08/06/2022
Let’s talk base/eumelanin colors in American Bullies!
First on the list is black. This is normal, undiluted pigment. Two black based dogs can produce any single other color as long as it is Dd Bb as well as it’s partner. Black dogs will always have a black nose. However in merle and piebald they are not uncommonly spotted. Black dogs usually have brown eyes.
Next up is blue. Blue is diluted on the D locus. Similar to black based dogs, blue based dogs will always have blue nose leather. As well as spotted noses with merle and piebald variety. This is the gene that is commonly affected by Blue dogs commonly have brown or green eyes.
Next is chocolate/liver. Chocolate occurs on the B locus. (i always think of it like B for brown) Chocolate based dogs will have a brown nose, although it can range in shade from a light almost pink color, to a dark brown. Chocolate based merle dogs are commonly referred to as red merle. They will usually have amber eyes.
And lastly we are onto lilac/isabella. Lilac based dogs are homozygous for both liver and dilution. When paired with another lilac they will only produce lilac offspring. They will usually have amber or light green eyes.
Sometimes eumelanin can affect phaeomelanin intensity, this is the red pigment responsible for the color of tan points. Phaeomelanin only exists in the coat of a dog, so it does not affect the eyes or nose color at all. Which is why a very clear black based fawn, will still always have a black nose.
Please feel free to share and ask questions under this post. As well as correct me if i have worded anything incorrectly or made any mistakes. This is not an extensive genetics lesson, just for fun 🙂