8 Dog Breeds That Change Color (With Videos).

Have you ever compared the pictures of your puppy to how they look as an adult dog? As dogs grow up, they undergo significant physical changes. They lose their soft, fluffy fur and puppy pudginess, gaining muscle and size. However, in addition to these normal transformations, some people may notice more noticeable changes, particularly in the color of their dog’s coat.

Similar to humans, dogs’ fur can turn grey and fade as they age. Going grey is a natural part of the aging process, and most dogs will develop silver hair around their muzzles as they enter their senior years.

However, certain dog breeds experience color changes during their first year of life, sometimes to such an extent that it becomes challenging to recognize them based on their puppy pictures. These changes in color are primarily influenced by genetics.

Some dog breeds are more prone to color changes than others. Examples of breeds known to exhibit color changes from puppyhood to adulthood include Kerry Blue Terriers, Dalmatians, Bearded Collies, Bedlington Terriers, Poodles, Schnauzers, Havanese, and Shih Tzus. While many breeds may undergo temporary seasonal color changes, these are usually not permanent.

Let’s explore these unique dog breeds that are known for being born one color but gradually transitioning into a different color by the time they reach 18 to 24 months of age. We will also delve into the factors that contribute to these fascinating color transformations.

Causes of Color Changes in Dog Breeds from Puppyhood to Adulthood

The transformation of a dog’s coat color is primarily determined by genetics. There are two common genes that often contribute to color changes as dogs transition from puppyhood to adulthood.

Greying Gene The greying gene, located on the G-locus, is a dominant gene that causes progressive greying from birth. Dogs carrying this gene are typically born black and gradually turn silver or grey by the time they reach 18 months to 2 years of age. The lightening process often continues as they mature. Since this gene is dominant, if one parent possesses it, there is a high likelihood that many of the puppies will inherit the progressive greying trait.

The greying gene tends to affect dogs with bearded and wiry coats, which explains the prevalence of terriers and hypoallergenic breeds on the list of color-changing dogs.

Fading Gene The fading gene, also known as the dilution gene, operates similarly to the greying gene but is located on the D-locus of a dog’s genetic code. It is another dominant gene, so if both parents carry it, the probability of the entire litter inheriting the gene is significant.

Instead of greying, the fading gene causes a dog’s coat to fade into a seemingly different color. For instance, dark chocolate puppies may transition into a light sandy color, while red puppies may mature into blonde or apricot adults.

While bringing home a new puppy comes with its challenges and concerns, color changes in certain breeds should not be a cause for worry. These breeds are known for their ability to change colors as they grow.

8 Dog Breeds That Undergo Color Changes Let’s now explore these fascinating dog breeds that are born with one color and undergo a transformation into a different color as they mature.

1. Dalmatian

Originating from Croatia, the Dalmatian breed has a rich history dating back to at least the 14th century. However, in modern times, Dalmatians are often recognized for their role as firehouse mascots and their prominent appearance in the beloved Disney movie, 101 Dalmatians.

Dalmatians earned their place as firehouse companions due to their remarkable ability to run alongside horse-drawn water carts, guarding them from potential dangers near flames. You can watch a video above showcasing a contemporary Dalmatian living in a firehouse.

The most distinctive feature of Dalmatians is their unique spotted coat. These dogs possess short, smooth white fur adorned with black, liver, or even lemon-colored spots, creating a truly eye-catching appearance.

Interestingly, Dalmatian puppies are born with a plain white coat, though traces of black pigmentation may be visible on their skin. Their spots begin to develop around 10 days old and continue to evolve until they acquire the full coloration and pattern of their adult coat, typically around 18 months old. Unlike the other breeds discussed, Dalmatians do not possess the greying or fading gene. Instead, their dark pigmented fur simply requires additional time to grow in.

2. Kerry Blue Terrier

Originating from County Kerry, Ireland, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed with a rich history. These dogs have been known in their homeland since the 18th century and were primarily used for hunting small game and working on farms.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is recognized for its unique coat that undergoes a significant color change as it matures. As puppies, they are born with a soft, fluffy black coat. However, as they grow older, their coat gradually transitions into a stunning shade of blue-gray. This color change is attributed to the fading gene, which is responsible for diluting the initial black pigment.

The process of color transformation usually occurs within the first two years of the dog’s life. Their puppy fur gradually fades, and the blue-gray color becomes more prominent. The mature Kerry Blue Terrier showcases a beautiful, uniform blue-gray coat that is the hallmark of the breed.

Beyond their distinctive coat, Kerry Blue Terriers are intelligent, energetic, and loyal companions. They require regular grooming and exercise to maintain their coat’s appearance and overall well-being.

3. Bearded Collie

Originating from the United Kingdom, the Bearded Collie is an energetic and intelligent medium-sized herding dog. These dogs are known for their tendency to bark and require ample exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-induced mischief.

Apart from their soft undercoat, Bearded Collies possess a long and coarse outer coat that gives them their distinctive “bearded” appearance. Adult Bearded Collies can be found in various colors, including brown, black, blue, or grey, often with white markings on their face and chests.

It’s worth noting that some Bearded Collies carry the fading gene, which can result in color changes as they mature. For instance, a dark brown Bearded Collie puppy may gradually lighten up, transitioning to a light milk chocolate hue by the time they reach 18 months of age. While not all Bearded Collies undergo color changes, it is common enough among the breed to warrant its inclusion on this list.

4. Bedlington Terrier

Taking its name from the mining town in northern England where it originated, the Bedlington Terrier is a versatile small breed known for its involvement in various dog sports, including racing and agility. These dogs are cherished family companions and, when groomed in their distinctive show cut, they bear a striking resemblance to adorable lambs frolicking in the English countryside.

As adult dogs, Bedlington Terriers exhibit a range of colors, including light blue, liver, or sandy shades, often accompanied by tan points. However, during their puppyhood, Bedlington Terriers are born with a dark brown or black coat.

The color change in Bedlington Terriers is attributed to a dominant trait within the breed that involves a graying gene. Consequently, their coarse and shaggy fur gradually lightens as they mature. By the time they reach approximately one year of age, Bedlington Terriers typically acquire their characteristic light-colored coat.

5. Poodles

The poodle is another breed that can undergo a color change due to the presence of the greying or fading gene. Known as one of the most popular hypoallergenic dog breeds, poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Additionally, they exhibit a wide variety of colors, ensuring that there is a poodle suitable for almost anyone’s lifestyle.

Despite their small size, even toy poodles require an active lifestyle, as they are highly intelligent working dogs. While not all poodles experience a color change, many black, brown, red, or blue poodle puppies will start to lighten around twelve weeks old if their parents carry the greying or fading gene.

If only one parent carries the gene, there is a 50% chance that a puppy will inherit it and undergo a color change. Poodles that possess this gene may exhibit drastic color transformations, such as transitioning from black to silver, or more subtle changes, such as shifting from a dark chocolate color to a lighter milk chocolate hue.

6. Schnauzers

Renowned for their unique hard wiry coat and distinctive eyebrows, the schnauzer is an affectionate yet stubborn family dog. Available in three sizes – giant, standard, and miniature – the schnauzer exhibits excellent working abilities and excels in dog sports such as agility. The larger schnauzers are also commonly employed as police dogs.

The schnauzer breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in two approved colors: salt and pepper, and black. Most of these spirited and versatile dogs possess the fading gene, causing their coat to undergo color changes shortly after birth. A dark black schnauzer puppy will typically fade into a dark silver shade, while salt and pepper puppies will lighten to a delightful gray hue.

Maintaining the beautiful color of salt and pepper schnauzers requires a special grooming technique known as “stripping,” which involves removing dead hair and promoting healthy hair growth. Clipping a schnauzer’s coat instead of stripping it can give the impression of a color change. The salt and pepper effect is a result of each hair being banded with different colors, so clipping may cause them to appear to have transitioned from gray to white.

7. Havanese

Recognized as the national dog of Cuba, the Havanese is a naturally hypoallergenic toy breed known for its long and lightweight coat, ideal for the Caribbean’s tropical climate. These delightful dogs make excellent companions and thoroughly enjoy spending time with their families. The Havanese’s coat requires regular grooming and comes in a wide range of colors.

However, it’s important to note that the coat color of Havanese puppies can change as they mature. Island Havanese, a breeder and enthusiast of the Havanese breed, shares her firsthand experience, revealing that most Havanese puppies undergo color transformations from puppyhood to adulthood. For instance, her personal dog was born with a dark chocolate brown coat but now boasts the color of a cafe latte! Some puppies may lighten, while others may darken, making it challenging to choose a Havanese puppy based on its initial color. Consequently, you may end up with an adult dog whose appearance is entirely different.

Similar to other breeds on this list, the color change in Havanese puppies is influenced by genetics. The fading gene commonly affects the coat of Havanese dogs, and examining the parents can provide a general idea of what the final coat color may look like. However, genetics can be complex, as the fading gene and coloring can be inherited from grandparents, further complicating the prediction of the breed’s color change.

8. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu, a beloved toy breed, is often chosen as an ideal apartment dog due to its small size and affinity for snuggling and napping. Notably, according to the AKC, they exhibit a special fondness for children, making them excellent family pets.

While their coat comes in a variety of colors, Shih Tzus are low-shedding dogs that require regular brushing to prevent tangling. Similar to the Havanese, the coat color of a Shih Tzu puppy acquired at 8 weeks old can undergo significant changes as they mature. It is worth noting that the black and white coloration remains consistent throughout the dog’s life.

Why do Shih Tzus transition from gold to orange or black to grey? The answer lies in the presence of both the fading gene and the graying gene within the breed. These genetic factors contribute to the color transformation, typically occurring by the time the Shih Tzu reaches approximately one year old.

Seasonal Color Changes And Snow Nose

Certain dogs may exhibit seasonal color changes due to environmental factors such as shedding and sun bleaching. In these cases, black dogs may temporarily appear to take on a brown hue. However, it’s important to note that this change is usually short-lived.

Another seasonal color change that certain breeds can experience is known as “snow nose”. This phenomenon involves a dog’s nose transitioning from black to pink in extremely cold temperatures. Breeds such as Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers are particularly known for displaying this change. Interestingly, these breeds were originally bred to thrive in colder climates. Once the weather warms up, their noses typically revert back to their original black color.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, if you’re seeking a visually striking dog breed, it’s essential to keep in mind that the puppy you bring home at 8 weeks old may mature into a completely different color as an adult. Dog breeds that carry the greying gene or fading gene can make it challenging to predict the appearance of your dog as they grow.

While aesthetics may be important to many individuals, the most reliable way to anticipate your puppy’s adult appearance is by observing the appearance of the parents. For instance, if your black poodle puppy has silver-colored parents, there is a high likelihood that they carry the greying gene and will start turning grey before reaching one year of age.

Breeds like poodles, which have curly, wiry, or long hair, are more prone to carrying these greying and fading genes, and their coat types typically require more maintenance. Therefore, as an owner of one of these fascinating color-changing breeds, it’s crucial to incorporate grooming into your regular routine to ensure their coats remain healthy and well-maintained.

As a responsible dog owner, prioritize your pet’s overall quality of life and the bond you share with them over their color. Remember, the color of your dog should be of secondary importance compared to their well-being and the relationship you build together.