Color Modification
Dilution (d3)
Alternative Names: Isabella, Lilac, Blue, Mouse Grey, Deer Grey, Grey, Grey-Brown, Silver, Charcoal, Champagne, Cream
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).
More Info
Did you know?
Coat color dilution is caused by the clumping of pigment within the hair shaft. This results in sections of hair which are relatively transparent, giving the impression of a lighter color. Eye and nose color are also affected, with dilute dogs showing striking amber, blue-grey, or green-blue eyes. Although the Weimaraner is the best known for dilution, many breeds can display the trait.
How it works
To show coat color dilution, a dog must inherit two copies of a dilution variant, one from each parent. This can either be two copies of a particular variant, such as this one (d3) or two of any combination of dilution variants. This variant (d3) is uncommon.
Health implications
Some forms of dilution cause the dilute-colored hair shaft to be brittle, resulting in early breakage of the hair at or near the skin, which can cause skin irritation. White spotted portions of the coat are not affected. This condition is called color dilution alopecia. The genetic cause of this disorder currently remains unidentified.
Prevalence
1 in 110 dogs
has one or more copy of this genetic variant in our testing.
Technical Details
| Gene | MLPH |
|---|---|
| Also Called | Dilution (D) Locus |
| Variant | Insertion |
| Chromosome | 25 |
| Coordinate | 48,150,749 |
All coordinates reference CanFam3.1
References & Credit
Credit to our scientific colleagues:
Van Buren, S., Minor, K., Grahn, R., Mickelson, J., Grahn, J., Malvick, J., Colangelo, J., Mueller, E., Kuehnlein, P., Kehl, A. A Third MLPH Variant Causing Coat Color Dilution in Dogs. Genes 2020 vol: 11 (6) View the article