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Genetic Result: EE

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 and will have lighter yellow or red hairs all over its entire body.

The overall MC1R genetic result is influenced by more subloci than those presented in this section. Additional MC1R subloci results can be found under the Coat Color Modifiers > Facial Fur Pattern section below.

If a dog has an ee result, then the fur’s actual shade can range from a deep copper to white - the exact color cannot be predicted solely from this result and will depend on other genetic factors, including the red pigment intensity test.

Citations

• Anderson et al 2020
• Dreger and Schmutz 2010
• Schmutz et al 2003
• Honkanen et al 2024
• Durig N et al 2018

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

Genetic Result: NN

Gene: HPS3

Dogs with the coco genotype will produce dark brown pigment instead of black in both their hair and skin. Dogs with the Nco genotype will produce black pigment, but can pass the co variant on to their puppies. Dogs that have the coco genotype as well as the bb genotype at the B locus are generally a lighter brown than dogs that have the Bb or BB genotypes at the B locus.

The co variant and the dark brown "cocoa" coat color have only been documented in French Bulldogs. Dogs with the cocoa coat color are sometimes born with light brown coats that darken as they reach maturity.

Citations

• Kiener et al 2020

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

Genetic Result: Intermediate Red Pigmentation

Intensity refers to the concentration of red pigment in the coat. Dogs with more densely concentrated (intense) pigment will be a deeper red, while dogs with less concentrated (dilute) pigment will be tan, yellow, cream, or white. Five locations in the dog genome explain approximately 70% of red pigmentation intensity variation across all dogs. Because the locations we test may not directly cause differences in red pigmentation intensity, we consider this to be a linkage test.

One of the genes that influences pigment intensity in dogs, TYR, is also responsible for intensity variation in domestic mice, cats, cattle, rabbits, and llamas. In dogs and humans, more genes are involved.

Citations

• Slavney et al 2021
• Weich et al 2020
• Hedan et al 2019

Genetic Result: BB

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”.

Citations

• Schmutz et al 2002
• Hrckova Turnova et al 2017
• Jancuskova et al 2018

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 may lighten red pigment to cream. This affects their fur, skin, and sometimes eye color. The D locus result that we report is determined by three different genetic variants that can work together to cause diluted pigmentation. These are the common d allele, also known as “d1”, and the less common alleles known as “d2” and “d3”. Dogs with two d alleles, regardless of which variant, are typically dilute.

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.

Citations

• Drogemuller et al 2007
• Bauer et al 2018
• Van Buren et al 2020

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.

Citations

• Candille et al 2007

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

Genetic Result: a^wa^w

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.

Citations

• Dreger and Schmutz 2011
• Berryere et al 2005

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

Genetic Result: EE

Gene: Melanocortin Receptor 1 (MC1R)

This gene determines whether a dog can have dark hair and can give it 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 may have a mask, which is dark facial fur as seen in the German Shepherd Dog and Pug. Dogs with no E^m in their result but one or two copies of the E^g, E^a, or E^h variants can instead have a "widow's peak", which is dark forehead fur.

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

In the absence of E^m, dogs with the E^g variant can have a “widow’s peak” phenotype. In the absence of both E^m and E variants, dogs with the E^a or E^h variants can express the “widow’s peak” phenotype. Additionally, a dog with any combination of two of the E^g, E^a, or E^h variants (example: E^gE^a) is also expected to express the grizzle phenotype.

Citations

• Anderson et al 2020
• Dreger and Schmutz 2010
• Schmutz et al 2003
• Honkanen et al 2024
• Durig N et al 2018

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

Genetic Result: NN

Gene: RALY

The "Saddle Tan" pattern causes the black hairs to recede into a "saddle" shape on the back, leaving a tan face, legs, and belly, as a dog ages. The Saddle Tan pattern is characteristic of breeds like the Corgi, Beagle, and German Shepherd. Dogs that have the II genotype at this locus are more likely to be mostly black with tan points on the eyebrows, muzzle, and legs as commonly seen in the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler. This gene modifies the A Locus a^t allele, so dogs that do not express a^t are not influenced by this gene.

The Saddle Tan pattern is characteristic of breeds like the Corgi, Beagle, and German Shepherd.

Citations

• Dreger et al 2013

Genetic Result: SS

Gene: MITF

This gene is responsible for most of the white spotting observed in dogs. Dogs with a result of spsp will have a nearly white coat or large patches of white in their coat. Dogs with a result of Ssp will have more limited white spotting that is breed-dependent. A result of SS means that a dog likely has no white or minimal white in their coat. The S Locus does not explain all white spotting patterns in dogs and other causes are currently being researched. Some dogs may have small amounts of white on the paws, chest, face, or tail regardless of their result at this gene.

Any dog can have white spotting regardless of coat color. The colored sections of the coat will reflect the dog’s other genetic coat color results.

Citations

• Karlsson et al 2007

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

Genetic Result: rr

Gene: USH2A

This gene, along with the S Locus, regulates whether a dog will have roaning. Dogs with at least one copy of R will likely have roaning on otherwise uniformly unpigmented white areas created by the S Locus. Roan may not be visible if white spotting is limited to small areas, such as the paws, chest, face, or tail. The extent of roaning varies from uniform roaning to non-uniform roaning, and patchy, non-uniform roaning may look similar to ticking. Roan does not appear in white areas created by other genes, such as a combination of the E Locus and I Locus (for example, Samoyeds). The roan pattern can appear with or without ticking.

Roan, tick, and Dalmatians' spots become visible a few weeks after birth. The R Locus is probably involved in the development of Dalmatians' spots.

Citations

• Brancalion et al 2021
• Kawakami et al 2021

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

Genetic Result: mm

Gene: PMEL

This gene is responsible for mottled or patchy coat color in some dogs. Dogs with an M*m result are likely to appear merle or could be "non-expressing" merle, meaning that the merle pattern is very subtle or not at all evident in their coat. Dogs with an M*M* result are likely to have merle or double merle coat patterning. Dogs with an mm result are unlikely to have a merle coat pattern.

Merle coat patterning is common to several dog breeds including the Australian Shepherd, Catahoula Leopard Dog, and Shetland Sheepdog.

Citations

• Clark et al 2006

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

Genetic Result: hh

Gene: PSMB

This gene, along with the M Locus, determines whether a dog will have harlequin patterning. This pattern is recognized in Great Danes and causes dogs to have a white coat with patches of darker pigment. A dog with an Hh result will be harlequin if they are also M*m or M*M* at the M Locus and are not ee at the E locus. Dogs with a result of hh will not be harlequin.

While many harlequin dogs are white with black patches, some dogs have grey, sable, or brindle patches of color, depending on their genotypes at other coat color genes.

Citations

• Clark et al 2011

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

Genetic Result: II

Gene: RSPO2

This gene is responsible for “furnishings”, which is another name for the mustache, beard, and eyebrows that are characteristic of breeds like the Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier, and Wire Haired Dachshund. A dog with an FF or FI result is likely to have furnishings. A dog with an II result will not have furnishings. We measure this result using a linkage test.

In breeds that are expected to have furnishings, dogs without furnishings are the exception - this is sometimes called an “improper coat”.

Citations

• Cadieu et al 2010

Genetic Result: ShSh

Gene: FGF5

This gene affects hair length in many species, including cats, dogs, mice, and humans. In dogs, an Lh allele confers a long, silky hair coat across many breeds, including Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Golden Retrievers. An ShSh or ShLh result is likely to mean a shorter coat, like in the Boxer or the American Staffordshire Terrier. The coat length determined by FGF5, as reported by us, is influenced by four genetic variants that work together to promote long hair.

The most common of these is the Lh1 variant (G/T, CanFam3.1, chr32, g.4509367) and the less common ones are Lh2 (C/T, CanFam3.1, chr32, g.4528639), Lh3 (16bp deletion, CanFam3.1, chr32, g.4528616), and Lh4 (GG insertion, CanFam3.1, chr32, g.4528621). The FGF5_Lh1 variant is found across many dog breeds. The less common variants, FGF5_Lh2 have been found in the Akita, Samoyed, and Siberian Husky, FGF5_Lh3 have been found in the Eurasier, and FGF5_Lh4 have been found in the Afghan Hound, Eurasier, and French Bulldog.

The Lh alleles have a recessive mode of inheritance, meaning that two copies of the Lh alleles are required to have long hair. The presence of two Lh alleles at any of these FGF5 loci is expected to result in long hair. One copy each of Lh1 and Lh2 have been found in Samoyeds, one copy each of Lh1 and Lh3 have been found in Eurasiers and one copy each of Lh1 and Lh4 have been found in Afghan Hounds and Eurasiers.

In certain breeds, such as Pembroke Welsh Corgi and French Bulldog, the long coat is described as “fluffy.”

Citations

• Housley & Venta 2006
• Cadieu et al 2010
• Dierks et al 2013

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.

Citations

• Hayward et al 2016

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.

Citations

• Cadieu et al 2010

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.

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

Citations

• Drogemuller et al 2008

Genetic Result: NN

Gene: SGK3

This gene is responsible for Hairlessness in the American Hairless Terrier. Dogs with the DD result are likely to be hairless. Dogs with the ND genotype will have a normal coat, but can pass the D variant on to their offspring.

Citations

• Parker et al 2016

Genetic Result: NN

Gene: SLC45A2

This gene causes oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), also known as Doberman Z Factor Albinism. Dogs with a DD result will have OCA. 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.

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.

Citations

• Winkler et al 2014

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.

Citations

• Schoenbeck et al 2012

Genetic Result: CC

Gene: T

This is one of the genes that can cause a short bobtail. Most dogs have a CC result and a long tail. Dogs with a CG result are likely to have a bobtail, which is an unusually short or absent tail. This can be seen in many “natural bobtail” breeds including the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Australian Shepherd, and the Brittany Spaniel. Dogs with GG genotypes have not been observed, suggesting that dogs with such a result do not survive to birth.

While certain lineages of Boston Terrier, English Bulldog, Rottweiler, Miniature Schnauzer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Parson Russell Terrier, and Dobermans are born with a natural bobtail, it is not always caused by this gene. This suggests that other unknown genetic effects can also lead to a natural bobtail.

Citations

• Haworth et al 2001
• Hytonen et al 2009

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.

Citations

• Park et al 2008

Genetic Result: CC

Gene: ACSL4

This gene can cause heavy muscling along the back and trunk in characteristically "bulky" large-breed dogs including the Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and Rottweiler. A dog with the TT result is likely to have heavy muscling. Leaner-shaped large breed dogs like the Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, and Scottish Deerhound generally have a CC result. The TC result also indicates likely normal muscling.

This gene does not seem to affect muscling in small or even mid-sized dog breeds with lots of back muscling, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, and the English Bulldog.

Citations

• Plassais et al 2017

Genetic Result: NN

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.

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!

Citations

• Deane-Coe et al 2018

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.

Citations

• Sutter et al 2007

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.

Citations

• Hoopes et al 2012

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.

Citations

• Rimbault et al 2013

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.

Citations

• Rimbault et al 2013

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.

Citations

• Rimbault et al 2013

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.

Citations

• Gou et al 2014

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.

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.

Citations

• Raffan et al 2016