Extension Locus (White) The recessive allele at this locus overpowers the banding that would otherwise be dictated by the Agouti locus and instead programs each hair to have only phaeomelanin (yellow/red) pigment from tip to base.
As we have already discussed, Phaeomelanin is changed by both the Domino and the Chinchilla-like locus (cl), reducing this color to white or off white.
E - Full Color
The black/brown and yellow/red bands in the coat are unaffected.
e - Recessive Yellow
(but in Malamutes this creates white)
Banding is eliminated so that the entire hair only contains yellow/red (phaeomelanin) pigment. When combined with Chinchilla-like (cl), all but the very darkest of this color is eliminated – leaving a White dog sometimes with pale yellow or red “points” usually seen at ears and dorsal stripe. Pigment on the dog’s nose often fades to a pinkish color as the dog ages. Eye color and eye rims are not affected.
Nose color often fades to flesh color as white dogs mature. In some other breeds, when this happens in a white dog caused by recessive yellow (ee) it is called a "snow nose".
In Malamutes this is NOT what is refered to as a snow nose. Nore is it a lack of correct pigment. Instead it is a normal product of the gene that causes these dogs to be white. Just as a brown nose is normal on a Red, and a gray nose is normal on a Blue.
