The inner rings show
the hidden color genes carried by the dog.
The American company VetGen even offers what it calls a «Coat Color Prediction Service, so you can reveal your dog's
hidden color genes and then optimise your ability to breed the colors you want».
Not exact matches
Some
colors can be
hidden in a dog's genetics for years, and only be expressed when their isn't a more dominant
gene passed on too.
Due to the complex interactions of these
genes, it is possible for dogs to carry
hidden colors which may appear in their offspring.
Some
colors occur through careful selection, others appear out of the blue e.g. Lilac (Lavender) appeared in normally blue (gray) Korats due to mutation or recessive (
hidden)
genes.