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Post by sierramtnbrits on Feb 28, 2009 20:27:18 GMT -5
Just curious... I have a friend who has a brittany with a completely white face, no mask at all. Anyone know what causes this? Also what causes mis marked tri's. I've only ever seen two of these dogs. Sorry, the quality of the white faced dog isn't too good...  Thanks! |
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Post by wyngold on Mar 9, 2009 14:32:53 GMT -5
It is caused by the White spoting gene.
Science has just uncovered that the old formula where there was sw, sp, is factors is no longer valid.
There is a secondary factor that controls how much white is seen and so far only one white factor gene found they are still calling it Pied or (Sp) the secondary factor it seems states that the longer the protien chain the less white is seen.
The caution for the excessive white factor is that it can lead to white gene deafness. The Ear and nervous system developes from the midline of the spinal column...so for instance a dog with excessive white especially on the head, no midline closure, etc. can increase the risk that white hairs will form in the middle ear....those white hairs are unable to transmit sound impulses and hence the reason it is called white gene deafness...very common in Dalmations, English Setters, Brittanys, Aust. cattle dogs, English Springers....
As for the Red head Tricolors they have not identified a secondary gene associated with the extremem expression of Red vs. Black in these Tan point dogs.
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