TODD....in the rufus gene the whole hair SHAFT is one color, in chocolates that is a good question as the RUFUS gene from the last time I was keeping up with this limited research/theory is that RUFUS was for RED only. HOWEVER at the same time is a RUFUS gene present that keeps deepening a chocolate to staying chocolate ???? as it does to true gun dog reds that never fade rather deepen with age.
HOWEVER very little is writtten on this factor to-date. Rufus gene information still is limited and IF I FIND anything i am going to share it with you as for a while i communicated with a Austrailan Doodle breeder who was very interested in this as well: rufus gene.
BUT you have to wonder about chocolates............hahhaaaaa TODD you're stirring up my brain cells and now when peace/quiet is restored here
(family visiting) I am do some research and compare notes with you.
I have always wondered why chocolates were so hard to keep that way: fully chocolate BUT we don't know the recessive dominance lying in a puppy along with the poodle having 21 colors really throws a curveball into genetics.
woudn't it be great if genetists were to study DOODLES! they'd really have their brains pushed to the MAX while learning alot more and
solve this RUFUS gene theory about reds in dogs other than tollers, irish setters etc.
PS i am already on the internet researching this when i should be in bed zzzzzzzzzzzz'ing
I really chose the wrong field in college