Rare albino Dachshund who has to wear sun cream becomes rising Instagram star

To showcase Duke’s albino features and love for dressing up, Mercedes launched an Instagram account so people across the world can follow her pet’s story.

According to Pet MD, albinism dogs are considered to be extremely rare and can only be proven to be a true albino through a genetic test.

Albinism is caused when animals and even humans, lack the genes to produce melanin, the pigment responsible for producing skin and hair colouring.

If a puppy has a parent with the merle gene, which is a dominant trait that can be passed down, they are highly likely to be born albino.

Exposure to the sun can lead to albino dogs having a higher chance of developing skin cancer or even suffer from untreatable eye problems.

Certain breeds are known for the rare skin condition to occur more often, these include Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Pugs, Great Danes and West Highland White Terriers.

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source: express.co.uk