Genetic Result: EE or Ee or ee

Why doesn't Leo have an exact genotype at this locus?
This locus actually includes several alleles. At the time this dog was genotyped Embark can distinguish some, but not all, of the possible alleles at this location.

Gene: Melanocortin Receptor 1 (MC1R)

This gene helps determine whether a dog can produce dark (black or brown) hairs or lighter yellow or red hairs. Any result except for ee means that the dog can produce dark hairs. An ee result means that the dog does not produce dark hairs at all, and will have lighter yellow or red hairs over their entire body.

If a dog has a ee result then the fur’s actual shade can range from a deep copper to yellow/gold to cream - the exact color cannot be predicted solely from this result, and will depend on other genetic factors.

More information: http://www.doggenetics.co.uk/masks.html

Genetic Result: No Call

Gene: Tyrosinase Related Protein 1 (TYRP1)

This gene helps determine whether a dog produces brown or black pigments. Dogs with a bb result produce brown pigment instead of black in both their hair and skin, while dogs with a Bb or BB result produce black pigment. Dogs that have ee at the E (Extension) Locus and bb at this B (Brown) Locus are likely to have red or cream coats and brown noses, eye rims, and footpads, which is sometimes referred to as "Dudley Nose" in Labrador Retrievers.

“Liver” or “chocolate” is the preferred color term for brown in most breeds; in the Doberman Pinscher it is referred to as “red”.

More information: http://www.doggenetics.co.uk/liver.html

Genetic Result: DD

Gene: Melanophilin (MLPH)

This gene helps determine whether a dog has lighter “diluted” pigment. A dog with a Dd or DD result will not be dilute. A dog with a dd result will have all their black or brown pigment lightened (“diluted”) to gray or light brown, and sometimes lightens red pigment to cream. This affects their fur, skin, and sometimes eye color.

There are many breed-specific names for these dilute colors, such as “blue”, “charcoal”, “fawn”, “silver”, and “Isabella”. Dilute dogs, especially in certain breeds, have a higher incidence of Color Dilution Alopecia which causes hair loss in some patches.

More information: http://www.doggenetics.co.uk/dilutes.html

Genetic Result: k^yk^y

Gene: Canine Beta-Defensin 103 (CBD103)

This gene helps determine whether the dog has a black coat. Dogs with a k^yk^y result will show a coat color pattern based on the result they have at the A (Agouti) Locus. A K^BK^B or K^Bk^y result means the dog is dominant black, which overrides the fur pattern that would otherwise be determined by the A (Agouti) Locus. These dogs will usually have solid black or brown coats, or if they have ee at the E (Extension) Locus then red/cream coats, regardless of their result at the A (Agouti) Locus. Dogs who test as K^Bk^y may be brindle rather than black or brown.

Even if a dog is “dominant black” several other genes could still impact the dog’s fur and cause other patterns, such as white spotting.

More information: http://www.doggenetics.co.uk/black.htm

Genetic Result: a^wa or a^wa^t

Why doesn't Leo have an exact genotype at this locus?
This locus actually includes several alleles. At the time this dog was genotyped Embark can distinguish some, but not all, of the possible alleles at this location.

Gene: Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP)

This gene is responsible for causing different coat patterns. It only affects the fur of dogs that do not have ee at the E (Extension) Locus and do have k^yk^y at the K (Dominant Black) Locus. It controls switching between black and red pigment in hair cells, which means that it can cause a dog to have hairs that have sections of black and sections of red/cream, or hairs with different colors on different parts of the dog’s body. Sable or Fawn dogs have a mostly or entirely red coat with some interspersed black hairs. Agouti or Wolf Sable dogs have red hairs with black tips, mostly on their head and back. Black and tan dogs are mostly black or brown with lighter patches on their cheeks, eyebrows, chest, and legs. Recessive black dogs have solid-colored black or brown coats.

The ASIP gene causes interesting coat patterns in many other species of animals as well as dogs.

More information: http://www.doggenetics.co.uk/tan.html

Genetic Result: EE or Ee or ee

Why doesn't Leo have an exact genotype at this locus?
This locus actually includes several alleles. At the time this dog was genotyped Embark can distinguish some, but not all, of the possible alleles at this location.

Gene: Melanocortin Receptor 1 (MC1R)

In addition to determining if a dog can develop dark fur at all, this gene can give a dog a black “mask” or “widow’s peak,” unless the dog has overriding coat color genetic factors. Dogs with one or two copies of E^m in their result will have a mask, which is dark facial fur as seen in the German Shepherd and Pug. Dogs with no E^m in their result but one or two copies of E^g will instead have a "widow's peak", which is dark forehead fur.

The widow’s peak is seen in the Afghan Hound and Borzoi, where it is called either “grizzle” or “domino”.

More information: http://www.doggenetics.co.uk/masks.html

Genetic Result: GG

Gene: FGF5

This gene is known to affect hair/fur length in many different species, including cats, dogs, mice, and humans. In dogs, a TT result means the dog is likely to have a long, silky coat as seen in the Yorkshire Terrier and the Long Haired Whippet. A GG or GT result is likely to mean a shorter coat, like in the Boxer or the American Staffordshire Terrier.

In certain breeds, such as Corgi, the long coat is described as “fluff.”

Genetic Result: CC

Gene: MC5R

This gene affects how much a dog sheds. Dogs with furnishings or wire-haired coats tend to be low shedders regardless of their result for this gene. In other dogs, a CC or CT result indicates heavy or seasonal shedding, like many Labradors and German Shepherd Dogs. Dogs with a TT result tend to be lighter shedders, like Boxers, Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas.

Genetic Result: CC

Gene: KRT71

For dogs with long fur, dogs with a TT or CT result will likely have a wavy or curly coat like the coat of Poodles and Bichon Frises. Dogs with a CC result will likely have a straight coat—unless the dog has a "Likely Furnished" result for the Furnishings trait, since this can also make the coat more curly.

Dogs with short coats may have straight coats, whatever result they have for this gene.

Genetic Result: NN

Gene: FOXI3

This gene can cause hairlessness over most of the body as well as changes in tooth shape and number. This particular gene occurs in Peruvian Inca Orchid, Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless), and Chinese Crested; other hairless breeds are due to different genes. Dogs with the NDup result are likely to be hairless while dogs with the NN result are likely to have a normal coat. We measure this result using a linkage test. WHAT’S THIS?

The DupDup result has never been observed, suggesting that dogs with that genotype cannot survive to birth.

Genetic Result: NN

Gene: SLC45A2

This gene causes oculocutaneous albinism type 2 (OCA2), also known as Doberman Z Factor Albinism. Dogs with a DD result will have OCA2. Effects include severely reduced or absent pigment in the eyes, skin, and hair, and sometimes vision problems due to lack of eye pigment (which helps direct and absorb ambient light) and are prone to sunburn. Dogs with a ND result will not be affected, but can pass the mutation on to their offspring. We measure this result using a linkage test. WHAT’S THIS?

This particular mutation can be traced back to a single white Doberman Pinscher born in 1976, and it has only been observed in dogs descended from this individual.

Genetic Result: CC

Gene: BMP3

This gene affects muzzle length. A dog with a AC or CC result is likely to have a medium-length muzzle like a Staffordshire Terrier or Labrador, or a long muzzle like a Whippet or Collie. A dog with a AA result is likely to have a short muzzle, like an English Bulldog, Pug, or Pekingese.

At least five different genes affect snout length in dogs, with BMP3 being the only one with a known causal mutation. For example, the muzzle length of some breeds, including the long-snouted Scottish Terrier or the short-snouted Japanese Chin, appear to be caused by other genes. This means your dog may have a long or short snout due to other genetic factors. Embark is working to figure out what these might be.

Genetic Result: CC

Gene: LMBR1

This is one of the genes that can cause hind dew claws, which are extra, nonfunctional digits located midway between a dog's paw and hock. Dogs with a CT or TT result have about a 50% chance of having hind dewclaws. Hind dew claws can also be caused by other, still unknown, genes. Embark is working to figure those out.

Hind dew claws are commonly found in certain breeds such as the Saint Bernard.

Genetic Result: NDup

Gene: ALX4

This gene is associated with blue eyes in Arctic breeds like Siberian Husky as well as tri-colored (non-merle) Australian Shepherds. Dogs with a DupDup or NDup result are more likely to have blue eyes, although some dogs may have only one blue eye or may not have blue eyes at all; nevertheless, they can still pass blue eyes to their offspring. Dogs with a NN result may have blue eyes due to other factors, such as merle or white spotting. We measure this result using a linkage test. WHAT’S THIS?

Embark researchers discovered this gene by studying data from dogs like yours. Who knows what we will be able to discover next? Answer the questions on our research surveys to contribute to future discoveries!

Genetic Result: NN

Gene: IGF1

This is one of several genes that influence the size of a dog. A result of II for this gene is associated with smaller body size. A result of NN is associated with larger body size.

Genetic Result: GG

Gene: IGFR1

This is one of several genes that influence the size of a dog. A result of AA for this gene is associated with smaller body size. A result of GG is associated with larger body size.

Genetic Result: TT

Gene: STC2

This is one of several genes that influence the size of a dog. A result of AA for this gene is associated with smaller body size. A result of TT is associated with larger body size.

Genetic Result: GG

Gene: GHR - E191K

This is one of several genes that influence the size of a dog. A result of AA for this gene is associated with smaller body size. A result of GG is associated with larger body size.

Genetic Result: CC

Gene: GHR - P177L

This is one of several genes that influence the size of a dog. A result of TT for this gene is associated with smaller body size. A result of CC is associated with larger body size.

Genetic Result: GG

Gene: EPAS1

This gene causes dogs to be especially tolerant of low oxygen environments, such as those found at high elevations. Dogs with a AA or GA result will be less susceptible to "altitude sickness."

This gene was originally identified in breeds from high altitude areas such as the Tibetan Mastiff.

Genetic Result: NN

Gene: POMC

This gene influences eating behavior. An ND or DD result would predict higher food motivation compared to NN result, increasing the likelihood to eat excessively, have higher body fat percentage, and be more prone to obesity. Read more about the genetics of POMC, and learn how you can contribute to research, in our blog post. We measure this result using a linkage test. WHAT’S THIS?

POMC is actually short for "proopiomelanocortin," and is a large protein that is broken up into several smaller proteins that have biological activity. The smaller proteins generated from POMC control, among other things, distribution of pigment to the hair and skin cells, appetite, and energy expenditure.