1. Determine the Genotypes:
* Spotted (dominant): Let's represent the dominant allele with "S"
* Non-spotted (recessive): Let's represent the recessive allele with "s"
Since the female Dalmatian is spotted, we know she must have at least one "S" allele. However, we don't know if she's homozygous (SS) or heterozygous (Ss).
2. Analyze the Offspring:
* Three of the six pups are non-spotted. This means they must be homozygous recessive (ss).
* To have a recessive phenotype (non-spotted), the offspring must inherit one "s" allele from each parent.
3. Deduce the Male's Genotype:
* Since the female Dalmatian contributed an "s" allele to each non-spotted pup, the male MUST also be carrying an "s" allele.
* We don't know if the male has an "S" allele as well.
4. Possible Genotypes and Phenotypes of the Male:
* Genotype: Ss (heterozygous) He would have a spotted phenotype (because "S" is dominant).
* Genotype: ss (homozygous recessive) He would have a non-spotted phenotype.
Conclusion:
We can't definitively determine the male's phenotype. He could be either spotted or non-spotted. However, we know for sure that he must carry the recessive "s" allele.