Past Research Projects

I have contacted and discussed the issue of bob-tails with the following individuals:

George Strain, Ph.D., LSU - Professor of Neuroscience
B.S. Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana
M.S. Biomedical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames
Ph.D. Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, ISU
Postdoc Neurophysiology & Neurology, UCLA Brain Research Institute

Leigh Anne Clark, Ph.D - Texas A&M Research Assistant Professor; Dept. of Pathobiology
B.S., Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University
Ph.D., Genetics, Texas A&M University

Larry Myers DVM, Ph.D - Auburn University - Associate Professor; Animal Behavior and Sensory Physiology and Medicine

Bruce F. Smith, V.M.D, Ph.D. - Auburn University
Dr. Smith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathobiology and Scientist in the Scott-Ritchey Research Center. He earned the V.M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1988, where he was appointed a Kleberg Fellow in Medical Genetics. He received a PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993. His long range research interests are in gene therapy of inherited muscle diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, gene therapy of cancer and nucleic acid immunization.

Each of these professors has spoken with their associates and made it known to me the results of their discussions on this matter. Here are their collective reasons:
--Since the Catahoula is a long tailed dog, and produces a "natural bob-tail" specimen, it is believed that this trait is caused by a recessive gene and offers no ill effects to the dog or its structure.
The bob-tail, as produced by the Catahoula, does not carry the gene designated as "TT". The "TT" gene does cause severe problems, but generally results in death prior to whelping. Any surviving pups carrying "TT" will not produce any surviving offspring.
Individual Breeders that are intent on breeding bob-tails should be aware of reducing their breeding options by gene limitations, and producing a sub-breed.--

Although I am partial to a long tailed dog, I have no objections to bob-tails. My main concern was the breeding of bob-tails to each other, thereby causing a continual shortening of the tail to the degree that it would affect the spinal structure. I have been assured that this is not probable.
Based on the results of this research, it is my intent to dismiss the matter of Bob-Tailed Catahoulas, and allow the standard to remain as printed. I have notified UKC and those involved with this protest of my findings.