5 Weeks 5 Days Old
Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 5:31PM 
A mask on a dog is a darkened area, often on the face, from where it gets its name. Masks only occur on dogs that have eumelanin(dark) in their coats. It can occur with solid dark colours, dark patterned dark coats and also with mixed dark/light coats. A mask will not be obvious on a dog that is otherwise solidly dark coloured although it may be present. Masks are most noticeable on sable and brindle dogs. The presence or absence of a mask is dependent on the E gene where [ E m ] gives a mask and [ E ] does not. A mask, if present, can range from a simple darkened muzzle to a raccoon-type eye mask to a full dark face extending into the ears. A dark dorsal stripe is common and some masked dogs also have a dark tail and dark paws.
Adele and her mom and grandmom always threw masks. Adele herself had a mask much like the boy above. Her masks usually end up fading away or appearing as tipping until it is cut or breaks off. In rare cases she has had one remain. You will know if the pups here will retain their masks about the 8 week stage. How will you know? When you look at the roots of the hair, you will be able to tell.
I always hope that they remain like the boy on top. The girls on the bottom is very light and hers will go to tipping for sure. His is not long enough to tell yet.
Here is the gallery today. This is a gallery containing both litters. Sorry - takes me more time to do individual ones but when I get time I will.
Pups are now eating solid softened food. Mom is actually trying to limit the amount of times she feeds. I may take her to bed with me tonight. We shall see. For the most part Dennis says these pups tend to sleep mostly.
They now have a ton of teeth. They are real characters!
Be sure to check out the videos. Still celebrating that I have my speed back on the net especially with 3 litters.
Reader Comments (3)
Very interesting about the masks. I just assumed they were part of the permanent colouring.
Thank you for explaining the masks. I also thought it was just part of their colouring. They are so beautiful.
Thanks for the in depth info regarding mask. I do wish that the boy will keep his mask. Tenshi one eye mask faded away as she grows.