Did you know that May 6th is the International Color Day?
Since 2008, this celebration has taken place every year to remind us that our lives are not just black and white, but that we live in a world full of colors, vast and diverse. It’s thanks to these differences that it is so beautiful!
From a figurative perspective, dogs are known for their unique ability to bring joy and vitality into our lives, positively impacting our well-being and spirit. In short, dogs add a splash of color to our lives with their boundless energy and feelings!
A dog’s coat can be of many types, each special in its own way, with unique shades and combinations. Think about their coat colors: from the snow-white Maltese to the deep black Doberman, the golden color of a Golden Retriever, the reddish curls of a Poodle, and the striking, contrasting spots of a Dalmatian. In short, our dogs are a true harmonious palette of colors!
While there are typical and recurring coat colors often associated with specific breeds, let’s not forget that every dog has unique traits that make them special. A spot of a different color in a strategic place, a slightly unusual shade, a spotted paw, a lighter nose, or longer fur are just a few of the wonderful features that set one dog apart from another, even within the same breed. In their beauty, it’s their uniqueness that becomes their greatest charm!
Dogs truly color our lives—not just because of the appearance of their coats. It’s also through their way of living, their actions, and their love that they convey great emotion. Watch them playfully running around, relaxing under the sun, or looking at us with sweetness and giving us a kiss. Every sensation and emotion they share reminds us of a color in nature: green, orange, pink, or a bright sky blue.
Dogs of different breeds and colors sitting side by side—many dog breeds, many colors, but one thing in common: their endless beauty!
The Most Common Dog Coat Colors
As we all know, a dog’s coat color is a distinguishing feature, primarily influenced by genetic factors or selective breeding by humans to maintain a specific color. That’s why, when we think of a particular breed, we may already have an idea of what its coat looks like. Of course, there are always exceptions, but let’s take it one step at a time.
What are the most common dog coat colors?
Let’s take a look.
Black Coats
Black is a very common color in dogs. A tone that gives the coat a sense of elegance and refinement, and when it shines under the summer sun, it creates an almost lustrous effect. This color is widely seen in various breeds, including the Poodle, Labrador, Doberman, Belgian Shepherd, Newfoundland, and many more. However, exposure to elements like weather, smog, or dust can make this color appear dull. Keeping it shiny is easy—we’ve specifically conceived the Shampoo for Black Coats for this purpose.
Black as the night, with a shining elegance.
White Coats
While white hair in humans isn’t always welcome, a pure white coat in our pets gives elegance, softness, and a well-groomed appearance. It’s even more unique when a dog is entirely white.
This is because, due to dominant or recessive genetics, achieving a selection that ensures a completely white coat is generally more complex and less controllable. White is common in breeds like the Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, Bichon Frisé, Swiss White Shepherd, or the Samoyed. Of course, a white coat needs specific care to remain bright and shiny, including the use of products designed to prevent yellowing and enhance its vibrancy.
How adorable is this snowy white Maltese puppy?
Fawn Coats
Fawn isn’t a single color but rather a range of colors that includes shades from light brown to reddish, apricot, and even golden yellow. This warm and lively tone is typical of breeds like the Pomeranian, Irish Setter, Cocker Spaniel, and Golden Retriever. Since it’s not a defined color, its shades can vary from lighter to darker, differing in intensity and undertone.
Our Dark Coat Shampoo isn’t just for black coats; it’s specifically conceived to enhance the darker tones, including fawn. If you need to hydrate and maintain the shine of your dog’s coat, you can rely on our Kit for Dark Coats.
From brown to reddish, fawn offers a spectrum of warm and vibrant shades.
Grey Coats
Grey is a less common color that gives dogs a magnetic and intense appearance, sure to draw attention. Even within grey tones, there’s a variety of shades, from the deepest to the lightest. Common breeds with grey coats include the Weimaraner, Great Dane, Schnauzer, Irish Wolfhound, and Pyrenean Shepherd. For grey tones, we recommend using the Dark Coat Shampoo, while for silver coats, a shampoo for light-colored coats can better enhance their brilliance.
A color that definitely does not go unnoticed.
The Most Unique Dog Coat Colors
There are also some rare and unique coat colors found in our furry friends, which result from specific genetic combinations.
Let’s explore the less common dog coat colors.
Blue Coats
No, we’re not talking about literal blue, like midnight blue or ocean blue. The term “blue” refers to a very cool gray, also called slate gray, which, especially when hit by light, can exhibit a tone that resembles bluish hues. Breeds commonly seen with this coat include the Great Dane, Grand Bleu de Gascogne, Cane Corso, and the Blue Weimaraner (a rare color mutation seen only twice in the last 25 years).
Just a touch of light is enough to reveal bluish tones in the coat.
Merle Coats
The Merle coat isn’t a single color but rather a combination of shades resulting from a genetic trait that creates a truly unique and recognizable appearance.
Typically, a merle coat features dark spots—irregular and asymmetrical—such as gray, black, or reddish-brown spots on a lighter base color. It’s almost like a pattern, a marvel known as “blue merle” or “red merle,” where black appears gray, and brown appears red.
This coat is often found in breeds like the Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, and Border Collie.
A coat that looks just like a color palette!
Brindle Coats
Roar! No, it’s not a small tiger; it’s just the striped coat of our dog that resembles the big cats of the savanna.
A brindle dog has dark brown or black stripes on a lighter brown background, creating a truly unique effect. This coat is typical of breeds like the Dutch Shepherd, Boxer, American Staffordshire Terrier, and French Bulldog. The brindle coat gives our four-legged friends a distinctive and “wild” look, enhancing their natural beauty.
A truly distinctive and recognizable coat pattern.
Harlequin Coats
Among all the colors mentioned, how could we forget harlequin?
This unique coloration features a lively mix of patches and irregular dark spots on a lighter background. Examples include the Great Dane and the Dachshund, two breeds famous for their striking harlequin coats.
Black and white spots here and there!
Tips for Maintaining a Dog’s Coat Color
It’s important to understand that caring for your dog’s coat is essential. Every type of coat, whether long or short, smooth or curly, requires specific attention to ensure it remains healthy and beautiful. At home, between grooming sessions, you can keep your furry friend’s coat clean and healthy with products tailored to their needs.
The Perfect Bath for White and Light-Colored Coats
As mentioned earlier, a pure white coat needs specific treatment. Yuup! has developed a special product line designed to enhance the beauty of light-colored coats in dogs.
For dogs with light-colored coats, such as white, silvery, or honey tones, the Whitening Shampoo for Light Coats is ideal for counteracting the natural yellowing of the coat. Thanks to a unique mineral pigment, it delivers results after just one application.
It does not contain any dyeing agents or hydrogen peroxide but instead uses natural ingredients and extracts, such as Bamboo, Lotus Flower, and Flaxseed extracts, for a bright and protected coat. Plus, your dog will smell divine with notes of Tiaré, Orange Blossom, Mandarin, Peach, Jasmine, and Ylang Ylang.
Time to restore some brightness to this beautiful white coat.
The Perfect Bath for Black and Dark-Colored Coats
Just as with light-colored coats, we’ve developed an optimal solution for dogs with dark coats. The Dark Coat Shampoo has been conceived from the need to achieve a vibrant, shiny, and rich color,
Did you know that one of the main causes of dullness in dark coats is natural oxidation caused by sunlight? That’s why one of the primary ingredients in Yuup!’s Dark Coat Shampoo includes extracts of Red Vine, Pomegranate, and Hydrolyzed Rice Proteins—natural antioxidants that preserve the coat’s natural dark color while boosting shine and brilliance.
What if your dog has both dark and light spots and you’re unsure which shampoo to use? The answer is both!
Exactly, for a dog with distinct areas of light and dark fur, you can use the Whitening Shampoo for Light Coats on lighter parts and the Dark Coat Shampoo on darker ones.
If your dog’s coat is harlequin or brindle, we recommend choosing a shampoo based on the dominant color.
For your piebald dog, you can use specific products for each color area.
Color Variations Within the Same Breed
While each breed often has a characteristic coat shared by most individuals, it’s essential to understand that there is a wide range of possible color variations within the same breed.
This demonstrates that there are no universal beauty standards and that each dog is uniquely beautiful and charming in his own way.
To better understand this concept, let’s take the Poodle as an example and explore the various colors this breed can exhibit.
- White: The white coat is symbolic of the Poodle, giving him an elegant and refined appearance. This coat exudes luminosity and grace.
Brown: The warm shade of brown, often called “chocolate,” is highly admired among Poodle lovers. This color can range from lighter to darker tones, creating a striking and memorable coat.
A dog to cuddle from head to paw!
- Black: A captivating color that gives the Poodle an almost regal appearance, exuding elegance and sophistication.
- Apricot: A very common shade for this breed, warm and radiant, adding a touch of vibrancy and sweetness to the dog. With its nuances, this color creates a vibrant coat and we fall in love with its different tones.
- Gray: Some Poodles proudly show off a gray or “silver” coat, which gives them a distinctive and enchanting look. This color often appears with subtle variations, making the coat even more unique.
A less common but always appealing color.
We’re truly lucky to have these wonderful beings by our side, who fill our days with sweetness, joy, playfulness, and boundless love.
Regardless of their coat, every dog brings a unique personality and loving companionship that enriches our lives.
This is why, as we admire their beauty, let’s remember that each of them deserves to be loved and respected for who they are: a living being and a cherished member of our family!
