As you look at the side-by-side image below, focus on the colors, not texture.
One of the images shows a detail from a squirrel, while the other comes from a dog—specifically, a Beauceron. Interestingly, the Beauceron is the only AKC breed whose standard uses “Squirrel Red” (referred to as rouge écureuil in French) as a color description.
This led us to wonder: why a squirrel? Why not one of the many other terms for red found in other breed standards, such as Red Speckle, Rich Mahogany Red, Irish Red, Ruby, Fawn, Chestnut, Orange-Red, Deep Red, or Rust?
As is the case in many countries, inspiration is drawn from familiar elements in the local environment. The écureuil roux – (or Sciurus vulgaris as is used in scientific nomenclature) is relatively common in the Beauce region of France where the Beauceron was developed. Better known as the European red squirrel, this agile and curious critter is easily identified by its vibrant reddish bushy tail:
European red squirrel
It’s not a leap to see the similarity between the squirrel’s tail color and the beautiful red “stockings,” the dots above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle,and elsewhere:
Photo by Victoria Paul appears with consent
Using “Squirrel Red” as a color found on a local nut-gathering tree-dweller preserves a connection to the breed’s French origins, a precise hue that aligns with the breed’s heritage.
Many breed standards, particularly the original versions written in a breed’s country of origin, use the names of everyday objects, natural phenomena, or familiar imagery to describe a breed’s unique characteristics. By way of another example, the original ancient breed standard for the Shar-Pei, as written in Chinese, uses vivid comparisons to everyday items to describe the breed’s unique physical traits. They include Sand-skin, Clam-shell ears, Butterfly nose, Melon-shaped head, Grandmotherly face, and Horse’s buttocks.
We encourage you to seek out the original standard for your own breed and see if there isn’t vivid terminology used (and if you find it, share it with us!)
Top image shared by Carlota Hoy Villar