Two different mutations in the Keratin 71 (KRT71) gene influence the hair formation in Devon Rex and Sphynx cats resulting in a curly coat or a nearly hairless coat. The Devon Rex, Curly Coat (K304) and Sphynx, Hairless Coat (K305) tests combined reveal the genetic status of the KRT71 gene. The KRT71 gene has three variants (alleles). The N allele is dominant over the alleles hr and dr; allele hr is dominant over allele dr. The dominant allele N does not have an effect on the coat type. Two copies of the hr allele (homozygous hr/hr) or one copy of the hr allele in combination with one copy of the dr allele (heterozygous hr/dr) results in a nearly hairless coat. Two copies of the dr allele (dr/dr) results in a curly coat. For Sphynx breeders, the tests identify hairless cats that carry the curly mutation and therefore, depending on the mate, might get offspring with a curly coat.

The Devon Rex, Curly Coat and Sphynx, Hairless Coat tests (together KRT71 gene) enclose the following results:

Devon Rex, Curly

Sphynx, Hairless

KRT71 gene

Coat

N/N

N/N

N/N

Normal coat, unless modified by another mutation influencing hair formation

N/N

N/hr

N/hr

Normal coat, unless modified by another mutation influencing hair formation

N/N

hr/hr

hr/hr

Nearly hairless coat, unless modified by another mutation influencing hair formation

N/dr

N/N

N/dr

Normal coat, unless modified by another mutation influencing hair formation

N/dr

N/hr

hr/dr

Nearly hairless coat, unless modified by another mutation influencing hair formation

dr/dr

N/N

dr/dr

Curly coat, unless modified by another mutation influencing hair formation

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