The entire range of Appaloosa patterning is called the "Lp" ("Leopard") complex of genes. Appaloosa genetics are complicated and not yet fully understood.
 Jean Roberts and Appaloosa mareThe Appaloosa Complex includes a number of patterns, including leopard, blanket, few spot, frosted, snowflake, snow cap,& varnish. GENETICS OF APPALOOSA:Current research indicates that Appaloosa patterns are not caused by a single gene. We refer to the "Leopard complex", or Lp, as the group of genes that must be responsible for appaloosa patterns, but we don't know what all the genes are or how they work. We know that the leopard appaloosa pattern appears to be dominantly inherited, but we know nothing about the other patterns.
 Sheila Archer of The Appaloosa Project writes: "In June (2003) Dr. Rebecca Terry (originally of the University of Kentucky, now at the University of Tampa) and I discovered the location of the LP gene, the main gene which must be inherited in order for Appaloosa "characteristics", their unique form of roaning, and all other coat patterns to be visible. This master gene is located on equine chromosome 1, and we are now in the process of narrowing down the region so that we can develop an actual test for LP. We have also gathered significant phenotype evidence pointing to the existence of several important white pattern modifier genes, and are working on a study to isolate the most significant of these. You will find an overview of our research project at this website: www.theappaloosaproject.org Also, if you would like to ask questions of myself and Dr. Terry, we have been running a moderated internet discussion group since September of last year for breeders and enthusiasts. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/theappaloosaproject/ Our site includes a large photo album section with images illustrating everything we've been able to ascertain to this point. In addition, we have a files section where you can find recent articles by our research team members and other contributors. I welcome you to join us, even if you only wish to read through the archived messages and search for information for your own interest. " Sincerely, Sheila Archer Appaloosa Project Coordinator
 Here's an interesting appaloosa: The black body and white tail caught my eye. Closer inspection revealed the characteristic spotted skin around the eyes and muzzle, roaned face, and a few random white "snowflake" spots over the body. APPALOOSA MUSTANGSCOLOR CHANGES OVER AN APPALOOSA'S LIFETIME Unlike other "White Patterns" like the various Pinto patterns and Roan, the "LP" Appaloosa coloring often changes color patterning considerably through the horse's lifetime. "Danny" adopted by Julie Yocom, illustrates coat changes The change from blanket to varnish is typical. The change from black points to white indicates another gene - the grey gene - also at work |  Day after adoption, June 2001
|  August 2001 |  September 2002
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A horse born with a spotted blanket over its rump may fade to Varnish Roan or develop into a Leopard Spot Appaloosa. Here's Another Example (click) Appaloosa Traits:Spotted Skin (This trait is necessary, and common to all appaloosas, regardless of hair color)  Striped Hooves (except occasionally in horses with white socks)
 Sclera (white of the eye) showing
 Eyes may be any color, from light blue through hazel through dark brown
Varnish Roans start out as normally colored horses, often with appaloosa spotting. This form of roaning usually shows up as an Appaloosa horse ages, often blurring the Appaloosa markings, just like a paint brush can rub out and blend color spots on a wet canvas. Similar to, but not the same as, greying, It does not start as early as greying does, and sometimes seems to "spread" from the location of the white in the original Appaloosa markings. Varnish Roan is not caused by the Roan gene, but is part of the Appaloosa complex. How an Appaloosa Becomes a Varnish Roan I have lost the name of the kind person who sent this chronicle of a single appaloosa horse's color changes. IF it's you, or if you know who it is, please email me! |  Weanling |  yearling | Later on as a an older yearling |  four years old |
 Warm Springs HMA appaloosa mustangs at Burns, Oregon BLM facility photo: Liz Cohen
Marble & Frosted are other appaloosa patterns, that look a lot like roan. See Equusite Color Pages for pictures. Ajax - owned by Edona Miller
| PMU mare and foal in Canada
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Here are some good Appaloosa websites: |