Commonly identified as the D Locus, the Dense or Dilute Locus controls the density of the pigment in each fur strand. Although it alone does not control color, it works with the B Locus to give the four distinctive base colors known to rabbits: black, chocolate, blue, and lilac. A simple locus, there are only two variations, but it causes the creation of some the most unique and stunning colors.
The ‘D’ or Dense gene
- Causes there to be a normal level of color pigment concentration on each hair shaft.
- Completely dominant.
- When paired with the ‘B’ gene, the ‘D’ causes a black base color, and when ‘D’ is paired with the ‘b’ (chocolate) gene, the chocolate base color is produced.
Black Harliquin
A_B_C_D_e(j)_
Broken Orange
A_B_C_D_ee
Broken Black GTS
A_B_C_D_E(s)_
The ‘d’ or Dilute gene
- Results in reduced color pigment concentration.
- Completely recessive, so if it is expressed, it is always homozygous (‘dd’).
- Paired with the ‘B’ gene, the dilute gene causes the blue base color. When paired with the ‘b’ gene, a lilac base color is produced.
Lilac Chinchilla
A_bbc(chd)_ddE_
Blue STS
A_B_C_ddE(s)_
Opal
A_B_C_ddE_
Interested in the learning about the other color loci? Check out our Rabbit Genetics page for further reading!
Note: Quick thank you to thenaturetrail.com for their article on the D gene which was referenced in the process of writing this post!
Queen City Rabbitry 