Puppy with green fur born in Italy, immediately named Pistachio: reports

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In an already unpredictable year, an Italian farmer discovered another strange occurrence this month, according to multiple reports. 

Cristian Mallocci, who runs a farm on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, was shocked when one of his eight dogs gave birth to a green-furred puppy.

Within seconds, he named the tiny pooch Pistachio, according to Reuters.

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The canine was part of a five-dog litter born Oct. 9. Just like their mixed-breed mom, Spelacchia, they all had white fur -- except Pistachio. 

It's very uncommon for a dog to be born with green fur. The phenomenon is believed to occur when pale-colored puppies make contact with a green pigment called biliverdin while in the womb, according to the news organization.

Last October, a Great Dane in Colorado gave birth to a litter of pups, one of which had green fur similar to the recently born Italian pup.

A mint green golden retriever puppy named "Mojito" is seen with other puppies in a previous instance of a puppy being born with green fur, Oct. 22, 2019. (Getty Images)

“It was so shocking when she was born," the Great Dane's owner, Caddy Williams, told Colorado Springs's KRDO-TV. "Luckily, I had recently read an article about a green dog. So at least I knew what was going on."

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The effect, however, is also temporary. Mallocci said Pistachio’s bright green color has faded each day since it was born.

The owner added that unlike the other puppies -- who will be given away to new homes -- Pistachio will be trained on the farm to look after sheep with Spelacchia, Reuters reported.

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He added that green was a color of hope and luck, something more people could use during an already challenging year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Fox News' Michael Hollan contributed to this report