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The Dreaded I.C. (Improper Coat Gene) in Australian Cobberdogs: by Beverley Rutland-Manners

8/10/2017

2017 has seen a wave of panic racing through ( mainly new) Australian Cobberdog breeders across the world regarding the improper coat gene. So what exactly is it?

"Rutlands Truly"

Dearly beloved companion to Audrey and Jack Meltzer in Melbourne Australia

Before I became aware of the I.C. gene, I used to call the occasional 'affected' puppy a Flatcoat genetic mutation.

Firstly what it is NOT. Improper Coat is not a health issue. Neither has it been linked to any health issue.
The Australian Cobberdog Breed Standard calls for a profuse coat that doesn't shed and I applaud breeders who are committed to remaining true to the Standard. But like so many other areas in life, it's a good idea to read the fine print! This article is intended to be a brief overview of the fine print, and it is my earnest desire that breeders will pause and think before they remove I.C. carriers from their breeding programs.

I have been breeding "coated" dogs for 50 + years, and improperly coated long coated breeds have been around for as long as I can remember. It is thought that there are several genes involved in the various kinds of imperfect coat, but this one is responsible for the majority of them according to current research into the Portugese Water Dog, ( the breed in which the gene was first identified) by Dr Gordon Larkin and Research Scientist Kevin Chase at the University of Utah.

FACT: I.C. 'carriers' can look exactly the same as correctly coated Cobberdogs. A DNA test was developed in 2010 to identify its presence

FACT: I.C. 'affected' dogs look very different to correctly coated Cobberdogs, BUT the many non-coat-related desirable characteristics in the breed are every bit as strong. In fact many Portugese Water Dog breeders say that their IC puppies have the best conformation of all and the most endearing natures - and these people have been dealing with the issue for a lot longer than we have.

FACT: I have never had a problem finding appreciative loving homes for any I.C. 'affected' puppies I have bred - possibly because I myself am not ashamed of them! Invariably a close up photo showing their incredibly intuitive and gorgeous eyes will 'speak' to someone. Not everyone needs a non shed coat, in fact many people love the idea of such an amazing dog but without the coat care! They do shed in varying degrees, but still no where as much as a Labrador.
However I would not send one to a family which has dog-related allergies or asthma.

Rutlands Creme Brulee "Ollie"

THE SIXTY FOUR DOLLAR QUESTION-

"Why shouldn't breeders eliminate I.C. carriers from their breeding progams?

As always, I defer to others who know a lot more about certain things than I do.

Ref: Dr Gordon Lark
Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biology at University of Utah

"Be aware that along with the good news, and of critical importance, is a warning to breeders: Identifying the IC gene in breeding stock is all well and good. Breeding a carrier (or even an IC dog) to a normal is fine and sensible to avoid producing improperly coated dogs.
But, and it’s a big “but,” not using IC carriers in breeding programs is NOT fine. There is lots more research that needs to be done to fully understand how this gene works. We’ve thrown the baby out with the bath water in many previous breeding decisions, let’s learn from those mistakes, not repeat them."

Ref: Research scientist Kevin Chase – University Of Utah:

“This is an important regulatory gene. There are also some 30 other genes in close proximity to it. Removing this variant of the gene from the breeding population would remove a tremendous amount of genetic diversity in the breed. This would be very dangerous”.

Tahlia and Magnum's Puppy Pictures at Three Weeks

28/3/2015

RUTLANDS LEGEND...GOING TO LISA IN ENGLAND FOR BREEDING. CONGRATULATIONS LISA!

COBBLER...WILL BE WINGING HER WAY TO RACHAEL IN THE UNITED STATES. CONGRATULATIONS RACHAEL !

Lou Lou ...WILL BE STAYING IN AUSTRALIA - CONGRATULATIONS KIM!

SHEILA...WILL BE OFF TO THE UNITED STATES. CONGRATULATIONS TO RICHARD AND MAUREEN !

DINGO... BETTER CHECK HIS ACCENT, AS HE WILL BE OFF TO ROBERTO IN MEXICO

THIS LITTLE RAVEN BEAUTY IS UN NAMED AS YET, AND WILL BE HEADING OFF TO MEXICO...IF SHE DOESN'T GET TOO BIG!

THIS SWEETHEART HAS BEEN NAMED 'CHARLEE' AND SHE WILL BE FLYING TO DIANE and HANA IN THE USA. CONGRATULATIONS DIANE AND HANA !

SENNIE and KELBY's PUPPIES VIDEO AT 6 WEEKS

28/3/2015

Sennie's babies are growing so fast! At six weeks of age, they are well established on their solid foods now, still being washed down by mama's milk. they are very playful and inquisitive now and such fun. We hope you enjoy their video....even though I obviously don't know how to spell 'nursery' !!! lol

In The Puppy Nurssery from Beth on Vimeo.

PUPPY UPDATES TAHLIA AND MAGNUM

24/3/2015

How time flies by! It seems like only yesterday that these precious babies entered the world into the palm of my hand, and here it is already two weeks later, and I'm looking for those first little glints of their eyes opening. It's fascinating, watching their determination as they wrestle for the best spots at the milk bar.

CAN YOU FIND LITTLE MISS SEVEN?

BOTTOMS UP! AS THEY WRESTLE FOR BEST POSITIONS AT THE MILK BAR

THIS IS WHAT I CALL DETERMINATION !

WOOPSIE! ANOTHER ONE GOES UPSIDE DOWN

IT SURE IS CROWDED AT THE INN !

Tahlia and Magnum babies are seven days old

18/3/2015

Golly, what 'time wasters' these little creatures are! Between Sennie's babies, who are so extra cute now that their eyes and ears are open and they're starting to play, and Tahlia's who are already amazing me with their vigor and early advancement, I'm in constant awe. And I love it!