Scottish Terrier puppies and adult Scottish Terriers may undergo a variation in coat color for a variety of reasons, typically benign in nature. While in our care, Schulte's Scotties cannot provide a guarantee regarding the coat color of a puppy, as it may evolve post-departure from our facility.
The most prevalent color transition observed in Scottish Terriers involves a shift from black to brindle following grooming. Following closely, wheaten Scottish Terriers commonly experience a change in coat color from a rich red hue to a lighter, more blonde tone.
These changes are due to:
Sunlight
Undercoats
Grooming
Health
Stress levels
Age
Nutrition
Let's get into these reasons and see why and how they happen.
Sunlight can lighten your Scottish Terrier hair color
Similar to the effect sunlight has on human hair, exposure to the sun can significantly lighten a dog's coat. Just as you may observe your own hair becoming lighter following a sunny vacation or spending time outdoors during the summer, the same phenomenon occurs when a dog is exposed to sunlight. Sunlight can bleach the hair, leading to noticeable color changes that are entirely natural. For instance, shades of brown may transition to light hazel or even blonde, while black hair may shift to brown and red to an orange hue.
If you have observed these lighter hues in your puppy's or dog's coat, it is likely a result of sun exposure. Conversely, the opposite occurs during colder seasons, with a dog's coat potentially darkening in autumn and winter, which is a normal response to seasonal changes.
Your puppy’s undercoat is a different shade of color
It may be a surprise to hear this, but puppies and dogs don’t have the same shade of color for both undercoats and outer coats. Breeds with double coats typically change colors during shedding seasons and this is because, for a little while, their undercoat becomes more visible. The changes aren’t dramatic, and, in some breeds, they are barely noticeable, if at all.
Grooming and shaving can change your puppy’s coat colors
It may come as a surprise that frequent shaving of your dog can potentially alter its coat texture and color. While not all dogs experience this transformation, it remains a distinct possibility. Post-shaving, a dog's hair may lighten in color and feel softer to the touch. Additionally, the hair may transition from straight to slightly wavy or even curly as it regrows. Prior to grooming your dog, a professional groomer may apprise you of these potential coat changes. It is advisable to inquire about such alterations if not communicated proactively by the groomer.
Some health problems can lead to color changes in puppy coats
Pigment changes can be caused by underlying health problems, but these are rare and sometimes difficult to identify. Conditions such as cancer, infections, hypothyroidism, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (caused by tick bites) can cause changes in your dog’s or puppy’s coat color. If you suspect any of these, it is best to visit your dog’s veterinarian for a checkup.
Vitiligo is possible in dogs too
Vitiligo, although rare, can cause color changes in puppy and dog coats. The discoloration typically happens around the eyes, lips, and nose. Although not always permanent, the changes are quite obvious. Melanocytes are the cells that aid color pigmentation in dogs, and when these cells don’t work properly, discoloration occurs.
Vitiligo can be caused by a number of factors, some of which can’t be pinpointed. These include autoimmune problems, genetics, infections, or the presence of a virus.
Stress levels can manifest in color changes of the coat
Stress is another factor that can manifest itself in color changes in a dog’s coat. This typically manifests as excessive shedding or thinning of the hair. When the coat begins shedding more intensely, the undercoat becomes exposed. And seeing as how the undercoat is usually a different color than the topcoat, it can be seen as an obvious change in color.
Age plays a big part in the discoloration of senior dog coat colors
Just like you see signs of aging in a person’s hair color, you can notice it in a dog’s coat color. The discoloration of coat colors in dogs typically occurs around the eyes and muzzle, and it’s more visible in dogs that have a darker coat. Other parts of the dog’s fur can become lighter/grayish as they age, but the most visible parts are around the face.
Nutrition has a say in your puppy’s coat color
Nutrition can also play a big part in your puppy’s color changes. It happens for adult dogs as well. Puppies and dogs need a balanced diet, one that includes minerals, protein, and vitamins. If your dog has any deficiencies due to nutrition, this can manifest itself in coat color changes. The color typically becomes less intense or even appears faded. The hair may also become thinner and begin to shed more noticeably.
