I hold a Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc) from the University of Liverpool. My research thesis, “An Investigation into the Inheritance of Coat Colour in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier”, grew out of my fascination with canine genetics and my determination to understand how different genes and genetic interactions influence colour and pattern.

My research identified a gene, together with interactions at several genetic loci, which helped explain mechanisms involved in colour and pattern inheritance in dogs.

My current book builds on this work and examines the genetics behind the extraordinary diversity of colours and patterns found throughout the canine world.

The book will also contain a substantial section on Animal Welfare, including the genetics associated with certain welfare-related conditions in dogs. I hold the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' Certificate in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law (CertWEL).

To my knowledge, there is currently no book that brings together such a comprehensive examination of canine colour and pattern genetics alongside photographs that clearly illustrate the enormous range of coat types found in dogs and other canines.

I also intend to use material from the book as a basis for further research, genetic counselling and lectures.

Can you help provide photographs?

I already have the copyright to many excellent photographs, but I still need additional images to complete the book.

In particular, I am looking for photographs of:

• Pedigree dogs
• Dogs of unusual or less commonly photographed colours and patterns
• Crosses between different breeds
• Crosses involving dogs and wild canines
• Wolves and other wild canines

Even if your dog does not appear on the list below, please get in touch. A photograph that seems ordinary to you may be scientifically valuable to this project

 Dogs currently needed

Breed-specific photographs

• Afghan Hound – particularly Domino and Grizzle patterns
• Akita – any colour or pattern
• Basenji – all patterns
• Bedlington Terrier – any
• Belgian Shepherd – various types
• Boston Terrier – particularly black/almost black
• Cane Corso Italiano – particularly black brindles
• Catahoula Leopard Dog – any colour, especially mosaic patterns
• Dalmatian – all colours/patterns other than black-spotted
• Dutch Shepherd – all colours
• French Bulldog – black and brindle
• Great Dane – merle and harlequin
• Husky – any
• Jack Russell Terrier – any
• Kerry Blue Terrier – black young dogs, blue adults and dogs with a black mask
• Leonberger – any
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever – deep red and red
• Old English Sheepdog – black puppies and blue adults
• Pekingese – any
• Pointers – all types
• Poodle – any
• Pyrenean Mountain Dog – any
• Saluki – particularly Domino and Grizzle patterns
• Samoyed – any
• Setters – Irish Red, English and Gordon
• Shiba Inu – particularly Urajiro pattern
• Sled dogs – any
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier – liver, black-and-tan, reds and all brindles
• Weimaraner – any

Particularly useful colours and patterns

I am also especially interested in photographs of:

• Merle dogs – any breed
• Mosaic-patterned dogs
• Unusual or rare coat colours and patterns
• Crosses between different dog breeds, whether their ancestry is known or unknown
• Crosses between dogs and wild canines

Other animals

I am also seeking photographs of:

• Siamese cats, particularly showing facial and leg markings
• Ginger Tom cats
• Agouti rodents

Wild canines needed

Photographs of the following wild canines would be particularly valuable:

• African Wild Dog
• Coyote
• Dingo
• Ethiopian Wolf
• Indian Dhole
• Indonesian Singing Dog
• Jackals – Black-backed, Side-striped and Golden
• Wolves – Northern, European, Mexican and other varieties
• Wolf/dog crosses

If you have access to photographs of other wild canine species, please get in touch as these may also be useful.

How can you help?

If you own one of the dogs I am looking for

Ideally, please contact me so that we can discuss the dog and arrange for photographs to be taken.

Where possible, I can arrange for the dog to be photographed by a professional photographer, often on the lawn at my home premises in Cheshire.

Photographing of dogs sometimes involve the attendance of several people and their dogs, so please ensure that your dog is clean, comfortable and wearing a collar and lead.

If bringing your dog to me is not practical, please contact me anyway. We can discuss whether photographs can be taken elsewhere.

Please don't assume your dog isn't suitable. If you have any breed or crossbreed, of any colour or pattern that you think may be relevant, I would be very pleased to hear from you.

Important information.

If you already have a digital photograph that may be suitable, I would be delighted to hear from you.

For photographs to be considered for publication, digital images should ideally meet the following requirements:

• Minimum resolution: 300 dpi
• Minimum file size: 2 MB
• Clear focus on the dog
• Minimal background distractions
• Ideally photographed on short grass or a lawn
• Ideally without collars, leads, ribbons, rosettes, toys, bicycles, cars or people in the frame

A shallow depth of field, with the dog clearly in focus and the background less prominent, is particularly helpful, although this is not essential.

Different views are particularly useful

Where possible, photographs showing the dog from several angles are valuable:

Front view
Ideally showing the head, chest and forelimbs clearly.

Side view
Preferably with the dog's head turned towards the camera.

Rear view
Showing the back, tail, hindquarters and hind legs.

Underside
If practical, this can also be useful, but is not essential.

However, please do not worry if you can only provide one suitable digital photograph. Any image may contain information that is valuable to the research.

Copyright and permission

If you are supplying digital photographs taken by someone else, it is essential that I have the photographer's full written permission to use and publish the image in the book and any associated research, lectures or publications.

If you are a photographer and own the copyright to the digital photograph, please confirm in writing that you are happy for the image to be published as part of this project.

I will discuss the precise permissions required with you before any photograph is used.

Why get involved?

By contributing a photograph, you could help support research into canine genetics, coat colour and pattern inheritance.

Your contribution may help:

• Improve understanding of how coat colours and patterns are inherited
• Support future research into canine genetics
• Investigate potential links between colour/pattern genetics and animal welfare
• Contribute to genetic counselling and veterinary education
• Help illustrate these complex subjects for future students, researchers, veterinary professionals and dog owners

Depending on the photograph and its use, your dog's photograph may appear in the published book, with your name acknowledged for your contribution.

I also offer a small monetary acknowledgement to those who help provide suitable material.

There is, of course, no cost whatsoever to you for contributing to the project.

Can you help?

If you own a dog with an unusual colour or pattern, have access to one of the breeds or wild canines listed above, or are a photographer with suitable images, I would love to hear from you.

Even one photograph could make a difference to this project.

Contact Bryan

Bryan Hallows
Lilac Cottage
Oldcastle
Malpas
Cheshire
SY14 7AG

Mobile: 07920 743649
Email: bryan@bjhallows.co.uk

You are welcome to call, text, WhatsApp or email me. If you have difficulty getting through by telephone, please leave a message or contact me by text or email.

Thank you for considering helping with this project. Your contribution could help create a unique and valuable resource for the understanding of canine genetics, colour, pattern and welfare.

Bryan Hallows BVSc, MVSc, CertWEL, MRCVS, MAE, QDR, GradDipLAW