Genetic diversity in Polish hounds estimated by pedigree analysis

Data from 247 litters of Polish hounds born at 105 kennels between 1960 and 2004 was analysed in order to evaluate the genetic variability of the breed. The breed originated from 19 founders and the founder genome equivalent ranged from 2.043 to 1.287 over the span of forty-four years of breeding. The high imbalance of founder contributions to the gene pool was noted, with the dominant contribution of four founders. The low number of the founders and the high disproportion of particular dogs in breeding use resulted in the increasing value of inbreeding coefficient which ranged from 0.0771 to 0.370. The poor gene pool seems to be strictly connected to the deteriorating health of the population which draws into question the future of the breed.