This series affects the expression of black pigment. I think if we stick to simplicity we should use CC for all JRTs and then include the dilute genesĪlthough from personal experiences I would say that there is a standard tan colour (not as dark as chestnut and not as light as lemon) so perhaps we should go with: I don't know whether we should use the 'd' gene or the 'cch' gene for the light tan. Another of the simpler series, this one consists of two alleles, listed in order of dominance. It is possible that 'lemon' Jack Russells get their light color from the cch gene. But it has its greatest effect on tan, producing a cream color. The chinchilla gene (cch) dilutes color, like the d gene does. Nearly all Jack Russells are homozygous (carry both genes for) C. The dominant C gene allows for full expression of color. (since Liver is unacceptable, and almost unheard of, in JRTs I think we should stick to BB - Jeff has said not to include the rare traits) Jack Russells that are bb have liver (or brown) noses and liver coloring where black should be, whether the terrier is A or at. The dominant B gene produces the black color in terriers that are A or at and gives tan Jack Russells their black noses. The colored patches on the terrier show the true base color of the dog.Īsat - saddle markings carrying tan-point The following information I have found comes from this website:Īlthough Jack Russells are mostly white, the white isn't the base color of the dog - it is actually spotting. The Australian National Kennel Council states that the tan markings can be from the lightest tan to the richest tan (chestnut). Grizzle is acceptable and should not be confused with brindle.

As long as the terrier is predominantly white, moderate body markings are not to be faulted. Unfortunately I don't know much about colour genetics so I'm wondering if anyone with a bit more knowledge is willing to help outĪKC Standard: White, white with black or tan markings, or a combination of these, tri-color. I thought it might be nice to start researching colour in the hope that one day Jeff will get to the Jacks.

Black and white jack russel terrier