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The fur color "Deer colors"

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How to recognize a dog with the coat color fawn

Do you love dogs and are always on the lookout for new information about your four-legged friends? Then you've come to the right place! In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about the fawn coat color. This color is not only beautiful, but also very rare and has an interesting history.

What is fawn?

Fawn is a coat color that occurs in dogs, but also in other animals such as deer, stags or foxes. The color is a warm brown with a reddish or golden shimmer. The hairs are often lighter at the tips and darker at the base. The color can also be combined with white or black markings.

How does fawn color develop?

Fawn color is a genetic variant caused by the Ay gene. This gene is responsible for the production of eumelanin, the pigment that produces dark colors such as black or brown. The Ay gene switches off eumelanin production and allows the other pigment, pheomelanin, to shine through instead. Pheomelanin is responsible for light colors such as red or yellow.

Which dog breeds have fawn colors?

Fawn is a rare coat color that only occurs in a few dog breeds. The best known include:

  • Basenji: This African hunting dog has a short, shiny coat in fawn colors with white markings on the chest, paws and tip of the tail. It is very intelligent, independent and does not bark.
  • Saluki: This oriental sighthound has a silky, long coat in fawn colors with black markings on the ears, face and tail. It is very elegant, fast and affectionate.
  • Pharaoh Hound: This Maltese hunting dog has a smooth, short coat in fawn colors with white markings on the chest, paws and tip of the tail. He is very friendly, playful and can prick up his ears.
  • Podenco Ibicenco: This Spanish hunting dog has a wiry, medium-length coat in fawn colors with white markings on the chest, paws and tip of the tail. It is very alert, loyal and can jump high.

How do you care for a fawn-colored dog?

A fawn-colored dog does not need any special care for its coat. You should brush him regularly to remove dead hair and keep his coat shiny. You should also protect him from excessive sunlight, as his coat can be susceptible to sunburn. Otherwise, you should treat your dog like any other dog: with lots of love, attention and exercise.