Shar Peis, considered the rarest dog breed in the world, are famous for their wrinkles.
Less well known is that the wrinkles are caused by a hereditary disorder called mucinosis.
A group of scientists in Spain now says it’s found how the disorder works: a particular type of acid builds up under the skin to cause the wrinkles.
Shar Peis began over two thousand years ago in ancient China, but almost disappeared after the communist revolution.
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Because there are so few of them left, inbreeding is common. Today’s Shar Peis have more severe mucinosis than their predecessors. They also have numerous other disorders, many of them hereditary.
The scientists hope to pinpoint the specific genetic mutation behind mucinosis. This will help breeders create healthier dogs. The research will also help with related disorders in human beings.
