K Locus
All this amazing mutations and color changing genes are really awesome, right?
But now, how can you decide the ACTUAL color of the Volbur? Well, honestly i tried a lot of methodes to make it very specific but in the end it got to complicated.
And since this all should be fun, I wanted to add a little freedom but also a bit of a challenge.
That's why I would like to introduce the "K" locus.
The "K" locus determined which area can mutate to a different color other than black and white. We are talking specifically about the black back and the white belly area. I provided on each mutation the regions that can have different colors.
Does this effect the color changing genes (albino ect.) too?
No. If any of the color changers are active, they still change their color.
The K locus is for the BASE coloration, that the Volbur has. The color you choose.
Example: Dog is genetical black but has the diluted gene active. Therefore the dog is Blue/Grey.
Volbur example.: The K locus is activated (Nn kk) and the Volbur can change the color for the back. The back color has the base color yellow, which you determined. If you now have the color changer gene Anerythristic (aa) active, it wont affect the back. But if you have the gene Axanthic (axC axC) active, the back changes again.
Regions
Most Volburs have only 3 regions that can have different colors. Red (Body), Black (Back) and White (Belly, muzzle, tail).
Red, Blue & Green Region
Red is the "base color". The other two region revolve around the base color. These areas can be changed at any time. The "K" locus does not have to be activated in any way!
Black Region
This is most of the time the back that is traditionally black. If the "K" locus gets enabled to a certain way it can mutated to a different color.
White Region
This is most of the time the belly area, including the chest, snout, muzzle, cheaks and tail area. If the "K" locus gets enabled to a certain way it can mutated to a different color.
Stages
Your Volbur needs the following genes to look like this, in order to get different colors on different areas. The Natural State has to be "Nn" and the following "K" locus decides which area -back and/or belly - can change color.
The main region "red" can always be chosen. For the others you have to work for.
Nn KK
Stays black and white
Nn Kk
Stays black and white
Nn kk
Back can change color
Nn Kka
Stays black and white
Nn k ka
Belly can change color
Nn kaka
Belly and Back can change color
do not have to be the same color
K Locus and Omitt
Omitt does not work on a Volbur which has the K locus and "Nn" active. The "Nn" always has to be present in order to get the K locus working.
But how can we tell the difference between a Volbur with white "K" back and a Volbur with a white Omitt back?
Natural K white back
K changes the back and ears
Mask stays black
Omitt white back
Omitt changes the back and Mask
Ears disappear