Red dun

Dun on a chestnut base: a peach-coloured body with a red-brown dorsal stripe.

Red dun: Dun on a chestnut base: a peach-coloured body with a red-brown dorsal stripe.

What does this colour look like?

A light red-yellow to peach body with a red-brown (not black) dorsal stripe and primitive markings. Mane and tail often reddish or light.

Body
peach / red-yellow
Mane and tail
reddish or light
Legs
reddish, no black
Skin
dark
Eyes
brown
Primitive markings
Yes (incl. dorsal stripe)

How does this colour arise?

A chestnut with the dun gene. All markings are red instead of black.

More about the genetics

Red dun = chestnut (e/e) + D. Because there is no black, the dorsal stripe and leg markings are red-brown.

What is this colour often confused with?

  • Dun

    You recognise a dun by the dorsal stripe along the back and the primitive markings.

  • Palomino

    You recognise a palomino by its golden coat with light, almost white mane and tail.

  • Bay dun

    Dun on a bay base: a yellowish-brown body, black points and a dorsal stripe.

Discover more

Sources: UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory · UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory · Sponenberg, D.P. & Bellone, R.R. (Wiley-Blackwell).