The recently discovered eA allele at the E-Locus is responsible for a particular phenotype with reduced eumelanin production and increased pheomelanin expression. In northern breeds this is called northern domino, but in other breeds this is known as pied or grizzle. What is Ancient Domino? Domino reduces eumelanin expression and increases phaeomelanin expression. But it … Read more
Seal causes a more or less pronounced golden, red or brown sheen on a black coat. This is often accompanied by a darker dorsal stripe and darker coloration on the lower legs, tail and face. Seal and ghost tan seem to be caused by incomplete dominant black that can’t fully mask a dog’s A-Locus pattern. … Read more
The K-Locus controls the agouti gene expression in canine coat. Different combinations of K-Locus alleles can cause dominant black, brindle or normal agouti gene expression. K-Locus Overview The K-Locus is named for the solid blacK coat it can cause in dominant black dogs[4,5]. The alleles at the K locus seem to follow a complete dominant-recessive … Read more
The dominant allele at the K-Locus (KB) inhibits the production of phaeomelanin and causes a solid eumelanin-pigmented phenotype in dogs that is commonly called dominant black. Here we look at the variations and genetics of dominant black coat in dogs. What is Dominant Black? The KB allele at the K-Locus promotes eumelanin synthesis and blocks … Read more
Brindle (kbr) is a color pattern causing black, blue, brown or lilac stripes on a red or yellow base color. Here we look at the variations and genetics of brindle coat in dogs. What is Brindle? Brindle appears in dogs that express an A-Locus pattern (clear sable, shaded sable, agouti, saddle back or tan point). … Read more
Melanistic masks are caused by Em, the dominant allele at the E-Locus. Here we take a look at the different variations and the genetics of melanistic masks in dogs. What is a Melanistic Mask? The Em allele at the E-Locus causes a mask of eumelanin on or beyond the muzzle and face of a dog. … Read more