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Silver dapple is caused by the Z gene, which dilutes black to a flat brown color, usually with dapples, and changes the mane and tail to white. The horse also has a dark mask on its face. (Despite its name, this color is not related at all to dapple grey.)
The pony at left shows "dark roots" in her mane, which is often seen in silver dapple horses. This mare is a Shetland, and the silver dapple color is very common in that breed, although it's not found in most breeds.
The silver dapple genotype is aaE-Z-.
More silver dapples:
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These four horses are Icelandics. Silver dapple is common in that breed, too. As you can see from these pictures, some silver dapples are actually dappled, while some aren't. Because the dapples are usually present, all horses this color are called silver dapple, regardless of the presence of actual dapples. |
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The ponies at left are Shetlands; the little guy above is a Miniature Horse, a breed with Shetlands in its ancestry. Silver dapple is common in the Miniature also. |
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These three horses are Rocky Mountain Horses. Silver dapple is common and popular in that breed, but they call it "chocolate." |
Silver Dapple Bay
The Z gene also works on bay horses. It dilutes the black mane and tail to white and the black legs to flat brown with dapples, but it leaves the red body color alone, because it only affects black. These horses are A-E-Z-.
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Icelandics above and below |
Above: Rocky Mountain Horse Below: Miniature Horse |
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