PLATINUM BULLDOGS

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A DNA variant has been found in the MITF gene that is associated with piebald spotting. A dog with one copy of the MITF variant has some white pattern expression, while a dog with 2 copies of the variant display more extreme white. Additional mutations in MITF or other white spotting genes appear to be present in some breeds that affect the amount of white being expressed. In other breeds, piebald behaves as a recessive trait, that is 2 copies of piebald are needed to produce white spotting. White/Piebald can be either recessive or dominant according to the breed, and in some breeds also behaves as a dosage dependent trait.

Platinum basically means an ALL WHITE Dog. Platinum is not a color, but is rather a lack of pigment. So you can technically have a genetic true color dog, such as a Dark Chocolate Tri who is ALL white! It has been accepted for years now, that dogs with spots of color that represent 10% or less of the total body color, may be designated Platinum. The preferred True Platinum has an all white coat. Any where the dog is white could have hidden color, remember white takes out the color that would normally be there.  

Dog Coat Color Piebald, Parti or Random White Spotting

White patterns in dogs does not have a uniform genetic basis. Some white patterns, are symmetrical with white markings on the undersides, collar and muzzle. Patterns of less symmetrical white spotting are often called piebald, parti, or random white.

The genetic determination of white spotting in dogs is complex. In some breeds, piebald is dosage dependent. A dog with one copy of the variant has some white pattern expression, while a dog with 2 copies of the variant display more extreme white with color only on the head and perhaps a body spot. In dogs with 2 copies of the MITF variant, some are completely white. Additional mutations in MITF or other white genes may be present that affect the amount of white being expressed. In others, piebald behaves as a recessive trait requiring 2 copies of piebald needed to produce white spotting.

RESULTS (UCDavis) 

N/N   Dog has no copies of piebald

N/S   Dog has 1 copy of piebald

S/S   Dog has 2 copies of piebald