Curly coat c1 (KRT71-related) - Dog

What does this test analyse?

This genetic test analyses the KRT71 c.451C>T variant, also known as curly coat c1, curly coat, curl or a curl coat variant. KRT71 encodes keratin 71, a structural protein that helps shape the hair follicle and the way the hair shaft grows.

The c1 variant changes hair structure and can produce curly or wavy coat in dogs. The final appearance is not determined by one locus alone. Other coat genes, including those affecting hair length and furnishings, can influence whether the result appears as a soft wave, a loose curl or a clearly curly coat.

What does curly coat mean for the dog?

Curly coat is an inherited coat trait, not a disease. It is especially relevant for breeders and owners who want to predict, preserve or combine coat texture in a planned way. In some breeds curl is part of the desired breed type; in other combinations the result can help explain why puppies show an unexpected coat texture.

Practical value of this test

This test makes coat planning more concrete than relying only on appearance or pedigree.

• The result shows whether the dog carries no copy, one copy or two copies of the c1 variant.
• Breeders can better predict which coat textures may appear in a litter.
• The test helps identify hidden curl alleles in dogs whose coat is not clearly curly because of other coat genes.
• In combination with hair-length and furnishings genes, the result helps estimate the expected coat type more accurately.
• For buyers and breeders, the DNA result supports clearer communication about coat expectations and breeding goals.

Inheritance and interpretation

The c1 variant behaves as autosomal incomplete dominant. One copy can give a wavy or intermediate coat, while two copies push more strongly toward curly coat. The visible result still depends on the dog’s overall coat genetics.