Bloodhound Dog Colors Guide

Bloodhounds come in a variety of colors, but did you know that the most common colors are black and tan, with a distinctive black mask on the face?

The black and tan color combination is a result of the bloodhound's genetic makeup, which determines the production of two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin.

Black bloodhounds have a glossy black coat, while tan bloodhounds have a lighter coat with a golden or reddish tint.

The tan points on a black bloodhound can range from a light cream to a dark golden color, depending on the individual dog's genetics.

For more insights, see: Golden Irish Setter

Bloodhounds come in three main breed standard colors: Black & Tan, Liver & Tan (Red and Tan), and Red (Tawny). These colors can have variations in patterns and shade, but they're still classified as one of these color patterns.

A small amount of white is allowed on the chest, feet, and tip of the tail, but bloodhounds outside the breed standard often have more white than is acceptable for show dogs.

The genetics of bloodhound coloring are determined by three gene series, which are similar to those found in breeds like the German Shepherd.

These genes determine the amount of black and liver pigment, as well as whether the bloodhound will have masking. One of these genes has alleles that produce either Liver or Black pigment.

In bloodhounds, Liver is recessive and Black is dominant. This means that if a bloodhound inherits a pair of genes with the dominant Black allele (B), they will be black. If they inherit a pair of genes with the recessive Liver allele (b), they will be Liver.

The different types of Black & Tan coats are determined by the B1, B2, B3, and B4 genes. These genes determine the amount of tan and black on the bloodhound's coat, with some patterns being more rare than others.

Here's a breakdown of the different Black & Tan coat types:

Bloodhounds can't be solid black, and if you see one that's all black, be suspicious - it might not be a purebred Bloodhound.

Black and tan is the most recognizable coloration of the Bloodhound, with black being the dominant color and tan markings on the face, chest, and legs.

Bloodhounds can have white markings on their coat, but these are typically limited and not extensive.

Bloodhounds cannot be solid black, according to the American Kennel Club. This means that if you see a black Bloodhound, it's likely the result of a random genetic mutation or breeding with a different breed.

Black Bloodhounds may not be purebred, so it's essential to know what you're getting when purchasing an all-black dog. You may not get a dog that acts or looks 100% like a Bloodhound.

Black & Tan Bloodhounds, on the other hand, have a distinctive coat pattern with a darker body and lighter-colored tan legs. This pattern is often referred to as a "saddle."

The Black & Tan coloration is graded from B1 to B4, depending on the darkness and coverage of the saddle. B1 has a mild black hue, while B2 has a stronger black hue reminiscent of a saddle.

B3 and B4 Bloodhounds have a black body with tan markings on the legs, but the tan markings come up higher on B3. B4 is a rare pattern due to a recessive gene.

Some Bloodhounds may have a black body with tan markings, while others may have a more extensive tan coverage. Tan markings can appear above the eyes, resembling eyebrows, or on the chest, legs, and belly.

In fact, practically all Black and Tan Bloodhounds have tan markings on their legs, which look like stockings. The lower portion of every leg should be tan, and most also have a tan belly.

Related reading: Dog Body Language with Other Dogs

The liver color in Bloodhounds is a broad category that can be divided into several shades and patterns. It's often confused with brown due to the mild color on the back of the dog.

The L1 shade follows almost the same pattern as the B1 hue, with a liver shade appearing as a mild color on the back. I've seen this in some Bloodhounds, where the liver color is subtle and blends with the tan.

The L2 color type is also known as the saddle coat color, with the liver pattern resembling the shape of a horse saddle on the Bloodhound's back. This is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other liver shades.

The L3 and L4 shades are similar, belonging to the blanket type of liver and tan coat color. However, the L4 is often considered a full liver coat color, with a rich, reddish-brown color covering most of the body.

The tan markings on liver Bloodhounds are the same as those on black and tan Bloodhounds, often appearing on the eyebrows, chest, belly, and legs.

Red Bloodhounds are a rare sight, but they do exist. Their color can range from deep mahogany to a lighter, reddish hue.

One thing to note about red Bloodhounds is that they're completely solid, with no tan markings. This is a distinct difference from other colorations.

Red puppies may be more expensive due to their rarity, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're better pets. It's just that demand tends to be higher than supply.