Coat Colors and Markings
The Stumpy comes in five colors, but only two are considered acceptable to show according to the Breed Standard: Red and Blue.
Pups are born white and begin to show color at about 2 to 3 weeks of age.
These pups are 1 day old.
These puppies are 3 weeks old. Notice that their coats are beginning to show color and markings.
Acceptable Coat Colors
The color blue is actually a combination of black hair and white hairs that creates a "blue roan" effect. Blue can be very dark or very light, depending on the ratio of white hairs to black in the coat.
The color red ilooks more like orange than it does either red or brown. Again, the ratio of white hairs to red in the coat makes the color dark red or light red.
In the red or the blue Stumpy, the nose color should always be black.
Unacceptable Colors
While the breed standard that was in use back in the 1970s allowed for the Blue-and-tan coloration, it was removed from the standard in the '80s because it was thought that the tan presence was indicative of ACD influence.
A red dog that carries a dilution factor will sometimes produce a very light-colored pup. This dilute red is referred to as an Apricot.
The dog displayed here is an Apricot Mottle
Blue dogs that carries a dilution factor will sometimes produce a chocolate or liver pup.
While the chocolate is very striking .....it is still incorrect.
And last of the oddball colors is the chocolate and tan combination.
The dilute colors have liver or chocolate colored noses.
Often with age the nose will turn nearly black.
People sometimes tell me they want a blue MERLE. Merle is a color NOT found in the Stumpy or the ACD.
