Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Canine coat pigmentation genetics: a review
L Brancalion1, B Haase2, C M Wade1
1Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
Abstract:
Our understanding of canine coat colour genetics and the associated health implications is developing rapidly. To date, there are 15 genes with known roles in canine coat colour phenotypes. Many coat phenotypes result from complex and/or epistatic genetic interactions among variants within and between loci, some of which remain unidentified. Some genes involved in canine pigmentation have been linked to aural, visual and neurological impairments. Consequently, coat pigmentation in the domestic dog retains considerable ethical and economic interest. In this paper we discuss coat colour phenotypes in the domestic dog, the genes and variants responsible for these phenotypes and any proven coat colour-associated health effects.
Related Concept Videos
Incomplete Dominance
Epistasis
Epistasis Analysis
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Pleiotropy
Hardy-Weinberg Principle

