Abstract
With the publication of the complete sequence of the dog genome, canine genetics has entered a new and exciting era. The purpose of this book, which appears to be primarily intended for veterinarians and canine researchers, is to provide a resource at the beginning of this era which will serve as a guide to the past, present, and future of canine genetics and genomics. The 26 chapters of this Cold Springs Harbor Monograph are written by a number of the leaders in this burgeoning field, with topics ranging from the history and evolution of the dog, to its population structure, to insights gained from initial analyses of the canine genome sequence, to topics such as heritable canid behaviors, and even a chapter on gene therapy. Understandably, there is a fairly heavy emphasis on genetic disease, particularly for some diseases where there have been early successes in gene identification. A number of chapters are likely to be of interest to the veterinary pathologist. For example, the marvelous chapter by Giger, Sargan, and McNiel provides broad insights on breed-specific genetic diseases and predispositions to cancer, and several other chapters provide more detail on specific aspects of these topics. All of the chapters are well written and quite readable, although a few require a good knowledge of statistical and population genetics (such as those describing progress on the search for genes underlying predisposition to hip dysplasia) in order to be fully comprehended. A moderate number of excellent illustrations are sprinkled throughout the text (not including the very nice appendix of renderings of all AKC-recognized breeds), and the book includes a useful index. The book is complementary to previous books on canine genetics, and it is the first to provide an assessment of the dog genome. Overall, the book will be of value to veterinary pathologists and other veterinarians interested in canine genetics, and it is nearly a must-have for researchers engaged in any form of canine genetics and genomics.