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The Ancient Red variant is as rare as it is old. Researchers have discovered the variant to be present in the DNA samples of prehistoric Siberian and South-Eastern European dog remains dated to be over 10,000 years old. It is thought that it may be one of the earliest dog-specific coat colors humans selected for during dog domestication. Less than 2% of dogs tested carry this variant.

How it works

To see the effect of the Ancient Red variant, a dog must inherit two copies of the eA variant, one from each parent, or one copy of the eA variant and one copy of any of the recessive red (e1-3) variants. Interactions of Ancient Red with other variants is complex. The characteristic coat color patterning associated with the Ancient Red variant is possible to see on genetically agouti, tan pointed or fawn dogs (that are dark shaded). This pattern results in receding of dark pigment on the undersides, legs and face where the contrast of dark hair on the top of the head gives an impression of a widow's peak. This particular pattern is called "domino" or "grizzle" depending on the breed. It is also common that the dog has white markings on the centerline of the face along with reduced pigment up the centerline of the nose that may be referred to as a "dudley nose" or "snow nose". When dominant black or brindle is present and Ancient Red is inherited, alone or in combination with other recessive red variants, the color patterning will instead mimic what has been inherited at the A locus, such as fawn, agouti, or tan points. Similarly, genetically recessive black dogs will resemble a dark agouti or tan pointed color pattern.