Scientists have learned why bulldogs and pugs flat muzzle
Scientists have found the exact mutation of DNA has resulted in dogs with brachycephalic preplanetary short noses — pugs, bulldogs and others.
These features appeared due to selection, but still it was not known what genetic characteristics these dogs. The study was published in the journal Current Biology.
Pug
The researchers analyzed DNA samples taken from 374 domestic dogs of different breeds. 3D images of the skulls of dogs, obtained by a computer tomography, allowed us to make accurate measurements.
Pug
Comparing the measurement results with the obtained genetic information, the researchers determined which DNA variants are associated with features of the shape of the skull. It turned out, one of the options violated the SMOC2 gene activity responsible for the length of the muzzle. The more mutations were in the gene, the flatter was the face.
The authors expect that their results will be useful both in veterinary and in medicine as a whole — the brachycephalic sometimes manifested in people.