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Bergamascos are easygoing, balanced, and observant, and tend to bond strongly with their owners. They are patient and tolerant with children, making them excellent family guardians and companions.
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Boerboels are strong and fearless with guardian instincts, but they're also very playful and affectionate toward their owners.
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Cirnechi are friendly, affectionate, and loyal – but they're also independent and incredibly intelligent. Although they're only moderate energy dogs, they need plenty of mental stimulation in order to be happy.
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Collie eye anomaly (CEA), also called “collie eye defect,” is an inherited, developmental disease in dogs in which there is a mutation of the gene that determines the development of the eye. This mutation results in defects of many layers of the back of the eye. The most common sign of CEA is blindness.
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Color dilution alopecia (CDA) is a genetic, recessive, inherited condition that causes patches of hair thinning or loss and may also include flaky and/or itchy skin. Some dogs will also be affected by secondary bacterial infections so topical management and pruritus treatments may be needed to improve the dog's comfort. Affected dogs and their relatives should not be bred.
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Dogs are not completely color blind, as they can see yellow and blue, as well as shades of gray. Their eye structure allows them to see better in dim light compared to people. Near-sightedness is common among dogs.
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Dogs can be amazing family members and greatly enrich our lives! Adding a dog to the family is also a serious commitment, and research before choosing a dog will help set the family and the dog up for success. This handout goes over some factors to consider when selecting a dog.
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Genetic or DNA testing is a simple way you can learn more about your pet. There is a lot of information within an individual’s genetic code (DNA). Genetic testing involves running a sample of your pet’s cells through a number of tests that provide information about your pet’s genetic makeup.
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All dogs evolved from a common ancestor. Humans started breeding dogs for pleasure in the 19th century and this led to an intense diversification of dog species into the nearly 400 breeds recognized today. DNA tests can be performed on mixed-breed dogs to determine their breed ancestry.
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Despite the huge variety in coat color, there are only two basic pigments that determine the color of canines: eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red). All different variations in color are created by these two pigments, which are both forms of melanin. This handout discusses the details of genetics and coat color selection.