Mask & pigmentation - Page 1

Friends, I'm trying to work out combination of genotypes & phenotypes in my mind. Will there be an improvement in mask coloration and overall black color if a homogenous B & T is mated to a homogenous Bi-color or a Black. What are the results seen with a heterogenous B & T and heterogenous Bi-color or Black? PS: That dark-sable male staring out of the hompage of http://www.heginsschutzhundclub.com/ is amazing. I wonder who he is? Have a great year end. Cheers

I have noticed that not all bi-color, black OR black and tan dogs are created equal! Some of them, although their color may look good, have not-so-great pigmentation, and there IS a difference between color and pigmentation. I have seen GORGEOUSLY colored dogs with poor pigmentation. According to many who have extensively researched this, one of the best ways to reinforce good color and pigmentation is to breed to a nice sable. If you are trying to produce better black color AND mask/pigmentation, I would suggest breeding to a dog that you can SEE has helped improve these things. Good luck in your endeavor!

hi goron that is my pup.steve

Goron, VFH is right. You have to look for a dog that is consistantly producing what you want. You can not always go by the color of the dog alone. Debby

Steve ... is he listed on this database? Would like to see his pedigree.

I read somewhere that the mask coloration is on a completely different set of genes than the pattern of red/black or bi-color. For instance, a bi color dog with a completely black face can still carry a gene for not much mask coverage. Then pass that light mask down to black/red puppies if mated to a black/red.

Yes, that's correct. The mask allele has now been identified on the E locus along with GSD white. Modifying genes which control intensity of mask are probably completely separate from this locus and probably separate from the A locus patterns - sable, black & tan and solid black. So yes, dark faced dogs by virtue of their A locus genotype, could well carry the gene for no mask. GSD colour alleles for far identified by DNA are listed here - http://www.healthgene.com/canine/C128_german_shepherd.asp