Genetics 101

Genetics 101

Knowledge of Paint Horse genetics is rapidly evolving, and researchers are still unearthing new genes that impact expression of the white-spotting patterns for which the Paint breed is known. Breeders and owners can put the power of genetic testing to work with a quick and easy DNA test.

Genetic typing is required for all breeding stallions and mares at APHA, and foals must be parentage verified by DNA as part of the registration process. Breeding stallions must also have their Genetic Health Panel testing on file before foals can be registered. Horses with only AQHA or Thoroughbred lineage must have a Color/Pattern Panel completed as part of the registration process. Genetic testing is optional for all other horses, but conducting color, pattern and health testing can unlock useful information about your Paint Horse and help you make more informed decisions.

A close-up of a Paint Horse's coat pattern.

How Testing Works

The Procedure

Genetic testing is a simple procedure, done with 30 to 50 hairs (with intact roots) from your horse. Mane hair is normally used. However, if a young foal is being tested, it is necessary to pull tail hair.

For genetic typing or parentage verification, the horse’s DNA profile is generated. When compared to the profiles of the sire and dam, the foal can be confirmed or excluded as offspring. Testing for genetic health conditions, colors and/or patterns yields specific results for the test performed. Results are recorded on the horse’s APHA profile. Color, pattern and health results are printed on the horse’s APHA certificate, as well.

An example of a hair sample.

Benefits

Why Test?

The answers are simple:

  • Parentage verification is required for registration as of January 1, 2022. This applies to all registrations, regardless of breeding method or horse age.
  • Make smarter breeding decisions. Knowing which color, pattern and disease genes your horse carries means you can make smarter breeding choices and prevent heartache down the road. Sidestep recessive genetic conditions by not breeding carriers together.
  • Breeding stallions must have Genetic Health Panel results on file. This is required in addition to DNA genetic typing. Required tests are HYPP, HERDA, GBED, MH, PSSM1 and OLWS.
  • Reduces risk and might help improve Regular Registry chances. Genetic testing helps take some inherent risk out of breeding Paints. You’ll be able to select a sire or dam based on genetic potential to pass along a “Paint” pattern gene, along with more tangible things like conformation, athleticism, temperament and more.
  • Testing is quick, easy and cost-effective. Genetic testing is painless and easy for any horse owner—genetic testing uses DNA from hair roots to determine which genes your horse carries. No guesswork required!

Types of Testing

Genetic Typing & Parentage Verification

Generates a DNA profile, which indicates the genetic “code” at certain points of the horse’s DNA. When compared to a sire and/or dam profile, the horse’s parentage can be confirmed or excluded. This testing is only completed at UC-Davis for APHA purposes.

Used for:

  •  Breeding horses, racehorses and horses being registered with APHA

Panel Testing

These are groups of tests that provide results for certain colors, patterns and health conditions in a specific horse. Stallions are required to have their Genetic Health Panel results on file before foals can be registered. Horses with only AQHA or Thoroughbred parents are required to have a Color/Pattern Panel testing conducted as part of the registration process. The Color/Pattern Panel can also help advance your horse to Regular Registry.

  • APHA Genetic Health Panel (UC-Davis): HYPP, HERDA, GBED, OLWS, MH & PSSM1
  • APHA Color/Pattern Panel (UC-Davis): red factor/extension, agouti, cream, champagne, dun, gray, pearl, silver, OLWS/Frame Overo, Tobiano, Splashed White (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8) and Dominant White (W5, 10, 20, 22)
  • APHA Standard Package (Etalon Diagnostics): basic colors, patterns, health conditions and performance traits.
  • APHA Pro Package (Etalon Diagnostics): comprehensive collection of all coat colors, health conditions & risks, performance traits and height prediction.

Compare the Etalondx Standard and Pro Package.

Individual Testing

Just looking for a specific color, pattern or health testing option? Order individual tests from APHA:

  • Individual Color Tests: Red factor & agouti (combined), cream, champagne, dun, gray, pearl or silver)
  • Individual Paint Pattern Tests: OLWS/Frame Overo, Tobiano, Splashed Whites (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8), Sabino 1, Dominant Whites (W5, 10, 20, 22)
  • Individual Health Tests: HYPP, HERDA, GBED, MH or MYHM

Order testing at PHcentral.com or etalondx.com.

Paint Pattern Genes

Paint Pattern Genes

APHA recognizes the following white-spotting genes for Regular Registry consideration:

  • Frame Overo (OLWS)
  • Tobiano
  • Sabino 1
  • Splashed White 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Dominant White 5, 10, 20, 22, 31, 32, 34, 35

Testing must be conducted through an APHA-approved lab.

Black tovero running through a field.

APHA Partner Labs

Official Labs for APHA Genetic Testing

APHA’s official testing partners are the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California–Davis and Etalon Diagnostics. For genetic health and color/pattern panels, APHA members have a choice between the labs. All parentage verification testing is only performed at the University of California-Davis.

Order DNA Testing Kit

Order genetic tests for your Paint from UC-Davis at PHcentral or order Etalon tests at etalondx.com. Or you can complete the DNA Kit Order Form and mail the completed form to APHA’s MemberCare Department with payment.

Learn how to order a DNA testing kit step-by-step.

Additional Resources

RG-070.E. — Regular Registry by Genetics

RG-020.A.1.b — Regular Registry by Pedigree

Chrome-O-Some Compendium on horseIQ—learn about seven genetic health conditions in-depth

Paint Horse Journal genetics articles

Portrait of Paint Horse with florals in the background.

Resources