Brucella are also non-encapsulated, non-spore forming bacteria that replicate in the ER of their host cells.

[6] The bacteria form non-hemolytic, non-pigmented convex colonies on blood agar culture media.

Myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids are all found in large quantities within the outer cell membrane.

[6] B. canis is also unique from other Brucella species in that the lipids that make up its phospholipid portion are mainly cis-vaccenic cyclopropane with small amounts of lactobaccilic acid.

This differs from other Brucella species, as they demonstrate the opposite composition, with lactobacillic acid making up the majority of the phospholipid fraction.

Unlike haemophilus, which they resemble, they have no requirements for added X (hemin) and V (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) factors in cultures.

[6] B. canis functions as a chemoorganotroph, meaning it obtains its energy from oxidation-reduction reactions, and utilizes organic electron sources.

The genomic structure of both B. canis and B. suis Biovar 1, cannot be distinguished from each other as they both demonstrate similar sizes within the two circular chromosomes present.

[6] The disease is characterized by epididymitis and orchitis in male dogs, endometritis, placentitis, and abortions in females, and often presents as infertility in both sexes.

[9] Signs of this disease are different in both genders of dogs; females that have B. canis infections face an abortion of their developed fetuses.

[11] The host range of the bacterium is mainly domestic dogs but evidence of infections in foxes and coyotes has been reported.

[12] B. canis is passed through contact with fluids from the mucous membranes of the genitals (semen and vaginal discharge), eyes, and oronasal cavities.

[9] Urine can also serve as a route of transmission in males, as the bladder resides in close proximity to the prostate and epididymus.

Spaying and neutering can be effective, and frequent blood tests are recommended to monitor progress.

Under natural conditions Brucella spp, including B. canis are obligate parasites and do not grow outside the host except in laboratory cultures but at specific temperatures and moisture levels Brucella can persist in soil and surface water up to 80 days and in frozen conditions they can survive for months.

[16] B. canis was discovered by Leland Carmichael in 1966, when the bacterium was identified in canine vaginal discharge and the tissues from mass abortions in beagles.

PCR data showed a complete difference between the two strains along with B. suis biovars unattained from B. canis DNA.