What makes Champagne different from the other dilution genes?
Each of the different dilution genes have something that makes them unique. The Cream gene affects only red pigment, not black, when heterozygous, and is an incomplete dominant (has a different appearance depending on whether it is heterozygous or homozygous). The Dun gene affects all colors, but dilutes only the body, leaving the points dark, and also adds the “dun-factor” markings. The Silver gene affects only black pigment, not red, and has an exaggerated effect on the mane and tail. The Champagne gene, too, is unique — it dilutes the skin pigment as well as the hair. The other diluted colors (except homozygous Cream) have dark skin like any other color, but a champagne has pink skin, and often, lighter-than-normal eyes. Their adult eye color is often described as “hazel” or “amber”. What does a Champagne look like? The Champagne gene has a very unusual trait. The foals usually, but not always, are born looking the same color as a bay, black, or chestnut foal — but with bright pin