Follicular dysplasias are a group of syndromes that often result in abnormal hair loss and changes in coat quality.
Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia is a rare inherited disorder that is seen in mixed-breed and purebred dogs. It is caused by one or more defects in melanisation.
Hair loss occurs at a very early age (usually by 4 weeks old) in black areas on black or black and white dogs. Black hairs become dull, fracture and are lost.
The changes are consistent in the different breeds affected.
DNA testing can be carried out to identify dogs that carry the causative allele.