This collaborative study involves scientists at the University of California, the University of Oregon, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. It is aimed at producing a map of all the chromosomes in dogs to identify the genes that carry inheritable diseases. Jasper Rhine, director of the Human Genome Centre at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, hopes to identify genetic markers that control complex traits such as size, shape and behaviour. He believes it may be possible to track down the genetic roots of such traits as the aggression of a pit bull terrier. Now man has the power to decide which breeds and tendencies should be allowed to continue.
Debate continues to rage over whether dogs are dangerous by individual temperament or by breed.
The wise prospective dog owner will take all of the above mentioned factors into account before choosing a new pet. There have also been several articles in the Sun Herald and The Age newspapers since Thursday April 17, 1997. This page last updated on July 8th, 1997.