In July the National Humane Genome Research Institute announced that the first draft of the canine genome sequences has been finished and deposited in a number of free public databases for use by researchers around the world.
According to a NHGI press release,
The dog genome is similar in size to the genomes of humans and other mammals, containing approximately 2.5 billion DNA base pairs. Due to a long history of selective breeding, many types of dogs are prone to genetic diseases that are difficult to study in humans, such as cancer, heart disease, deafness, blindness and autoimmune disorders. In addition, the dog is an important model for the genetics of behavior and is used extensively in pharmaceutical research.
Researchers used DNA samples from 10 dog breeds, four wolves and a coyote to generate markers that will allow researchers to study genetic diseases in any breed of dog.
Source:
Dog genome assembled. Press Release, National Human Genome Research Institute, July 14, 2004.