Can/should an American Bulldog have a black partial or full mask? What are your thoughts and why? "C134 - Canine Mask Test Description: Certain breeds of dogs that have a tan, yellow, fawn, or other pale coat colour over most of their body may also have a black, brown or grey mask over their muzzle. This black muzzle can sometimes extend up over their ears. Breeds that have such a black mask include the Akita, Bullmastiff, Boxer, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Greyhound, Keeshound, Leonberger, Mastiff, Pekinese, Pug, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Sloughi, Tibetan Spaniel, and Whippet. Studies have determined that variation in a gene known as MC1R is responsible for the black mask observed in these breeds. Dogs that carry two mutated copies of this gene (recessive) produce coat colours such as yellow, gold, apricot, or red. Dogs that carry the dominant form of this gene have a black mask. The mechanism by which the black mask is formed in affected breeds involves an interaction between the MC1R or E gene with the agouti protein and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The dominant MC1R gene allows agouti to bind to its receptor some of the time which results in the synthesis of the fawn pigment throughout the body, while the melanocyte-stimulating hormone can instead bind on the face and produce the melanin pigment. The Melanin pigment can be black, grey or brown and therefore the term "melanistic" mask includes all these types of masks. Because of this, any phaeomelanin-pigmented dog (i.e. yellow, fawn, red, cream) is due to an agouti genotype. Such dogs cannot be "e/e" at MC1R because a dominant E is required for the production of a melanistic mask. DNA Test: The discovery of genes associated with canine masks has lead to the development of a DNA based test that detects the presence of these masks in Great Danes, Greyhounds, and Whippets. In Great Danes, the black mask is inherited as a dominant trait. It is not evident on black dogs but they may carry this trait too. In Greyhounds and Whippets, the black mask is also inherited as a dominant trait. It is not evident on black dogs or dogs with white markings on the muzzle but they may carry this trait too. In dogs that have dilute colours, such as grey or grey brindle, the mask will be grey and difficult to detect. This test provides breeders with a percentage (i.e. 0%, 50%, 100%) that represents the probability that the pups will have a mask from a tested parent. Breeds: Please, visit our Canine website to learn more about Canine Mask Test for specific breeds. Sample: 1. Whole blood (3ml) in a lavender top (EDTA) tube. 2. Three cheek swabs per dog Special Handling: Store samples at 4°C until pick up or shipment. Certification of Results: HealthGene will provide a certificate for each test result. Test Code: C134 " http://www.healthgene.com/veterinary-testing/genetic-dna-testing/small-animals/
