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Can this color occur in purebred Bernese?

bmd0123 January 04, 2014 January 04, 2014

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I was hoping to tai some insight on this dog.  In 12+ years in the breed I have never heard of a Bernese with so much rust on its face.  Doesnt this require different modifiers?  https://www.facebook.com/groups/260710124029768/permalink/450095528424559/ What are the odds that this dog is full Bernese? 

Daylene Alford Sat, 01/04/2014 - 14:35

I can't answer that question directly.  However, yes this coloration is thought to be caused by a separate modifier.   Judging by redbone coonhounds and bloodhounds I would say that it is probably recessive but I can't say for sure or even if this would be the same modifier.  

I've actually wondered about this a bit in the past and have put out a few feelers to hopefully get more info.  

bmd0123 Sat, 01/04/2014 - 17:52

Thank you!  I'll be curious what you learn.  When you say recessive, would this be recessive in black and tan points with them having pencil marks until a dog gets both genes? Or, is this more like a recessive trait in solid colored dogs like red ones or goldens and the modifier is only expressed when a Black and Tan dog receives the genes?  This is all SO interesting!

bmd0123 Sat, 01/04/2014 - 17:52

Thank you!  I'll be curious what you learn.  When you say recessive, would this be recessive in black and tan points with them having pencil marks until a dog gets both genes? Or, is this more like a recessive trait in solid colored dogs like red ones or goldens and the modifier is only expressed when a Black and Tan dog receives the genes?  This is all SO interesting!

Daylene Alford Tue, 01/07/2014 - 08:46

I does appear to be recessive.  I have had responses from several breeders that high tan/creeping tan pups can be born to full color black and tan parents.  Also, it appears that in beagles there is only high tan, no full black and tan so that also supports a recessive characteristic.  

So the answer to your question is yes, the dog pictured above could be full Bernese  Mountain Dog.