Trait overview

A mutation in Beta-defensin (CBD103) is unique to dogs and is responsible for dominant black coat color.

Gene name(s)

CBD103

Inheritance

Autosomal Dominant

More common in the following breeds

N/A

Citations

Candille SI, Kaelin CB, Cattanach BM, Yu B, Thompson DA, Nix MA, Kerns JA, Schmutz SM, Millhauser GL, Barsh GS. A -defensin mutation causes black coat color in domestic dogs. Science. 2007 Nov 30;318(5855):1418-23. doi: 10.1126/science.1147880. Epub 2007 Oct 18. PMID: 17947548; PMCID: PMC2906624.

Brancalion L, Haase B, Wade CM. Canine coat pigmentation genetics: a review. Anim Genet. 2022 Feb;53(1):3-34. doi: 10.1111/age.13154. Epub 2021 Nov 9. Erratum in: Anim Genet. 2022 Jun;53(3):474-475. PMID: 34751460.