Dominant white

A group of genes giving much to fully white, with pink skin but dark eyes.

Dominant white: A group of genes giving much to fully white, with pink skin but dark eyes.

What does this colour look like?

From much white to a fully white horse, with pink skin and usually dark eyes (unlike cremello, which has blue eyes). Arises from various W alleles.

Body
much to fully white
Mane and tail
white
Legs
white
Skin
pink
Eyes
usually brown

How does this colour arise?

Dominant white gives much white or a fully white horse, but with brown eyes.

More about the genetics

Dominant white covers many alleles (W5, W10, W13, W20, W22 ...). W20 mainly amplifies other patterns. Some homozygous combinations are considered embryonic-lethal.

What is this colour often confused with?

  • Cremello

    An almost white, cream-coloured chestnut with pink skin and blue eyes.

  • Grey

    A grey turns whiter year after year, whatever colour it was born.

  • White

    A naturally fully white horse with pink skin, born white (unlike grey).

Discover more

TobianoFrame overoSabinoSplashed whiteTest your knowledge in the quizAll coat colours

Sources: UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory · Sponenberg, D.P. & Bellone, R.R. (Wiley-Blackwell).