liverandwhite

Liver and White is a term that refers to a breed-specific white marking on the face and chest area of a dog. This is predominantly observed in breeds that are also known for their coats, such as the Dalmatian, Bull Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier. The white markings can start as small patches in the liver (brown), colored patch, and gradually break through, creating large or swirling patterns around the nose and chest.

In many cases, the degree of the white markings is determined by the breeder's desired color combination. However, in other breeds, the white markings are a natural part of the coat. For example, in the English Bull Terrier, liver white refers to the reddish, dark brown color coat. Liver and White is also associated with diseases in some breeds, such as the Border Terrier.

In addition to being a visual descriptor, Liver and White is also significant to the history of some breeds. For the Borzoi, the breed developed for over 500 years, and liver and white, blue and white color combinations originated as guard dogs to nomadic tribes. In the case of the Irish Wolfhound, Liver and White was mixed with a spotted-protein black and tan variety to establish new enviable traits and pave the way for the standard weaponry that the breed gained.