The leopard complex is a group of related genes that produce the appaloosa patterns. These patterns range from an appearance similar to roaning to the classic "leopard" spots. Other characteristics of an appaloosa horse include white sclera, striped hooves, and mottled skin. The leopard complex genes are also linked to abnormalities in vision.
The leopard complex genes are very complicated, as the patterns are not caused by any one gene. Leopard(ptn1) and blanket(ptn2) require varnish roan(lp) to be present to show up. However, if two varnish roan(lp) alleles are dominant, the characteristic spotting will not show up, instead the horse's white markings will be solid.
The leopard complex genes are very complicated, as the patterns are not caused by any one gene. Leopard(ptn1) and blanket(ptn2) require varnish roan(lp) to be present to show up. However, if two varnish roan(lp) alleles are dominant, the characteristic spotting will not show up, instead the horse's white markings will be solid.