Biochemical Markers in the Family Canidae.

Abstract

One quantitative and nine qualitative genetic markers were investigated in some 200 individuals of the family Canidae, including 34 breeds and species. A high degree of homogeneity was observed and only one marker, transferrin, displayed marked variation. The consistent differences were: wolf (one sample), transferrin; jackal (one sample), transferrin and glucosephosphate isomerase; foxes, albumin, transferrin and glucosephsophate isomerase. Two abnormal transferrins were observed in two siblings among six German short-haired pointers. All other markers were homogeneous, usually single protein species or multiple forms dispersed randomly through the group. The results suggest that domestic dogs and dingoes share a common pool of genes and that all canids but the foxes possess many genes in common. There are indications that the jackal and wolf may differ from other canids in some marker systems.