Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R), also known as the Extension locus, is a gene that is responsible for producing pigments that are eumelanin (dark brown/black) or pheomelanin (reddish-yellow). There are seven known variants of this gene, with variant Em being associated with the melanistic mask. If the Em genotype is present, the dog will form a melanistic face mask marking. Visibility of the mask will be dependent on the base coat and the surrounding coat color.
MC1R
Dominant
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