Mary Allen
Introduction: The Rare English Setter
English Setters are a popular breed of hunting dogs known for their intelligence, grace, and elegance. They come in a variety of colors that are pleasing to the eye, but some colors are rarer than others. The rarest color of English Setter is a subject of much debate among breeders and enthusiasts, with some claiming that certain colors are more elusive than others. In this article, we will explore the genetics of English Setter colors and delve into the hunt for the rarest color.
Understanding English Setter Colors
English Setters come in a range of colors including black and white, liver and white, orange and white, and tricolor. The colors are classified as belton, which refers to the speckled or flecked pattern on the dog’s coat. The base color can be black, liver, orange, or lemon, and the belton pattern can be black, blue, liver, orange, or lilac. The tricolor pattern consists of black, liver, and tan.
How English Setters Inherit Colors
The inheritance of English Setter colors is complex and involves multiple genes. The base color is determined by the E locus, with black being dominant over liver and liver being dominant over orange and lemon. The belton pattern is controlled by the S locus, with the presence of the pattern being dominant over its absence. The specific color of the belton pattern is determined by the T locus, with black being dominant over blue, liver being dominant over orange, and both being dominant over lilac. Tricolor is controlled by a separate gene and is recessive to the belton pattern.
The Hunt for the Rarest Color
The rarest color of English Setter is a matter of opinion, with some breeders favoring certain colors over others. However, there are some colors that are generally considered to be rarer than others. These include the tricolor, lemon belton, orange belton, blue belton, liver belton, and lilac belton. Breeders who specialize in these rare colors often charge a premium for their puppies, and there can be long waiting lists for them.
The Controversy over Rare Colors
There is some controversy among English Setter breeders and enthusiasts over the rare colors. Some believe that breeding for these colors can lead to health problems, while others argue that there is no evidence to support this claim. Additionally, some breeders are accused of prioritizing the rarity of the color over the health and welfare of the dog.
The Elusive Tricolor English Setter
The tricolor English Setter is one of the rarest colors, and it is highly sought after by many breeders and enthusiasts. This color is recessive to the belton pattern, which means that both parents must carry the gene for tricolor in order to produce a tricolor puppy. Tricolor English Setters have a black, liver, and tan pattern and are considered to be strikingly beautiful.
The Hard-to-Find Lemon Belton English Setter
The lemon belton English Setter is another rare color that is highly prized by breeders. This color is a light yellow or cream shade with a white belton pattern. Lemon belton English Setters are sometimes mistaken for orange or cream belton, but their color is distinct.
The Rare Orange Belton English Setter
The orange belton English Setter is a beautiful color that is less common than other belton colors. This color is a rich shade of orange with a white belton pattern. Orange belton English Setters are sometimes called red belton, but their color is closer to orange than red.
The Mysterious Blue Belton English Setter
The blue belton English Setter is a rare color that is not often seen. This color is a blue-gray shade with a white belton pattern. Blue belton English Setters are sometimes mistaken for black belton, but their color is distinctly blue.
The Unique Liver Belton English Setter
The liver belton English Setter is a rare color that is highly sought after by many breeders. This color is a rich shade of brown with a white belton pattern. Liver belton English Setters are sometimes called chocolate belton, but their color is closer to liver than chocolate.
The One-of-a-Kind Lilac Belton English Setter
The lilac belton English Setter is the rarest of all English Setter colors. This color is a light grayish-purple shade with a white belton pattern. Lilac belton English Setters are extremely rare and highly prized by breeders.
Conclusion: Appreciating the Beauty of Rare English Setters
English Setters are a beautiful breed of dog, and their colors are part of what makes them so appealing. While some colors are rarer than others, all English Setters are unique and deserving of love and appreciation. Whether you prefer a traditional black and white English Setter or a rare lilac belton, these dogs are sure to bring joy to your life.