Please could someone explain to me what 'smut' is when describing a dogs colour?

I would imagine a charcoal/dark grey colour.

I thought it was when there is a base colour (ie red) with other colours (blacks, browns, greys, fawns etc) mixed into it but not patchy like brindle, more blended in? I'm just guessing though!

A smut in bulldogs is a dog of 1 solid colour (red or fawn) with a black mask.

Love this site, we learn more and more each day. Makes very interesting reading.

A smut in bulldogs is a dog of 1 solid colour (red or fawn) with a black mask.

Just to clarify (and I'm not doubting you) but is that definately right or are you speculating like the rest of us?! Just so I can be sure!  :)

Sounds norty :-)

I'd always understood smut to be a base colour with black overlay, not stripes like brindle and not clear black tipping but just a 'muddying' of the base colour :-)

its ok Lucymissy :-)

Taken from the UK bulldog breed standard.

Whole or smut, (i.e. whole colour with black mask or muzzle).

Ive got a smut bulldog who had 2 smut babies.

Smut or dusting (in Bullmastiffs) is when the base coat fawn or red has black fur laced through its coat usually on the face and chest, it happens regually in this breed but is not desirable as the colour is to be pure. The dogs look as if they have rolled in a coal pit.

Thank you for that carolyn. Although it now poses a bigger question as to what colour this pup actually is!! She is red fawn with a black "dusting" over her paws, ears, shoulders and tail. Suppose I will have to go for red fawn and hope for the best!

Thanks for your help.