Phenotype vs. Genotype

SdS_ SvS_ No. 1, ScSScS SdS_ No. 1

18" x 12” (each)
acrylic
2014
Fig. 13 Phenotype vs. Genotype
12” x 18"
graphite
2014
I have been using the word genotype without much explanation. Genotype is quite literally the horse’s genetic type. Genotype’s counterpart is phenotype, or what the horse actually looks like. Take the two horses here. In terms of their phenotype, they are virtually identical. Both are typical leopard appaloosas. But if someone tried to breed these horses, they could get very different results. One is a few spot with dark spots (ScSScS SdS_) and one has very extensive varnish with dark spots (SdS_ SvS_). The horse with varnish is what is called a false leopard. A true leopard is born that color and does not change over time (Gower, 108).

Gower, Jeanette. Horse Color Explained a Breeder's Perspective. North Pomfret, VT: Trafalgar Square, 1999. Print.