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June 2006 Featured
Breed- The Buckskin Horse
Including Horses
Eligible for Buckskin Registries (Buckskin, Dun, Red Dun, Bridle
Dun, Grulla)
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Facts About Buckskins |
World Champion Stallion, Phenomenal Creation,
exhibits the Red Dun color.
He is owned by
Rising Water Quarter Horses
of Antioch, Illinois. |
Contrary
to the belief of many, the Buckskin or Dun horses are
not a mere "color" in the equine world. Those who
studied genetics some time ago believed that the Dun
horse was the result of a dilution gene, and that
breeding Duns and Buckskins to each other often resulted
in the birth of an Albino foal. More recent studies have
proven this to be in error. The true Buckskin horse may
trace his lineage through a direct line of Dun or
Buckskin colored ancestors, as far back as recorded
history of the animal are available. The Buckskin is thought to of
originated from the Spanish
Sorraia. The Norwegian Dun, found today in Norway
and other
Scandinavian
countries is a breed
so old that his
actual origin is
lost in antiquity.
However, there are
many indications
that even he
obtained his Dun
Coloring from the
horses of Spain. |
One Overdun Cookie exhibits
Buckskin color.
A true colored buckskin
should be the color of
tanned deerhide with black
points. Shades may vary from
yellow to dark gold. Points
(mane, tail, legs) can be
dark brown or black.
Buckskin is clean of any
smuttiness.
This
mare is for sale and
is currently owned by
Rising Water Quarter Horses
of Antioch, Illinois. |
The blood of the Sorraia (and the Norwegian Dun as well) filtered into
nearly every breed found in the world today, hence the
fact that the Buckskin, Dun or Grulla may be found in
nearly every breed.
No-the Buckskin horse in not a mere
"color." Buckskins, Grulla and Duns are noted for many
qualities that are not characteristic of other types of
horses. Their color is an indication of the superior
genetic heritage they possess. Buckskins have been long
noted for their superior qualities and strength. They
have more stamina, more determination, harder feet,
better bone, and are generally hardier than other
horses. A Buckskin with weak or spavined legs is a
rarity. "Tough as wet leather" is a good description of
the true Buckskin.
Reference:
International Buckskin Horse
Association,
www.ibha.net |
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Buckskin Color
Genetics |
Gene C:
Pigment Dilution
An allele of the C gene, known as
Ccr, causes pigment dilution.
Fully pigmented horses are CC.
Heterozygous horses (CCcr)
have red pigment diluted to yellow but black
pigment is not affected. A bay (E,
A) becomes a buckskin (Fig. 2A) by dilution
of the red color body to yellow without
affecting the black color of the mane and tail.
The genetic formula for a buckskin is ww,
gg, A, E, CCcr.
A genetically black horse (E, aa)
can carry the dilution allele without expressing
it, since CCcr only affects
red pigment.
Gene D: Dun
Pattern and Pigment Dilution
The
D gene determines a second kind of dilution of
coat color and its effects can be confused with
those of Ccr. However, there
are several important differences of the effects
of D and Ccr on color.
First, D dilutes both black and red
pigment on the body, but does not dilute either
pigment in the points. Red body color is diluted
to a pinky-red, yellowish-red or yellow; black
body color is diluted to a mouse-gray. Second,
in addition to pigment dilution, a predominant
characteristic of the allele D is the
presence of a particular pattern which includes
dark points, dorsal stripe (list), shoulder
stripe and leg barring. Third, homozygosity for
D does not produce extreme dilution to
cream as does Ccr.
Reference:
Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, UC-Davis,
http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu |
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Links for the
Buckskin Horse |
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Buckskin
Stallions |
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Click Here to See More Stallions
At Stud |
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Buckskin Horses For
Sale |
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Click Here to See
More Horses For Sale
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