American Staffordshire Terrier
Dilute-Lokus · Farbverdünnung · Color Dilution Locus · MLPH-Gen · d1-Allel · Blue Dog Syndrome
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.
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.
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.
More conditions affecting the Skin & coat.
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
