Discover The 78 Chromosomes Dogs Have

Written by Katelynn Sobus
Published: March 13, 2023
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While humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, dogs have 39. This gives them a total of 78 chromosomes as compared to our 46! Chromosomes are what determine a dog’s genetic characteristics, from how they look to the health problems they’re predisposed to.

In this article, we’ll talk about a dog’s 78 chromosomes and how they affect them.

What Are Chromosomes?

Chromosomes are the part of a cell that carries an animal’s genetics. Dogs inherit half of their DNA from each parent, just like humans.

They determine a dog’s sex, appearance, and every other genetic detail. This even includes little things like a dog’s bark, nose color, and whether their ears are floppy or upright.

Chromosomes determine a dog’s genetic details

Chromosomes determine a dog’s sex, appearance, and every other genetic detail including little things whether their ears are floppy or upright.

©Jaclyn Vernace/Shutterstock.com

How Many Chromosomes do Dogs Have?

Dogs have 39 pairs of chromosomes, or 78 total chromosomes. This is true for the tiniest Chihuahua the same as it is for a Great Dane! Even wolves have the same number of chromosomes as our domestic dogs.

What Can Dog Chromosomes Tell Us?

Breed

If the parents are the same breed, this is simple: your dog is born that breed.

However, most dogs’ genetics are more complicated. For instance, when I sent in a doggy DNA kit for my rescue dog Charlie, he was 80% Labrador retriever. But, that other 20% included a whole range of breeds from German shepherd to Siberian husky.

On the outside, he just looked like a black Lab!

Other dogs might be an even less distinguishable mix, and yet others might have only two breeds in their ancestry.

Appearance

A dog’s breed already tells us a lot about them, including their looks. But, chromosomes and the genes within them dictate much more specific things about your dog’s appearance.

They determine whether your Labrador’s coat is yellow, chocolate, or black. Whether their nose is black or pink. The color of their cute little toe beans!

Everything about your dog’s appearance is written in their genes and was passed down to them by their parents.

Chromosomes and genes dictate specific things about your dog's appearance

Chromosomes and genes dictate very specific things about your dog’s appearance, such as the color of their coat.

©iStock.com/Frankenvrij

Personality

Chromosomes also determine a lot about a dog’s personality. Inherited traits may include how friendly they are, whether they have a strong prey drive, or if they make a good guard dog.

One reason I wanted a DNA kit for my own dog was because he showed strong herding instincts, but I knew that Labradors were hunting dogs. When I saw that he was part German shepherd, that part of him made sense!

Health

A dog’s genetics can also tell us what health conditions they’re predisposed to. They can’t always tell us anything for sure, however.

For instance, we know large dogs are more predisposed to developing hip dysplasia. However, not every large dog will develop hip dysplasia. Their individual genetics can further heighten or lower their chances.

Knowing your dog’s risk of hip dysplasia can help you to introduce preventatives, like keeping them at a healthy weight, to lower their odds of developing it or even to give them more time before they do.

It can also allow you to know what to look for when it comes to health problems and symptoms, which can in turn help you get to the veterinarian sooner if they arise.

Of course, it’s important to speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s health. DNA kits aren’t meant to be diagnostic tools.

If you do find out something about your dog’s health, though, discussing it with your veterinarian is a great first step. If nothing else, it can help them to also be vigilant about the conditions your dog is predisposed to.

French bulldogs are prone to mobility issues and other health conditions

Genetics can alert us to what health conditions your dog may be predisposed to so you can take preventative measures.

©dezy/Shutterstock.com

Relatives

Lastly, chromosomes can tell us about a dog’s relatives. Of course, this only works if both dogs have DNA kits done by the same company.

Some people have found their dog’s siblings, parents, or puppies and brought them together for fun reunions! It can be exciting to learn more about your dog’s heritage.

How Do Dog DNA Kits Work?

Dog DNA kits are typically used to figure out their breed. This can give people important information such as how a puppy will grow up, an idea of their adult size, how much exercise they’ll need, and how they might act.

The reason I’ve personally committed to a DNA kit for my next dog is to get a picture of their current and future health. Also, because it’s a lot of fun to learn things about them!

Embark is one of the leading brands for DNA test kits and are often praised for being the most accurate. Also in the industry are Wisdom Panel, Orivet, and more.

Whether you want to know your dog’s breed, potentially find some of their family members, or learn more about their health, DNA kits can tell you so much about your dog.

However, it is important not to take what you find out, especially regarding your dog’s health, to an extreme. As we discussed above, many times a DNA kit will tell you your dog is predisposed to a certain illness – not that they have it or will develop it with certainty. They also cannot rule out illnesses.

It’s important to keep this in mind, and to speak to your veterinarian about any health concerns you have.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © MPH Photos/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Katelynn Sobus is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on pets including dogs, cats, and exotics. She has been writing about pet care for over five years. Katelynn currently lives in Michigan with her seven senior rescue cats.

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