Peter Mwaniki

Mastiff Colors: Rarest to Most Common Meta description: Mastiff dogs come in a variety of coat hues. Learn about the various mastiff colors, from the rarest to the most common. Dignified, courageous, good-natured – mastiffs are gentle giants. This classic guardian breed is known for its loyalty and devotion to its owners. Mastiffs can weigh up to 220 pounds and stand up to 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Their regal demeanor is a far cry from their mild temperament. The English bred mastiffs as war dogs to fight alongside soldiers on the battlefield. Later, they became guard dogs for estates and livestock. Today, they are companions and family pets. These gentle giants come in a range of colors. From the rarest to the most common, each hue tells a unique story. Mastiff Colors: From the Rarest to the Most Common 1. Láng qù ing Also known as blue fawn, láng qù ing is a rare and captivating hue. These coats display a beautiful gray-blue shade reminiscent of a tranquil mist. Láng qù ing mas tiffs are uncommon and only found in Tibet. The color is predominant among Tibetan mastiffs. Specific genes influence pigmentation. Genes like MC1R (Melanocortin 1 Receptor) impact mastiff coat colors' combination and intensity. This brings the unique blend of gray, blue, and brindle patterns in Láng qù ing mastiffs. 2. Harlequin With its striking patches of black and white, the harlequin coat color is rare. Only a tiny percentage of mastiffs have this enchanting pattern. The harlequin variety is often confused with Dalmatians. THE harlequin coloration results from a specific gene interaction. This gene influences the distribution of irregular black patches on a white background. Spots can also be gray. The harlequin color is highly-prevalent in the German mastiff, also called great danes. It requires a careful selection of breeding pairs to produce harlequin offspring. Both parents must have the Harlequin and merle genes. You must combine a particular dominant gene with the merle gene. 3. Merle The merle coat color is quite rare among mastiffs. This adds to its allure and desirability. Merle mastiffs exhibit patches and streaks of various shades. This creates a captivating and visually-stunning appearance. A dominant gene introduces dilution on a fawn or apricot base coat color, leading to marbling. They display a mosaic of blue, gray, black, and tan hues. Each merle mastiff is unique. They have variations in the pattern, intensity, and distribution of colors, enhancing diversity. Responsible breeding minimizes potential health risks in pups, such as: Deafness Eye abnormalities, including iris abnormalities or vision impairments Coat issues like thinning, patchiness, or excessive shedding Merles display a stunning blend of random patches and spots on a lighter base color. This striking coat pattern results from the interaction of specific genes. Merle breeds are a favorite among mastiff enthusiasts. 4. Blue Considered one of the rarest colors for mastiffs are blue coats. Blue mastiffs showcase a beautiful and rare grayish-blue coat. The dilution gene alters the black pigment, resulting in a stunning bluish coat. Blue mastiffs need regular grooming to maintain their stunning coat. Brushing their fur at least once a week can help prevent matting and tangling. This helps distribute natural oils throughout their coat for a healthy shine. Regular bathing is necessary to keep their coat clean and odor-free. Blue-colored mastiffs are highly-sought after for their unique appearance and rarity. Their eye-catching appearance makes them a popular choice for show competitions. They also make good family pets. This breed is susceptible to health issues like allergies and skin sensitivities. 5. Silver Specific genetic and inheritance factors influence the occurrence of silver in mastiff breeds. You can recognize a silver-colored breed by its grayish-silver coat with a black nose and eyes. The silver color comes about through the interaction of specific genetic factors. This dilutes the pigmentation of the coat. The result is a shimmering grayish appearance distinguishing silver mastiffs from their counterparts. Silver mastiffs enjoy good health, but coat maintenance and sun protection are essential. 6. Isabella Isabella is a pale dilution of brown or fawn, creating a soft, ethereal coat hue. It resembles the lilac color as it is a lighter shade of fawn with a blue-gray tint. The dilution gene that transforms black dogs blue also turns liver-colored dogs Isabella. Isabella is a combination of homozygous brown and homozygous blue. This process affects the eumelanin pigment, creating the unique Isabella shade. Both parents must carry the recessive gene to produce Isabella offspring. The color is common in breeds like the Neapolitan mastiff, CANE CORSO, and the Dogue de Bordeaux. Yet, Isabella Mastiffs are still considered rare within these breeds. 7. Piebald Piebald refers to a distinct pattern of irregular patches of color on a white background. These spots are random and asymmetric. They can be black, brindle, or fawn. The color variation is uncommon. But appreciated among mastiff enthusiasts for its unique and eye-catching appearance. The piebald coat color is popular in breeds like the English mastiff and bullmastiff. They add flair and individuality to the breed's broad spectrum of coat colors. 8. Liver Also known as chocolate, liver ranges in hue from a light brown to a deep dark chocolate brown coat. The Labrador Retriever and Weimaraner are other common liver-colored dog breeds. The liver hue results from the occurrence of a recessive gene called the "dilution gene." This gene affects eumelanin production, the pigment responsible for coat color. When pups inherit two copies of this dilution gene, the coat becomes a rich reddish-brown shade - liver. 9. White White mastiffs have a coat devoid of pigmentation. This is as a result of genes responsible for the production and distribution of melanin. These genes are lacking in white mastiffs. The lack of melanin in the coat gives rise to the pure and striking white coat color. The same genes vary among individual dogs and breeding lines. Some may have a solid white coat with a few spots or markings. Other white coat color breeds include Great Danes, Samoyeds, and Great Pyrenees. White-coated mastiffs need extra care in the sun. This is due to their lack of pigment, which makes them more susceptible to sunburn. 10. Black Black mastiffs are appealing - thanks to their striking appearance and regal bearing. The black color comes about through the increased production of eumelanin. This is what gives the coat its rich, dark hue. Black mastiffs are generally considered healthy. They have no specific health risks or advantages associated with the coat color. They have certain health advantages. The black pigment offers added protection against sun exposure, minimizing sunburn. 11. Mahogany Mahogany-colored mastiffs have a deep reddish-brown coat. Some have black masks or markings. Specific genetic factors control the production and distribution of pigments responsible for coloration. Variations in these genes lead to different levels of melanin production and distribution. Their interaction determines the specific shade and intensity of the mahogany coat color. Breeders who aim to produce mahogany mastiff puppies select desirable alleles. These specific combinations contribute to the desired coat color. Genetic testing and pedigree analysis ensure consistent production of Mahogany mastiffs. 12. Red The history of red-coated mastiffs traces back centuries. Their value comes from their aesthetic appeal, strength, and loyalty. This explains why the most expensive dog is a red Tibetan mastiff. Sold for £945,000 ($1,513,417). The deep reddish-brown coat arises from their genetic makeup. The inheritance pattern of the red coat color is complex. It involves the interaction of two genes. These are Phaeomelanin (red/yellow pigment) and eumelanin (black/brown pigment). In red mastiffs, phaeomelanin is higher than eumelanin. This is what gives these species their vibrant red hue. Both dominant and recessive alleles influence the process. The exact combination of these genes varies among individual mastiffs and breeding lines. This introduces diversity through several shades of red. Irish Setters, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Vizslas are also red-coat breeds. Red mastiffs may be more prone to skin issues or sensitivities. They need diligent care and monitoring. 13. Brindle Brindle is a somewhat common color in mastiffs. It blends brown and black stripes on a light brown or tan background. The mastiff community appreciates brindle mastiffs for their unique and beautiful markings. The stripes on a brindle mastiff vary in thickness and darkness. This creates a distinctive pattern of dark stripes on a lighter background. The base coat color is often brown or gray. Brindle mastiffs have a striking and eye-catching tiger-like appearance. This makes them stand out. The brindle patterning is not exclusive to mastiffs. Other breeds like Boxers, Greyhounds, and Bulldogs showcase this coloration. 14. Apricot Apricots display a lighter shade of fawn with pinkish tones, a gentle orange or light reddish hue. Although less common as fawn, this coloration has gained popularity in mastiff communities. In apricot mastiffs, there is an increased expression of phaeomelanin. This is the pigment responsible for red and yellow tones. Pups inherit the genetic code for the apricot color from their parents. Breeders must select and pair desired genetic traits to produce this color offspring. Apricot mastiffs are generally considered healthy. There are no specific medical risks or advantages associated with the coat color. 15. Fawn Fawn-colored mastiffs exude a solid light brown coat. They may have black masks or markings. This classic hue is the most prevalent but is still cherished. Fawn mastiffs are generally genetically sound. They are a classic favorite of breeders and enthusiasts. Their light-colored coats allow for easier detection of any skin abnormalities or issues. Summary of Mastiff Colors: Rarest to Most Common Color Prevalence Láng qù ing Very low Harlequin Very low Merle Very low Blue Relatively low Silver Relatively low Isabella Relatively low Piebald Relatively low Liver Low White Low Black Low Mahogany Low Red Low Brindle High Apricot High Fawn Very high