The Percheron is often described as an Arabian horse weighed down by the hardiness of the climate and the work it carries out. However, it is, in fact, genetically closer to the Lipizzaner or the Iberian breeds of Castile from which the stallion Rotrou III du Perche was imported in the 12th century. The Percheron's studbook was created in 1883. In France, only black and gray coats are admitted to the studbook, and the gray coat constitutes the majority. This preference would come from the era of horse-drawn vehicles when gray was more easily distinguished at night and reduced the risk of accidents.