Brittany Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Brittany colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Brittany Colors Overview

The Brittany comes in several recognized coat colors. Orange is the primary color pattern, produced by the e/e genotype at the Extension locus. Liver is produced by the B locus. Tri-color includes tan points..

Coat color is determined by genetics, with some colors being dominant and others recessive. Understanding color genetics can help predict puppy colors and identify responsible breeding practices.

Recognized Colors

Orange and White Standard

Liver and White Standard

Orange Roan Standard

Liver Roan Standard

Tri-color

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($800–$1500)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$450–$750)

Coat Genetics

Color genetics in Brittanys involve multiple loci working together. Orange is the primary color pattern, produced by the e/e genotype at the Extension locus. Liver is produced by the B locus. Tri-color includes tan points..

Key genetic loci include E (controls whether pigment is expressed), A (pattern distribution), K (solid vs. patterned), and B (black vs. brown base). DNA testing allows breeders to predict litter colors accurately.

Rare vs Standard Colors

Rarity in Brittany colors typically reflects recessive genetics rather than desirability. The breed offers 5 color varieties, with standard colors including Orange and White, Liver and White, Orange Roan, Liver Roan. While unusual colors may be visually striking, they sometimes correlate with health concerns or breeding shortcuts.

A reputable Brittany breeder will never compromise health testing (for Hip Dysplasia and other conditions) to produce trendy colors. Be skeptical of breeders who market 'rare' colors at prices well above the $800–$1500 standard range.

Do Brittany Colors Change with Age?

Do not be surprised if your Brittany puppy's color changes as they grow. The puppy coat gives way to the adult coat between 4 and 12 months. Colors like Orange and White, Liver and White may shift—sometimes dramatically—during this transition. Orange is the primary color pattern, produced by the e/e genotype at the Extension locus. Liver is produced by the B locus. Tri-color includes tan points..

Controversial Colors

Be cautious of Brittany breeders who promote non-standard colors at prices above the typical $800–$1500 range. These 'rare' colors may not be recognized by kennel clubs and can occasionally carry genetic health risks. A responsible Brittany breeder from the Sporting group focuses on health testing for Hip Dysplasia and temperament first.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Brittany comes in Orange and White, Liver and White, Orange Roan, Liver Roan and other colors. Orange is the primary color pattern, produced by the e/e genotype at the Extension locus. Liver is produced by the B locus. Tri-color includes tan points..

Rarity depends on genetics. Non-standard colors may be less common but should not be prioritized over health and temperament. Orange is the primary color pattern, produced by the e/e genotype at the Extension locus. Liver is produced by the B locus. Tri-color includes tan points..

Color changes during the puppy-to-adult coat transition (4–12 months) are normal in Brittanys. The transition is typically subtle for this breed's medium coat. Standard colors (Orange and White, Liver and White, Orange Roan, Liver Roan) tend to be established by maturity.

For the Brittany, standard colors have no known health associations. Some non-standard colors in certain breeds can be linked to deafness, eye problems, or skin sensitivity. Orange is the primary color pattern, produced by the e/e genotype at the Extension locus. Liver is produced by the B locus. Tri-color includes tan points..

Popularity among Brittany colors tends to track with the breed standard. The standard recognizes Orange and White, Liver and White, Orange Roan, Liver Roan as acceptable colors. With 5 color options, Brittany buyers have good variety. Orange is the primary color pattern, produced by the e/e genotype at the Extension locus. Liver is produced by the B locus. Tri-color includes tan points..