Dilution
Champagne is a dominant dilution that lightens both red and black pigments. Its characteristic skin and eye changes help distinguish it from cream dilution.
A dilution producing an often metallic-looking coat, pink skin that develops freckles, and eyes that are usually amber or hazel.
The coat often has a golden or metallic sheen. Foals have pink skin and light eyes; the skin later develops freckles and the eyes commonly become amber or hazel.
The Champagne variant is associated with SLC36A1 and acts on several base colors, so the final shade depends on whether the horse is chestnut, bay or black underneath.
Skin mottling develops progressively and eye color changes after birth. Coat shade may also vary seasonally.
Depending on the base color, champagne may resemble palomino, buckskin, chocolate or pearl. Freckled skin and amber eyes are major clues.
Explore the profiles of breeds in which this coat or trait is present or documented.
Discover the American Miniature Horse, an elegant and intelligent miniature horse under 86 cm tall, admired for its beauty and gentle temperament.
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Discover the American Saddlebred, an elegant and expressive saddle horse, famous for its high-stepping gaits and iconic role in equestrian shows.
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Versatile, athletic and high-performing, the American Warmblood excels in equestrian sports. Discover its origins, temperament and strengths.
View profileDiscover the Australian Riding Pony, an elegant pony standing 127 to 147 cm and around 275 kg, prized in Australia for leisure riding and competition thanks to its beauty and balan ...
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Discover the Australian Stock Horse, a versatile Australian breed. Size, weight, build, and key traits of this exceptional horse.
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Why is the Irish Cob so loved? Gentle, hardy and versatile, this horse with abundant feathering is ideal for riding and driving.
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Why is the Missouri Fox Trotter so comfortable? Discover this smooth gaited horse, perfect for trail riding and western riding.
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Why is the Morab so popular? This Morgan–Arabian cross offers elegance, endurance and versatility.
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Discover the Tennessee Walking Horse, an American breed renowned for its smooth gaits, natural elegance, and calm temperament.
View profileThe coat often has a golden or metallic sheen. Foals have pink skin and light eyes; the skin later develops freckles and the eyes commonly become amber or hazel.
Skin mottling develops progressively and eye color changes after birth. Coat shade may also vary seasonally.
Depending on the base color, champagne may resemble palomino, buckskin, chocolate or pearl. Freckled skin and amber eyes are major clues.
Visual examination is sometimes sufficient, but genetic testing can be useful when several coats look similar or when breeding decisions are involved.
