Genetics Suite · Science-Based

Genetics Suite

Breeder-friendly coat color prediction, Wright's COI calculation, merle safety analysis, and breed health test reference, with transparent genetic assumptions and citations to OFA/CHIC, UC Davis VGL, Embark, and published canine genetics literature.

Part of the Genetics Suite, View Plans

Coat Color Predictor

Select genotypes or phenotypes for sire and dam across 7 loci. Calculates Punnett square probabilities for all offspring colors using the epistasis hierarchy.

Sire (Father)

x

Dam (Mother)

Coefficient of Inbreeding

Enter a pedigree up to 5 generations. Uses Wright's path coefficient formula to calculate COI and assess inbreeding risk.

Quick Reference: Common Matings

25% Parent x Offspring
25% Full Siblings
12.5% Half-Siblings
6.25% First Cousins
3.13% First Cousins Once Removed
1.56% Second Cousins

Merle Risk Checker

Select the merle status of both parents. Calculates double merle (M/M) probability and associated health risks including deafness and eye defects.

The merle pattern is caused by a SINE insertion in the PMEL gene with a variable-length poly-A tail. Double merle (M/M) offspring face serious health risks including deafness (up to 85%), eye defects, and vision loss.

Sire Merle Status

x

Dam Merle Status

Breeds That Carry Merle

If your breed is listed below, DNA testing for merle status is recommended before breeding -- even if neither parent appears merle (phantom/cryptic merle risk).

Australian Shepherd Miniature American Shepherd Border Collie Cardigan Welsh Corgi Catahoula Leopard Dog Chihuahua† Cocker Spaniel† Collie (Rough & Smooth) Dachshund (Dapple) Great Dane Mudi Old English Sheepdog† Pyrenean Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog Beauceron Pomeranian†

† Merle terminology requires breed-specific confirmation. Some breeds use "merle" or "blue merle" as a registry color term while DNA-test interpretation varies. Always review the breed standard and complete DNA testing before breeding.

Breed Health Test Lookup

Select a breed to see commonly recommended health tests reflecting the US OFA CHIC program of the breed’s primary US parent club. Data sourced from breed parent clubs and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.*

Scientific Sources: UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) · Embark Veterinary · OFA/CHIC · Paw Print Genetics · Animal Genetics · PMC/PubMed peer reviewed papers · ASHGI · Institute of Canine Biology
Wright's COI formula: Sewall Wright (1922). Punnett square math per Mendelian inheritance. Merle SINE analysis per Murphy et al. (2018).
This calculator is for educational purposes. Always confirm with DNA testing from an accredited laboratory.

Leadership Circle Spotlight

Presents: Face of the Breed

Meet participating Canine Ethics Platinum Leadership Circle members helping shape the future of canine ethics through member-submitted documentation, breed education, deeper transparency participation, and distinguished leadership.

Bigfoot Leonberger Ranch

BIGFOOT LEONBERGER RANCH

Port Lavaca, Texas

Bigfoot Leonberger Ranch is committed to ethical preservation breeding of the Leonberger, raising gentle giants with health, heart, structure, and lifelong responsibility.

View Leadership Circle Profile → View PuppyReports™ Card
Leadership Circle Member Platinum Member Breed Education Contributor PuppyReports™ Card

Explore featured programs recognized for deeper transparency participation, breed education contributions, and featured member PuppyReports™ Cards across PuppyReports™.