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GCH MACH Marcus CDX RA MXS MJS OF

Belgian Shepherd

“Marcus passed in March of 2019. He is out of Boston and Kennedy. We do have frozen semen on him.”

Place of Birth

Seattle, WA, USA

Current Location

Sunman, Indiana, USA

From

Seattle, WA, USA

This dog has been viewed and been given 0 wags

Registration

American Kennel Club (AKC): DN25060102

Genetic Breed Result

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Belgian Sheepdog

The Belgian Sheepdog is one of the four varieties of Belgian Shepherd, though the AKC distinguishes them as their own breed. This active working dog is renowned for its intelligence and drive. If given the opportunity for plenty of physical and mental exercise, the Belgian Sheepdog will astound you with its athleticism and versatility.

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DNA Breed Origins

Breed colors:
Belgian Sheepdog

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Here’s what Marcus’s family tree may have looked like.
While there may be other possible configurations of his family’s relationships, this is the most likely family tree to explain Marcus’s breed mix.
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Health Summary

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Marcus inherited one variant that you should learn more about.

And one variant that you should tell your vet about.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy, DCM1

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Marcus inherited one copy of the variant we tested

What does this result mean?

Research indicates that this genetic variant is not likely to increase the risk that Marcus will develop this condition.

Scientific Basis

Dogs with Marcus’s breed have been included in research studies or have had follow-up by our experts that indicate that this genetic variant is not likely to increase the risk of Marcus developing clinical disease.

Impact on Breeding

This genetic result should not be the primary factor in your breeding decisions.

What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy, DCM1?

DCM is the most common acquired heart disease of adult dogs. The heart has two heavily muscled ventricles that pump blood away from the heart. This disease causes progressive weakening of the ventricles by reducing the muscle mass, which causes the ventricles to dilate. Dilated ventricles do not contract and circulate oxygenated blood well, which eventually leads to heart failure.

ALT Activity

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Marcus inherited both copies of the variant we tested

Why is this important to your vet?

Marcus has two copies of a variant in the GPT gene and is likely to have a lower than average baseline ALT activity. ALT is a commonly used measure of liver health on routine veterinary blood chemistry panels. As such, your veterinarian may want to watch for changes in Marcus's ALT activity above their current, healthy, ALT activity. As an increase above Marcus’s baseline ALT activity could be evidence of liver damage, even if it is within normal limits by standard ALT reference ranges.

What is ALT Activity?

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a clinical tool that can be used by veterinarians to better monitor liver health. This result is not associated with liver disease. ALT is one of several values veterinarians measure on routine blood work to evaluate the liver. It is a naturally occurring enzyme located in liver cells that helps break down protein. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, ALT is released into the bloodstream.

Breed-Relevant Genetic Conditions

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Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII, Sly Syndrome, MPS VII (GUSB Exon 3, German Shepherd Variant)

Identified in Belgian Sheepdogs and Belgian Shepherds

Additional Genetic Conditions

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Traits

Explore the genetics behind your dog’s appearance and size.

Coat Color

Coat Color

Other Coat Traits

Other Coat Traits

Other Body Features

Other Body Features

Body Size

Body Size

Performance

Performance

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Through Marcus’s mitochondrial DNA we can trace his mother’s ancestry back to where dogs and people first became friends. This map helps you visualize the routes that his ancestors took to your home. Their story is described below the map.

Haplogroup

A1a

Haplotype

A16/17/99/100

Map

A1a

Marcus’s Haplogroup

A1a is the most common maternal lineage among Western dogs. This lineage traveled from the site of dog domestication in Central Asia to Europe along with an early dog expansion perhaps 10,000 years ago. It hung around in European village dogs for many millennia. Then, about 300 years ago, some of the prized females in the line were chosen as the founding dogs for several dog breeds. That set in motion a huge expansion of this lineage. It's now the maternal lineage of the overwhelming majority of Mastiffs, Labrador Retrievers and Gordon Setters. About half of Boxers and less than half of Shar-Pei dogs descend from the A1a line. It is also common across the world among village dogs, a legacy of European colonialism.

A16/17/99/100

Marcus’s Haplotype

Part of the large A1a haplogroup, this common haplotype is found in village dogs across the globe. Among breed dogs, we find it most frequently in Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, German Shepherd Dogs, and Golden Retrievers.

Shar Pei dogs think A1a is the coolest!

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Through Marcus’s Y-chromosome we can trace his father’s ancestry back to where dogs and people first became friends. This map helps you visualize the routes that his ancestors took to your home. Their story is described below the map.

Haplogroup

A1b

Haplotype

Ha.4

Map

A1b

Marcus’s Haplogroup

For most of dog history, this haplogroup was probably quite rare. However, a couple hundred years ago it seems to have found its way into a prized male guard dog in Europe who had many offspring, including the ancestors of many European guard breeds such as Doberman Pinchers, St. Bernards, and Great Danes. Despite being rare, many of the most imposing dogs on Earth have it; strangely, so do many Pomeranians! Perhaps this explains why some Poms are so tough, acting like they're ten times their actual size! This lineage is most commonly found in working dogs, in particular guard dogs. With origins in Europe, it spread widely across other regions as Europeans took their dogs across the world.

Ha.4

Marcus’s Haplotype

Part of the A1b haplogroup, this haplotype is found in village dogs in North America and Africa. As for breeds, it occurs most frequently in Miniature Pinscher, Great Dane, and Poodle.

Great Danes and Pomeranians have this in common!

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