Comparison on Chromosome Number among Ussuri Raccoon Dogs with Three Different Coat Colors

[ Objective] This study aimed to lay theoretical foundation for establishing the database of biological characteristics of raccoon dogs with different coat colors. [Method] Reddish-brown ussuri raccoon dogs, wild ussuri raccoon dogs and Jilln white raccoon dogs were used as experimental materials in this study. Chromosome specimens were prepared by peripheral blood lymphocyte culture, to analyze chromosome number of ussuri raccoon dogs with different coat colors. [ Result] Frequencies of cells with diploid chromosome number of 56 in reddish-brown ussuri raccoon dogs and wild ussuri raccoon dogs were 86% and 83% re- spectively, indicating that the chromosome number of reddish-brown ussuri raccoon dogs and wild ussuri raccoon dogs was 56. The frequency of cells with diploid chromosome number of 56 in Jilin white raccoom dogs was 70%, which was lower than that of other two varieties, while the frequency of cells with 2n = 57 was high- er than that of other two varieties. [Conclusion] The chromosome number was 56 for reddish-brown ussuri raccoon dogs and wild ussuri raccoon dogs, and it was 56 or 57 for Jllin white raccoon dogs, which represented pelymorphism.