Demystify your dog's appearance with 50+ trait tests.
Albino
The Albino variant tested causes a complete inability to produce pigment (albinism). The variant is located in the SLC45A2 gene.
Chocolate (basd)
Chocolate color discovered in the Australian Shepherd, also known as "basd," is a variant found in the TYRP1 gene, known as the B locus. This variant is associated with a dog’s darkest color pigment being limited to brown instead of black. Meaning all dark hair, nails and skin (including eye rims, nose and paw pads) will be a shade of brown or chocolate. It was previously reported as Chocolate (Variant 4).
Chocolate (bc)
This chocolate color variant, also known as “bc”, is associated with a dog’s darkest color pigment being limited to brown instead of black. Meaning all dark hair, nails and skin (including eye rims, nose and paw pads) will be a shade of brown or chocolate. This variant is found in the TYRP1 gene, known as the B locus. It was previously reported as Chocolate (Variant 1).
Chocolate (bd)
This chocolate color variant, also known as “bd”, is associated with a dog’s darkest color pigment being limited to brown instead of black. Meaning all dark hair, nails and skin (including eye rims, nose and paw pads) will be a shade of brown or chocolate. This variant is found in the TYRP1 gene, known as the B locus. It was previously reported as Chocolate (Variant 3).
Chocolate (be)
Chocolate color discovered in the Lancashire Heeler, also known as "be," is a variant found in the TYRP1 gene, known as the B locus. This variant is associated with a dog’s darkest color pigment being limited to brown instead of black. Meaning all dark hair, nails and skin (including eye rims, nose and paw pads) will be a shade of brown or chocolate. Eye color is also affected, and is typically gold or amber.
Chocolate (bh)
Chocolate color discovered in the Siberian Husky, also known as "bh," is a variant found in the TYRP1 gene, known as the B locus. This variant is associated with a dog’s darkest color pigment being limited to brown instead of black. Meaning all dark hair, nails and skin (including eye rims, nose and paw pads) will be a shade of brown or chocolate. Eye color is also affected, and is typically gold or amber.
Chocolate (bs)
This chocolate color variant, also known as “bs”, is associated with a dog’s darkest color pigment being limited to brown instead of black. Meaning all dark hair, nails and skin (including eye rims, nose and paw pads) will be a shade of brown or chocolate. This variant is found in the TYRP1 gene, known as the B locus. It was previously reported as Chocolate (Variant 2).
Furnishings
The Furnishings variant causes a fuzzy beard, moustache and eyebrows, and is located in the RSPO2 gene.
Merle
The Merle variant causes a patchy coat pattern common in many herding breeds. Each dog's pattern is unique. On a black dog, areas of black and silver will be seen, or on a chocolate dog, areas of brown and beige. It can occur in combination with many other coat patterns, and can cause blue eyes or a fully or partly pink nose. The Merle variant is found in the PMEL gene (known as the M locus).
Piebald
The Piebald variant causes white spotting, patches and/ or a completely white coat. It can also cause blue eyes, pink or "butterfly" nose, pink eye rims, white toenails and pink paw pads. The Piebald variant, also known as "sp" (for spotting), is found in the MITF gene (known as the S locus).
Saddle Tan
The Saddle Tan variant is responsible for a red color pattern with a dark-haired saddle over the back. The variant is located in the RALY gene.
Tan Points
The Tan Points variant is responsible for a distinct symmetrical pattern of tan and dark pigment, with tan markings on the eyebrow, cheeks, chest and lower legs. This variant is also required for a saddle tan pattern to occur.
Back Muscle and Bulk
The Back Muscle and Bulk variant is associated with increased back muscle and fat. The variant is located in the ACSL4 gene.
Blue Eyes (Discovered in the Siberian Husky)
The Blue Eyes variant is associated with blue eyes and heterochromia, which is when the eyes are two different colors, and is located in the ALX4 gene.
Cocoa (Discovered in the French Bulldog)
Cocoa, discovered in the French Bulldog, is a variant found in the HPS3 gene and is scientifically known as "co." Cocoa is associated with a dark brown coat coloration and dark amber eyes in French Bulldogs. Notably, all other known chocolate variants are found in the TYRP1 gene (B locus) and are associated with a lighter brown coat and amber eyes.
Curly Coat
The Curly Coat variant causes a curly coat type and is located in the KRT71 gene.
Dilution (d1) Linkage test
The Dilution variant “d1” causes a lightening or dilution of pigment, especially dark pigments (eumelanin). Dilute black pigment appears grey, and dilute chocolate pigment appears isabella (a creamy brown). Red or yellow pigment (phaeomelanin) may show mild lightening of color. The d1 variant is found in the MLPH gene, known as the D locus. It was previously reported as Dilution (Variant 1).
Dilution (d2)
The Dilution variant “d2” causes a lightening or dilution of pigment, especially dark pigments (eumelanin). Dilute black pigment appears grey, and dilute chocolate pigment appears isabella (a creamy brown). Red or yellow pigment (phaeomelanin) may show mild lightening of color. The d2 variant is found in the MLPH gene, known as the D locus. It was previously reported as Dilution (Variant 2).
Dilution (d3)
The Dilution variant “d3” causes a lightening or dilution of pigment, especially dark pigments (eumelanin). Dilute black pigment appears grey, and dilute chocolate pigment appears isabella (a creamy brown). Red or yellow pigment (phaeomelanin) may show mild lightening of color. The d3 variant is found in the MLPH gene, known as the D locus. It was previously reported as Dilution (Variant 3).
Dominant Black
The Dominant Black variant is responsible for black and brindle coat colors. The Dominant Black variant is also known as KB (or Kbr if brindle), and is found in the CBD103 gene (known as the K locus).
Fawn
The Fawn variant is one of the most common red coat patterns, and is responsible for a coat with a red base, and dark-tipped hairs, often darkest over the forehead, ears, spine and tail. Fawn (also denoted as "ay") is found in the ASIP gene (known as the A locus).
Floppy Ears
The Floppy Ears variant is associated with ears that fold due to decreased cartilage stiffness. The variant is located in the MSRB3 gene.
Hairlessness (Discovered in the American Hairless Terrier)
The Hairlessness (Discovered in the American Hairless Terrier) variant causes dogs to have little or no hair, and is located in the SGK3 gene.
Hairlessness (Discovered in the Chinese Crested Dog) Linkage test
The Hairlessness (Discovered in the Chinese Crested Dog) variant causes dogs to have little or no hair, and is located in the FOXI3 gene.
Hairlessness (Discovered in the Scottish Deerhound)
The Hairlessness (Discovered in the Scottish Deerhound) variant causes a dog to have little or no hair, and is located in the SGK3 gene.
Hair Ridge
The Hair Ridge variant causes an unusual permanent ridge of hair which will run down the dog's spine. The Hair Ridge variant is a duplication of the FGF3, FGF4, FGF19 and ORAOV1 genes.
Harlequin
The Harlequin variant results in a distinctive pattern of spots of color on a white coat background, but only when the merle variant is also present. The Harlequin variant is found in the PSMB7 gene (known as the H locus).
High Altitude Adaptation
The High Altitude Adaptation variant is associated with an adaptation to living at high altitudes. The variant is located in the EPAS1 gene.
Hind Dewclaws (Discovered in Asian breeds)
The Hind Dewclaws (Discovered in Asian breeds) variant may result in the presence of hind dewclaws, which actually have no function! The variant is also known as DC-1, and is located in the LMBR1 gene.
Hind Dewclaws (Discovered in Western breeds)
The Hind Dewclaws (Discovered in Western breeds) variant may result in the presence of hind dewclaws, which actually have no function! The variant is also known as DC-2, and is located in the LMBR1 gene.
Long Hair (lh1)
The Long Hair variant "lh1" causes long hair in dogs and is located in the FGF5 gene. It was previously reported as Long Hair (Variant 1).
Long Hair (lh2)
The Long Hair variant "lh2" causes long hair in dogs and is the c.556del variant located in the FGF5 gene. It was previously reported as Long Hair (Variant 2).
Long Hair (lh3)
The Long Hair variant "lh3" causes long hair in dogs and is the c.559dup variant located in the FGF5 gene. It was previously reported as Long Hair (Variant 3).
Long Hair (lh4)
The Long Hair variant "lh4" causes long hair in dogs and is the c.578C>T variant located in the FGF5 gene. It was previously reported as Long Hair (Variant 4).
Long Hair (lh5)
The Long Hair variant "lh5" causes long hair in dogs and is located at position chr32:g.4517257T>A in the FGF5 gene. It was previously reported as Long Hair (Variant 5).
Mask
The Mask variant causes dark facial hair, mainly over the dog's muzzle, which looks a bit like a mask. The Mask variant is also known as Em and is found in the MC1R gene (known as the E locus).
Recessive Black
The Recessive Black variant is a rare cause of black coat color. The Recessive Black variant, also known as the "a" variant, is found in the ASIP gene (known as the A locus).
Recessive Red (e1)
The Recessive Red variant causes only shades of red (phaeomelanin) pigment to be displayed in a dog’s coat, ranging from a deep red, to orange, yellow or even white. This variant is also known as the "e1" variant and is found in the MC1R gene, known as the E locus. It was previously reported as Recessive Red (Variant 1).
Recessive Red (e2)
The Recessive Red variant causes only shades of red (phaeomelanin) pigment to be displayed in a dog’s coat, ranging from a deep red, to orange, yellow or even white. This variant is also known as the "e2" variant and is found in the MC1R gene, known as the E locus. It was previously reported as Recessive Red (Variant 2).
Recessive Red (e3)
The Recessive Red variant causes only shades of red (phaeomelanin) pigment to be displayed in a dog’s coat, ranging from a deep red, to orange, yellow or even white. This variant is also known as the "e3" variant and is found in the MC1R gene, known as the E locus. It was previously reported as Recessive Red (Variant 3).
Red Intensity
The Red Intensity variant causes a decrease in red (phaeomelanin) pigment concentration in the coat. Phaeomelanin is the pigment responsible for red, yellow, and pale cream coat colors. The Red Intensity variant is found in the MFSD12 gene (also known as I or Intensity locus).
Reduced Shedding
The Reduced Shedding variant is associated with a decreased tendency for a dog to shed hair. The variant is located in the MC5R gene.
Roan (Linkage test)
Roan patterning is caused by an intermingling of white and pigmented hairs, with the pigmented hair color matching the base color of the coat in that area if white was not present. Roan may occur with or without small spots of solid color, called ticking. Roaning is common in certain breeds such as the Australian Cattle Dog and German Shorthaired Pointer. The Wisdom test for roan patterning is what is known as a linkage test. It does not directly test for the roan-associated variant but provides a prediction based on nearby proprietary marker(s) in the DNA. The test therefore gives an indicator of genetic status for this trait.
Sable (Discovered in the Cocker Spaniel)
The sable coloration discovered in the English Cocker Spaniel, scientifically known as "eH", is associated with dark hair on the dog appearing lighter in shade and partial red coloring in the paler areas of the coat. Sable color in Cocker Spaniels is a rare variant found in the MC1R gene, known as the E locus. It is a separate variant than the more common A locus sable, also known as fawn, that is found in many breeds and scientifically denoted as “ay”.
Short Legs (Chondrodysplasia, CDPA)
The Short Legs (CDPA) variant is associated with short legs due to chondrodysplasia. The variant is an insertion of an FGF4 gene on chromosome 18.
Short Legs (Chondrodystrophy, CDDY)
The Short Legs (Chondrodystrophy, CDDY) variant is associated with shortened legs secondary to skeletal dysplasia which affects the development of cartilage and bone growth. The variant is an insertion of an FGF4 gene on chromosome 12. There is another common Short Legs variant that occurs on chromosome 18, called breed-defining chondrodysplasia (CDPA), which has a greater effect on leg length. While the CDDY variant has a less pronounced effect on stature, it is associated with an increased risk for abnormal early degeneration of intervertebral discs in the spine.
Short Snout (BMP3 variant)
Short Snout (BMP3 variant) has been shown to cause shortening of the head and snout. The variant is found in the BMP3 gene. It was previously reported as Short Snout (Variant 2).
Short Snout (SMOC2 variant)
Short Snout (SMOC2 variant) causes snout shortening, and actually accounts for 36% of the variation seen in dog muzzle length. The variant is found in the SMOC2 gene. It was previously reported as Short Snout (Variant 1).
Short Tail
The Short Tail variant is associated with a naturally short "bobbed" tail. The variant is located in the T-box gene.
Widow's Peak (Discovered in Ancient dogs)
The Widow's peak variant (also known as Ancient Red) causes an increase in the ratio of red (phaeomelanin) to dark pigment (eumelanin) in the coat when expressed. The variant is also known as the eA variant and is found in the MC1R gene (known as the E locus).
Widow's Peak (Discovered in the Afghan Hound and Saluki)
The Widow's peak (Discovered in the Afghan Hound and Saluki) is also known as the Grizzle variant. It is responsible for a blended effect of light and dark hair, with the lower part of the body appearing lighter than the top. Other names for this variant include Eg and Domino, and it is found in the MC1R gene (known as the E locus), and is a rare trait.