Cocker spaniels are a popular breed of dog known for their loving temperament and adorable looks.
One of the unique features of this breed is their coat colour, which comes in a variety of shades and patterns.
One of the most striking colours is the Blue Roan, a blend of black and white hairs that give the coat a blueish-grey appearance.
But why are some Cocker Spaniels called Blue Roan?
In this article, we will explore the origins of this name and discover some fascinating facts about this beloved breed.
Blue roan is a coat colour pattern that consists of a mixture of black and white hairs, giving the appearance of a bluish-grey colour. The “roan” part of the name refers to the intermingling of the black and white hairs, which creates a speckled or mottled appearance.
Why Are Cocker Spaniels Called Blue Roan? Exploring the Origins
The Blue Roan coat colour is the result of a specific gene that affects the distribution of pigments in the coat.
When a Cocker spaniel inherits two copies of this gene, one from each parent, it results in the Blue Roan coat.
However, not all Cocker spaniels with this gene expression are called Blue Roan.
The name specifically refers to the combination of black and white hairs that give the coat its distinctive appearance.
What is Roan?
The name “Roan” itself refers to a type of coat colouration that is characterised by a mix of white and coloured hairs.
Roan can occur in a variety of colours, including blue, red, and orange.
When a Cocker spaniel has a Blue Roan coat, it means that the majority of the coloured hairs in their coat are black, while the white hairs are scattered throughout.
Interestingly, the term “Blue” does not actually refer to the colour blue, as there are no blue pigments in the coat.
The term ‘roan’ originated in 16th century France where it was used to describe horses that had dark coats interspersed with grey or white hairs and this description made the transition from equine ( where it is still used ) to canine.
FAQs
Q: Are all Cocker spaniels with the Blue Roan gene expression called Blue Roan?
A: No, the name specifically refers to the combination of black and white hairs that give the coat its distinctive appearance.
Q: Is the Blue Roan coat colour rare in Cocker spaniels?
A: No, it is a relatively common coat colour in the breed.
Conclusion and final thoughts
In conclusion, the Blue Roan coat colour in Cocker spaniels is a fascinating blend of black and white hairs that gives the coat a unique appearance.
The name roan originates in France and refers to animal coats that are a blend of various colours contain white hairs.
Cocker spaniels are a beloved breed known for their friendly nature and loyal personalities, and the Blue Roan coat is just one of the many striking features that make them so popular.
Whether you’re a fan of the breed or just curious about the origins of their name, there’s no denying that Cocker spaniels and their Blue Roan coat are a fascinating subject for dog lovers everywhere.
