This FGF4-inserted genotype was significantly associated with the height and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in these dogs, and FGF4 expression was nearly 220-fold higher in the neonatal intervertebral disc of dogs with homozygous FGF4 retrogene insertion than those without, clearly indicating its etiological role. The gene discussed is FGF4; the disease is intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.