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Cremello, Perlino, and Smokey Cream
are the "Double Dilutes."
They result from 2 creme genes acting on a base coat like a double dose of bleach.

Sarah Okamura riding her Cremello mustang, Sunka Wacan

CREMELLO

Sarah Okamura and Sunka Wacan, SUPER HORSE winner at the Western States Wild Horse & Burro Expo 2004.

Perlinos and Cremellos have 2 creme genes (double dilution factors, or "double dilutes") and are often mistaken for albinos, although they are actually a pale cream color, not a true white.

Most horses who are perceived as White or "Albino" are actually Cremellos. There is no such thing as a true Albino horse - at least none have ever been found.

Stand a "White" Cremello next to a horse with true white, such as a Tobiano pinto, and you will quickly see that the Cremello is actually a very pale cream color.

Cremellos result from a double dilution (2 creme genes) of RED (Chestnut/Sorrel).

Perlino results from a double dilution of BAY.

Smokey Cream is the result of double creme on BLACK. They are physically indistinguishable from cremellos and perlinos.

Cremellos lack any genes for black, and are dependable producers of palomino offspring when bred to red horses.

Cremello mustang owned by Kaidog

PERLINO

Perlino mustang adopted by Greg Schultz of Oregon. Photo by Andi Harmon

Perlinos look very much like Cremellos only with pale orange-ish mane and tail.

Genetically, Perlinos are a buckskin with an extra creme dilution gene, making them doubly-diluted bays. They have cream colored bodies and the manes and tails are usually orange-ish - slightly darker than the body color.

They have pink freckled skin and blue eyes, like Cremellos.

Since they have a black gene, they can produce buckskin or palomino offspring when bred to red horses.

Greg Schultz on his perlino mustang, "Jewell"

Greg Schultz' "Creme Brothers" - one definite Perlino, the other hard to say - perhaps Cremello, maybe Perlino  - at adoption

SMOKEY CREAM

Smoky Creme is a doubly-diluted Black horse. In other words, where Smoky Black has one creme gene, Smoky Creme has two.

Now with new genetic testing, they can be positiviely identified, should one want to know for sure.

The Welsh stallion pictured at left was tested by UC Davis and confirmed to be a Smokey Cream. He is owned by Shirley Brand - thanks, Shirley, for sharing the picture!