Autosomal

Phenotypic trait or gene NOT associated with either the X or Y sex chromosome; i.e., not sex-linked.

Genome

Complete set of chromosomes carried in a cell.

Gibbs sampling

Method of calculating the genetic merit of dogs that takes advantage of fast computers. The process itself is just a computer-based method for integrating a function without having to find the antiderivative.

Idiopathic

Arising spontaneously with no obvious external cause (e.g., genetic as opposed to trauma-induced).

Locus (plural - loci)

Site or position on a chromosome where a particular gene or DNA sequence resides. Often used interchangeably with the term 'gene', but locus is more generic.

Microsatellite

As used here, a region of the DNA that can be consistently identified, using a laboratory procedure, across all individuals in a single breed. Microsatellites themselves are repetitive DNA sequences that are randomly distributed throughout the mammalian genome, tend to be highly polymorphic, and are short DNA segments.

Polygenic

Phenotypic trait whose expression is controlled by, or associated with, more than one gene.

Polymorphic

Presence of several common, alternate forms of a genetic characteristic in a population.

Recessive

Trait that requires two mutant copies of the gene (i.e., alleles) in order for the disorder to be expressed; must be homozygous for the mutant allele.