The biggest challenge for Dr. Newkirk and other Barbet breeders is a lack of sires.

WSJ: Breeders of Rare Woolly Pooch

Even without the new sires, the Barbet breed should hit the 100-dog mark by the end of 2012.

WSJ: Breeders of Rare Woolly Pooch

Lohi and his colleagues developed a genetic test for breeders to test their sires and dams for the mutation in order to ensure that two carriers aren't allowed to mate and have puppies.

MSN: Cause of rare and fatal dog skeletal disease pinpointed