German Shorthaired Pointer is a type Pointer that has a distinctive liver splotch in its coat. It is dense enough to be difficult to see when compared to the solid patches of liver on the dog’s head or back. There are however some differences between liver spots and roans.
The liver splotch, unlike lemon roans is a distinctive coat pattern that is unique to the breed. It is a combination of black and white hair. It is the only pattern of coat color that does not gray out as it ages. In fact, the black areas in the coat of the Australian Cattle Dog are similar to the salt-and-pepper color of a Schnauzer.
Experts believe the liver splotch is the same gene responsible for ticking. However, other experts disagree. Although the reason for the difference is still unclear, some researchers believe that the roan coloring is due to the dilution in the B locus of the black pigment. Others claim it is not. Only dogs with two recessABLE genes bb are liver. These dogs can have white or black spots, but not necessarily.
In addition to the splotch, the liver roan can also be an almost yellow or buff color. The loci for red and liver in English Cocker Spaniels are different. Red and liver loci are on one side of the body, and the liver loci will produce a red/orange coat. The liver loci are found on the legs and thighs, and the eyes are blue. These distinct color patterns are caused by the B, ee and ee loci.
The ticking amount is variable in liver roan dogs, but can be explained by incomplete dominance. The ticking gene shows incomplete dominance over clear white genes. Tt dogs have less ticking than TT dogs. The ticking appears mostly on the muzzle and legs. Roan dogs have even ticking throughout their body. This characteristic makes them a desirable breed for those who want to show their bloodlines.
The underlying genes are not responsible for the white spots on liver roan dogs. White spots are only seen in dogs of the liver roan colour. Ticking is determined by the genes that control ticking. Ticking can occur in dogs with any coat color. Tan ticking can cause flecks of color to appear on the legs, chest, and muzzle.