Combination coat colors + coat length in dogs

Combination coat colors + coat length in dogs

This combined test includes several fundamental genetic markers that help explain your dog’s coat colour, pattern, pigment type, and coat length. Together, they give a clearer picture of how your dog’s appearance is formed and what traits they may pass to their offspring.

1. Locus D (allele d1)
This locus controls colour dilution. The d1 variant can lighten black, brown, or red pigment, producing colours like blue, lilac, or Isabella. Testing it helps identify both diluted dogs and carriers.

2. Locus E
The E locus influences whether a dog can produce dark pigment (eumelanin). Variants here determine features like recessive red or black masks and can override other colour genes. This makes it essential for understanding overall pigment expression.

3. Locus I
This locus affects the intensity of red-based colours. It helps explain why dogs with similar genetics can show very different shades of cream, apricot, fawn, or deep red.

4. Locus K (KB allele only)
The KB allele produces dominant black colouring and can mask patterns from other loci. Knowing whether a dog carries KB helps predict whether patterned puppies are possible in future litters.

5. Locus A (Ay, aw, at, a)
The A locus defines key coat patterns: sable/fawn (Ay), wolf grey (aw), tan points (at), and recessive black (a). These variants shape the dog’s overall pattern and are crucial for predicting how coat patterns will be passed on.

6. Locus B
The B locus controls brown vs black pigment. Variants here lead to chocolate, liver, or brown colouring and influence features like nose and paw pad colour. Testing it reveals whether a dog expresses or carries brown-based pigment.

7. Coat Length – FGF5
This gene determines whether a dog has long or short hair. Variants of FGF5 influence overall coat length and texture. It also helps breeders understand coat inheritance and plan future matings more accurately.