the surrounding environment. Therefore, in this study, phenotypic and molecular characterization of fecal ESCR E. coli were investigated in shepherd dogs accompanied sheepherders in urban areas. Sixty-seven fresh fecal samples were collected from shepherd dogs from different regions of Mosul city. Bacteriological examination of ESCR E. coli was done using MacConkey agar with cefotaxime followed by subsequent PCR confirmation of the CTX-M gene using specific primers and molecular characterization using specific primers directed to CTX-M-1, 2 and 9 groups. The results of bacterial examination showed successful confirmation of ESCR E. coli which has been isolated from fecal samples of shepherd dogs 58.2% (39/67). In addition, detection of CTX-M gene was confirmed in 53.7% (36/67) of E. coli isolates. Furthermore, molecular characterization of CTX-M gene revealed the presence of only one genotype belongs to CTX-M-1. However, both of CTX-M-2 and CTX-M-9 genotypes were not detected in this study. This study concluded that shepherd dogs have an essential role in carrying and spreading of ESCR E. coli especially in urban regions.
The purpose of this study was to establish the normal renal artery parameters in German Shepherd dogs. Consequently, the acquired values can be applied to the subsequent clinical research and the ...interpretation of the findings. Doppler ultrasound was used in this study to assess 24 healthy German shepherd dogs, including 11 female dogs (45.8%) and 13 male dogs (54.2%). The mean age of the dogs was 2.7 years (minimum age of 9 months and maximum age of 15 years) with a standard deviation of 1.07. The Doppler parameters in the renal arteries were evaluated in each case together with their normal values. The mean PSV and EDV in the major renal arteries were 84.07 cm/s and 44.46 cm/s, respectively. Mean PSV, EDV, RI, and AT for intrarenal arteries were 64.81 cm/s, 33.03 cm/s, 0.54 cm/s, and 36.53 m/s, respectively. The findings of the current study represent the typical renal artery parameters in healthy German Shepherd dogs that can be applied to clinical examinations and the interpretation of test results.
The period of early ontogeny constitutes a time when the physical immaturity of an organism is highly susceptible to external stimuli. Thus, early development plays a major role in shaping later ...adult behavior. The aim of the study was to check whether stimulating puppies at this early stage in life with sound would improve their responsiveness towards unfamiliar noises during the selection process of the police behavioral test for puppies. The cohort comprised 37 puppies from the litters of three mothers. At the commencement of the experiment the dogs were aged 16 days, rising to the age of 32 days at its close. The mothers and litters of the treatment group were either exposed to radio broadcasts, (see below; three litters totaling 19 puppies), while the control group was not exposed to any radio programs (eight litters totaling 18 puppies). All three mothers had previously experienced both auditory circumstances, as described herein. Ordinary radio broadcasts were played to the puppies in the treatment group three times a day for 20 minute periods, always during feeding time. The cohort was subjected to the so-called Puppy Test, i.e. analysis of the potential of each animal, once the dogs had reached the age of 7 weeks. Such tests included exposure to a sudden noise caused by a shovel (100 dB), noise when alone in a room, and response to loud distracting stimuli (the latter two at 70 dB). Said tasks were rated by the same analyst on a scale of 0-5 points; the better the response of the dog, the higher the score given. The differences between the treatment and control groups were analyzed via Mixed Models (PROC MIXED) in SAS. The animals comprising the treatment group responded with a higher score to the sudden noise caused by the shovel than the control dogs (P<0.01). Interestingly, gender was seen to affect response, with the males scoring more than the females (P<0.1). In conclusion, the results suggested that audio stimulation early in life improved the response of the dogs to intense sudden noise, as caused by the shovel. Therefore, acoustic stimulation during the very early period of life has the potential to raise the necessary skills of dogs for military and police purposes, or civilian life.
•We investigated if dogs that seek more human contact also better understand human cues.•German shepherds and Labrador retrievers were tested in a pointing test and a problem-solving test.•We ...concluded that behaviours in problem-solving test do not predict success in the pointing test.
Dogs are known to excel in interspecific communication with humans and both communicate with humans and follow human communicative cues. Two tests commonly used to test these skills are, firstly, the problem-solving paradigm, and, secondly, following human referential signals, for example pointing. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether dogs that seek more human contact in an unsolvable problem-solving paradigm also better understand human communicative cues in a pointing test. We also assessed between- and within-breed variation in both tests. 167 dogs were tested and were of the breeds German shepherd dog and Labrador retriever. The Labradors were separated into the two selection lines: common type (bred for show and pet) and field type (bred for hunting). A principal component analysis of behaviours during the problem solving revealed four components: Passivity, Experimenter Contact, Owner Contact and Eye Contact. We analysed the effect of these components on success rate in the pointing test and we found no effect for three of them, while a negative correlation was found for Owner Contact (F(1,147) = 6.892; P = 0.010). This was only present in common-typed Labradors. We conclude that the ability to follow a pointing cue does not predict the propensity for human-directed social behaviour in a problem-solving situation and suggest that the two tests measure different aspects of human-directed social behaviour in dogs.
Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases in dogs. Pathogenesis is complex and incompletely understood. Skin colonizing bacteria likely play an important role in the severity of this ...disease. Studying the canine skin microbiota using traditional microbiological methods has many limitations which can be overcome by molecular procedures. The aim of this study was to describe the bacterial microbiota of the skin and ear canals of healthy non-allergic and allergic German shepherd dogs (GSDs) without acute flare or concurrent skin infection and to compare both. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence data revealed no differences of bacterial community patterns between the different body sites (axilla, front dorsal interdigital skin, groin, and ear canals) in non-allergic dogs. The microbiota at the different body sites of non-allergic GSDs showed no significant differences. Only for the samples obtained from the axilla the bacterial microbiota of allergic dogs was characterized by a lower species richness compared to that of non-allergic dogs and the bacterial community composition of the skin and ear canals of allergic dogs showed body site specific differences compared to non-allergic dogs. Actinobacteria was the most abundant phylum identified from the non-allergic dogs and Proteobacteria from allergic dogs. Macrococcus spp. were more abundant on non-allergic skin while Sphingomonas spp. were more abundant on the allergic skin. Forward step redundancy analysis of metadata indicated that the household the dogs came from had the strongest impact on the composition of the skin microbiome followed by sex, host health status and body site.
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