The Lilac first appeared some time after 1964 and the coat is lilac-grey over the back and sides and can range from pale lilac-grey to mid-lilac grey. The roots of the hairs are grey and these darker roots may be easily visible on the top of the head. The belly is ivory in colour and the lilac-grey colouring of the back extends in a line across the chest. Along the side of each cheek there is a grey-brown "cheekflash" which extends from under the chin up towards the ear and the ivory belly colour extends upwards below the cheekflash. The eyes are red and the ears flesh coloured. Young Lilacs may be pale lilac-grey in colour with bright red eyes but the colour and eyes darken with age. Many Lilacs become slightly brown in colour as they become older.

The Lilac can be combined with any coat type and pattern to produce varieties such as Long Haired Lilac, Lilac Banded, Lilac Satin, etc.

For showing the Lilac should be a pleasing lilac grey with a grey undercolour showing no signs of browning.

Due to the Dark Grey gene present Lilacs can be prone to spinal deformities which show in the form of a kinked or curled tail. Any Lilac showing this deformity should not be bred from as it is inherited.