Pigment Absence

Albino

Albino Photo

The Albino variant tested causes a complete inability to produce pigment (albinism). The variant is located in the SLC45A2 gene.

More Info

Did you know?

Mutations in this same gene are responsible for a form of albinism in humans, horses, mice, Bengal tigers, and Western lowland gorillas.

How it works

Two copies of this variant will result in the dog being albino with no body pigment. Other variants are known to cause albinism in the Bullmastiff and Doberman Pinscher.

Health implications

Albino dogs are more sensitive to light and susceptible to sunburn and skin and eye cancer. When outdoors, albino dogs should wear pet-safe sunscreen and sunglasses or "doggles" may be helpful to protect their eyes.

Prevalence

1 in 630 dogs

has one or more copy of this genetic variant in our testing.

Technical Details

Gene SLC45A2
Variant G>A
Chromosome 4
Coordinate Start 73,840,060
Coordinate End 73,867,437

All coordinates reference CanFam3.1

References & Credit

Credit to our scientific colleagues:

Wijesena, H. R., & Schmutz, S. M. (2015). A missense mutation in SLC45A2 is associated with albinism in several small long haired dog breeds. Journal of Heredity, 106(3), 285–288. View the article