Colors, Colors and More Colors

The World of Canine Coat Color

Canine coat colors are used for identification. For breeders, the primary coat color is identified as the COLOR of the dog. Patterns and/or secondary colors identify the MARKINGS. There are BREED COLORS, both Standard and Alternative, however the name of the color may vary with the breed. Throw in a pet owner’s name for a color and it becomes a confusing topic.

 

Frequently a breed has it’s own name for the same color(s) as another breed. Below are a few examples of AKC Breed Standard Colors for what many pet owners refer to as BLONDE or CHAMPAGNE:

Labrador Retriever AKC color is Yellow #232

Golden Retriever AKC color is Light Golden #119

Chihuahua AKC color(s) are Cream #076 and Fawn #082

Chesapeake Bay Retriever ACK Color is Tan #195

Afghan Hound AKC color is Cream #076

Bull Mastiff AKC color is Fawn #082

Cocker Spaniel AKC color(s) are Buff #068 and Cream #067

Australian Terrier AKC color is Sandy #169

Barbet AKC color is Fawn #082

Chow Chow AKC color is Cream #076

Pomeranian AKC color is Cream #076

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier ACK color is #224

and the list goes on…

 

The Pit Bull based breeds are no exception to the color wheel of identifiable standards of the primary coat color, secondary coat color and markings. Add to that list the various organizations throughout of the world that recognize the breed and identify by number or name their colors and markings … the spectrum is vast!

There are so many color combinations and marking patterns, choosing the color that is right for you is a personal one. Some colors carry personality traits, coat care, rarity, seen as friendly or intimidating, or simply a status symbol.

Puppy colors are not always the adult colors. It is important to remember that puppies coats are not the true colors of an adult dog. Colors fluctuate as they grow including secondary colors and markings. Some color combinations and markings are prone to change as the puppy ages.