What type of gene determines the striking white coat color in White Shepherds?
Answer
A recessive gene
The white coloration in White Shepherds is genetically determined by a recessive gene. For a puppy to inherit this specific coat color, it is necessary that both parents carry the allele for the trait, even if the parents themselves display typical colors like black and tan or sable. If only one parent carries the recessive allele, the offspring will not be white unless the other parent also contributes the recessive allele. This genetic mechanism allows the white coloring to remain hidden in the gene pool until two carriers are bred together, causing it to appear unexpectedly in a litter of otherwise standard-colored German Shepherds.
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