Coat Color Calculator — Predict Your Puppy's Coat Colors Instantly

Use this genetic coat color calculator to determine possible puppy coat colors based on parent genetics. Simple Punnett square analysis for common canine coat color genes. Ideal for breeders, pet owners, and educational use.

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Coat Color Calculator

Select the sire's and dam's coat colors to see possible puppy colors and their probabilities.

Select both parent colors and click Predict Coat Colors to see the possible puppy color distribution.

Coat Color Genetics: B & E Locus Explained

Dog coat color in many breeds is controlled by two primary genes: the B locus (pigment type) and the E locus (pigment expression). This calculator uses a simple Mendelian model with assumed genotypes for each color.

Puppy Color = f( Sire Genotype × Dam Genotype ) → Punnett Square Probabilities

Genotype Assumptions

  • Black dogs → genotype BbEe (carries chocolate & yellow recessives)
  • Chocolate dogs → genotype bbEe (homozygous chocolate, carries yellow)
  • Yellow dogs → genotype BBee (homozygous yellow, no chocolate allele)

These defaults produce the widest range of possible puppy colors. If your dog's actual genotype is known (e.g., a black dog is BBEE), the results will be less varied — all puppies would be black.

How to Predict Puppy Coat Colors

  1. Identify the parents' visible colors — Black, Chocolate, or Yellow.
  2. Understand the hidden alleles — black dogs may carry chocolate (b) and yellow (e); chocolate dogs may carry yellow (e); yellow dogs mask all B-locus information.
  3. Determine possible gametes — each parent passes one B allele and one E allele to each puppy.
  4. Build a Punnett square — cross the gametes to see all possible genotype combinations.
  5. Translate genotypes to colors — any puppy with at least one E and one B is black; with E and bb is chocolate; with ee is yellow regardless of B alleles.

Coat Color Calculator Examples

Example 1: Black × Yellow

Sire Black (BbEe) × Dam Yellow (BBee)

Gametes: Sire → BE, Be, bE, be   Dam → Be
Punnett → 50% Black (B_Ee), 50% Yellow (B_ee)

Example 2: Black × Black

Both BbEe

Punnett: 9/16 Black (B_E_), 3/16 Chocolate (bbE_), 4/16 Yellow (__ee)

Example 3: Chocolate × Yellow

Chocolate (bbEe) × Yellow (BBee)

Result: 50% Black (BbEe), 50% Yellow (Bbee) — no chocolate puppies

Real‑World Genetic Factors That Influence Coat Color

  • Hidden alleles — a black dog that is BBEE cannot produce chocolate or yellow puppies; a BbEe black dog can produce all three colors.
  • Dilution locus (D) — the D gene turns black into blue and chocolate into lilac when a dog is dd. This calculator does not include dilution.
  • Dominant black (K locus) — the KB allele overrides the agouti series and can change the expression of yellow patterns.
  • Pigment‑type modifiers — other loci (A, S, T) create brindle, piebald, or ticking patterns that overlay the base color.
  • Breed‑specific variations — some breeds fix certain alleles (e.g., all Yellow Labs are ee), simplifying predictions.

People Also Ask

Yes, if both black dogs carry the recessive e allele (genotype BbEe or BBEe). About 25% of their puppies will inherit e from both parents and become yellow, regardless of B locus alleles.
Assuming a chocolate (bbEe) and a yellow (BBee), all puppies will be either black (BbEe) or yellow (Bbee). No chocolate puppies are possible because the yellow parent contributes only the dominant B allele.
The calculator is accurate for breeds whose color is primarily determined by the B and E loci, such as Labrador Retrievers. Breeds with additional modifying genes (e.g., D, K, A) may show more complex inheritance patterns not captured here.
Yellow dogs have genotype ee, masking whatever B alleles they carry. If a yellow dog is BBee or Bbee and mates with a black or chocolate dog that provides the E allele, the puppies will express the hidden B alleles and can be black or chocolate.
DNA testing is the only certain way. However, if a black dog has ever produced a chocolate puppy when bred to a chocolate mate, it carries the b allele. Pedigree analysis can also reveal carrier status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the B and E loci are universal across all dog breeds. As long as you can identify the parents' basic colors, the calculator provides a solid probability estimate. The assumptions hold regardless of breed purity.
Using BbEe shows the full spectrum of possible puppy colors, making the tool educational and broadly applicable. A homozygous black (BBEE) would only produce black puppies, which is less informative for most users.
Absolutely. The calculator makes reasonable genetic assumptions from the visible colors. While the exact probabilities may shift with known genotypes, the overall possible colors remain accurate for the assumed heterozygous state.
Genotype is the actual genetic makeup (e.g., BbEe), while phenotype is the observable trait (e.g., Black). Many different genotypes can produce the same phenotype, which is why hidden recessives can surprise breeders.
No. This tool focuses on the basic B and E interaction. Dilution (D locus) and other modifiers are not included. A separate advanced calculator would be needed for dilute, brindle, or merle patterns.
DNA color testing kits can reveal the full genotype. Once you know the exact alleles, you can manually adjust the Punnett square or use a more detailed genetic calculator with custom genotype input.

Coat Color Genetics Glossary

Allele

One of two or more versions of a gene. For the B locus, B (black) and b (chocolate) are alleles.

Dominant

An allele that masks the effect of a recessive allele when present. B is dominant over b.

Recessive

An allele whose effect is only seen when two copies are inherited (homozygous). e is recessive to E.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, e.g., BbEe.

Phenotype

The observable physical characteristic, e.g., Black coat color.

Punnett Square

A grid used to predict the genotypes of offspring from a particular cross.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a gene (BB, bb, EE, ee).

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a gene (Bb, Ee).

Editorial Review & Methodology

This coat color calculator was built by the NumbrWiz Editorial Team and reviewed using established canine genetics references. The model uses Mendelian inheritance of two unlinked loci (B and E) with the default heterozygous genotypes for Black and Chocolate.

  • Genetic model verification: Cross‑checked against standard Labrador Retriever color inheritance charts.
  • Punnett square logic: All gamete combinations are computed client‑side with exact fractional probabilities.
  • Edge case testing: Validated with homozygous dominant and recessive extremes to ensure correct phenotype mapping.
  • UX design: Simplified dropdowns for phenotype with clear genotype assumptions disclosed.

Transparency note: All calculations run entirely in your browser. No data is collected or stored. Results are educational estimates — for precise breeding decisions, DNA testing is recommended. Always consult a veterinary geneticist for complex color inheritance questions.

Page last reviewed: May 2026 · NumbrWiz Editorial Team