färgpunkt

Färgpunkt is a Swedish term that translates to "color point" in English. It is most commonly used in the context of animal breeding, particularly with cat breeds like the Siamese, Burmese, and Ragdoll. In these breeds, färgpunkt refers to a specific genetic mutation that causes the body to be a lighter color while the extremities—ears, face, paws, and tail—are darker. This pattern is known as pointed or colorpoint.

The färgpunkt gene is an allele of the albino gene. It is a temperature-sensitive mutation, meaning that the areas of the body that are cooler will develop more pigment. This is why the extremities, which are farther from the core body temperature, are darker than the rest of the body. The intensity and shade of the color points can vary depending on the specific genetic makeup of the animal and environmental factors.

The färgpunkt pattern is a desirable trait in many breeds due to its distinctive and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Different breeds exhibit a variety of point colors, including seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, red, and cream, among others. These colors are further distinguished by patterns such as tabby, tortie, and dilute. The genetic basis of färgpunkt has been extensively studied, allowing breeders to selectively breed for specific colorations and patterns.