Red (the "E" influence)

Now is when it gets a little more confusing. We have already discussed one 'red' influence (which is not genetically red, but rather diluted brown), and the black "K" factor. Now we will look at dominant "E" Red and its forms of expression. One thing to make note of here - dominant "E" Red works only with homozygous recessive "k". In other words, any "E"s on this influence will only be expressed if the genotype is "kk". Any "K"s, and the coat colour will revert to being a form of Black or its dilutes.
"E"s on this influence work alongside the agouti factor, which I will discuss in further detail on that post. The point I am attempting to make here, however, is that one cannot be expressed without the other.

Here we have a 'Red with Black Sable' or 'Black Sable Red' Dachshund. This terminology is correct in that, genetically, this dog is black over red. Any form of sable means that the hairs' base colour is red, with tipped black on the end. Sable is not what is known as 'recessive red', and is also part of the black series. It can be hard to understand exactly what this means, but I will try to simplify. Dominant "E" means red expressed with black (sable) if there are two "kk"s expressed. Otherwise the dog will be black, or a dilute form of this colouration. The sable that is expressed is obviously reliant on the agouti series. If the tanpoint pattern is dominant instead, no red can be found. Red sables are only present with 'A^y' - dominant over tanpoints. More on this later, when we reach the agouti influence.
To understand this explanation a little more, read the following post on recessive reds. This explains the difference between these two colours. Put simply, recessive reds express red and only red. No black hair may be found on the coat. Dominant reds are a form of black and red combined, and are genetically different. Recessive red "ee" overrides everything, including black. Dominant red can only be expressed with two homozygous "kk's.

An example as to how this influence works in recessive and dominant form, as explained above. Red sable works with the agouti expression ("A^y"), black recessive "kk" series, and dominant Red/black "EE" series. In some cases, only one "E" ("Ee") is required - sable will still be expressed.

Another example of a Red (in this case 'Fawn) Sable coloured dog.

This Great Dane, although appearing Fawn, is obviously also expressing black, in this case - in the form of the 'mask' as can be seen on the face. This dog is 'Fawn with Black Sable and Mask' - Black being the base colour, which is expressed on the "E" influence. The mask gene is expressed here also.
Any form of masking is a good indicator the dog is Sable - as recessive reds do not express black.

Here we have another Sable coloured dog, a Kooikerhondje. This breed comes in Red/Black Sable only (with White pattern) as can be seen clearly by the black tips on the ears. On Sables, the pattern can be very slight, or very extensive, as in German Shepherds. Sable will be discussed in greater detail in our Agouti series.