True Dog Coat Color: When Revealed?

when will my dogs tru coat color show

There are many reasons why a dog's coat colour may change, and it's completely normal. A puppy's fur will often transition to a richer colour by adulthood, revealing its true 'grown-up' colour. Sun exposure can also cause a dog's fur to lighten, and hormones can cause slight colour shifts. Ageing is another factor, with many dogs going grey as they get older, especially around the muzzle.

Some breeds are known for changing coat colours as they enter adulthood. For example, a Shih Tzu puppy with gold hair at birth may turn orange, or a blue puppy may turn grey by its first birthday.

Colour changes can also be caused by underlying health problems, but these are rare. Conditions such as cancer, infections, hypothyroidism, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (caused by tick bites) can cause changes in a dog's coat colour.

Characteristics Values
Puppy coat colour changes Lighter puppy fur often transitions to a richer colour by adulthood.
Sun exposure Sunlight can lighten a dog's hair colour.
Hormones Pregnancy, heat cycles, etc., can sometimes cause slight colour shifts due to temporary pigment changes.
Age Graying is part of life for many dogs, especially in breeds like Poodles and German Shepherds, who are predisposed to early graying.
Genetics Two distinct genes determine whether a dog's coat will lighten or grey over time.
Environmental factors Environmental factors such as climate, stress, and diet can trigger changes in coat colour.
Health problems Some health problems, such as cancer, infections, hypothyroidism, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, can cause changes in a dog's coat colour.

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Sun exposure can cause a dog's fur to lighten

Sun exposure can indeed cause a dog's fur to lighten. Just like human hair, dogs' fur can lighten in the sun. This is most noticeable on white fur or on specific markings.

The sun's UV rays can cause a reaction in the pigment-producing cells of a dog's fur, resulting in a decrease in melanin production. Melanin is what gives colour to the fur, so when there is less of it, the fur appears lighter. Dogs with lighter-coloured fur, such as white or blonde, are more susceptible to sun-induced lightening due to their lower baseline levels of melanin.

The degree to which a dog's fur lightens in the sun can depend on several factors, including their natural coat colour, the amount of time spent in the sun, and their overall health.

If you are concerned about your dog's fur lightening due to sun exposure, there are some steps you can take to protect their coat. Providing shade and limiting sun exposure during peak hours are important, especially for thin-furred breeds. You can also apply sunscreen specifically designed for dogs to areas with less fur, such as the nose, ears, and belly. Additionally, regular grooming and a balanced diet can help maintain the health and appearance of your dog's fur.

It is worth noting that sun exposure is not the only factor that can affect a dog's fur colour. Other factors include genetics, nutrition, and grooming habits. Age can also play a role, as some dogs may experience a decrease in melanin production as they get older, causing their fur to lighten or develop grey or white patches.

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Hormones can cause slight colour changes

It is important to note that coat colour changes can also occur naturally as dogs age. For example, breeds like Poodles and German Shepherds are predisposed to early graying, typically starting around the muzzle and eyes.

Additionally, sun exposure can lighten dog fur, similar to how it affects human hair. This is more noticeable on white fur or specific markings.

Nutrition also plays a role in maintaining coat colour. Nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc, copper, and essential fatty acids, can lead to a dull or depigmented coat. On the other hand, certain ingredients in a dog's diet can affect pigment production, influencing the coat colour.

If you notice sudden or dramatic colour changes in your dog's coat, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out any potential health concerns.

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Age can cause a dog's fur to grey

Some dog breeds are more prone to greying than others. For example, Schnauzers are known for their grey beards, while Greyhounds and Weimaraners are naturally grey. Black dogs also tend to show grey earlier than lighter-coloured dogs.

In addition to age, stress and anxiety can also contribute to premature greying in dogs. A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that dogs with high anxiety or fearful responses to unfamiliar situations were more likely to experience premature greying. The cellular stress that causes grey hair has a genetic component, and it can be influenced by psychological stress and anxiety.

While age-related greying is a natural part of a dog's life, it's important to monitor their overall health. Regular grooming, a high-quality diet, and protection from the elements can help support skin and coat health. If you notice any skin issues or sudden changes in fur colour, it's recommended to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical causes.

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Genetics can determine whether a dog's coat will lighten or grey over time

Genetics can indeed determine whether a dog's coat will lighten or grey over time. A dog's fur gets its colour from two main pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin. The amount of each pigment a dog produces is dictated by its unique DNA mix, which is inherited from its parents.

The colour of a dog's coat is determined by the amount of melanin produced by melanocytes, which are the cells within the hair follicles. Melanin is not always produced at a steady rate, so the tip of a dog's hair may be darker than the rest of the hair shaft. The more melanin produced, the darker the colour.

Genes can modify the two pigments, eumelanin and pheomelanin, to create a wide range of colours. For example, genes can dilute eumelanin to create liver (brown), blue (grey), or isabella (pale brown) coats. Similarly, genes can control the intensity of pheomelanin, which has a default colour of gold or yellow, to create reds that range from deep red to orange, cream, gold, yellow, or tan.

Genes can also determine whether a dog's coat will lighten or grey over time. The greying gene, for example, causes melanin to be lost from hairs over time. Grey dogs are born fully coloured and develop the greying effect over several months. New hairs are grown fully coloured but their colour fades over time towards white.

The amount of sun exposure a dog gets can also cause its coat to lighten. Just like human hair, dog fur lightens in the sun. This is most obvious on white fur or on specific markings.

In addition, a dog's coat colour can change from a puppy to an adult. Lighter puppy fur often transitions to a richer colour by adulthood. This is the dog's true 'grown-up' colour emerging.

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Undercoat colour differs from outer coat colour

The undercoat of a dog is typically a different shade to the outer coat. This is especially noticeable in dogs with double coats, which is when a dog has an outer layer of thicker guard hairs and an undercoat of thin, lightweight hairs. The undercoat is like the down on some birds, which grows beneath the larger, thicker, more weatherproof feathers.

During shedding seasons, dogs with double coats will temporarily have a more visible undercoat, which can make their fur appear to be a different colour. This colour change is usually not very dramatic, and in some breeds, it may be barely noticeable. However, the difference in colour between the undercoat and outer coat can be significant. For example, a dog with a bluish-grey outer coat may have a white undercoat.

The undercoat of a dog is also usually softer in texture than the outer coat. This means that when a dog is shaved, its hair can become softer, and may even change from straight to slightly wavy or curly as it grows.

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Frequently asked questions

Your puppy's true coat color will show once it sheds its puppy coat and grows its adult coat. This usually happens between 4 to 6 months of age, but for some breeds, it can take up to a year or even two years.

Puppy coat color changes are due to a variety of factors, including genetics, age, and exposure to sunlight. As a puppy grows, its body produces different pigments that can alter the color of its coat. Sunlight, in particular, can lighten your dog's hair color significantly.

While most coat color changes are benign, consult your vet if you notice symptoms such as itching, scratching, skin rash, redness, or bumps. Certain health conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing's Disease, and nutritional deficiencies can cause coat color changes.

Yes, the Shih Tzu breed is well known for changing coat colors as they enter adulthood. By their first birthday, they may be a completely different color than when they were born. Other breeds that can change color include Maltese, Poodles, and Mini Labradoodles.

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