Dachshund Traits

This section is mostly for breeders. However it will be useful to all those that would like to know the genetic makeup of their dog. It takes some work and time to figure out a dogs genotype. You may never get a complete picture. The genetic cross is ( Punnet square ) a way to predict the probabilities of the outcome of a specific breeding.

This information was collected, rearranged, verified, some parts deleted, some parts added but most of it from two sources. Dog Coat and Colour Genetics, which has a number of pictures to go along with its descriptions. Eridox Dachshunds Resource website, which is up to date with its information, which is not just limited to genetics.

Let us define some terms:

• Allele - is a viable DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) coding that occupies a given locus on a chromosome. Usually alleles are sequences that code for a gene, but sometimes the term is used to refer to a non-gene sequence.
• Chromosome - a strand of DNA that is comprised of genes.
• Dihybrid - two traits
• Dominate - Only 1 gene needed for trait to be expressed (visibly appear). Dominant alleles are usually written with capital letters.
• Eumelanin - black and/or brown pigment, whether diluted or undiluted (this includes black, chocolate, blue, and isabella)
• Gene - a sequence/section of DNA that is comprised of detailed genetic information.
• Genotype - The genes it carries, that are present genetically but that are not necessarily visibly seen.
• Heterozygous - Alleles different, one dominate and one recessive.
• Homozygous - Both of the alleles the same, two dominate, or two recessive, pure.
• Incomplete dominance - Sometimes both of the genes on a locus will be expressed.
• Locus - Genes are all tied together into a long strand of DNA. Each point on this strand of DNA is called a locus (loci is the plural). At each locus there are two genes. A point/location on a chromosome that usually corresponds to a specific type of trait in a gene that can be determined by means of genetic testing
• Monohybrid - one trait, or sets of alleles
• Pheomelanin - red pigment, whether diluted or undiluted (this includes red, blush, cream, buff, etc.)
• Phenotype - What something looks like, or the visible appearance of two gene's effects .
• Polygenic - a trait that is caused by the interaction of alleles at more than one locus on a gene.
• Recessive - Two genes needed for trait to be expressed. Recessive alleles are usually written with lowercase letters.
• To carry for - a trait that is present genetically but that is not necessarily visibly seen.
• Trait - a noticeable feature/quality; traits are determined by genetics and/or the environment