Depigmentation present from birth

White

White horse with an entirely white coat and pink skin visible around the eyes and muzzle
Example of a white horse, white from birth and generally associated with pink skin.

A truly white horse is born with white hair and usually pink skin. This differs from gray, in which a horse is born colored and progressively develops white hairs.

Category
Depigmentation present from birth
Family
White phenotypes
Related breeds
8 associated breeds

A completely white coat present from birth, generally associated with pink skin. It differs from gray, which lightens progressively with age.

How can you identify White?

The coat is white from birth, the skin is extensively unpigmented, and the eyes are often brown but may be blue depending on the mechanism involved.

  • White coat from birth
  • Mostly pink skin
  • No progressive whitening from a dark birth coat
  • Eye color varies with the mechanism

Genetic origin and mechanism

Several variants can produce white or nearly white phenotypes, particularly in the KIT region. Not every white horse should therefore be assigned to one mutation.

Development and variations

Unlike gray, the horse does not progressively change from a colored birth coat to white, although small pigmented areas may remain.

Possible confusions

The main confusion is a very light gray horse. Skin color around the eyes and muzzle, together with the birth color, helps separate them.

Horse breeds associated with White

Explore the profiles of breeds in which this coat or trait is present or documented.

Frequently asked questions about White

How can you identify White in a horse?

The coat is white from birth, the skin is extensively unpigmented, and the eyes are often brown but may be blue depending on the mechanism involved.

Does White change with age or the seasons?

Unlike gray, the horse does not progressively change from a colored birth coat to white, although small pigmented areas may remain.

Which coats or traits can be confused with White?

The main confusion is a very light gray horse. Skin color around the eyes and muzzle, together with the birth color, helps separate them.

Is genetic testing necessary to identify White?

Visual examination is sometimes sufficient, but genetic testing can be useful when several coats look similar or when breeding decisions are involved.