Chinook Pedigree Project

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Welcome to the Chinook Pedigree Project!

Dr. Carol Beuchat has invited the Chinook to be the pilot breed in the Global Dog Pedigree Project (GDPP), which will provide analysis of an entire breed’s genetic diversity and recommend ways to reduce inbreeding. This amazing opportunity will enable breeders to make well informed breeding decisions for their dogs to promote health, happiness, and longevity.

(http://www.carolbeuchat.com/2012/07/global-dog-pedigree-project/)

How the GDPP will benefit the Chinook Breed

The Chinook will benefit from a scientific population analysis, including data on:

Actual Population Size
Effective Population Size
Relative genetic contribution of each founder to the current population
Effective number of founders
True Coefficient of Inbreeding for every dog in the database
Loss of genetic diversity due to bottlenecks
Kinship (degree of relatedness) of any Chinook to the rest of the population
Changes in these population statistics over time (i.e., by year).

The outcomes of the CPP will instruct us how the Chinook population compares to other dog breeds and the risks/strengths of the current Chinook purebred population, including an array of strategies which can preserve and improve the health, viability, and genetic diversity of the breed.

What we asking of Chinook Breeders and the Chinook Community

We need your help in guiding the implementation of the Chinook Pedigree Project. A key first step is to validate the data of the Chinook population population to ensure we provide accurate information to the researchers. We have an existing database of almost 2,000 Chinooks that contains significant and accurate data on the breed (e.g., parentage, birthdate, sex, etc.). We also know there are gaps and potentially errors.

1. Chinook Breeders will receive a direct email inviting them to validate information on litters they have produced and confirm the accuracy of data on their dogs.

2. Chinook Breeders and any interested members of the Chinook community are encouraged to join the Chinook Pedigree Project Google Group and assist the CPP by:

a. Validating the Chinook population data to be submitted for the analysis. We expect that owner verification, AKC / UKC pedigrees, and documentary research will validate the data for dogs not directly validated by their breeder. Where there are conflicts or ambiguity, the group will agree which pedigree to submit for the research.

b. Identifying key questions for the researchers, including what population genetics education is helpful, and

c. Defining mechanisms for the researchers to connect with the Chinook community on these topics (e.g., webinars, etc.).

The CPP Coordinator for the Chinook Breed, Karen Hinchy, is the Google Group owner, facilitator and co-moderator. The COA has agreed to support the CPP and has authorized COA Registrar, Penthea Burns, to provide information on UKC pedigrees. Penthea will also help as co-moderator of the Google Group. While some of these discussions have been and may be difficult, we are expecting the Google Group discussions to stay focused and remain professional, respectful and factual. We will not allow unsubstantiated allegations and aspersions on breeders.

The Chinook Pedigree Project will be the first breed to participate in the GDPP and shape the service/offerings. This project will update the 1998 Tufts Genetic Diversity Study (based on 6 Chinooks), but will use the entire population and have the benefit of 15 years of scientific advances!