Hair Whorls in the Dog (Canis Familiaris): Distribution

The document presents a study on the distribution and classification of hair whorls in 120 domestic dogs from shelters and the general public. It found that most dogs had whorls on the chest, brachial axillary region, elbows, and ischiatic region, with atypical whorls in less common areas. The majority of whorls were simple, with tufted whorls mainly on the elbows and chest. The study observed associations between whorl presence and variables like coat length, thickness, and the dog's source, suggesting that shelter dogs and short-haired dogs had more chest whorls. The study also noted a potential link between whorl presence and behavioral issues, as shelter dogs had more whorls in certain regions. The methodology developed for assessing whorls was most effective for dogs with short-to-medium length coats, and the study highlights the need for further research into the relationship between hair whorl characteristics and canine behavior. However, the document does not specify the total number of dogs assessed, which is important for evaluating the study's strength.