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Description
 ASIP,
or agouti signalling peptide, is a gene affects pigmentation of
coat color in dogs. This protein interacts with the melanocytes
to stimulate production of melanin. This gene exists in many forms,
or alleles, in dogs. The first of these alleles is generally known
as AW, or the wild-type allele. This appears as a "wolf-grey"
type of pattern. There is no direct test for this allele, and it
is thought that this is the most dominant allele.
The second allele, known as AY, is a dominant
allele responsible for fawn or sable pigment. A dog only needs 1
copy of the AY allele to be either fawn or sable, depending on the
breed. This allele is responsible for the coat color seen in dogs
such as Pugs or French Bulldogs. In terms of dominance, it is thought
that AW is the most dominant, followed by AY.
A third allele is the "tan
points" allele, or at. There is no direct test available for
this allele at this time, however, it is expressed in dogs that
do not carry the AY allele. This phenotype is common in dogs such
as Doberman Pinschers or Geman Shepherds. 
The
fourth allele is known as "recessive black," or the a-allele.
This variant of the agouti gene causes a dog that does not carry
the dominant black gene to be solid black. The recessive black allele
is responsible for all-black German Shepherds, for example. The
recessive black allele is recessive to all other alleles, meaning
that the dog must carry two copies of the "a" allele to
express this pattern.
The Agouti gene is only visible in dogs that
do not carry the dominant black gene. The dog can still carry any
of the agouti alleles, however, this effect is hidden by the dominant
black gene.
A
Locus Testing
Animal
Genetics currently offers tests for the "AY" and "a"
allele. There is no direct test for the "Aw" or "at"
alleles, however, these alleles can often be determined based on
phenotype and genotype at other alleles.
Cost
$40.00
US for the AY-allele test.
$40.00 US for the a-allele test.
$65.00 US combination rate for
both tests.
Sample Collection
Collect
sample using buccal swabs provided by Animal Genetics. Ensure that
the dog has not eaten within a few hours of sample collection. Any
food particles can inhibit the test. Rub each of the swabs along
the inside of the dog's mouth for 10-15 seconds, and allow the swabs
to dry thoroughly. Label the provided envelope with the dog's name,
and place the swab inside it. Download and complete a submission
form for each sample and send along with payment to Animal Genetics
for testing.
Results
Results are given using
the following symbolic notation:
AY-Allele Results:
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AY/AY
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The
dog carries two copies of the dominant AY allele. The dog will
have a fawn or sable colored coat, and will always pass on the
"AY" allele to any potential offspring. All offspring
will also be fawn or sable dogs. |
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AY/n
|
One
copy of the dominant AY allele is present. The dog will have
a fawn or sable coat color, and can pass on either allele to
potential offspring. |
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n/n
|
The dog does
not carry the AY allele, and will not have a fawn or sable coat
pattern. |
a-Allele Results:
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a/a
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The
dog carries two copies of the recessive black allele. The dog
will have a pure black coat, and will always pass on a copy
of the allele to future offspring. |
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a/n
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Only
one copy of the recessive black allele is present. The dog will
not express the recessive black coat color, however, the dog
can still pass on a copy to any offspring. |
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n/n
|
The
dog does not carry the recessive black allele. He will not express
the recessive black coat color, and cannot pass it on to any
offspring. |
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