What is a leopard complex?

The leopard complex is a group of genetically repeated coat patterns on horses. These patterns range from progressive increases in interspersed white hair similar to graying or roan to "a distinctive, Dalmatian-like leopard spots" on a white coat. The secondary characteristics associated with the leopard complex include a white sclera around the eye, striped hooves and mottled skin.

These patterns are most closely identified with the Appaloosa and Knabstrupper breeds, though its presence in breeds from Asia to western Europe has indicated that it is due to a very ancient mutation. Coat patterns in the leopard complex range from being hardly distinguishable from an unaffected coat, to nearly pure white. Unlike most other spotting patterns, the spotting and especially the white regions associated with the leopard complex tend to be symmetrical and originate over the hips. Furthermore, a certain amount of this inherited white patterning is present at birth.

The amount of white, even if none is present at birth, often grows throughout the horse's life by gradual "roaning" which is not related to graying or true roan. Colored spots reflect the underlying coat color, be it black, chestnut, gray, or silver dun-buckskin. A number of factors, each separately, genetically controlled, interact to produce familiar patterns such as "snowflake," "leopard," and "fewspot".