Yes, it sounds like she is describing a neural tube defect, migration halting and all, but it didn't seem that way when I read it. Just that the melanin migrates from the neural tube out to the body. I agree with you that it is not incomplete fusion of the neural tube.
I spoil my Shammy rotten when she is pregnant too. Because she demands it. It's funny how you can read a dog, and know when they need extra attentions!
My Cassie has a little white on her chest, but her feet are solid colored.

OK Darlene, I think I got the dad's E locus figured out.
He is expressing his E(M) because he has a mask. The black, brown, blue/gray is expressed in the mask (not the body, this is where I got confused), and the body is yellow, red, fawn or cream when the mask is expressed.
So now I know his 2nd E is a dominant E, because the babies had no mask (didn't inherit the E(M)) but they are black, so they had to get a big E from the dad. Mom is fawn with no mask, so she has to be little e/e.

This is fun! Let me know about your piebald discriptions if you want to look into it.

Oh geesh, now the mom just got confusing. Apparently, fawn Frenchies and Afghans can be hidden carriers of brindle because they don't have a big E. I guess I would need to know more about the mom's past litters or her parents and litter-mates to figure out her K locus. Throw out the first Punnet square percentages!

OK kinda crazy around here with the holidays and all so I appologize for not responding sooner.

Mia's parents were fawn and white and Pied. Mia has the parti gene.

So based on what you told me I will never get a pied with Mia and Tucker. I may have to use a different stud on my 3rd breeding then!!!

Hi Darlene, it seems that the spotting gene is separate from the ones I listed on your mom and dad. The spotting gene is really confusing though. But what I can figure out, the spotting (all including piebald) is recessive and solid colored is dominant in Frenchies. In order to have a piebald puppy, both parents must carry the piebald gene. So I think you still have a chance if Tucker carries for the piebald. Good luck and Merry Christmas!