White spotting in many animals is typically caused by a mutation to the tyrosine kinase receptor (KIT) gene. KIT plays a broad role in an animal’s development and helps govern the formation of pigment-containing cells. In dogs there are several examples where a KIT mutation has been found to affect the coat colour patterning.
In the German Shepherd, one such mutation causes what is known as the “Panda” coat pattern. Panda German Shepherds have large white markings on the face, chest, paws and tail. The mutation arose naturally in a German Shepherd around the year 2000 and is not due to crossbreeding with e.g. collies, which is sometimes written.
Inheritance
The Panda mutation has an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. However, it is also autosomal recessive lethal, meaning that no puppies will be born with two copies of the mutated allele. This means that, when breeding two Panda German Shepherds together, a puppy has a 66% chance of being born with Panda, and a 33% chance of a normal coat colour.
Relevant tests
• H354
