Color: Melanistic (dark) mask
Samples Accepted: Blood, Buccal Swabs
Locus Information: E locus: Em
The E locus has multiple alleles. The wildtype, E, results in a black animal, while Em codes for a melanistic (dark) mask, and Eg codes for grizzle (only in Salukis and Afghan hounds). The lightest color is coded for by the e allele.
Test Information: This mutation test identifies only the Em allele of the E-locus: a single base change in the MC1R gene that is associated with a dark hair on a dog’s face.
Schmutz, SM., Berryere, TG., Ellinwood, NM., Kerns, JA., Barsh, GS.: MC1R studies in dogs with melanistic mask or brindle patterns. J Hered 94:69-73, 2003. Pubmed reference: 12692165
Further information is available at the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals website.