does anyone have any info on white spotting genes in german shepherds? i'm interested in what causes it and also the effects on a litter if bred. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

A quick google search using ' "white spotting gene" german shepherd ' (minus the ' in front and back) produced good results:

Here is a quote from one of the websites that was returned:

Common Dominant White Spotting Gene
The dominant white spotting gene found in nearly all mammals is common in the German Shepherd Dog. It is independent of the genes for the coat color and marking patterns in the breed. The most common sites for dominant white spotting include the tip of the tail, the chest, and the toes. It does NOT indicate anything as to whether a dog carries recessive white. It does NOT indicate whether a dog carries genes for rich or paled colors or dilutions.

and also

VERY RARE Irish White Spotting Gene
A second white spotting gene occurs rarely in the German Shepherd Dog, that responsible for markings known as "Irish white spotting." This gene causes white spotting to appear on the muzzle, forehead, chest, belly, feet, and tail tip, such as found in Collies, Shelties, and a number of other breeds. This gene, in cases I have studied, is recessive. Pups with such markings usually come from parents who do not themselves have the markings. It is likely that dogs with such markings would not produce them unless bred back into a line that has produced these markings. I only have data on a few cases of this type of white spotting, and would welcome much more photo and pedigree data to deepen my knowledge of it. Like the dominant white spotting gene, this one is also independent of the dog's coat color and pattern genes.

If anyone is interested PM me. I have some info that i will repeat that was given to me. I have no idea if it is correct or not but i will share it.