Trait overview

The Agouti (ASIP) gene is typically responsible for coat colors, though may appear in different areas of the body at different times during development. As a result, it can bring about specific coat patterns. The ASIP gene organizes the pattern of black and red pigments. When the ASIP gene is present, the hair will be yellow or red. When this gene is missing, the hair becomes black or brown.

Gene name(s)

ASIP

Inheritance

Multifactorial

More common in the following breeds

, ,

Citations

Kerns JA, Newton J, Berryere TG, Rubin EM, Cheng JF, Schmutz SM, Barsh GS. Characterization of the dog Agouti gene and a nonagoutimutation in German Shepherd Dogs. Mamm Genome. 2004 Oct;15(10):798-808. doi: 10.1007/s00335-004-2377-1. PMID: 15520882.

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.