Group of white patterns
Pinto describes a coat made of large white and colored areas. It is an appearance term covering several distinct genetic mechanisms.
A general pattern composed of large white and colored areas, with skin that is usually pink beneath the white markings.
The shape, size and location of white areas depend on the pattern involved, including tobiano, frame overo, splashed white, sabino and combinations.
Variants in or near genes such as KIT, MITF, PAX3 and EDNRB can produce white spotting.
The main pattern is present from birth, although edge roaning, contrast or small spots may change.
Extensive Leopard-complex white can resemble pinto. Borders, skin and associated traits help identify the mechanism.
Explore the profiles of breeds in which this coat or trait is present or documented.
Discover the American Miniature Horse, an elegant and intelligent miniature horse under 86 cm tall, admired for its beauty and gentle temperament.
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The Paint Horse, an American breed recognized for its pinto coat and versatility, excels in western riding, leisure, and competitions.
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Versatile, athletic and high-performing, the American Warmblood excels in equestrian sports. Discover its origins, temperament and strengths.
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Discover the Bagual horse, a symbol of freedom in Chile. Descended from the Criollo, it embodies strength, hardiness, and the spirit of South American wild horses.
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The Barock Pinto is a horse bred from the crossing of the Friesian and piebald horses. Elegant, powerful and colorful, it excels in driving, dressage and show.
View profileDiscover the Czech Sport Pony, a versatile and athletic breed, ideal for children’s riding and pony sport competitions.
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Discover the Falabella, one of the smallest horse breeds in the world: docile, elegant, hardy, and native to Argentina. Used in driving and equine therapy.
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The Faroe Pony, one of the world's rarest breeds with just 90 individuals, nearly vanished in the 1960s. Strictly forbidden from export, it can only be seen in the Faroe Islands.
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Discover the Florida Cracker Horse, a Spanish colonial horse from Florida, agile and fast, used for cattle work and known for its exceptional endurance.
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Discover the French Saddle Pony, a versatile sport pony prized for show jumping, dressage and eventing.
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Why is the Irish Cob so loved? Gentle, hardy and versatile, this horse with abundant feathering is ideal for riding and driving.
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Discover the Icelandic Horse, Iceland’s iconic breed, renowned for its unique gaits (tölt and pace), hardiness, and gentle temperament. Complete information on its origin, traits, ...
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The Kaimanawa, whose Māori name means "eat the wind", is New Zealand's wild horse. Only 300 individuals remain, managed by the army and listed as rare genetic heritage by the UN.
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The Pottok is a hardy pony from the Basque Country, known for its freedom, strength, and use in trekking and riding schools.
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The SBS, founded in 1920 as a cavalry horse, nearly vanished during World War II. Awarded Royal status in 1967, it now dominates international show jumping worldwide.
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History, conformation, temperament, breeding and performance: discover why the Zangersheide is one of the world's most sought-after sport horses.
View profileThe shape, size and location of white areas depend on the pattern involved, including tobiano, frame overo, splashed white, sabino and combinations.
The main pattern is present from birth, although edge roaning, contrast or small spots may change.
Extensive Leopard-complex white can resemble pinto. Borders, skin and associated traits help identify the mechanism.
Visual examination is sometimes sufficient, but genetic testing can be useful when several coats look similar or when breeding decisions are involved.
