Hair specimen: Canis familiaris (NZ Pig dog): Hair from live adults
Most diagnostic features for this species:
1. Medulla of guard hairs can vary from simple with scattered globular vacuoles to very fine wide lattice 2. Cross-section usually a mix of circular and oval shapes 3. Large diameter
Sample
Description: Body hair from adult live pig dogs, "Boss", "Lightning", "Rangi"
Sample origin: Waikirikiri, Bay of Plenty
Hair profile
General shape:
Length (mm):
Maximum diameter observed (μm): 65-100 (guard hair), 45-55 (underhair)
Colour: Black, brown, white
Microscopic features
Guard hair medulla: Wide, simple or possibly lattice
Guard hair medulla: Wide, simple or possibly lattice (viewed with crossed polars gives greater detail)
Guard hair medulla: Wide lattice (viewed with crossed polars gives greater detail)
Guard hair medulla: Wide lattice (viewed with crossed polars gives greater detail)
Underhair medulla: Wide lattice
Underhair medulla: Wide lattice (viewed with crossed polars)
Guard hair scales mid shaft: Irregular wave, near to distant separation, crenate margins
Guard hair scales mid shaft: Irregular mosaic, near to distant separation, smooth margins
Underhair scales mid shaft: Broad to diamond petal, near to distant separation, smooth margins
Typical root shape
Citation
Lowe B, Wehi PM. 2017. New Zealand hair identification factsheets: NZ Pig dog: Hair from live adults
www.landcareresearch.co.nz/hair-identification
Accessed: 1 April 2025