Subsequent research at the VGL identified a third, very rare dilution variant d 3 (c.667_668insC, p.His223Profs*41). Analysis at the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) determined that the d 2 variant is present at a frequency of less than 1% in phenotypically dilute French Bulldogs, thus suggesting that additional variants also cause this phenotype. identified a second dilution in MLPH, variant d 2 (c.705G>C, p.Gln235His) in the Sloughi, Chow Chow, and Thai Ridgeback dogs. However, this mutation alone does not account for all dilute color phenotypes. Results of this test can be submitted to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)Ĭhocolate/liver diluted to Silver Gray in a Weimaraner, a breed fixed for diluteĪ recessive mutation d 1, previously named d, in the melanophilin ( MLPH) gene (g.48121642G>A, c.-22G>A) was identified as the cause of color dilution phenotypes in several dog breeds (Drögemüller et al. They will transmit a dilution variant to all of their offspring.

Dogs with d 1/d 1, d 2/d 2, d 3/d 3, d 1/d 2, d 1/d 3, or d 2/d 3 genotype are expected to display dilute coat colors.

Matings between two carriers of dilute variants are expected to produce 25% puppies with dilute coat colors. They will transmit the dilution variant they carry to 50% of their offspring.

Dogs with D/d 1, D/d 2, or D/d 3 genotype are not expected to display dilute coat colors, but they are carriers of dilution variants.

They cannot produce dilute offspring or transmit any of the known dilution variants to their offspring. Dogs with D/D genotype are not expected to display dilute coat colors they have no known dilution variants.

For example, black becomes a gray-blue color (often called 'blue' by breeders) and chocolate brown becomes a pale silvery red (often called 'lilac' or 'isabella').Īlleles: D = Non-dilute, d 1 = Dilute (variant 1, common), d 2 = Dilute (variant 2), d 3 = Dilute (variant 3, rare)īreeds appropriate for testing: Many breeds Phenotype: Base coat colors are lightened (diluted) to paler shades. Black coloration diluted to blue in an American Staffordshire Terrier

D coat