Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Blesse und Stern beim Hund?

Der Stern ist ein kleiner weißer Fleck zwischen den Augen. Die Blesse ist ein länglicher weißer Streifen über den Nasenrücken von der Stirn zur Nase. Beide sind kynologisch definierte Gesichtsabzeichen — nach Ausdehnung und Form unterschieden.

Kann eine Blesse beim Hund auf Taubheit hinweisen?

Ausgedehnte weiße Gesichtszeichnung erhöht das Risiko für genetisch bedingte Taubheit — besonders bei blauen Augen oder Doppelmerle-Genetik. Bei betroffenen Rassen ist ein BAER-Test empfohlen, um den Hörstatus zu prüfen.

Welche Hunderassen haben eine Blesse als Rassestandard?

Berner Sennenhund, Entlebucher und Appenzeller Sennenhund haben weiße Gesichtsabzeichen als vorgeschriebenes Rassemerkmal. Auch Landseer und St. Bernard zeigen typischerweise ausgeprägte Weißzeichnung im Kopfbereich.

Cynology & Anatomy

Blaze in Dogs: White Facial Markings and Genetics

A blaze is a white facial marking on a dog — an elongated white stripe that runs from the bridge of the nose or forehead down the center of the muzzle. It belongs to the group of white markings (facial markings) and is to be distinguished from smaller or larger white markings.

Auf einen Blick

A blaze is a white facial marking on a dog — an elongated white stripe that runs from the bridge of the nose or forehead down the center of the muzzle. It belongs to the group of white markings (facial markings) and is to be distinguished from smaller or larger white markings.
Risiko-Hinweis: low-medium: Consider context and individual differences
Wissenschaftliche Einordnung: Strain (2015, Frontiers in Veterinary Science) describes the genetics of pigment-associated deafness in dogs: white markings result from reduced melanocyte migration from the neural crest into the skin. Melanoblasts that do not migrate into the stria vascularis of the cochlea lead to atrophy of the strial epithelium – and thus to sensorineural deafness. Deafness occurs significantly more frequently in dogs with extreme white markings (piebald homozygotes). Affected breeds include Dalmatians, white Boxers, merle dogs from double-merle matings, and dominant white breeds.Clark et al. (2006, Genomics) identified a chromosomal region in dogs that is strongly associated with the piebald spotting pattern – the S locus (piebald locus). The piebald pattern, which includes blazes and other white markings, is polygenically influenced, with the MITF gene (Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor) serving as a central regulator. MITF controls the differentiation and migration of melanoblasts; reduced MITF activity leads to increasingly pronounced white markings.Bannasch et al. (2021, Genetics) described copy number variants upstream of the KITLG gene as an associated factor for pigment intensity in dog coats. White markings such as blazes occur in body areas with the lowest melanocyte density – the face and paws are typical predilection zones for white markings, as the migration distance from the neural crest is greatest there.

Blaze in dogs: white facial markings and genetics

What is a blaze in dogs?

The blaze is a white coat marking on a dog’s face — an elongated white stripe that runs from the bridge of the nose or the forehead down the center of the muzzle. It belongs to the group of white markings (facial markings) and should be distinguished from smaller or larger white markings.

Canine terminology distinguishes different facial markings by their extent and shape: the star (forehead star) is a small white spot between the eyes. The blaze is an elongated, narrow to medium-width white stripe running along the bridge of the nose. The wide blaze describes a broad white facial marking, often with irregular edges. The snip is a small white spot on the tip of the nose or at the corner of the mouth.

Background + scientific classification

Strain (2015, Frontiers in Veterinary Science) describes the genetics of pigment-associated deafness in dogs: white markings occur due to reduced melanocyte migration from the neural crest into the skin. Melanoblasts that do not migrate into the stria vascularis of the cochlea lead to atrophy of the strial epithelium — and therefore to sensorineural deafness. Deafness occurs significantly more often in dogs with extreme white markings (homozygous piebald). Affected: Dalmatians, white Boxers, merle dogs from double-merle matings, white-dominant breeds.

Clark et al. (2006, Genomics) identified a chromosomal region in dogs that is strongly associated with the piebald marking pattern — the S locus (piebald locus). The piebald pattern, which includes the blaze and other white markings, is polygenically influenced, with the MITF gene (Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor) acting as a central regulator. MITF controls the differentiation and migration of melanoblasts; reduced MITF activity leads to increasingly pronounced white markings.

Bannasch et al. (2021, Genetics) described copy number variants upstream of the KITLG gene as an associated factor for pigment intensity in canine coat. White markings such as a blaze develop in areas of the body with the lowest melanocyte density — the face and paws are typical predilection sites for white markings because the migration distance from the neural crest is greatest there.

Vitomalia position

The blaze is a cosmetic trait with no disease value — but extreme white facial markings can indicate genetically associated deafness. In breeds with extensive white markings (Boxer, merle breeds, Dalmatian), a BAER test is advisable. Marking traits and hearing status are two different things, but they are genetically connected.

When does the blaze become relevant?

Cynological identification and description in the studbook
Breed standard: required or disqualifying marking depending on the breed
Genetic counselling: connection between white markings and deafness risk
Breeding decisions: extreme white markings in Boxers, merle breeds
BAER test for dogs with extensive white facial markings

Practical application

Overview of cynological facial markings:

Term	Extent	Typical breeds
Star	Small spot between the eyes	Bernese Mountain Dog, Entlebucher
Blaze	Narrow stripe over the bridge of the nose	Landseer, Bernese Mountain Dog
Flame	Broad facial marking	St. Bernard, Landseer
Snip	Small spot on the tip of the nose/corner of the mouth	Various

Risk of deafness with white markings: - Normal risk: star, small blaze, unilateral marking - Increased risk: completely white head, bilateral blue eyes + white - High risk: double merle, extreme piebald homozygosity - BAER test (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response): Standard test for hearing status

Breeds with a blaze as part of the breed standard: - Bernese Mountain Dog: White nasal band (blaze) required - Entlebucher Mountain Dog: White nasal band required - Landseer: Pronounced white markings on the head - Appenzeller Sennenhund: White facial markings are typical

Common mistakes & myths

“A blaze means the dog has a white parent.” White facial markings develop through partial inhibition of melanocyte migration — this is typical for certain breeds and not a sign of an unrelated white parent. It is a normal pigmentation trait.
“Blue eyes + white blaze = always deaf.” Blue eyes and white markings increase the risk of deafness — but they do not automatically cause it. The combination is an indicator for a BAER test, not proof of deafness.
“Facial markings have no breeding standard.” Many breed standards define facial markings precisely — the size, shape, and position of the blaze may be regulated in the FCI standard as a required, permitted, or disqualifying trait.

Scientific status 2026

The genetics of white markings in dogs is well understood: MITF variants, S locus polymorphisms, and KITLG copy number variants have been characterized. Current research is investigating the precise correlation between the extent of white markings and the risk of deafness at breed level. Mandatory BAER testing for certain breeds (Dalmatians) is set out in some breeding regulations. Pigment-associated deafness is considered preventable through informed breeding planning.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a blaze and a star in dogs?

A star is a small white spot between the eyes. A blaze is an elongated white stripe over the bridge of the nose, running from the forehead to the nose. Both are cynologically defined facial markings with different extents.

Can a blaze in dogs indicate deafness?

Yes — extensive white facial markings, especially in combination with blue eyes or double merle genetics, increase the risk of genetically caused deafness. For breeds with extensive white markings on the head, a BAER test is recommended.

Which dog breeds have a blaze as part of the breed standard?

Bernese Mountain Dogs, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, and Appenzeller Mountain Dogs have white facial markings as part of the standard. Landseers and St. Bernards also typically show pronounced white markings on the head.

Related terms

Sources & further reading

Strain, G. M. (2015). The genetics of deafness in domestic animals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2, 29. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26664958/
Clark, L. A., Wahl, J. M., Rees, C. A., & Murphy, K. E. (2006). Chromosomal region strongly associated with canine piebald spotting pattern. Genomics, 88(4), 515–521. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16621418/
Bannasch, D., Young, A., Myers, J., Truvé, K., Dickinson, P., Gregg, J., … Pedersen, N. (2021). Pigment intensity in dogs is associated with a copy number variant upstream of KITLG. Genetics, 216(2), 545–553. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34059924/

Wissenschaftliche Einordnung

Strain (2015, Frontiers in Veterinary Science) describes the genetics of pigment-associated deafness in dogs: white markings result from reduced melanocyte migration from the neural crest into the skin. Melanoblasts that do not migrate into the stria vascularis of the cochlea lead to atrophy of the strial epithelium – and thus to sensorineural deafness. Deafness occurs significantly more frequently in dogs with extreme white markings (piebald homozygotes). Affected breeds include Dalmatians, white Boxers, merle dogs from double-merle matings, and dominant white breeds.

Clark et al. (2006, Genomics) identified a chromosomal region in dogs that is strongly associated with the piebald spotting pattern – the S locus (piebald locus). The piebald pattern, which includes blazes and other white markings, is polygenically influenced, with the MITF gene (Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor) serving as a central regulator. MITF controls the differentiation and migration of melanoblasts; reduced MITF activity leads to increasingly pronounced white markings.

Bannasch et al. (2021, Genetics) described copy number variants upstream of the KITLG gene as an associated factor for pigment intensity in dog coats. White markings such as blazes occur in body areas with the lowest melanocyte density – the face and paws are typical predilection zones for white markings, as the migration distance from the neural crest is greatest there.