My 2 year old black chihuahua's fur is turning brown. She almost looks brindle colored right now. Any ideas?

Question

It is definately NOT grey, her underside is grey, it is brown. Anyone ever heard of this before?

Answer 1

she is probably getting her winter or fall coat. She will Shed a lot. when they get their new coat the top of the fur either comes out for room for the thicker coat they will grow.  

Answer 2

If this color change occurred suddenly (as you described), it may be a sign of a serious medical condition (such as heart disease). Sounds like that is called hyper-pigmentation. Don't worry, I think its just that she is getting older, not a little puppy any more. Oh dont worry, my mom has chi's also . Check other areas of her body that are normally pink (such as inside her ears, under her lips, her tongue, her gums) to see if they also are a grey or purple color. I bet she licks at her stomach a lot? If you're worried, take her to the vet to check. As they get older there skin gets darker. If they are or if she seems depressed or is having a difficult time breathing, she needs to be taken to your veterinarian immediately---- don't wait!

Answer 3

Yes. As dogs get older sometimes their fur will change.

Does she lay out in the sun a lot. They sun can make her fur get lighter. In your case causing it to turn from black to brown.

Have you changed her diet? This could also be a result of that. I wouldn't worry about it though.

Answer 4

My lab/boxer mix has the same issue.  He started out all black with a little white here and there...now, at age 3, he's got splotches of boxer coloring all over the place.  Mine makes sense because he's a mutt, but who knows...maybe it has to do with maturity.  Similar to how humans' hair color often changes with puberty?  Just a thought.

Answer 5

Shes fading, either from the sun or due to aging.

It's quite common for black dogs to fade as they get older, or to bleach from the sun.

Answer 6

it lightens with age, juist liek a human i waas blonde until about 7 now im dark brown ahah