Fawn Gene and Variants

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Note: This pattern variation is not free to create on existing fawnlings and may only be received through special group auctions, gifts and foals (from parents with the colouration). The variation extends the fawn gene to cover all sorts of deer patterns, and NOT horse markings. Horse white patterns do not exist within the breed.

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1) Restrictive fawn fwfw/(nRx/RxRx/Rxrz)
2) Restrictive fawn fwfw/(nRx/RxRx/Rxrz)
3) Restrictive fawn fwfw/(nRx/RxRx/Rxrz)
4) Partial Restrictive fawn fwfw/(nrz)
5) Restrictive fawn fwfw/(nRx/RxRx/Rxrz)
6) Partial Restrictive fawn fwfw/(rzrz)
7) Restrictive fawn fwfw/(nRx/RxRx/Rxrz)
8) Restrictive fawn fwfw/(nRx/RxRx/Rxrz)


The Fawn Gene
The fawn gene is a recessive gene represented by fw (fwfw in its expressive form) where pale countershading and spots can be found on the torso of the fawnling. The edges are soft and faded, with markings varying from white to a few shades paler than the base coat. The fawn gene is dominant over the smoky fawn gene.

The Smoky Fawn Gene
The smoky fawn gene produces faded countershading similar to pangare, only usually a darker shade than the base coat. This is not a rule however, as it has been known to produce lighter fading on some coats (never more than a few shades lighter than the base coat), usually on colours where dark shading would not be seen (eg. black). The smoky fawn gene does not have any spots (and thus there is no difference in its expression of the fawn variants Rx and rz, see below) though dappling may appear. The gene is represented by fw^s and requires two copies to express (fw^sfw^s).



A new variation in the fawn gene has been discovered, where fawn spotting fades away in adults leaving only pale countershading.

New Markings
This new fawn gene variation can cause both defined and faded countershading, or a combination of the two. Fawn spots may also still remain, or not fade completely in some areas. Markings include pale fur around the eyes, ears, muzzle, forehead, legs, underbelly and tail. Darker countershading along the back and on the head and ears is also associated with this variation. Markings can vary in hue from white to a few shades lighter than the base coat, though white to pale cream is most common. This fawn variation can range from very minimal with almost no expression of the gene (restricted to the face) to more extensive areas of pale fur.

New Genes
In addition to having the fwfw or fwfw^s genetic code, fawnlings who display these colour patterns will also have another gene, depending on their expression. Both the Rx and rz genes fall on the same locus, with the Rx gene being dominant over the rz gene. The genes may be combined in a number of ways, similar to how wild bay is dominant over seal bay.

The Rx Gene
The Restrictive Expression gene, or Rx, is the gene whereby fawn spots fade away and solidifies faded areas of fur to defined patterns. Fawnlings displaying this pattern will have no fawn spots, and a varying array of white expression, not influenced by homozygous or heterozygous forms.

The Rz Gene
The Partial Restrictive gene, or rz, is the gene which solidifies white patterns, however only partially restricts fawn markings. Fawnlings with this gene will either partially or totally express fawn markings as well as solid white patterns, depending on homozygous or heterozygous forms. nrz or heterozygous will have partial fawn spot coverage, often faded. rzrz or homozgyous will have complete fawn spotting and complete white markings. Partial Restrictive is recessive to Restrictive Expression, and will not show if there is a Rx gene present.

Examples:
fwfw/nRx = Restrictive Expression (no spots)
fwfw^s/Rxrz = Restrictive Expression (no spots)
fwfw/nrz = Partial Restrictive (minimal spotting)
fwfw/rzrz = Partial Restrictive (complete fawn spotting)
fw^sfw^s/nrz = Partial Restrictive, Smoky Expression (dark markings)

As stated above, the Restrictive genes also work with the smoky fawn expression, however these markings are dark instead of light.