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Simple Summary: Shepherd and hunting dog breeds have distinct physical and behavioural characteristics due to their specialized roles. To understand the genetic basis of these differences, we compared the genomes of various Italian shepherd and hunting dog breeds. Our study involved analysing SNP data from 116 hunting dogs (representing 6 breeds) and 158 shepherd dogs (representing 9 breeds). We examined the genetic makeup, population structure, and relationships of these breeds and compared shepherd and hunting dogs with three complementary techniques. The results clearly showed that there are significant genetic differences between shepherd and hunting dogs. Specific regions of the genome were identified, containing genes associated with domestication, behavioural traits such as aggressiveness and gregariousness, and physical attributes including size, coat colour, and texture. This research provides valuable insights into the genetic factors contributing to the diverse characteristics observed in Italian hunting and shepherd dogs. Further investigation is warranted to explore the implications of these findings for dog health and breeding practices. Shepherd and hunting dogs have undergone divergent selection for specific tasks, resulting in distinct phenotypic and behavioural differences. Italy is home to numerous recognized and unrecognized breeds of both types, providing an opportunity to compare them genomically. In this study, we analysed SNP data obtained from the CanineHD BeadChip, encompassing 116 hunting dogs (representing 6 breeds) and 158 shepherd dogs (representing 9 breeds). We explored the population structure, genomic background, and phylogenetic relationships among the breeds. To compare the two groups, we employed three complementary methods for selection signature detection: FST, XP-EHH, and ROH. Our results reveal a clear differentiation between shepherd and hunting dogs as well as between gun dogs vs. hounds and guardian vs. herding shepherd dogs. The genomic regions distinguishing these groups harbour several genes associated with domestication and behavioural traits, including gregariousness (WBSRC17) and aggressiveness (CDH12 and HTT). Additionally, genes related to morphology, such as size and coat colour (ASIP and TYRP1) and texture (RSPO2), were identified. This comparative genomic analysis sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of the phenotypic and behavioural variations observed in Italian hunting and shepherd dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shepherd and hunting dogs have undergone divergent selection for specific tasks, resulting in distinct phenotypic and behavioural differences. Italy is home to numerous recognized and unrecognized breeds of both types, providing an opportunity to compare them genomically. In this study, we analysed SNP data obtained from the CanineHD BeadChip, encompassing 116 hunting dogs (representing 6 breeds) and 158 shepherd dogs (representing 9 breeds). We explored the population structure, genomic background, and phylogenetic relationships among the breeds. To compare the two groups, we employed three complementary methods for selection signature detection: FST, XP-EHH, and ROH. Our results reveal a clear differentiation between shepherd and hunting dogs as well as between gun dogs vs. hounds and guardian vs. herding shepherd dogs. The genomic regions distinguishing these groups harbour several genes associated with domestication and behavioural traits, including gregariousness (WBSRC17) and aggressiveness (CDH12 and HTT). Additionally, genes related to morphology, such as size and coat colour (ASIP and TYRP1) and texture (RSPO2), were identified. This comparative genomic analysis sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of the phenotypic and behavioural variations observed in Italian hunting and shepherd dogs.

Background: Echinococcosis or Hydatid disease is a zoonotic disease that is caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The disease is a high public health concern in Iran, but there is little known about the genetic diversity and epidemiology of Echinococcus spp. in Iranian shepherd dogs. Materials and Methods: Fifty shepherd dogs were investigated for the adult worm of E. granulosus from May 2020 to April 2021 in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, the southeastern border of Iran. DNA extraction of samples and amplifying was done, and sequence analysis of mitochondrial genes (Cox1 and Nad1) was performed. Results:Out of 50 shepherd dogs, 11 cases (22%) were infected with E. granulosus. No significant difference was observed regarding demographic factors (P>0.05). The phylogenetic analyses of Cox1 and Nad1 sequences demonstrated G1 genotype (sheep strains) in all isolates. Based on sequence analyses, a low (Cox1, Hd [haplotype diversity: 0.200; Hn [number of haplotypes]: 2) to moderate (Nad1, Hd: 0.533; Hn: 4) genetic (haplotype) diversity of E. granulosus G1 genotype and low nucleotide diversity (π: 0.00052-0.00243) were observed. Conclusion: The first identification of a sheep strain (G1) in the final host in Sistan and Baluchestan Province indicates that potential intermediate hosts play a secondary role in preserving the biology of the dog-sheep cycle. The present study’s findings enrich our knowledge about the prevalence of E. granulosus, the classification of strains, and the genetic diversity of the parasite in Iranian herding dogs. This information helps develop strategies and programs for monitoring and controlling infection in stray dogs in the region

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.

In this study, a morphometric investigation was carried out on the Akbash Turkish shepherd dog breed using 30 exterior parameters. The study consisted of 96 dogs (54 males and 42 females) ranging in age from 2 to 9 years. All dogs were bred in the West Anatolia region of Turkey, around the city of Eskisehir. The following exterior parameters were measured and their means were obtained: height at withers (65.22±3.99 cm), height at mid-back (62.24±4.24 cm), height at rump (64.97±4.16 cm), height at base of tail (58.2±5.01 cm), height to elbow (36.07±4.06 cm), height to knee (35.83±4.96 cm), height to hock (17.08±3.21 cm), height to tip of sternum (45.12±4.30 cm), body length (70.58±5.58 cm), chest depth (29.58±3.23 cm), chest width (21.02±3.18 cm), breast width (16.86±3.41 cm), chest circumference (77.86±7.05 cm), pastern circumference (13.27±1.67 cm), rump length (19.21±3.27 cm), pelvic width (8.65±2.18 cm), rump protuberance width (7.58±3.02 cm), head length (27.20±2.85 cm), skull length (16.58±1.92 cm), muzzle length (10.30±2.35 cm), skull width (14.06±1.96 cm), muzzle width (7.60±1.26 cm). According to the obtained morphological characteristics the dog has a rectangular body format, and the rump is somewhat higher than the height at the withers. According to its craniological characteristics it belongs to the group of mesaticephalic dogs. The width of the skull is smaller than its length. Angles of the hind legs are more open than angles of the front legs.

Although the biology and ecology of the arthropod vectors are different, some factors, such as global warming, the increasing abundance of mosquitoes, the movement of domestic hosts, and the abundance of wild reservoirs, can act as favourable factors for the distribution of infections. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in shepherd dogs living in the high altitude of mountainous area (i.e.1200 meters above the sea level). The study group was comprised of 160 shepherd dogs living in 4 mountainous regions (Targavar, Margavar, Kolshin and Hovarchin) of west Azerbaijan where continuous movement of sheep and goat flocks resulted to have a little information about shepherd dogs in these regions. Additionally, arduous pathways have made impossible any access by car to some territories of these areas. The dogs were mostly mixed raced with different ages (from 1 to 10 years) and sexes (male = 136, female = 24). Blood samples were collected from cephalic vein. Direct thin and thick blood smears and modified knott’s technique were used for detecting D.immitis microfilariae and other blood parasites. The results indicated that 40 (25 %) of dogs were infected with D. immitis microfilariae. In examination of the dogs, no severe life threatening feature of the disease was diagnosed. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) of Dirrofilaria infection among gender, age groups and geographical areas. High prevalence of asymptomatic Dirrofilariasis in shepherd dogs in this area highlights the need of controlling and preventive programs.

Forming sheepdog breeds has had primarily economic and utility objectives and is the direct result of the influence of natural factors, or of reproductive isolation, a process which resulted in natural breeds characterized by genetic, phenotypical and behavioural uniformity. The current economic importance of breeding Bucovina Shepherd dogs is very well highlighted by the fact that in the area of origin there appeared a number of kennels, in which selection programs and routed mating are applied in order to increase the quality of genetic material and to enhance the skills of this dog. From this point of view, we analyse the existence of genetic correlations between certain morphometric characteristics in Bucovina Shepherd dogs, and carry out a comprehensive study on some elements that make the difference among the four breeds of shepherd dogs raised in Romania. These endeavours are part of current concerns addressed in animal husbandry. Biological material subject to investigation was represented by the canine population belonging to the Bucovina Shepherd Dog breed, raised in the North-Eastern part of Romania. As a result of statistical data processing and interpretation, it was established that for most attributes, in the couples analysed, the correlation coefficient exceeds 0.400 which means, in general, that the analysed characteristics are well correlated. However, there are also weakly correlated characteristics (r< 0.2) as is the case of dorsum height and hip height. Instead, the correlation between the height of the base of the tail and back height was positive and intense (r = 0.98), which means that the selection applied for one of these two characteristics leads to the improvement of the other characteristic. Also, as a general conclusion of the study, the results could be applied in the improvement of this sheepdog population because the correlation coefficient values recorded between the main characteristics analysed have been statistically distinctly significant (p < 0.01%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella infection is one of the most important diseases that affect all animal species and is the leading cause of foodborne infections worldwide. One of the challenges in the control and prevention of salmonellosis is the recognition of potential carriers. To assess the potential role of shepherd dogs in the epidemiology of salmonellosis, fecal samples were taken from 38 shepherd dogs in Garmsar Province. Salmonella strains were isolated from 4 dogs (10.5%) related to 3 sheep flocks. All of the strains were confirmed at the genus level using invA virulence gene PCR. Serotyping confirmed all of the strains as Salmonella Reading. To study the clonal relatedness of the isolates, the strains were subjected to RAPD-PCR, and antimicrobial resistance patterns were also determined using 9 antibacterials. The similar RAPD-PCR profiles and resistance patterns strongly suggested that the shepherd dogs in the present study shed a similar clone of S. Reading; therefore, shepherd dogs can be recognized as a common source for this serotype in Garmsar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the first half of the twentieth century, the Shepherd Dog came to be strongly identified with Imperial and Nazi Germany, as well as with many other masters in the colonial world. Through its transnational diffusion after World War I, the breed became a pervasive symbol of imperial aggression and racist exploitation. The 1930s Japanese empire subtly Japanized the dogs who became an icon of the Imperial Army. How could a cultural construct so closely associated with Germany come to represent many different colonial regimes? Using Imperial Japan as a case study, this paper argues that this symbolic pliability is a derivative of the high functionality, wide adaptation, and conspicuous nature of the Shepherd Dog as protector, deterrent, and enforcer of social control. As a visible intermediary in hierarchal relationships between different human groups, the Shepherd Dog became a powerful metaphor of Nazi and colonial memories throughout much of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sera were collected from 490 dogs from north-west Italy. One hundred and eighty-eight dogs were urban, while 302 dogs were rural. Among the latter, 190 were shepherd dogs and 112 were cattle farm dogs. Sera were tested for the presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum using the Neospora agglutination test. Seroprevalence at 1/40, 1/80, 1/160 dilution titres was significantly higher in rural (36.4%, 19.5%, 9.9% respectively) than in urban dogs (20.2%, 10.6%, 4.8% respectively). Seroprevalence did not differ significantly in males and females. In shepherd dogs, prevalence increased according to dogs’ age, thus suggesting a post-natal exposure by horizontal transmission. The observed higher seroprevalence in rural dogs suggests the importance of lifestyle and alimentary habits (i.e. aborted foetuses, placentas and small mammals) in the acquisition of N. caninum infection. Our results confirm that dogs are exposed to N. caninum and play an important role in the epidemiology of N. caninum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]