Cu Locus (Curly Hair)
Affected Genes: KRT71
Inheritance: Autosomal Incomplete Dominant
Breed: Cockapoo
Cocker Spaniel
Deutsch Kurzhaar
English Cocker Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel
French Spaniel
German Shorthaired Pointer
Old English Sheepdog
Pointer
Sheepadoodle
General Information: The Cu Locus (CU), associated with the KRT71 gene, influences whether a dog has curly or straight hair. This trait is expressed in an autosomal incomplete dominant manner, meaning a single copy of the CuC variant can result in curly or wavy hair. Dogs with two copies of the CuC variant typically exhibit a tight curly coat, while those with one Cu and one CuC variant have looser curls or a wavy coat. The expression of this gene varies across different breeds, affecting not just the coat's curliness but potentially its texture and health, with some breeds showing a predisposition to follicular dysplasia related to specific gene variants.
Gene / Testing Information:
References: Cadieu E, Neff MW, Quignon P, Walsh K, Chase K, Parker HG, VonHoldt BM, Rhue A, Boyko A, Byers A, Wong A, Mosher DS, Elkahloun AG, Spady TC, Andre C, Lark KG, Cargill M, Bustamante CD, Wayne RK, Ostrander EA. Coat variation in the domestic dog is governed by variants in three genes. Science. 2009 Oct; 326(5949):150-3. [PubMed: 19713490]