C-Locus (Albino, Oculocutaneous Albinism)

Albinism is a rare genetic disorder characterized by inability to produce pigmentation. There are 2 types of albinism. Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) affects pigmentation in skin, eyes and hair, while ocular albinism affects the eyes. OCA manifests in a complete lack of pigmentation resulting in a white cream color skin with pink nose, lips and paw pads. Not all dogs with “white” coats have albinism. Non-albino white dogs can be distinguished from albino dogs because their nose, skin and lips have normal pigmentation. Affected dogs show signs of photophobia in full sunlight which is resolved indoor in normal light. Albinism has been recorded in different breeds and is caused by different breed-specific mutations.