Guess the Genotype #13

Can you guess this dog's genotype?

Unusual Breed: Bergamasco

This is one of several breeds that are seen with a corded coat, though usually it is more of a form of plate-like mats that are said to be "felt-like". This is caused by the presence of three coat layers on the dog. After an initial treating of the coat of a young dog, the mats will form and stay that way for the rest of the dog's life.

They are a guardian and herding breed, believed to have originated in what was Persia. Unlike most herding dogs, the Bergamasco was bred to be able to independently tend the flock, though to also take some direction from the shepherd. They are highly intelligent because of this. They come in shades of black and grey, including merle, and may have white markings. Interestingly enough, despite the presence of the merle gene, completely blue eyes and a lack of pigment to the lips, nose, or eye rims are either very undesirable or disqualifications in a show setting.

The breed nearly became extinct after World War II when there was not as much of a need for wool, but was saved from "mongrelizing" of the face of the earth by a single Italian breeder. Though the breed is, overall, rather healthy, there is a significant incidence of bloat, hip dysplasia, and eye problems.


Image is from Wikimedia Commons under a creative commons license. Sources are Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America and Embrace Pet Insurance Pet Health Center.

Interesting Animals: Vampire Squid from Hell

This is one of my favorites: Vampyroteuthis infernalis, which literally means "vampire squid from hell."

Artist's rendition, best I could do.

The name is more than a bit appropriate. They live in the very deep sea, are blood red in color, and have spines instead of suckers on most of the length of their arms, though suckers are found on the ends. It isn't quite a squid, and in fact shares traits with both squid and octopuses. They have two fins that appear to be almost ear-like and are used for swimming in the adults. They have extraordinarily large blue eyes, and have numerous parts of the body that are bioluminescent, including the end of the mantle and tips of the arms, which are used to attract prey. They can also release a cloud of bioluminescence as a distraction to predators. One of the most extraordinary things is when threatened they will go into what is called the "pineapple position" with legs arching up to cover its mantle, making use of the dark skin there for protection. My words really do not give these amazingly unusual invertebrates justice.

They have been featured in such documentaries as Planet Earth, as seen below beginning at 0:49.

The footage of these odd cephalapods is all amazing and, despite its lack of David Attenborough, this is some of my favorite.

Image is from Wikimedia Commons under a creative commons license. Source is MarineBio which has yet another video of these creatures.