Different alleles at the “K locus,” which is likely a gene called ASIP that regulates pigment switching, are responsible for brindling coloration, which is a pattern of black and brown stripes (Figure 1; Ciampolini, 2013). The K locus has three alleles: KB, kbr, and ky (Kerns, 2007). The KB allele produces a solid black color and is dominant over the other two alleles. The brindle color pattern is produced by kbr, which predominates over the ky allele. The brindle color pattern will therefore be present in dogs with the genotypes kbrkbr or kbrky. Dogs with the genotype kyky are yellow in color.
The K locus and MC1R (which regulates the distinction between the production of light and dark pheomelanin) have an epistatic relationship Regardless of its genotype at the K locus, a dog with two recessive alleles for MC1R who is unable to produce eumelanin will appear yellow.
Researchers Ciampolini, Cecchi, Spaterna, Bramante, Bardet, and Oulmouden 2013. Characterization of various ASIP gene 5′-untranslated exons in brindle and black-and-tan Doberman Pinscher dogs Anim Genet. 44(1):114-7.
JA Kerns, EJ Cargill, LA Clark, SI Candille, TG Berryere, M Olivier, G Lust, R J Todhunter, SM Schmutz, KE Murphy, and GS Barsh 2007. Black and brindle coat color linkage and segregation analysis in domestic dog breeds Genetics. 176(3):1679-89.
Greyhound
Greyhounds with brindle coats stand out because of how well their short hair highlights the distinctive color pattern!
Despite their reputation for being athletic, greyhounds are actually sluggish housemates who enjoy just hanging out. They’ll be an affectionate addition to the family.
Greyhounds can be any color, including fawn, black, grey, white, or brindle, despite their name. As they frequently shed a lot, they require daily brushing to keep their coats in good condition.
Greyhound puppies are happy and playful, and there are also lots of adult dogs who require homes after finishing their racing careers. They make wonderful pets for new owners and families because they are typically calm and simple to train.
They do require a lot of exercise because they love to run and have a high prey drive, but if you let them off leash, you might not be able to catch them if they chase a squirrel or a rabbit. They run at about 45 miles per hour.
Although greyhounds are typically healthy dogs, if they are overexercised as puppies, they may develop hip dysplasia. Before undergoing any type of surgery, they should be tested for their susceptibility to anesthesia and other medications.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
These reputable British dogs are frequently spotted with brindle coats. These cute, affectionate little dogs can fit in with a busy owner and do well in apartments, but be aware that they frequently bark.
These Corgis have the traditional double coat, which consists of a thicker, longer topcoat and a shorter undercoat.
They come in a variety of colors, including red, sable, and brindle. They can also occasionally be black with brindle points or blue merle with a tan or brindle mask. Typically, they have white markings on their tail tip, belly, muzzle, neck, and legs.
Despite having started out as herding dogs, Cardigan Welsh corgis have successfully adapted to family life. They might still try to herd smaller children and animals, but with the right socialization, they will soon develop into bright and perceptive family members.
These dogs, unlike many others, can be left alone at home while everyone is away at work or school. To maintain their health and happiness, make sure to give them a lot of exercise and consideration whenever you are together.
Although these dogs are generally in good health, breeders should watch out for orthopedic issues like intervertebral disk disease. They can also develop vision issues as they get older.
Best Brindle Dog Breeds
Consider some of the following breeds as some of the top brindle dogs if you’re interested in adopting a dog with a brindle coat.
You do, very occasionally, see brindle Labrador retrievers. Read more about them here.
FAQ
What gene causes brindle in dogs?
The brindle color pattern is produced by kbr, which predominates over the ky allele. The brindle color pattern will therefore be present in dogs with the genotypes kbrkbr or kbrky. Dogs with the genotype kyky are yellow in color.
How does a brindle occur?
Technically speaking, brindle is a type of mosaicism caused by a complicated gene process in which some cells express one allele (KB) while other cells express a different allele (ky), somewhat like tortoiseshell cats.
Can any dog breed be brindle?
Not all breeds can be born with a brindle coat because the pattern is genetic. Most dogs who have a brindle pattern are short-haired. It’s best to search for dogs with short hairs if you’re interested in one with a brindle coat. Additionally, a coating known as a reverse brindle exists.
Is brindle a rare color in dogs?
Horses with brindle hair have an uncommon color pattern of stripes. The unusual coloring frequently gives the impression that the horse has dark paint on it. Although the exact cause of this distinctive coat pattern is unknown, there is evidence that it is genetic in nature.