Yak Color

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There is a wide variety of coloration in the yak. In the United States there are only 6 color patterns/classifications that can be found which are recognized by the International Yak Association (IYAK). Throughout the rest of the world the colors seem endless. Wild yaks are mostly black or dark brown, but there have been reports of the rare 'golden' wild yak.

Yak Color Classifications in the U.S.

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Black black with a gray nose	Imperial black with a black nose	Royal black with white	Trim black with white trim
	Golden gold colored	Woolly longer and thicker fur

 

Yak Color Variations in Central Asia (includes above colors):

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White pure white	Brown Royal black & white patches	Gray black with white trim	Brown
	Spotted	Brown Trim brown with white trim

 

Unfortunately, yaks can no longer be imported to the United States, therefore the few colors available remain.

 

Yak genes for color

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A trim yak, such as River, can produce offspring that are black, trim, or royal in a ratio of 1 : 2 : 1 respectively (25% black, 50% trim, 25% royal) as shown in the Punnett Square below. 

x	Bb
Bb	BB	Bb
	Bb	bb

 

 

BB: homozygous dominant (black)
Bb: heterozygous (trim)            
bb: homozygous recessive (royal)

Golden yaks are the result of a cross between two black yaks who both contain the rare golden yak gene. Crossing golden yak parents can also produce golden offspring.

 

 

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