Classic breeding experiments told us much about the inheritance of coat colors and patterns in the early to mid 1900's. Only in the last 5 years, have the underlying genes been discovered. Many are yet unknown.
Several genes interact with each other to alter the shades of the basic colors.
This is, in part, because the precusors to pigment cells are also the precursors to nerve cells. Other colors are just more popular in certain parts of the world so command higher prices even though no benefits or harmful effects have been proven. This webpage is an attempt to summarize some of the current research being done in coat color. It represents the findings of many laboratories in many places. Whenever possible publications are listed documenting the research supporting the statements.