I decided to go for a little experiment I've been intrigued to try out with the model. I removed the fur color image and went with vertex colors for body colorization. Color textures are still used for the eyes and flesh, the new system is just for body colors. The RGB channels are split into three independent maps which are still set via parameter: Red is the main body color, Green the paws / socks, Blue is eye makeup color.
This makes it easier to edit the pattern and create your own compared to using a fixed texture: You can go into Vertex Paint and assign any color to any part of the body. Only downside is that if not done right you'll end up with those jagged patterns you can see a bit of here... since fur particles come into play this the effect should be covered up.
Fun fact: It appears both shape keys and vertex colors are compatible with the Godot game engine, which I've gotten back into learning with some new projects I'm attempting there. Makes me wonder if there comes a point where I should consider bringing this character into it, with pretty much all the features available in the Blender version less for particle hair obviously. Imagine creating an interactive world with random anthros walking around! No promises yet, just a thought I can say I'm pondering.