1. What is the Dog Coat Color Calculator?

The Dog Genetic DNA Coat Color Calculator predicts the possible coat colors of puppies based on the genotypes of the parent dogs. It uses basic Mendelian genetics principles to calculate the probability of each possible offspring genotype.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Punnett square method:

Where:

• B — Dominant allele for black coat color
• b — Recessive allele for brown coat color
• BB — Homozygous black
• Bb — Heterozygous black (carries brown)
• bb — Homozygous brown

Explanation: The calculator combines all possible allele combinations from both parents to determine probable offspring genotypes and their corresponding coat colors.

3. Understanding Canine Coat Color Genetics

Details: Dog coat color is determined by multiple genes, but this calculator focuses on the basic B locus (black/brown). The B allele is dominant over b, meaning a dog needs only one B allele to be black.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select the known genotypes for both parent dogs. If you're unsure of a parent's genotype but know their color and parentage, remember that a black dog could be either BB or Bb, while a brown dog must be bb.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why might actual puppies differ from predictions?
A: This calculator only considers the B locus. Real coat color is influenced by other genes (like E, A, K loci) and modifiers.

Q2: What if one parent is black and the other is brown?
A: If the black parent is BB, all puppies will be black carriers (Bb). If the black parent is Bb, you'd get ~50% Bb (black carriers) and ~50% bb (brown).

Q3: Can two black dogs have brown puppies?
A: Yes, if both are Bb carriers. There's a 25% chance per puppy of being bb (brown).

Q4: How accurate is this for mixed breed dogs?
A: The basic black/brown prediction holds true, but mixed breeds may have unexpected color combinations from other genes.

Q5: What about other colors like yellow or white?
A: Those are controlled by different genes (like the E locus for yellow). This calculator only predicts black vs. brown.