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 … Read more
The dominant allele (KB) at the K locus inhibits the production of phaeomelanin. This causes a solid dark phenotype, because dogs can only express eumelanin in their coat. In this post, we look at all the variations (and the genetics) of the dominant black pattern in dogs. What is Dominant Black? The KB allele at … Read more
Brindle (kbr) is a pattern that causes black stripes on a red base color. Here we look at the variations and genetics of brindled coats in dogs. What is Brindle? Brindle adds random vertical stripes of eumelanin-pigmented coat running from top to bottom over the red base color in patterns with phaeomelanin. Learn more about … 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 the muzzle. These (eu)melanistic masks can stay … Read more