Panda White Spotting

A mutation in the KIT-gene is associated with a white spotting pattern in German Shepherd Dogs, this pattern is  also called Panda White Spotting. The mutation is very recent, it appeared spontaneously in a female born in 2000. The gene for white-spotting is known as the S-locus (MITF-Gene), however this mutation in the German Shepherd dogs is in a different gene then the mutation causing white spotting in other dog breeds. The mutation causes white markings on the face, limbs, belly, neck, and tip of the tail, with the white being concentrated toward the front of the dog, similar to the irish spotting pattern. The amount of white can vary from dog to dog. The mutation that causes the Panda White pattern in German Shepherd dogs is in homozygous state (two copies of the mutation) considered embryonic lethal as no live dogs with the pattern and with two copies of the mutation have been observed. This means that pups that are homozygous for the Panda mutation do not develop in the uterus and are reabsorbed very early in the development process. Dogs that are heterozygous (one copy of the mutation) do not have any health defects associated with the Panda pattern. The Coat Colour Panda White Spotting test (H354) tests for the genetic status of the KIT-gene. This gene has two variants (alleles), P and N. The allele P is dominant. One copy of the P allele results in dogs with the Panda white pattern. Two copies of the P allele result in early embryonic death. The allele N does have no effect on the coat colour.

The Coat Colour Panda White Spotting test encloses the following results.