There’s just something distinctive and eye-catching about spotted dog breeds.
Some have big spots, some small, some speckled, and some are even spotted under their fur. While some coat colors are common, others are hard to come by.
Let’s take a look at some of the spotted dog breeds that come with big, beautiful, bold blots of amazing colors!
Spotted dog breeds are the Dalmatian, Dapple Dachshund, German Short-Haired Pointer, American Bulldog, Merle Corgi, Australian Shepherd, Chihuahua, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Great Dane, Border Collie, English Setter, and Cocker Spaniel.
Let’s Talk Genetics In Spotted Dog Breeds
Many dogs can develop one-of-a-kind spots depending on their genetic makeup — even when the breed isn’t known for having a spotted coat.
What makes a dog piebald?
The gene responsible for the unique pattern in a spotted dog’s fur is a recessive gene called the piebald gene. Recessive gene means that a piebald puppy is only produced if both parents are piebald.
And even then, some of these pups may have spotted coats and some may not. And, it’s possible for mixed breeds to give birth to piebald pups if they are carrying the piebald gene.
In this post, you are going to learn all about spotted dog breeds, black and white spotted dog breeds, and spotted hunting dogs.
We’ll also chat about the seven different canine coat patterns, colors, and which breeds belong to which patterns.
After learning all about these spotted dogs, you will be on your way to choosing your new classy speckled bestie!
This post is all about spotted dog breeds that are striking, unique, and sure to turn heads at the local dog park!
Catching Up On Coat Patterns
What Are The Different Dog Coat Patterns?
- Merle Coat – No two pups look alike in this fascinating pattern. The main colors of this coat are red merle and blue merle. These coats contain splotches of color on white fur, creating a marbling effect of the same color, only lighter. These canines may also have blue eyes or eyes of different colors. A few examples of merle coat pups are Dapple Dachshunds, Border Collies, Catahoula Leopard Dogs, and Australian Shepherds.
- Brindle Coat – Known as the “tiger-striped pattern”, this is typically dark stripes on a light coat, although most colors seem more blended than striped. The colors are generally a red base with black stripes. Examples include Basenjis, French Bulldogs, and Great Danes.
- Harlequin Coat – This pattern has a white base as the background color, with black or gray patches scattered all over the dog’s body. This is a very rare pattern. In fact, there are only two breeds that legitimately carry this trait: Great Danes and Beaucerons, although there are some great look-alikes!
- Ticked Coat – The ticked coat pattern consists of small spots of black or colored hairs on a white background. These spots are present only in the white parts of the dog’s coat. Hunting dogs such as German Short-Haired Pointers, English Spring Spaniels, and Bluetick Coonhounds carry this pattern.
- Tri-Colored Coat – A coat pattern of three colors, usually black, tan, and white. Examples are Bernese Mountain Dogs, Papillons, Basset Hounds, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
- Roan Coat – Known as nature’s camouflage, the roan coat is often associated with the ticked coat. Pups with roan coats have different colored hairs spaced so tightly together that it almost looks blue-gray in color. English and American Cocker Spaniels, Field Spaniels, and Lagotti Romagnolo are a few breeds with roan coats.
- Spotted Coat – So far, spotted coats have been identified in over 25 different dog breeds. Some pups that carry this piebald gene are Cocker Spaniels, Corgis, Chihuahuas, and of course the star of the show, the Dalmatian.
Although these coat varieties are amazing, beautiful, and impressive, it’s so important to do your research on these special pups.
Some of these genes should NEVER be bred together (like two merle coats or a merle coat with a harlequin coat) and some have been associated with health problems like being born deaf and blind.
Find a responsible breeder that cares about genetics and understands which patterns can be bred together and which ones cannot.
Learn more about the dangers of merle-to-merle breeding in this article from Pet Helpful.
Let’s Dive Into 12 Spotted Dog Breeds With Incredible Doggie Markings
1. Devoted Dalmatians – Black And White Spotted Dog Breeds
For most of us, whenever we think about spotted dogs, the first one that comes to mind is the outgoing and playful Dalmatian.
In fact, these amazing pups are the only truly spotted dog breeds in the world. Instead, most spotted dogs have coat patterns called tickling, speckling, or flicking.
But the Dalmatian is the only one of his kind with crisp polka dots perfectly placed all over his body.
These black and white spotted dog breeds carry the piebald gene which is linked to an increased risk of deafness. In fact, almost 12% of Dalmatians experience hearing loss.
Dalmations first originated as hunting dogs and then bred to be coaching dogs. They would run under or alongside carriages and horseback riders, making sure that other dogs weren’t interfering with the horses.
These protective dog breeds also guarded the carriages at rest stops in order to deter highwaymen or other unwanted guests.
Another job for the devoted Dalmatian was to clear the pathway through town for firemen so that their horse-drawn fire engines could safely pass.
So it makes perfect sense that these adorable brown and white spotted dog breeds also answer to the names Carriage Dog, Spotted Coach Dog, and Firehouse Dog.
An interesting little snippet about Dalmations is that puppies are born pure white without any spots showing. But just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there!
The spots are actually there at birth, but only become visible when the pups mature and the hairs have had time to turn black or brown.
If you’re shopping for a spotted beauty that has lots of energy, a sly sense of humor, and will do anything to make you laugh, then the dedicated Dalmatian may be right for you!
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2. The Dapple Dachshund
Dapple Dachshunds, also called Doxies, get their name from their unique coloring. Dapple refers to the light spots on a contrasting base color of the coat.
This trait is caused by the merle gene, also called the dapple gene in these small spotted dog breeds.
The adorable Dapple Dachshund is created by mating one Dapple Doxie with one non-Dapple Doxie.
These zany little creatures also answer to the names Weiner Dog and Sausage Dog. They come in two size varieties and three coat types.
If you don’t mind a little barking and a lot of digging, then the comedic and outrageous personality of the delightful Dapple Dachshund may be perfect for you!
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3. German Short-Haired Pointer – Ticked Coat Pattern
The German Short-Haired Pointer was developed in Germany and has been used for both pointing and tracking different game animals.
While their coat is short, thick, and rough to the touch, their head is almost always a solid color.
These spotted hunting dog breeds have a ticked coat pattern, meaning smaller spots of colored hairs laying on a white background.
You’ll find this pattern in many of the pups that are bred for hunting or considered gun dogs.
German Short-Haired Pointers are friendly, affectionate, and great companions. They love children and get along well with other pets in the house.
And, just like the Dalmatians, the puppies of these spotted dog breeds are not born with their ticked coat pattern but develop it later on as they mature.
If you’re hunting for a spotted dog that is highly energetic with loads of intelligence, then the German Short-Haired Pointer could be your new canine companion!
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4. American Bulldog
The American Bulldog pictured above is a perfect example of a brindle coat pattern, although they are often seen with a white coat and black or brown spots.
You may also see these hunky hounds in a variety of different coat colors. Their spots can be speckling over their entire bodies or just a little sprinkling on their limbs and belly.
These plump pooches are hard to miss. Their lazy disposition, flattened faces, and stocky little bodies are ideal for pet parents looking for a chunky couch canine.
American Bulldogs’ clown-like antics and zany personalities are infectious. They are extremely intelligent and highly trainable.
5. Merle Corgi – Can Corgis Be Merle?
Corgis come in an array of different colors. From the most common reds, whites, blacks, and goldens, to the less common sable, brindle, and even merle.
If you happen to see a merle Corgi prancing proudly down the street, you will most definitely do a double-take. These beautiful and unique dog breeds are among the most sought-after pups on the planet.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes two different breeds of the Corgi, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and the Cardigan Corgi.
Research into the merle color pattern of Corgis concluded that the merle gene isn’t naturally present in the makeup of the Pembroke Corgi genetics.
This means that all merle Pembrokes are considered crossbreed and not purebred.
Merle Corgis are very rare and in huge demand because of their amazing markings. Responsible breeders hesitate to breed them very often because they are afraid of getting a double-merle (prone to being deaf and blind).
Do merle dogs have health problems? Merle pups are particularly prone to eye and ear issues. In fact, deafness appears in 25% of double-merle pups and 3.5% of single merles.
Double-merle coats are produced unethically and by irresponsible breeders if bred intentionally.
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6. The Australian Shepherd
The gorgeous Australian Shepherd is not technically spotted, but they can have large patches of different colors with white patches, called merle coats.
Lovingly called Aussies, the coats on these sociable creatures are one-of-a-kind and can greatly influence their cost.
Aussie coats can be blue merle, red merle, black, red, black bi-colored, red bi-colored, black tri-colored, red tri-colored, blue merle tri-colored, and red merle tri-colored.
What Is The Rarest Australian Shepherd Color?
Solid red is the absolute rarest coat for this beautiful dog breed, followed by the solid black coat.
Aussies with red merle and blue merle coat patterns tend to be more expensive than other color varieties. Blue merle markings are the most sought-after coat, even though they are also the most common.
The reason for this could be that blue merle coats are still fairly uncommon in most dogs. They’re so unique that no two merle coats are ever the same.
No matter the color, Australian Shepherds are considered one of the most unique of all breeds due to their multi-colored and striking markings.
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7. The Saucy Chihuahua
You may be surprised to know that the bold and spirited Chihuahua comes in spotted coats also.
In fact, Chihuahuas are one of the most colorful breeds in the doggie kingdom.
These sassy souls commonly come in black, chocolate, red, fawn, and cream. But they can also be found in blue, gold, silver, white, and chocolate blue.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) lists three main coat patterns for Chihuahuas. They include sable, brindle (blue brindled fawn, chocolate brindled fawn, and fawn brindled black), and merle.
Due to the possibility of certain health issues in merle breeding, especially double-merle breeding, this patterning is highly discouraged by the Chihuahua Club of America.
What is the rarest color of a Chihuahua? The rarest colors of these small spotted dogs are pure white, followed by merle, blue, and chocolate blue.
If you’re hunting for the smallest purebred dog in the world that is fierce and fiesty, then the cunning Chihuahua may be the perfect fit for you!
8. Catahoula Leopard Dog – Spotted Dogs
The dramatic colors of these rare large dog breeds are stunning. From the common colors of tan, grey, silver, and even red, to the more eccentric colors of blue leopard, solid red leopard, and light red leopard.
Not to mention the wide range of eye colors that complete their unique and renowned appearance.
Eye colors can include blue, green, brown, amber, and intriguing glassy eyes that almost look white in color. It is also quite common to see these pups with two different colored eyes.
These spotted dog breeds with blue eyes are known for their leopard coats. This spotted appearance is called merle in other breeds.
The coat patterns of this fascinating breed can be overwhelming. They may show brindle patterns, patchwork patterns, striped, speckled, or even solid colors.
Known as the state dog of Louisiana, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has an appearance that is totally mysterious, a little magical, and very intriguing.
If you’re shopping for a loving, gentle, and intelligent dog breed with beautiful colors that sets him apart from all other breeds, then the inquisitive Catahoula Leopard Dog is for you!
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9. Harlequin Great Danes
The massive Great Dane is eye-catching enough on its own, but couple that with the piebald gene and you have a strikingly unique package.
These spotted dog breeds are the only ones that carry the true Harlequin coat pattern. But you can also find these giant dog breeds in black, brindle, blue, fawn, mantle, merle, black and white, and pure white.
White Great Danes can experience such genetic issues as deafness, blindness, and other eye-related issues just like other dog breeds.
This doesn’t mean that all white pups will be affected, but the Great Dane Club of America bans the breeding of this color in the hopes of preventing these handicaps in future Danes.
When breeding these colossal canines, the general rule is to cross Great Dane colors within a color family. These preferred breeding colors are black crossing with blue, harlequin crossing with mantle, and fawn crossing with brindle.
But regardless of their color, the sweet and gentle temperament of these massive and loving babes will win you over every time!
10. Border Collie
Meet the most intelligent dog breed of all! Not only do these cute spotted dogs have all the smarts, but they also come in an array of beautiful colors and coat patterns.
Border Collies come in four main patterns: merle, piebald, saddle, and brindle.
You may also see these spotted dog breeds sporting a ticked or speckled coat.
The merle coat is one of the most gorgeous coats found on the Border Collie. Many people believe that if you breed two merle coats together, which is considered irresponsible by many canine clubs, you will have a magical-colored pup that is even more stunning.
But that’s not the case for these Irish spotted dog breeds.
Combining two merle coats together will create a mostly white coat with a few spots sprinkled throughout the fur.
But more importantly, merging these two coats can cause serious eye and ear problems in these precious pups.
Like merle coats, hearing problems seem to be common in piebald Border Collies, although this is not the case with every piebald.
If there are white hairs in this pup’s ears, the lack of pigment will cause a hearing issue as the hairs help transmit sound.
Border Collies are energetic, tenacious, and make excellent watchdogs. Bring one of these amazing pups into your home and you will have a loving and loyal friend for life!
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11. English Setter – Spotted Hunting Dog Breeds
These spotted dog breeds have been around for centuries as wonderful waterfowl hunting companions. They are one of the oldest gun dog breeds of all.
You’ll see the word “Belton” associated with this breed quite a lot. Not only is Belton used to describe the speckled coat patterns of this freckled pup, but Belton is also a village where the breed’s founder liked to hunt.
English Setters are commonly white with colored specks or ticking. Ticking can range anywhere from lightly ticked (mostly white), to heavily ticked with very little white (roan).
Strategically placed eye patches or masks are common in these mischievous mottled pups.
You may see these hunting dog breeds in blue, orange, lemon, or chestnut. Ironically, English Setters sporting the coat color of lemon or chestnut were considered inferior.
But today these two colors are becoming rare and more difficult to find.
English Setter puppies may be born with an eye patch, but other than that, they are almost always born completely white.
These spotted nose dog breeds are friendly, loyal, and great with children. They love to give affection just as much as they love receiving it.
English Setters are alert, strong-willed, and protective dog breeds that want to defend their families at any cost.
If you’re hunting for a sweet-tempered and charming canine that is known as the “gentleman of the dog world”, then the affectionate English Setter may be the pooch for you!
12. Cocker Spaniel
You can spot a Cocker Spaniel a mile away. Their long hanging ears covered in curly fur give them their recognizable and distinctive look.
Did you know that these spotted dogs come in an array of colors and patterns? 24 to be exact!
But of the 24 color combinations, there are 10 main colors that are prominent, some through markings and ticks, others through spots and patterns.
These shades include black, orange, lemon, golden, liver, blue, chocolate, tan, red, and white.
There are also particolored Cocker Spaniels. These pups are two-tone with either the white or their base color appearing as their main color. They may also show to be completely one color with only tiny splotches of a second color speckled throughout their fur.
These color combos include black and white, liver and white, orange and white, lemon and white, and red and white.
You didn’t think we were finished, did you?
On top of that, these colorful pups are also seen sporting roan patterns. Roan patterns are when one color appears to be watered down with white hairs and made to look like a lighter color than it really is.
There is a Blue Roan Cocker Spaniel (black fur with tons of white hairs mixed in), the Lemon Roan Cocker Spaniel, the Chocolate Roan Cocker Spaniel, and the Orange Roan Cocker Spaniel.
Yep, There’s More
We can’t forget the tan markings on these spotted tongue dog breeds. Tan markings can even produce tri-colored Cocker Spaniels since they can appear with any other coats or colors.
And since tan is a recessive gene, these adorable pups must inherit the gene from both parents.
Tan markings include black and tan, liver and tan, blue roan and tan, liver roan and tan, black, white and tan, and liver, white, and tan.
These loving rainbow pups can also show off their sable colors, such as sable and tan and white and sable.
And who can forget about ticked patterns? Yes, these colorful canines wear this pattern beautifully as well.
So, if you’re shopping for a medium-sized dog breed that offers a smorgasbord of colors, patterns, and personalities, then this loyal, friendly, and loving pooch is for you!
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Time To Sum It All Up – Spotted Dog Breeds
Just a brief glimpse at the complex genetics that produces these amazing spotted dogs, and all the different coat patterns associated with these colorful canines, can have our heads spinning for days.
Spotted dog breeds are stunning and each breed has its own personality. These captivating and appealing pups are some of the most unique and popular dog breeds in the world.
And, as an added bonus, these eye-catching canines are some of the nicest tempered and most fun canine companions you could ever have!
This post was all about the different spotted dog breeds that will give you an array of beautiful and stunning colors in your new furry housemate!
Do you own a striking spotted pup? Let us know in the comments!
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