T-Locus Brachyury (Bob tail)

Dogs differ greatly in their morphological characteristics including various tail phenotypes. Congenitally short-tailed dogs are present in many breeds. The short-tail phenotype includes either a complete lack of vertebrae or a short tail with variable length. A mutation that causes short tail in some breeds can also affect some other properties of the dog. Pembroke Welsh Corgi with homozygous mutation for short tail having severe anatomical defects. In some breeds decrease in the litter size have also be observed.

In some breeds characterized by naturally occurring short-tail, the mutation has not been found. That sway we do not recommend this test for identification of natural short tail in following breeds: Boston terrier, English bulldog, King Charles spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer, Parson Russell Terrier and Rottweiler.

Inheritance: autosomal dominant 

Mutation: T-Box gene

Genetic test: The method used for testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. Testing can be done at any age.