The “D” dominant Dense color gene is the normal expression of the dark pigmentation in Bengals. Blue Bengals are the result of the dilute form of the dominant dense color gene which dilutes the black to gray. This recessive gene is called “d” (dilute) and may be carried by any Bengal of any color. Both parents can be brown and they still can procreate a Blue Bengal.
Clumping of melanin (black pigment) on the hair shaft results in colorless areas which allow more light to pass through the shaft diluting the appearance of the pigment and giving the characteristic gray tone, called Blue in the Cat Fancy. Blue Bengal usually have a light peach undercoat tone. They also have golden to green eyes.
Blue Bengals probably have one of the more peculiar colors, they are very different to any of the other Bengals, and that may be the reason why they are not recognized for championship status; however, they can compete in the “new traits” category.
Blue Bengal are truly beautiful. I hope that some day they will be recognized for championship status.
