Etymology. The word "piebald" originates from a combination of "pie," from "magpie", and "bald", meaning "white patch" or spot. The reference is to the distinctive black-and-white plumage of the magpie.
What makes a horse a piebald?
A piebald horse is a horse with colored splotches on a white background, primarily black splotches on a white background. The skin under the darker splotches may or may not be pigmented, the skin under the white background is not pigmented.
How does an animal become piebald?
The mutated gene is known to be the main cause of piebald patterns. One leading theory held that the patterns were caused by the mutated Kit gene slowing down the migration of pigment cells. The cells are produced at the back of the embryo and move through the skin towards the front as the animal develops in the womb.
What's the difference between a piebald and skewbald?
Piebald horses have large, irregular patches of black and white on their coats. Skewbald horses, on the other hand, have a combination of white and any other color -- typically brown, chestnut or bay. Both piebald and skewbald horses should have white markings that are continuous over the color base.
How many colors does a dog have to have to be considered pied?
When a dog is at least 50% colored, or has patches of white and another color, and the colored portions appear on the dog's head, neck and body, it's said to be “pied.” White markings will show up in particular areas of her chest, belly, feet, chin and tail end, and she might also have a white blaze or star on her face ...
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