Rötspetsen

Rötspetsen is a rare color variant of the Swedish Vallhund dog breed. It is characterized by a distinctive reddish-brown coat with a black mask. The name "Rötspetsen" is Swedish, with "röd" meaning red and "spetsen" meaning nose or muzzle, referring to the dog's distinctive nose and mouth coloration.

The Rötspetsen was initially recognized as a separate color variant of the Swedish Vallhund in the 1970s. At that time, it was considered to be a variation of the Swedish Vallhund's standard reddish-brown color. However, in the 2000s, the Rötspetsen gained international recognition, and it is now recognized as a distinct color variant by many kennel clubs.

The Rötspetsen is a result of a genetic mutation that causes the production of a darker pigment in the dog's coat. This mutation affects the production of eumelanin, the pigment responsible for the black and dark brown colors in dogs. As a result, the Rötspetsen's reddish-brown coat is characterized by an overlay of black pigment, giving it a distinctive appearance.

Despite being a recognized color variant, the Rötspetsen remains relatively rare. This is due to the fact that the genetic mutation responsible for its coloration is recessive, meaning that a dog needs to inherit two copies of the mutated gene to express the color. As a result, the Rötspetsen is often considered a unique and rare occurrence within the Swedish Vallhund breed.