Coat Color
Sable (Discovered in the Cocker Spaniel)
Alternative Names: Sable, Black Sable, Dark Sable, Golden Sable, Cocker Sable
The sable coloration discovered in the English Cocker Spaniel, scientifically known as "eH", is associated with dark hair on the dog appearing lighter in shade and partial red coloring in the paler areas of the coat. Sable color in Cocker Spaniels is a rare variant found in the MC1R gene, known as the E locus. It is a separate variant than the more common A locus sable, also known as fawn, that is found in many breeds and scientifically denoted as “ay”.
More Info
Did you know?
The MC1R gene is important in determining pigment production and patterning within a dog’s coat. It is also called the Extension (E) locus as it influences the extent of dark (eumelanin) and red (pheomelanin) pigmentation present. Variants of this gene include Mask (Em), Widow's Peak discovered in Saluki and Afghan Hound (Eg), Widow's Peak discovered in Ancient dogs (eA), and Recessive Red (e). The Cocker Spaniel sable variant (eH) is presently only known to occur in English and American Cocker Spaniels.
How it works
To show Cocker Spaniel sable coloration, a dog must inherit two copies of the sable variant (eH), one from each parent, or one copy of the Cocker Spaniel sable variant and one copy of a recessive red variant (e1-3).