Premature greying

Some dogs appear to have premature greying on the face. Even if the dog is just a few years old, it may have the grey hairs of an old dog. It is not currently known what gene produces this look but it seems to be found in some breeds and not in others. Great danes, whippets and malinois are examples of dogs with premature greying. Premature greying does not affect the whole coat like 'regular' greying, only the face.

Fawn (genetically masked sable) great dane

The same dog at a later time, exhibiting early greying