If you’re looking for a new family member and you are thinking about a spotted dog, but can’t quite decide which one, don’t worry because we’ve prepared a list of 30 different spotted dog breeds, each one of them different from the next.
I think that the whole world knows about the spotted dog breed called the Dalmatian, but what about the others? There are many more with spots, but maybe you haven’t seen them yet.
A dog’s coat color depends on whether their parents have the spotted gene, or if they are purebred spotted breeds. That’s why some dogs are more likely to have coats with different colors and spots. These spotted dog breeds often have solid colored ears, and even solid colored upper bodies, while the rest of their body is spotted with remarkable colors.
On this list of 30 dogs with remarkable spots, we’ve listed not only purebreds, but also any dog that has a purebred spotted parent. This includes Great Dane mixes, Beagle mixes, and Dalmatian mixes.
Let’s take a look at some spotted dogs and their wonderful distinctive spots, so you can decide which dog you want to get yourself from a breeder.
30 Spotted Dog Breeds
Spotted dog breeds are something special, aren’t they? When we were young, we watched Disney, and from that time onwards, we found these dogs interesting and beautiful.
Although lots of us think that spotted dogs are rare, that actually isn’t the case, we don’t see them as frequently as we do other dog breeds though, which is why we get excited when we see speckled dogs.
Even though there are more than 31 dogs with spotted coats, we tend to get hyped up when we see a dog that has unique flecks on its coat.
So, if you are as excited as we are, buckle up and get ready to see some wonderful spotted dog breeds!
1. The English Bulldog
Believe it or not, English Bulldogs are dogs that have spots on their coats. The English Bulldog comes in various coat colors, but the ones that have spots are usually white base coated. Their spots can be brindle, black, and tan.
Because of their short coat, their grooming needs are not so hard to keep on top of. It is best if you brush this dog breed weekly, and more often during early summer, because that’s when their shedding season is and they blow out their winter coats
This dog breed is known for being quite strong-willed. And, many judge them by their looks and think that English Bulldogs are not intelligent. However, they prove us wrong every time. Even if they understand your commands, they won’t listen because they are independent and it takes more than one session of training for them to learn basic behavior.
Because of this, if you haven’t had a dog before, you should not get an English Bulldog as your first dog.
2. The Dalmatian
Dalmatians can thank Disney’s 101 Dalmatians for their popularity. As they were the protagonists of Disney’s cartoon, they became the most famous of all spotted dog breeds.
Dalmatians are adorned with short white coats with black spots and sometimes liver spots. These black spots are not on their white coat when they are born, but the spots develop when a Dalmatian puppy reaches 4 months of age.
As they can sometimes be stubborn, they are not recommended for those of you who have never had a dog. It is quite difficult to control a dog that weighs up to 80 pounds when fully grown.
However, if you desire this dog breed, make sure that you have a big yard, as they have high energy levels and require daily exercise.
3. The Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a dog that is often mistaken for a Pitbull. Their usual coat color is white. However, they can sometimes come in white coats with black spots.
As their coat is short, grooming the Dogo Argenitno is not that complicated. When their shedding season comes, and that is in the early summer, brushing them every week will satisfy your dog’s grooming needs.
If you have had a lot of experience with strong-willed dogs, this is the one for you. Their stubborn heads are a daily thing that you will need to handle. As they are large, you need to remind them who is in charge. If they are properly trained, you can expect the Dogo Argentino to be a wonderful family companion and a guard dog.
RELATED: 16 Dogs That Look Like Pitbulls – Similarities And Differences
4. The Bluetick Coonhound
If there was only one thing that you could say about the Bluetick Coonhound, it would be that their sense of smell is sharp as a tack. The Bluetick Coonhound is a hunting dog that doesn’t shed as other breeds on the list do.
Their spotted coats are shorter and can come in colors such as tan, black, and white. Their black or brown spots appear on the white parts of their coat. As their coat is short, maintaining this dog is quite easy.
Bluetick Coonhounds are known for being a highly energetic breed. If you are looking to purchase this dog breed, bear in mind that they can adapt to a smaller living place, however, they prefer a larger place, so a home with a backyard is the perfect option.
Their larger size requires someone experienced with dogs, as they can be stubborn while training. They are friendly towards most household animals if they are met when the dog is young, but they love to chase as they have a high prey drive.
5. The Border Collie
Border Collies are one of the top breeds that get mixed with other purebreds. These cute dogs are the ones that win people’s hearts with their spots. Border Collies can have many different coat colors, such as blue merle, white to black, and white.
All of the color coats can be spotted with marks. Their long beautiful hair is popular among canine lovers, and they don’t only have looks, they are very intelligent.
Border Collies shed quite a lot, so it is important that you prepare for daily brushing and weekly grooming to satisfy your dog’s grooming needs.
They are also known for being excellent working dogs. If they exercise regularly, they can do just as well in an apartment as on the farm. By “exercising regularly,” we mean that this dog requires at least 1 hour of exercise every day.
Border Collies perform as great family dogs and companions for work. This dog breed is one of the best that you can choose, if you are ready to change your life.
6. The Brittany Spaniel
This spotted dog breed is a hunting dog that can come in a variety of brown and white coats. The spots will appear on the brown part of their body, with some bigger spots and some smaller.
They shed frequently due to their medium length coats, especially when in the summer.
Brittany Spaniels are dogs with high-energy levels. As they have hunting genes, they need activities, like running outside for 60 minutes each day. This dog breed is very easy to train, so this is good news for those of you who are only just becoming a pet parent.
They tend to be friendly with strangers, and love to please their owners. Brittany Spaniels are excellent family pets.
See Also: 18 Brittany Spaniel Mixes That Would Make Good Family Pets
7. The Great Dane
Great Danes are one of the spotted dog breeds that can carry spots on any color coat. We can see spots on Merle Great Danes or those with white colored coats. Also worth mentioning is the Harlequin Great Dane, which is a mix of merle and harlequin genes on black pigment.
Spots can be different colors, but usually they are black or gray on a white coat. Great Danes are light shedders that require regular grooming during their shedding season. Because of their shorter coats, the brushing part is not that hard, and luckily for the owner, they don’t need to be de-shed.
This dog breed is known to have medium energy levels and for them, about 30 minutes a day will satisfy their exercise needs. You can expect this dog breed to be stubborn and training can sometimes be tough.
The Great Dane is a gentle giant that can weigh up to 130 pounds and their large size requires a lot of quality food. You can check out the Great Dane feeding chart to see what and how to feed your Great Dane.
8. The English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is another spotted dog breed that is worthy of a mention. These dogs have curly coats of medium length that can come in colors such as black and white with black spots and brown and white with brown spots.
These puppies will need brushing regularly due to their curly coat that can become matted, so you need to watch out for that.
As they are a hunting breed, English Springer Spaniels love to be active, so keep them active and with them, you’ll get in better shape too.
9. The Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog carries the title of the official dog of Louisiana, because native people there, bred a Catahoula Leopard Dog. These dogs can have a variety of coat colors.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog can be gray with black spots, white with black spots, and many other colors that you can imagine. They are also known for their blue eyes or one eye color different from the other. Their coats are short, so it is enough to groom them every week or week and a half.
As they can be very dominant, they require an owner that is strong and firm. They excel in both being guards and watchdogs. In order to have a great Catahoula Leopard Dog, early socialization is a must!
10. The Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, spotted dog breed that usually has a white coat with tan spots all over their body and on their head. The sizes of spots can vary and their short coats don’t require a lot of grooming.
These dog breeds belong to the group of smartest dog breeds. From time to time, they can be stubborn, but overall they are easily trained. Early training is key, as that way they can learn basic commands.
They tend to be friendly with other dogs if they are socialized during growth. As they love to cuddle, they make wonderful family pets and the great thing is that a Jack Russell’s lifespan is from 13 to 16 years, so there is a long journey of beautiful friendship in front of you.
11. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is known for being a precise hunting gamer. These dogs are one of the most popular hunting dog breeds. Their activity levels are compared to the energy levels of the Labrador Retriever.
This dog’s coat is short and wavy. Many owners of these dogs tend to keep Griffon haircuts shorter, as this way it will less collect thorns, burs, and thistles in the brush.
Their wavy coats come in brown or white colors, with various spotting patterns. They make wonderful family friends, if you are ready to keep up with their energy.
12. The Chihuahua
As the smallest spotted breed on this list, Chihuahuas’ coats can all bring in some spots. That means that no matter what color the Chihuahua is, there is a potential that spots will come in. Chihuahua’s coats are short, so grooming this dog breed is pretty easy.
Even the Apple Headed Chihuahuas and the Deer Headed Chihuahuas can have spotted coats. They will require brushing every week during their shedding season.
Being one of the most aggressive dog breeds, Chihuahuas are great watchdogs and they are very loud and protective of their family.
Because of their size, the training of Chihuahuas is not a big deal. However, they can be stubborn, so early training and socialization is needed. That is the recipe for a Chihuahua to be a wonderful family pet.
You can check out this article if you are wondering why are Chihuahuas so aggressive and unravel the mystery!
13. The Beagle
The Beagle is a dog that has huge spots on their body. We see Beagles with black, tan and white coats. Their spots are usually brown on the white parts of their coat.
As many already mentioned breeds, they shed minimally due to their short coat. Weekly brushing and grooming is recommended.
If you were to stop anyone on the streets of the US and ask what the most popular type of family dog is, they would say the Beagle. Their keen noses and gentle temperaments are an ideal combination, whether you want a hunting dog or a good family companion.
This pooch is wonderful with kids, and gets along with other dogs too. They don’t need a lot of space, so they are ok with smaller places. 30 minutes of daily exercise will be enough to make a Beagle happy.
RELATED: How Much Do Beagles Cost? Puppy And Adult Dog Life Expenses
14. The Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is also a popular spotted dog breed in the canine world. They usually have golden coats but they often also have spots. They have longer coats and golden or black spots appear on their white coats.
This type of dog is a great fit for any family. Great with kids, other dogs, wonderful, and gentle by nature. If they are not socialized at a young age, they can be slightly territorial. You would be surprised at the difference in their energy levels when they are young compared to when they grow up.
Nonetheless, they are wonderful family pets.
15. The Corgi
The Corgi is a dog that is rich in different coat colors, their medium-length coat can carry spots. The Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Pembroke Corgis have the ability to have spotted coats.
Spots can appear on any color, however, it is more common on the blue merle coat color combinations. Corgis require regular grooming as they shed more than other spotted dog breeds.
Just like Cocker Spaniels, when they are puppies, they are full of energy but when they get older, they tend to calm down a bit. Their tails are something that makes them remarkable.
They can do well in an apartment but need more than half an hour a day to relieve their exercise needs. They can be great cuddle buddies too.
16. The Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd, commonly known as the Aussie, is a spotted dog breed that can have many variations of color combinations. These dogs have many different spotted coats. Usually, those colors are white and brown, or merle, which means brown, black and white.
The merle color can be standard black merle, red merle, or blue merle. They can have blue eyes that are often tri-color. Here, you can see how remarkable the blue merle Australian Shepherd is!
Their fluffy medium-length coats shed a lot, so you’ll need to brush them twice a week in order to stop their hair being left all around your house.
They have a huge amount of energy that needs to be spent every day for an hour. A big backyard is great for them, however, they can also manage in an apartment.
Aussies are good friends of children if they are trained and socialized properly when they’re young.
17. The Australian Cattle Dog
The name says it all, the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as a Blue Heeler, is bred to be a herding dog of cattle.
Just like his fella Aussie, the Australian Cattle Dog is a heavy shedder, so be prepared for weekly brushing, sometimes even twice a week.
You’ve probably heard of their special salt-and-pepper coat that has tan all over it. Their spots are usually black, but they can sometimes have smaller white flecks on their body. Their coat colors can also be white and tan, with different variations of spots.
They have an energy level that can match the Border Collies’. They need space so they can thrive. However, they can adapt to smaller homes, if you provide them with enough exercise.
Check out the Blue Heeler growth chart to see how big your Blue Heeler will get.
18. The American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is another muscular breed of stock and working dogs and helps their owners protect their property.
They usually have spots, but only American Bulldogs with white coats are seen with spots. The spots can be in different colors, but black and brown are the most common. A black American Bulldog with white spots exists, however, they aren’t common.
As their shorter coats are easy to maintain, you won’t have many grooming obligations. They are strong willed and strong-headed, so think twice before getting this dog breed. If you are not experienced, this dog will give you a hard time while training them.
Early age training is crucial, unless you want your puppy to develop unwanted behaviors. They can be destructive if they are not exercised properly, so it would be great if his new owner has a small yard.
19. The Staffordshire Terrier
The Staffordshire Terrier is one of the breeds that is often mistaken for a Pitbull, just like the Dogo Argentino. The Staffordshire Terrier is on the list of spotted dog breeds instead of the American Pitbull Terrier because the later dogs are not an official AKC breed.
The Staffordshire Terrier has spots that vary in color but, as with the English Bulldog, the white coated dogs have either black or tan spots. They have short coats, so their grooming needs are not demanding.
We can now see that many breeds on this list like having their own way and that they are quite stubborn. This breed of dog is no exception. But, they are highly trainable and love to learn new tricks and commands, so let this be your advantage.
Your Stafford will require space, so a yard would be great for his 45 minutes of exercise every day. If they are trained properly, they can be wonderful family members.
20. The German Shorthaired Pointer
This is a spotted dog breed that is often associated with spots, just as our star of the list, the Dalmatian. The German Shorthaired Pointer belongs to the group of the 10 most popular dogs in the United States. These dogs are hunting dogs, so it is no wonder that they have so much desire to run and be active.
German Shorthaired Pointer colors are brown with a white coat and opaque brown spots. As their name says, their hair is short and they are easy to manage and groom.
Their energy levels are compared to a field Labrador’s. As they are a hunting breed, they require a lot of activity. They can be ok in an apartment if you exercise them. However, it is better for them if they have a big outdoor place, so they can thrive.
21. The English Setter
The English Setter is a hunting breed that has existed for a long time. This hunting companion has a spotted coat and their colors can vary, but the most common variant is a white coat with brown or black spots.
English Setters have speckled coats called belton, and the flecks are colors like orange, white, blue, liver, and lemon. As they have long hair, you can expect that this dog breed sheds a lot. It is recommended that you brush this furry companion every day, and groom them a few times a month.
English Setters are known for their high prey drive, so it is best if you train your puppy from a young age. The great thing about them is that they are wonderful with children and can make good family dogs.
This dog breed is easy-going, and he tends to please his loved ones. They are great with other dogs, and animals in general. Also, it is best, if you are thinking of getting this dog, that you have a yard where the pup can run free.
RELATED: The 3 Best English Setter Breeders In The U.S. (2022)
22. The Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff, known also as the Great Pyrenees, is a massive, show-stopping, white dog that is adorned with a long and thick coat that serves them as protection when they guard flocks.
Their usual color is white, and they can sometimes carry spots like brown, silver, gray, golden, black, merle, sable, or biscuit.
The Great Pyrenees is an extremely heavy shedder , so you’ll need to brush and groom them often, in order to keep loose hair all over the place to a minimum.
They are gentle with children and they are good family dogs, however, they can be stubborn and strong-willed, so they are not recommended for first-time owners.
23. The Dachshund
Thanks to his unique body shape, this is a highly popular dog breed and one of the world’s most loved dogs. The Dachshund is adorned with short legs and a wonderful personality.
These dogs, also called Doxies and sausage dogs, come from Germany. There, they were bred to be hunting dogs. Their paddle-like paws, pointed muzzles, and long bodies made them perfect diggers. However, it was their fearless personalities that made up the balance between them and a sharp-clawed and fearsome badger.
Dachshunds have many different coat colors, as well as patterns. All their coat types can have the piebald gene that probably causes them to have spotted coats.
Dapple Doxies can have coats that are dappled with silver, blue, tan, chocolate, or red, while black and tan Dachshunds have tan markings.
These dogs are not for everyone, as Dachshunds can be very needy and bark a lot.
24. The Chinese Crested
These remarkable dogs called Chinese Crested, are dogs that have no hair on some parts of their body. There is hair on their heads, tail, and legs. However, that doesn’t mean that they can only come in one color.
Their skin can be spotted or solid. And, their range of colors are blue, slate, cream, chocolate, pink, black, and apricot. Their spots are usually found on their chests or rumps, but the spots are free to be on any part of this adorable dog.
25. The American Hairless Terrier
Well, isn’t it weird that a dog has no hair? Yep, I find it weird too, but that doesn’t stop them from being beautiful, does it?
These dogs are called American Hairless Terriers, instead of fur, they have colored skin that can carry piebald, tan, sable, or brindle spots. Spots can appear on their ears, nose, backs, bellies, legs, practically anywhere on the body.
This strange, small dog, although strange, is affectionate, friendly, and tends to please its people. As they don’t have coats, there is nothing that can protect them from outer conditions, so they need to be protected from cold temperatures and strong sun.
26. The English Pointer
English Pointers are medium-sized hunting dogs that are often called to flush game for hunters. Their loyal, hard-working, steady demeanor makes them really great.
English Pointer coats are usually white with patches or spots all over the white part. The markings can vary and be very large or very tiny.
The colors of patches and ticking that English Pointers come in are lemon, orange, liver, and black, but can also come in colors that are mixed with white.
27. Small Munsterlander
Even though this dog is called the Small Munsterlander, it is medium-sized and can reach a weight of 60 pounds.
This dog is an intelligent hunter and acts like a retriever. With his smart and friendly nature, he can win your heart in a second. They can be strong-willed sometimes, however, they are trainable.
This dog’s coat can be brown and white, or brown roan with tan markings, patches, and ticking.
28. Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano is a gun dog that loves to be around his loved ones, but he loves to work when he is needed too. When he is not in the field helping his owners, he enjoys the role of cuddle buddy and is affectionate and gentle.
He can be a little bit stubborn, however, he is ready to learn and needs mental stimulation in order to function properly. Bracco Italiano puppies are from another world, their big, oversized paws and floppy, long ears are so cute.
How did this Italian dog get on this list? Well, the Bracco Italiano’s coat is unique, with speckles of orange or chestnut on their white coat. They can also have patches of color combinations on their ears, over their eyes, rumps, and backs.
29. Pachón Navarro
Photo from: @micazaonline
Rare as it is, the Pachón Navarro is a smart hunting dog from Spain. Technically, they are from the Pyrenees mountains. For them, physical and mental stimulation is crucial, as they are used to structured activities.
This quiet, hard working dog can have brown, black, white, or piebald coats. Those piebald coats that are white with spots or patches of color, make them members of the spotted dog breeds.
30. Braque Francais Pyrenean
The Braque Francais Pyrenean is a rare breed outside of its native home, but it is worthy of a mention on our list of spotted dog breeds. This breed of dog is very affectionate with children and other dogs.
These French pointing dogs have two colors of coats, white with chestnut and standard chestnut, and can be ticked, roan ,or have spots. As a light shedder, this dog doesn’t require much grooming.
This quite active dog needs a family that can keep up with his energy levels.
What Are The Dogs With Spots?
If you want to know more spotted dog breeds, here, we’ve provided a list of some more spotted dogs that are worthy of mention:
• Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz
• American English Coonhound
• Treeing Walker Coonhound
• American Pitbull Terriers
• Stabyhoun
• American Leopard Dog
• Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
• Whippet
• Braque d’Auvergne
• Welsh Springer Spaniel
• Tenterfield Terrier
• Russell Terrier
• Bull Arab
• Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
• Norrbottenspets
• Carea Leonés
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• Central Asian Shepherd Dog
• English Greyhound
• Fox Terriers
• Irish Red and White Setter
• Gos Rater Valencià
• Large Munsterlander
• Great Pyrenees
• Irish Red and White Setter
• Lagotto Romagnoli
• Parson Russell Terrier
In Conclusion: Spotted Dog Breeds
I hope that this article gave you a great insight into spotted dog breeds. No matter what you decide, bear in mind that any dog that is trained properly and is growing up in a healthy and happy environment, will make a wonderful family dog.
As we saw, spotted dog breeds can come in a variety of sizes and colors. And, each and every one of them has something special in them that makes them remarkable.
We chose to list not only purebred spotted dog breeds, but also those that have parents with spotted lineage.
When you decide on which dog to get yourself, do research to see where you can adopt or buy your new speckled pup from.
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