Bays are common among most breeds, however there are a few exceptional breeds for which the bold red coat and shiny black points are a distinguishing characteristic.
Beloved Bays
While it is an incredibly common color, bay is also quite a pretty one. From light, dusty browns to vibrant rich reds – all offset by the handsome contrast of a deep black mane and tail. Although common, bay is not one of the base colors, it is the result of a bay modifier (Agouti gene) on an animal with a black base.
Chestnut hides the Agouti gene so it only affects black animals by limiting distribution of black hairs to the points and topline.
Bay Big Hitters
The colors are an interesting way to categorize the breeds because there are always a bunch on the list I don’t recognize. It seems that specific coloring tends to be most prevalent in obscure breeds. There are, however, a few breeds I’m sure you’ll recognize, including the handsome Cleveland Bay and the lively Alter Real.
Bay Breeds
Alter Real
Azores
Bardigiano
Buohai
Cleveland Bay
Exmoor Pony
Garrano
Maremmano
Ob
Samolaco
San Fratello
Tolfetano
Vladimir Draft
More Colors
So far I’ve taken a look at black, grey, chestnut and bay breeds & there are plenty more colors out there so stay tuned for more.