Common Definitions of Dog Coat Colors

PetSmart - PetSmart

Confused about the different names used to describe dog and cat coat colors?

Some breeds come in only one color. Other breeds come in several different colors and color combinations. If you're planning to adopt or purchase a puppy, you might want to know the different color combinations that are standard for your particular breed. Here are some of the standard color definitions.

Basic Color Types

Cream: includes white, and other light shades such as ivory, blond and lemon.

Red/Tan: includes red, red-fawn, tawny, rich chestnut, orange roan and chestnut roan.

Blue: includes merle (blue-gray) and speckled blue (with black).

Dark Brown: includes mahogany and blackish brown.

Black and Tan: clearly defined colors that result in good contrast.

Gold: includes russet gold, fawn, apricot, wheaten and tawny.

Chestnut Red and White: includes combinations of white with orange, fawn, red, chestnut.

Blue Mottled with Tan: includes blue and brindle, and bluish black and tan.

Black and White: includes black or brindle markings with white.

Black, Tan and White: otherwise known as tricolor.

Gray: includes all shades from silvery to blue-black gray, and gray or black brindle.

Liver and Tan: a combination of two reddish shades.

Liver and White: a coloration often associated with gundog breeds.

Liver: includes reddish brown, sable and cinnamon shades.

Black Brindle: includes 'pepper and salt' a gray/black combination.

Tan and White: a color combination seen in many breeds of hound.

Black: some breeds are pure black, but may become gray around the muzzle with age.

Gold and White: includes white with lemon, gold or orange spots.

Red Brindle: includes orange or mahogany brindle.

Comments