The Giemsa banding pattern of the canine karyotype.

The canine metaphase karyotype consists of 78 chromosomes. All autosomes exhibit telocentric or acrocentric configurations gradually diminishing in size. These features make identification of homologous pairs by conventional analysis difficult. Chromosome preparations were derived from short-term cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from clinically normal dogs representing at least four breeds. Most components of the canine karyotype can be distinguished readily. No significant G-banding pattern variations were detected in the individuals screened. An idiogrammatic interpretation of the banding pattern is presented. Apart from bands, other characteristic morphologic features were found which aid in identification. The G-banding pattern of the canine metacentric X is quite similar to that of the banded human X. The canine Y is a minute metacentric having two positive bands.