Many Labradors have white spots on their fur due to a genetic variation called “white spotting.” The white spots may disappear when the dog gets its adult coat. However, some Labradors may keep their white spots throughout their lives.
1. What are the causes of white spots on Labradors?
There are two types of white spots on Labradors: residual white and true white. Residual white is very small amounts of white on the chest, toes, or tail of a dog. True white is larger patches of white on the body. Both types of white spotting are caused by the same genes, but they are different sizes because of how those genes are expressed.
The S locus controls all patterns of piebald (or partially colored) coat in animals, including humans. The allele for no pigment (S-) is dominant to the allele for color (s). This means that if a Labrador has one copy of the S-allele and one copy of the s-allele, they will have some amount ofwhite spotting. If they have two copies of the S-allele, they will be completely white.
So what causes these different patterns? It turns out that there are several genes involved in controlling how much pigment is produced in each hair follicle. These genes interact with each other in complex ways to determine how much color a dog will have overall, as well as where that color will be distributed on their body.
One gene that plays a role in this process is called MITF (melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor-interacting factor). This gene helps to control how much melanin is produced in each hair follicle. Dogs with more copies of this gene tend to have less pigment overall, and thus more white spotting.
Another gene involved in pigmentation is called ASIP (agouti signaling protein). This gene determines whether a hair follicle produces eumelanin or phaeomelanin – which are two different types of melanin pigments.
2. Is it possible for Labradors to lose their white spots?
Yes, it is possible for Labradors to lose their white spots. The process is called “greying” and is most common in older dogs. Greying typically starts at the muzzle and may spread to other areas of the body.
3. Why do some Labradors have more white spots than others?
Some Labradors have more white spots than others because of a genetic mutation that causes excessive pigmentation. This is a relatively new phenomenon, and it is not clear why it occurs. The spotting does not seem to be harmful to the dogs and many people find it attractive.
The gene responsible for this excess pigmentation is called the “merle” gene. Merle is a pattern of coloration that can occur in many different animals, including dogs, cats, and horses. It is characterized by irregular patches of color on an otherwise uniform coat.
In Labradors, merle coats can range from very light (almost white) to very dark (nearly black). The merle gene is thought to be relatively new, appearing only within the last few hundred years or so. It’s not clear how or why it first appeared in Labradors, but it’s possible that it was introduced through cross-breeding with other breeds of dogs.
The merle gene is considered to be somewhat controversial because it can cause health problems in some animals. For example, in cats, merle coats are associated with deafness and blindness. However, there does not seem to be any evidence that Labradors with merle coats are more prone to health problems than those without them.
4. Are there any health concerns associated with white spotting in Labradors?
Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and they come in a variety of colors. One of those colors is white. White Labradors make up a small percentage of the overall Labrador population, but they are just as healthy as their colored counterparts.
There are no major health concerns associated with white spotting in Labradors. Some minor health concerns may include: skin problems, allergies, and joint issues. However, these problems can occur in any color Labrador.
5. What does the research say about the genetic causes of white spotting in Labradors?
There is a genetic mutation that causes some Labradors to have white spots on their fur. The mutation is found in the SLC45A2 gene. This gene regulates the production of melanin, which gives color to the fur.
Labradors with two copies of this mutated gene (one from each parent) will have more extensive white spotting, while those with only one copy will have less obvious spotting.
The research on this topic is ongoing, but it seems that the presence or absence of white spots on a Labrador’s fur may be due in part to genetics.
Specifically, the SLC45A2 gene appears to play a role in determining how much melanin is present in the fur. Labradors who carry two copies of the mutated version of this gene (one from each parent) tend to have more extensive white spotting than those who carry only one copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Labs have white markings?
Labs can have white markings due to a genetic variation called “white spotting.” White spots may disappear when the Lab gets its first adult coat, but sometimes they remain.
The reason for this is not fully understood, but it is thought that the white spotting gene may be linked to other genes that affect coat color.
What is a mismarked Labrador?
A mismarked Labrador is a dog with unusual coloration. This can include black and tan markings, brindling, some white markings, and ring-around-the-tail markings. Mismarks are not considered to be defects, and they can occur in any breed of dog.
Why do some Labradors have white markings?
Many Labradors have white markings on their faces or bodies, which is often a sign that the dog is getting old.
As Labradors age, they may develop white or grey fur in certain areas. This is due to the natural aging process and is nothing to be concerned about.
If your Labrador has developed white markings around its face or anywhere else on its body, it is likely just a sign of aging and there is no need to worry.