American Pomsky Kennel Club Coat Color Definitions and Genetic Composition
The approved APKC® Breed Standard lists “all colors naturally occurring in Siberian Huskies and Pomeranians” as being acceptable within the Pomsky breed.
Below are the most commonly known colors and their corresponding genetic markers. This information aims to assist both pet owners and breeders in accurately identifying the official color of their Pomsky, as well as understanding the correct naming conventions.
The following will be covered in three sections: 1) Colors, 2) Markings, and 3) Variations/Intensities. Each of these can impact the overall coloration of a Pomsky.
Genetic Key:
E | eA | e: Variations at the E locus influencing domino and recessive red/yellow/white coloration.
ky: Indicates no dominant black (KB) at the K locus.
KB: Indicates the presence of the dominant black allele at the K locus.
Ay | aw | at | a: Different alleles at the A locus, where Ay is fawn/sable, at is black-and-tan/tanpoint, aw is wolf sable, and a is recessive black.
B | b: Variations at the B locus resulting in black or brown (liver) coloration.
D | d: Variations at the D locus affecting dilution of color (blue, lilac/isabella).
By ensuring the correct use of terminology and understanding genetic expressions, we can more accurately describe and identify the diverse coat patterns in our canine companions.
Resources to learn more about dog genetics:
Pomsky Colors
The below breakdown of Colors in a Pomsky coat indicates the primary color of the dog, and the genetic makeup that the dog will reflect as on their DNA traits panel. This is not an all-inclusive list as Pomskies can have a derivative of any color, but this information covers the most commonly known colors.
GENETIC LABS: You can use UC Davis, Paw Print Genetics, Gensol, and Embark for testing.
Some labs excel at certain types of data, and this will be indicated next to each loci as needed.
How to Use This Guide
Understanding Pomsky colors can be challenging. Follow these steps using the Traits panels on your DNA test:
Locate the Locus Sections: Use the Traits panels on your DNA test to find each Locus section.
Match Locus Panels: Find the matching Locus panel below in blue lettering.
Review All Letters: Check all the letters in the genetic sequence, not just the first one, as multiple colors may be associated with each Locus. (A Locus can be Agouti, Sable, Gray, etc)
Compare Physical Coloring: Use the genetic information and your Pomsky's physical coloring to determine its color.
For more accurate results, refer to the DNA companies listed for each panel in this document.
Agouti
A Locus
EE | Ee, kyky awaw | awat, bb | Bb | BB, dd |Dd |DD
Agouti is a color present in the Siberian Husky and Pomeranian gene pool. The genetic difference lies in the fact that Agouti dogs are Aw, whereas Sables are Ay. Sable genetics are dominant over Agouti genetics.
Agoutis typically exhibit a 'dirty face' rather than a mask.
It's important to use your best judgment in determining Agouti since there isn't a test that's 100% accurate. None of the companies test for Agouti in the same way they test for blue and red.
Here’s an article that further discusses Agouti vs Sable and those differences. LINK
Black/White
B Locus
Ee | EE, kyky, awaw | at | a, Dd | DD, Bb | BB
Black and white is one of the most common colors found in Pomskies, as it is the genetic default. It can appear in several different shades and intensities, like a high red intensity.
A black and white dog will have a mostly black body with key points being white, including but not limited to the feet, face, eyebrows, belly, tail tip, inside of ears, and throat.
Black
K Locus
Ee | EE, awa | awa | at | a | aa, kbky | kbkb, BB | Bb | bb, DD | Dd | dd
Black coloring is characterized by a solid black dog with the potential for white accents. Any tan markings on the eyebrows, legs, or cheeks would disqualify them from being classified as black, and instead categorize them as tanpoints.
The black coloration is predominantly expressed by the KB gene, which is dominant.
There are two primary genetic pathways to produce a solid black dog. The first is through the K locus, where the presence of the dominant black allele (KB) results in a solid black coat. The second pathway involves the A locus, where a dog must have two copies of the recessive black allele (aa) to express a solid black coat, even in the absence of the KB allele. This recessive black (aa) genotype overrides other potential coat patterns and colors, leading to a uniformly black appearance.
Blue (Dilute)
D Locus
Ee | EE, kyky, awaw | at | a, dd, Bb | BB
Blue is a dilution of black. D locus panel.
A "blue" Pomsky is going to be dd. It was once touted as “rare” but due to many Pomsky breeders with these lines, this should no longer be stated as such. Blue is a recessive gene that can be bred to display, it is not rare.
Note: Gensol and UC Davis have been considered more accurate by Pomsky breeders for the D Locus.
Lavender
B & D Locus
Ee | EE, kyky, awaw | at | a, dd, bb
Lavender is a double dilute, which means it's diluted on both the B (red) and D (black) loci. The D locus determines the intensity of black pigment, while the B locus influences the intensity of red pigment.
A 'lavender' Pomsky will have the genotype bb/dd, indicating that it carries two copies of the recessive alleles for dilution on both loci. This results in a dilution of both black and red pigment, giving rise to the distinctive lavender coloring observed in these Pomskies.
Red/Chocolate/
Brown
B Locus
Ee | EE, kyky, awaw | at | a, Dd | DD bb
Red is a recessive color trait found in Pomskies, meaning that it requires the presence of two lowercase copies of the 'b' allele (bb) at the B locus for the dog to display a red coat.
In other words, both parents must carry at least one copy of the 'b' allele for the offspring to potentially inherit the red coloring. Once a Pomsky inherits the necessary genetic makeup, the red coat can appear in a variety of shades and intensities, ranging from vibrant oranges to deep mahoganies.
Factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and individual variations can all contribute to the specific hue and intensity of red observed in Pomsky coats.
Sable
A Locus
EE | Ee | ee, KyKy, Kb, Ay | Aw | At | a, BB | Bb | bb, DD | Dd | dd
The sable (Ay) gene is the most dominant allele at this locus, meaning a dog only needs one copy of the Ay allele to exhibit the sable coat pattern, though it can inherit two copies.
The expression of the sable gene can vary based on the combination of alleles present at the A locus. These combinations include:
AyAy: Two sable alleles, resulting in a pure sable coat.
AyAt: One sable allele and one black-and-tan allele, typically expressed as sable.
AyAw: One sable allele and one wolf sable allele, with the sable likely being predominant.
Aya: One sable allele and one recessive black allele, usually expressed as sable.
The most common visual indicator of a dog being sable (Ay) is the presence of a widow's peak—a darker patch of fur on the head. However, this is not a definitive feature, and not all sable dogs will have it. Some sable dogs may also exhibit a domino mask, a pattern of darker fur around the face.
The term "sable" can be confusing, as it is sometimes used differently across various breeds and by different DNA testing companies. In many breeds, "sable" refers to a dog with overall shading, which may not necessarily be due to the Ay allele.
Sable can appear in various colors in Pomskies, such as the silver sable shown in the image. It's important to note that when we refer to "sable", it is specifically addressing the Ay allele. This is not the same as what some companies might call "wolf sable," which involves a different genetic pattern.
For accurate genetic identification and breeding purposes, it is important to rely on genetic testing that specifies the presence of the Ay allele.
Silver/Gray
A Locus
EE | Ee, KyKy, AwAw, BB | Bb | bb, DD | Dd | dd
The most prominent contrast between black/white and gray/white coats lies in the banding of the fur; all gray coats exhibit banding, regardless of their shade.
In gray coats, pigment is confined to smaller areas on individual hairs, often covering the entire body. The undercoat typically presents as a beige or silver hue, with variations of darker or lighter tones dispersed throughout. Within the Siberian Husky breed, various terms describe different shades of gray, such as wolf gray, silver gray, and medium gray, so this is the protocol we also follow.
Silver Gray (1st set of images) displays a light silvery tone, devoid of all red or yellow hair “warm” colors intermixing. The undercoat is silver or white, while the outer coat is banded with white or silver, often with black tips.
Gray (2nd set of images) the most commonly observed shade, results from a blend of red or yellow tones, albeit not at their deepest levels, representing an intermediate color between wolf gray and silver gray. The undercoat typically combines beige and silver hues.
Wolf Gray (3rd set of images) is characterized by a warm shade with hints of beige, tan, yellow, or red behind the ears, above the hocks, and in the saddle area, with a beige/cream undercoat.
Intensities: The color differences are due to Intensities (I Locus) affecting the color. Please see the end of this article for the intensities information.
However, it's essential to note that Embark may not consistently provide accurate results for arctic breeds on the A Locus. An Agouti result from Embark might appear as AwAt or AtAt. Therefore, testing with alternative companies is recommended for obtaining the most reliable outcome.
White / Cream
E Locus
E3e | ee | E3E3, KyKy, Ay | Aw | At | a, BB | Bb | bb, DD | Dd | dd
You'll notice in this image that some Pomskies exhibit brown noses, while others have black noses. The distinction lies in the B locus: black noses are denoted by BB, whereas brown noses are represented by bb.
White or cream coloring results from inheriting two copies of e or E3 on the E locus. When dogs inherit either two copies of E or a combination of E and E3, they lack the ability to produce black or brown pigment in their coat, resulting in the white and creamy tones.
The color of the nose and skin in white or cream dogs is determined by the B locus. This color is dominant and may not always allow the expression of other genes.
Pomsky Markings
Markings describe specific patterns or designs on the coat, such as spots, stripes, or patches that overlay the base color.
For example, a Pomsky might be primarily white (color) with piebald black (markings).
Brindle
K Locus
EE, kb(r)ky, ay | aw | at, bb | Bb | BB, dd | Dd | DD
Brindle would be represented as KBr on the K Locus Panel.
When it comes to the color of brindle Pomskies, three main genes are involved: KB (which makes black dominant), kbr (which causes brindle), and ky (which allows other colors to show up). KB is the strongest, ky is the weakest, and kbr is in the middle.
Brindle typically appears as black stripes on a red base. These colors can be influenced or covered over by other genes:
The black stripes can change due to genes like merle, liver, dilution, greying, and recessive red.
The red base can change due to the Intensity gene.
Brindling may appear on the body or as a brindlepoint (brindle in the tan point areas such as cheeks/socks). The pattern may also be covered over by long fur, as shown in the lower right image.
Additionally, brindle Pomskies may have white spots or ticking regardless of the coat color.
Images: Brindle on red coat (upper left), brindle body, mask/tanpoint (upper right), red brindlepoint (lower left), black brindlepoint (lower right) whose coat’s length covered the striping.
Here’s an article that further discusses Brindle. LINK
There is not currently a genetic testing center that fully tests the K Locus.
Merle
M Locus
Black Merle
Ee | EE, kbky/kbkb, AwAw | AwAt | AtAt, Bb | BB, Dd | DD, Mm
Red Merle
Ee | EE, KyKy, AwAw | AwAt | AtAt, Bb | bb, Dd, Mm
Lavender Merle
Ee | EE, KyKy, AwAw | AwAt | AtAt, bb, dd, Mm
Blue Merle
Ee | EE, KyKy, AwAw | AwAt | AtAt, Bb | BB, dd, Mm
The Merle gene results in a "mottled or patchy" coat color. Dogs with an M*m result are likely to exhibit a merle appearance, and the merle gene is never carried as a hidden trait. A dog is either merle or it is not. However, certain genes can interfere with the physical expression of Merle on a coat.
Sable (Ay) and e/e (recessive red) can manifest as well-marked merle puppies, but they may transition into mostly solid-colored Pomskies as adults.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Breeding two merle dogs together should never be done. Studies indicate that certain lengths of merle alleles can be bred safely without the risk of "double merle," which can cause blindness, deafness, and organ malformation in dogs. However, this practice is extremely risky without guidance from a genetic counselor specializing in merle genes and comprehensive merle genetic testing.
Additional resources on Merle genetics:
Piebald
S Locus
EE | Ee, kyky, awaw | at | a, BB | Bb | bb, DD | Dd | dd, spsp
The Piebald is a dog that has more than 50% white coloring. Usually, when expressed, a dog is almost all white with spots of any color.
Piebalds can come in every color form (merle, red, blue, etc.), in addition to white. The true Piebald gene is not testable as Embark tries to portray. An S/S dog can still produce piebalds, and an sp/sp dog can produce traditional markings.
In technical terms, a traditionally Husky-marked dog is termed "Irish Piebald," which describes the placement of white (on the face, legs, belly, tail, etc.). So, technically, we want Pomskies to be Irish piebald, but we prefer traditional Irish piebald rather than extreme white piebald.
There is no accurate test for determining the amount of white each parent will produce. The only way to know is to pair two dogs together and observe if they come from an extreme Piebald-producing line.
There are a few Pomsky lines that do not produce piebalds, but as far as testing and discerning the genetic differences between those dogs and ones that do produce Piebald, there is currently no available test.
Most breeders try to avoid this genetic marking in their lines due to it being a dominant trait that’s difficult to remove.
VARIATIONS / INTENSITIES
In addition to the genetic loci mentioned earlier that influence coat colors and patterns in Pomskies, there are additional genetic factors such as Tan Point and Domino that also play a role in determining their coloring. These factors contribute to the unique variations and combinations of colors observed in Pomskies' coats.
Domino
E Locus
Ed | e | E, KyKy, BB | Bb | bb, DD | Dd | dd
Domino is Ed or Ea, depending on the testing method used.
This gene is responsible for the characteristic white Husky mask, which includes the eyebrows and/or the blazes found in Pomskies. Pomskies must have at least one copy of Ed/Ea to exhibit a domino mask.
Please note that Embark does not offer testing for Domino (it will simply show up as E).
Tan Point
A Locus
Ee | EE, KyKy, AtAt, BB | Bb | bb, DD | Dd | dd
A Pomsky with tan points typically displays tan/cream markings that can emerge in various areas, such as above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, cheeks, neck, front of the chest, lower legs, feet, and inside the legs.
These points often develop gradually as the dog matures, initially born solid or mostly solid in color. The primary hue of the dog is typically solid black, though it can vary depending on other genetic factors, including red, lavender, or blue.
Intensities
I Locus
A dog affected on the intensity loci is has the base pigments of the coat altered. An affected dog's coat where dark (black or brown) pigment is not expressed will either contain red/yellow pigment, or no intensity pigment at all.
For example, a dog with a result of Intense Red Pigmentation will likely have deep red hair like an Irish Setter, in a very deep red.
Those that have Intermediate Red Pigmentation will likely have tan or yellow hair in the coat.
Those that have Dilute Red Pigmentation will likely have cream or white hair that is not affected.
On Embark, it states that the mutations they test for may not directly cause differences in red pigmentation intensity, so they consider this to be a linkage test.
Intensity also plays a role in grey along with the other coat colors. It is key to the colors produced in the coat that produce the differences between silver grey, wolf grey, and medium grey.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8158882/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31936656/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31117290/
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/242/
Intensity is tested for on Embark or Pawprint Genetics. It is the Intensity loci on the testing panel.
LINK to a larger view of the grid I Locus impact table on the Pawprint Genetics website.
Additional links for research:
www.siberianhuskygenetics.com
www.doggenetics.co.uk
www.coatsandcolors.com