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The grullo color can be subdivided based on its shades. Dark grullos are almost black, sometimes with an inconspicuous brownish tinge on the body, while the mane, tail, head, and lower parts of legs are black. Primitive markings are difficult to observe against such a dark background, and the horse can be mistaken for black or faded black (see ssss1). This color shade is very rare. Light grullos are characterized by a pale ashy color to the body hair and black or dark ashy guard hair (Photosssss1 &ssss1). The eyes can be dark-blue with a blue ring around the iris, especially at a very young age, and from a distance they may appear hazel. Some breeders of Quarter Horses consider this trait an indication that the horse is carrying the Cream Dilution gene.

Sometimes the body hair can have a light yellowish tone, which according to some Polish scientists studying the Konik breed, becomes stronger in winter (2004). It is true that the overall color can change its tone depending on the season, and it tends to be most noticeable in horses that live outdoors. Mares are usually lighter than stallions. Interestingly, frosting is more often observed in the mane and tail of horses with this light shade of grullo.