D-Locus (d1)(D-Lokus)
Also known as: Dilute-Lokus · Farbverdünnung · Color Dilution Locus · MLPH-Gen · d1-Allel · …
Overview
What it is
The D-Locus (d1 variant) affects the MLPH gene, which controls how pigment is distributed within a dog's hair shafts. When a dog inherits two copies of this variant, their coat color is diluted, turning black to blue-grey or brown to lilac. In some dogs, this altered pigment distribution weakens the hair shafts, which can lead to a skin and coat condition called Color Dilution Alopecia.
How it presents
While the diluted coat color is visible from birth, dogs that develop associated hair loss and skin irritation typically start showing symptoms between six months and three years of age. Owners will notice progressive thinning of the hair, dry or flaky skin, and occasionally mild skin infections.
Treatment
Color dilution itself is harmless and requires no treatment, but if hair loss and skin irritation develop, they require lifelong symptomatic care. Management typically involves special shampoos, moisturizers, and high-quality dietary fatty acids, with expected lifetime costs ranging from 0 to 1,200 EUR.
How it's tested
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
Primary testDNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Labogen / Laboklin) — bündelt alle relevanten Erbkrankheiten der Rasse in einem Test.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Feragen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Feragen, Österreich) — gleiches Konzept wie Labogen.
Issuing body: Feragen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Embark Breed + Health Panel(Embark)
DNA testUS-Anbieter; 250+ genetische Erkrankungen + Abstammung. Anerkennung in DE/AT variiert je nach VDH-Verein.
Issuing body: Embark
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
MyDogDNA Panel(MyDogDNA)
DNA testGenoscoper-basiertes Panel (Mars Petcare). 200+ Erkrankungen + Rassenkomposition.
Issuing body: MyDogDNA
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
7 of 7 breeds
Mandatory testAmerican Staffordshire Terrier
Mandatory testBlue Picardy SpanielMandated by Verein für französische Vorstehhunde e.V. (VBBFL)
Mandatory testBraque de l'AriègeMandated by Verein für französische Vorstehhunde e.V.
Mandatory testBraque du BourbonnaisMandated by Verein für französische Vorstehhunde e.V. (VBBFL)
Mandatory testLabrador RetrieverMandated by Labrador Club Deutschland e.V.
Mandatory testPont-Audemer SpanielMandated by Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V.
OptionalStaffordshire Bull Terrier
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is D-Locus (d1)?
The D-Locus (d1 variant) affects the MLPH gene, which controls how pigment is distributed within a dog's hair shafts. When a dog inherits two copies of this variant, their coat color is diluted, turning black to blue-grey or brown to lilac. In some dogs, this altered pigment distribution weakens the hair shafts, which can lead to a skin and coat condition called Color Dilution Alopecia.
How is D-Locus (d1) tested?
Tests currently in our database: Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: American Staffordshire Terrier, Blue Picardy Spaniel, Braque de l'Ariège, Braque du Bourbonnais, Labrador Retriever, Pont-Audemer Spaniel, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.