Coat color genetics part V: K-locus (dominant Black)

by Annika Farstad
© 2006

Until fairly recently, it was believed that the gene for a black coat sat at the top of the Agouti locus. However, recent research has shown this was incorrect, and K has now been designated as the locus.

(K) Dominant Black: This produces a black coat and is dominant to the agouti gene. This means that no matter what a dog may have at the agouti locus, a dominant black will over-ride it and the dog will be black.

(k) Non black: This allele allows the expression of other color/pattern genes to be visible - ie: not hidden by the dominant dark color. Dogs which have two recessive alleles (k/k) can express a variety of phenotypes. All black-and-tan dogs or dogs with tan points are k/k. All fawn or sable dogs are k/k. Cream/red dogs that have an e/e genotype however, could be any genotype at the K locus.

Cream/red dogs that have an e/e genotype however, could be any genotype at the K locus.