Researchers find Albino gene in DOGS and its related to human disorder

Researchers identified a genetic mutation in Doberman pinschers Affected dogs have white or lighter-colored coat, pink noses and lips, along with pale irises in the eyes

By Mark Prigg

Published: 13:01 EST, 12 May 2014 | Updated: 16:41 EST, 12 May 2014

Researchers have pinpointed the genetic mutation is dogs that cause them to becopme albino.

The mutation, caused by a missing protein, causes albinism in Doberman pinschers.

Affected animals have a white or lighter-colored coat, pink noses and lips, along with pale irises in the eyes - similar to humans affected.

Albino Doberman pinschers: Affected animals have a white or lighter-colored coat, pink noses and lips, along with pale irises in the eyes - an researcher now know the genetic mutation that causes the effect.

Researchers studied 20 dogs of each color and discovered that more than half of the albino dogs had at least one tumor while only one of the regular-colored dogs possessed a tumor.

The results of their research could be of great importance to Doberman breeders around the world.

Currently, American Kennel Club registration restricts dogs with the condition.

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Researchers find Albino gene in DOGS and its related to human disorder