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

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" 
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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.
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​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”.  

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