Mistakes

Mistake #1: Unnatural Colors

Probably the number #1 mistake in frequency. It's very tempting to use blue hues in particular, as they tend to give the design an overall sleek and cool look. Please keep in mind that Kynheim is a semi-realistic ARPG though and follows the rules of a strict genetics system. Green, blue and purple are not allowed in base-colors. As for markings... If all markings match the coat and pattern, we won't color pick every pixel of the design. However, as soon as a marking seems out of place or the color clashes with the rest of the design, we will have to ask for a change even on smaller markings.

Mistake #2: Partial Dilution

If your wolf has any B- or D-dilution (Liver, Blue or Lilac), then all black pigment turns into that color. This means that there can't be a genetically blue, liver or lilac wolf with any black markings. Even the nose, gums and skin can't be black on these individuals. 

Mistake #3: Random White Spotting

White Spotting (Minimal White and Irish White) have set patterns through which they manifest. Irish White, for example, is always symmetrical and starts on the nose ridge, throat, paws and tail tip. The stronger its expression, the more extensive it gets. Minimal White is a bit more irregular, it can be asymmetrical too, but it has some rules as well: It always starts at the center of the wolf (forehead, nose ridge, throat, chest, belly, tail tip) or on the paws. It's not possible for it to start on the tips of the ears or on the eyebrows, for example. Nor can it randomly sprout white hairs on the back or flanks.

Furthermore, white spotting is always sharply defined. There are no white gradients.

Mistake #4: Mask is the wrong color

Masks are always uni-colored and only come in the following colors: Black, Blue, Liver and Lilac. The only way they can seem like they have multiple colors is through fading into other parts of the coat. 

Mistake #5: Masking on a Dominant Black wolf

It's very tempting to have a fully blue wolf with a darker blue mask. Or an off-black wolf with a black mask. However, this is not possible. If a wolf has the "dominant black" gene, then masking won't show, regardless of the genetics. Same goes for dilutions, such as blue, liver or lilac. The shade of black, blue, liver and lilac is the same everywhere on the body! (Coat length and sun bleaching can make certain areas appear lighter, but this has little to do with the genetics)

Mistake #6: Broken Mask / Covered Mask

The only marking(s) that can cover masking is White Spotting (Minimal White and Irish White)! There can't be brown, cream, red or grey markings on top of masks, nor can masks have "holes" such as the paw socks seen below. An exception to the latter would be complexly shaped face masks, which of course can have smaller holes and areas of lower opacity, much like on a GSD.

Mistake #7: Inconsistent Masking

Only want your wolf's legs to be dark, but not their face? Sorry, that's not possible. Masking always starts at the face, hence the name! Only when the masking is particularly heavy, the color can bleed down the chest and legs.

Mistake #8: Mask is used as dark Tan/Undersides

If you would like "dark undersides" on your wolf, the only option to achieve that visual is indeed with masking. However, this does not behave the same as Tan Points or pseudo-tan points on an Agouti. The pattern starts on the nose, lips and brows and spreads from there. Clear-cut markings such as a lighter nose-ridge are not possible here. We recommend you look at dogs like the breeds "Malinois" or "Rhodesian Ridgeback" for reference of different degrees of masking!