Pinto--a new coat patterning factor in Syrian hamsters.

A new patterning factor is described for the Syrian golden hamster. It is called pinto (symbol pi), and it causes large random white areas to be present on the sides and dorsum, interrupting the ground color of the animal. Belly fur is white instead of grayish and there is an overall color lightening effect on self-colored areas. Pinto acts as an autosomal recessive factor. The relationship of pinto to other white patterning factors in hamsters is discussed. It is concluded that pinto is non-allelic with and not linked to any of the other autosomal white patterning factors: piebald (s), white band (Ba), anophthalmic white (Wh), and dominant spot (Ds). The remaining white patterning factor, mottled white (Mo), is sex linked and is assumed to be genetically unrelated to pinto.