DDC Veterinary, a division of DNA Diagnostics Center, has expanded its list of available canine coat color DNA tests to include the S locus, an allele that is associated with piebald, parti, or random white spotting among several dog breeds.
Dog breeders often use DNA coat color testing as a tool to identify hidden (recessive) colors. This helps them to better manage their matings and make more informed breeding and selection choices.

Landseer Newfoundland

The S locus is most often found to follow a recessive pattern of inheritance, in which two copies of the piebald allele is required to exhibit the piebald phenotype (white spotting). Examples of this phenotype include the Parti color in Yorkshire Terriers, and the black-and-white Landseer Newfoundland.
However, some dog breeds that possess a single copy of the allele do exhibit limited piebald expression. These include the Collie, Great Dane, Italian Greyhound, Shetland Sheepdog, Boxer, and Bull Terrier.
DDC Veterinary currently offers coat color DNA testing on 8 different loci, including the popular E and B locus tests for Labrador Retrievers. The website offers an easy search tool for dog breeders and owners to determine the DNA tests suitable to their dogs.
Upon receiving an order, DDC Veterinary sends clients a free DNA sample collection kit containing buccal swabs. Results are available within 10 days of sample receipt in the laboratory, and a 5-day expedited service is also available.
For more information about DDC Veterinary’s services, call 1-800-625-0874.