Dog Color Feature: White Spotting

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This is a supplement to my Theoretical Dog Genetics guide Theoretical Dog GeneticsAs a kid I remember being confused by the logic of dog genetics presented in cartoons. When two dogs had puppies, the boys looked like the dad and the girls looked like the mom. I can only guess that this lack of originality was an attempt to cash in on the new character's resemblance to an older character that had already won people over, but where's the fun in that? Being the animal nerd that I am, I wanted a realistic guide to prevent such blandness.
How to use
Much of this has not yet been proven in studies with real dogs, so if you want to learn more about a real dog it is useful to research the specific breed or likely breeds that are in the dog's background.
Each locus is a spot which can hold two possible alleles out of any number present in the whole species. All together the alleles (genotype) give the final appearance (phenotype). To decide the appearance of offspring, give each parent a full list of genes to describe their appearance and "breed" them by randomly sele
. I am using thumbnails from dA so that artists will get the credit that would be harder to give taking pictures from other online sources. The goal is to educate anyone who is curious, as well as to provide artists with references that will improve the realism of their work.
I am still learning, and guessing the correct color can sometimes be difficult even with an ideal photo or the dog itself to examine. If you spot any mistakes let me know.
If you see your picture here and don't want it to be let me know and I'll take it down.
If you would like to contribute a picture for reference send me a link. Photographs need to be clear, in good lighting, and show enough of the dog to provide a good reference for markings.
I will be going back and adding to this whenever I find new references. My personal goal is to improve the quality of my art and educate myself because I like to know more about the patients I meet at the vet clinic where I work as an RVT.

Other References (to be posted):
K Locus (Dominant Black, Brindle, and Agouti) Dog Color Feature: K Locus- Black, Brindle, AgoutiThis is a supplement to my Theoretical Dog Genetics guide . I am using thumbnails from dA so that artists will get the credit that would be harder to give taking pictures from other online sources. The goal is to educate anyone who is curious, as well as to provide artists with references that will improve the realism of their work.
I am still learning, and guessing the correct color can sometimes be difficult even with an ideal photo or the dog itself to examine. If you spot any mistakes let me know.
If you see your picture here and don't want it to be let me know and I'll take it down.
If you would like to contribute a picture for reference send me a link. Photographs need to be clear, in good lighting, and show enough of the dog to provide a good reference for markings.
I will be going back and adding to this whenever I find new references.
Other References:
Chocolate, Blue, Isabella, and Progressive Graying
E Locus (Masks, Grizzle, Recessive red) an

Chocolate, Blue, Isabella, and Progressive Graying Dog Color Feature: Chocolate, Blue, Isabella, GrayThis is a supplement to my Theoretical Dog Genetics guide . I am using thumbnails from dA so that artists will get the credit that would be harder to give taking pictures from other online sources. The goal is to educate anyone who is curious, as well as to provide artists with references that will improve the realism of their work.
I am still learning, and guessing the correct color can sometimes be difficult even with an ideal photo or the dog itself to examine. If you spot any mistakes let me know.
If you see your picture here and don't want it to be let me know and I'll take it down.
If you would like to contribute a picture for reference send me a link. Photographs need to be clear, in good lighting, and show enough of the dog to provide a good reference for markings.
I will be going back and adding to this whenever I find new references. My personal goal is to improve the quality of my art and educate myself because I like to know more about the patients I meet at

I Locus (Red, Fawn, Cream, Silver), Urajiro, Albinism and Leucism Dog Color Feature: I Locus (Red), Urajiro, AlbinoThis is a supplement to my Theoretical Dog Genetics guide . I am using thumbnails from dA so that artists will get the credit that would be harder to give taking pictures from other online sources. The goal is to educate anyone who is curious, as well as to provide artists with references that will improve the realism of their work.
I am still learning, and guessing the correct color can sometimes be difficult even with an ideal photo or the dog itself to examine. If you spot any mistakes let me know.
If you see your picture here and don't want it to be let me know and I'll take it down.
If you would like to contribute a picture for reference send me a link. Photographs need to be clear, in good lighting, and show enough of the dog to provide a good reference for markings.
I will be going back and adding to this whenever I find new references. My personal goal is to improve the quality of my art and educate myself because I like to know more about the patients I meet at

E Locus (Masks, Grizzle, Recessive red) and Somatic Cell Mutation Dog Color Feature: Masks, Grizzle, Recessive RedThis is a supplement to my Theoretical Dog Genetics guide . I am using thumbnails from dA so that artists will get the credit that would be harder to give taking pictures from other online sources. The goal is to educate anyone who is curious, as well as to provide artists with references that will improve the realism of their work.
I am still learning, and guessing the correct color can sometimes be difficult even with an ideal photo or the dog itself to examine. If you spot any mistakes let me know.
If you see your picture here and don't want it to be let me know and I'll take it down.
If you would like to contribute a picture for reference send me a link. Photographs need to be clear, in good lighting, and show enough of the dog to provide a good reference for markings.
I will be going back and adding to this whenever I find new references. My personal goal is to improve the quality of my art and educate myself because I like to know more about the patients I meet at

Merle Locus Dog Color Feature: Merle LocusThis is a supplement to my Theoretical Dog Genetics guide . I am using thumbnails from dA so that artists will get the credit that would be harder to give taking pictures from other online sources. The goal is to educate anyone who is curious, as well as to provide artists with references that will improve the realism of their work.
I am still learning, and guessing the correct color can sometimes be difficult even with an ideal photo or the dog itself to examine. If you spot any mistakes let me know.
If you see your picture here and don't want it to be let me know and I'll take it down.
If you would like to contribute a picture for reference send me a link. Photographs need to be clear, in good lighting, and show enough of the dog to provide a good reference for markings.
I will be going back and adding to this whenever I find new references. My personal goal is to improve the quality of my art and educate myself because I like to know more about the patients I meet at

Agouti Locus Dog Color Feature: Agouti LocusThis is a supplement to my Theoretical Dog Genetics guide . I am using thumbnails from dA so that artists will get the credit that would be harder to give taking pictures from other online sources. The goal is to educate anyone who is curious, as well as to provide artists with references that will improve the realism of their work.
I am still learning, and guessing the correct color can sometimes be difficult even with an ideal photo or the dog itself to examine. If you spot any mistakes let me know.
If you see your picture here and don't want it to be let me know and I'll take it down.
If you would like to contribute a picture for reference send me a link. Photographs need to be clear, in good lighting, and show enough of the dog to provide a good reference for markings.
I will be going back and adding to this whenever I find new references. My personal goal is to improve the quality of my art and educate myself because I like to know more about the patients I meet at

White Spotting Modifiers Dog Color Feature: White Spotting ModifiersThis is a supplement to my Theoretical Dog Genetics guide . I am using thumbnails from dA so that artists will get the credit that would be harder to give taking pictures from other online sources. The goal is to educate anyone who is curious, as well as to provide artists with references that will improve the realism of their work.
I am still learning, and guessing the correct color can sometimes be difficult even with an ideal photo or the dog itself to examine. If you spot any mistakes let me know.
If you see your picture here and don't want it to be let me know and I'll take it down.
If you would like to contribute a picture for reference send me a link. Photographs need to be clear, in good lighting, and show enough of the dog to provide a good reference for markings.
I will be going back and adding to this whenever I find new references. My personal goal is to improve the quality of my art and educate myself because I like to know more about the patients I meet at

Eyes and Noses Dog Color Feature: Eyes and NosesThis is a supplement to my Theoretical Dog Genetics guide . I am using thumbnails from dA so that artists will get the credit that would be harder to give taking pictures from other online sources. The goal is to educate anyone who is curious, as well as to provide artists with references that will improve the realism of their work.
I am still learning, and guessing the correct color can sometimes be difficult even with an ideal photo or the dog itself to examine. If you spot any mistakes let me know.
If you see your picture here and don't want it to be let me know and I'll take it down.
If you would like to contribute a picture for reference send me a link. Photographs need to be clear, in good lighting, and show enough of the dog to provide a good reference for markings.
I will be going back and adding to this whenever I find new references. My personal goal is to improve the quality of my art and educate myself because I like to know more about the patients I meet at

Body Types Dog Body Type FeatureThis is a supplement to my Theoretical Dog Genetics guide . I am using thumbnails from dA so that artists will get the credit that would be harder to give taking pictures from other online sources. The goal is to educate anyone who is curious, as well as to provide artists with references that will improve the realism of their work.
I am still learning, and guessing the correct color can sometimes be difficult even with an ideal photo or the dog itself to examine. If you spot any mistakes let me know.
If you see your picture here and don't want it to be let me know and I'll take it down.
If you would like to contribute a picture for reference send me a link. Photographs need to be clear, in good lighting, and show enough of the dog to provide a good reference for markings.
I will be going back and adding to this whenever I find new references.
Other References:
 
K Locus- Black, Brindle, and Agouti
Chocolate, Blue, Isabella, and Progressive Graying


White Spotting Locus: Determines patterns of melanocytes which produce no pigment in hair. A few genes have been identified, but the full number and their interaction is unknown. The placement of white and colored parts is not random, but follows a pattern with color retreating toward the top of the head and back. Examples include patterns that may be from multiple genes, but are categorized by which pattern they most closely resemble.

S. Solid, aka self. May be the dominant gene in the series, but interact with other genes to produce less white spotting than a dog homozygous for the second gene would have.
Developmental white spots. Non-heritable incomplete migration of melanocytes on the chest or toes of solid colored dogs.
Maxx is Hoppy! by OzzDogPhotos 2 Months of Growth by Wild-Kegan Deutsche Dogge Deutsche Dogge by Katrin-Elizabeth Tibetan Mastiff The swedish VIKING by SaNNaS German Shepherd Dog Tux 2 by miracleswithpaws Mixed breed Maxwell by miracleswithpaws Rhodesian Ridgeback Rhodesian Ridgeback by Katrin-Elizabeth
Minimal Extension Irish. White does not extend as much as in typical Irish, restricted to neck/chest, narrow blaze on head, less than half of legs, and small white tail tip.

Appenzeller Mountain Dogs barking by Maaira ANTON Appenzeller by ooBLACKNIGHTINGALEoo Bernese Mountain Dogs Face to face by Gibbich

Unknown white trim. Could be an interaction between S and other genes.
Found dem apples yet by LordiKiro  Air by LordiKiro  Stray Dog in Romania Stock by LuDa-Stock  What's With Your Eyes?? by superpower-pnut big swiss sennen dog15 by schnuffibossi1 Australian Shepherd The first snow by Svenimal Australian Shepherd/German Shepherd Dog mix Kai March 2011 by Leonca American Akita My first Akita by Leonca Border Collie Border Collie by OceanLoner04 Cardigan Welsh Corgi Mini German Shepherd? by DreamEyce Chart Polski Merri I by Myou-Mo-mento Corgi mix Reference: White Trim and Other Genes by Leonca Husky mix Forest Investigator by Marzzunny Karelian Bear Dog Karelian bear dog, stand by SaNNaS Smooth Collie Two-year-old by Sigitius

SG (Panda markings in German Shepherd Dogs). Dominant, markings resemble irregular Irish spotting. Two copies are lethal before birth.

Trotting away from you by DestWorks229
si. Irish. White markings on the legs, tail tip, muzzle, and neck.
Border Collies perfect image by Zoych  Border collie by micromeg Paws that Dance by handzinpockets Nita by gatiodaniel Little miss Perfect by jollyvicky Heavy load by gatiodaniel Siberian Husky Lupo 5 years by Pawkeye Owl eyed dog by LordiKiro
Flashy. A pattern similar to Irish, but with more extensive or uneven white markings. In Boxers it is caused by the interaction between S and sp or sw.
Pitty at the park by Forsaken-Rellik-Art  Man's Best Friend 01 by K1ku-Stock Border Collie Border Collie 4 by SalsolaStock Boxers Dennis 2 by PurpleShallots Playful Boxer by akrPhotography Run away by Riderofthewind95 Boo by Feeferlump Tarzan by luciekout Boxer Stock by AcousticShadows Smooth Collie Following by Sigitius
Pseudo-Irish (solid/piebald or other gene combinations which resemble Irish)
Hank ref by GrawlixGoyle  happy at work by C-o-r  Shaded Sable Movement Reference by Leonca  Majlo by Kaasik91  Waiting by Si1vana  American Pit Bull Terrier 0284 by SMB-Photography  Dog Stock 359 by Jaded-Night-Stock  Dog 2196 by AlaskanStock Dog 2207 by AlaskanStock  Noble trot by Photogriff    
  January by Animal-Anime-Lover Dog Park1 (June 17, 2013) by blaze490 Puppy Prance by NatalieArcher American Akitas Akita by db-wc Australian Cattle Dog/Border Collie mix Posing is Serious Work by ShelleyVPhoto Brittany Spaniel Canine Chronicle Ad Photo 1 by SofiaERamirez Bulldog 066 : English Bulldog by Nylak-Stock Bull Terrier  Bull terrier by DogHeartsKoala Border Collie  Luna the border collie by Aenkill  Nissa Jump Spin by SpAzZnaticShuRIken English Springer Spaniel Dunder posing 5 by novablue Foxhound foxhound 2 by jettstock Harrier Ibizan Hound Java at show by pyratess09 Mixed Breed Mixed Breed Reference, with Genetics by Leonca
sp. Piebald. Patches of color centered on the head, sides, back, and lower tail.
       Dog by CrazyStylus  Beach dogg by Debohrawrr  Chuck by SecretPoet17 Chuck by SecretPoet17    Gidget by superpower-pnut King by superpower-pnut Book Worm2 by superpower-pnut Hey girls by Pawkeye Friends by Animal-Anime-Lover Dakota by Animal-Anime-Lover Brownie by Animal-Anime-Lover that's autumn by Maaira Lucky by doggj Seeing Double! by sarac1 Dog stock IV by Sasa-Stock Nissa Jump Spin by SpAzZnaticShuRIken Tugboat by SecretPoet17 A beautiful Stray by iforgot228 Dog Stock 083 by Jaded-Night-Stock I have my toy by melsphotographyy LAY by fatherofanartist American Akitas Lady Akita Americana Himeko by HolaRike Dallas the Guard Akita by I-Love-My-Chihuahua play? by dreamsamongtheclouds Beautiful Keira In The Snow by pikab2001 Thirst by iRaynebow Heart in the Yard by Khazi Akita/Husky mix:thumb323020248: American Eskimo Dog/Shetland Sheepdog mix Eskland Stock by Lovergurl Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix Run wif dat stick, you dummy, run! by sassawj Basset Hounds Basset Hound2 by OhSoJinxed Basset Hound Red by karida5517 Border Collie mix Side Profile by Heartshackles Borzois Free walk with Borzoi II by Cha-Barzoi Borzoi Puppy 2 by beniebag Bukovina Shepherd Dog Bukovina Shepherd Dog by natiawarner Chart Polski Luna by pusiek English Springer Spaniel Barney Spaniel by DigiPhotography Greenland Dog Twinkling Nova's Arnaq by NovaEden Huskies Crescent by Khalliysgraphy My husky by RippedSpirit Jack Russell Terrier:thumb377480497: Jack Russell Terrier mix Reference - Piebald by Leonca Kromfohrlander Agility: Kromfohrlander by furbyprince Norrbottenspets Family Dog by peetowan Mixed Breed Kropka by yadira-szara Pit Bull/Rottweiler/German Shepherd Dog mix Kibbles by Kangaleer-Kennels Pointer Pointer XVIII 2009 by TiLa Poodle  Miniature Poodle 2 by Hadissima Saint Bernards Bella by 1ShiningMoon Guardians Two by Nek29 Siberian Husky Standing proud by Taseevo
Extreme piebald. Few and small patches of color. As color retreats it is last seen on the top of the head and tail base.
   Trixie by Animal-Anime-Lover Pups 2 - in studio - by TiLa My Second Dog by PEACEBRAKER American Akita Do you wanna play 2? by gatomontachikawa Australian Cattle Dog mix My Little Coyote by octagonalstar Borzoi Borzoi by LoveForLukas English Setter fall... by Maaira Jack Russell Terrier Happy Boy by StevieSheaa Siberian Huskies Samuel by Volklet Ali At The Park by Volklet Spaniel mix Reference - Cream and Chocolate by Leonca Whippet Whippet by planet0
sw. Boxer white. Dogs may have a tiny spot of color around the eyes or ears, or may appear to be completely white. Breeding dogs known to carry this pattern should be done with caution, since they can be mostly or completely deaf. Eyes may be blue or have blue spots.
Boxers Boxer dogs by lovejinx 141. by bennyyboo Amina for DOOOP by luciekout white boxer boy Foldi IV by schnuffibossi1 Blitz the White Boxer by RoninBoxers Terrier mix (deaf) Think before you breed- Deafness in white dogs by Leonca



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