TLDR The FGF5 gene variant causes long hair in Akitas, and genetic testing is advised to manage coat length and welfare.
The study identified the FGF5:c.578C>T variant as the genetic cause of long hair in Akitas in Japan, inherited in an incompletely dominant manner. Analysis of 60 modern and 73 classic Akitas showed a higher frequency of the mutant T allele in modern Akitas (0.350) compared to classic ones (0.212). Breeders often select heterozygous C/T dogs for their ideal fluffy coat, potentially increasing the frequency of the T allele and leading to undesired long-haired T/T Akitas, which may pose welfare issues. Genetic testing for this variant is recommended to improve welfare and conserve the Akita breed.
5 citations
,
June 2023 in “BMC genomics” A specific gene mutation causes long hair in Angora rabbits.
1 citations
,
August 2022 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” FGF12 is important for hair growth and could be targeted for hair loss treatment.
14 citations
,
April 2019 in “Genes” Researchers found a genetic region that influences the number of coat layers in dogs.
136 citations
,
July 2014 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” FGF5 gene mutations cause unusually long eyelashes by affecting hair growth regulation.
75 citations
,
September 2007 in “Journal of Heredity” FGF5 gene mutations cause long hair in domestic cats.
10 citations
,
February 2007 in “Clinical techniques in small animal practice” Dogs with sex hormone imbalances may not drink or pee a lot but often lose hair on their body and can have reproductive system issues.
73 citations
,
June 2006 in “Animal genetics” The FGF5 gene determines hair length in dogs.
6 citations
,
October 2022 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Male mice with FGF5 mutations grow longer hair than females.
13 citations
,
March 2020 in “Genes” Disrupting the FGF5 gene in rabbits leads to longer hair by extending the hair growth phase.
2 citations
,
June 2021 in “Research Square (Research Square)” A new gene mutation causes long hair in some Maine Coon cats.
5 citations
,
June 2023 in “BMC genomics” A specific gene mutation causes long hair in Angora rabbits.
27 citations
,
April 2020 in “Molecular Biology and Evolution” Ancient Chinese goats evolved cashmere-producing traits due to selective breeding, particularly in genes affecting hair growth.
