There are about 400 dog breeds recognized by different institutions and international clubs. What distinguishes them? Size, shape of the head or ears and type of coat are some of key features. When it comes to coats, some breeds have a single color while others have spots, speckles or other markings.
AnimalWised is here to help you discover the 17 best spotted dogs. Most dogs have fur patterns that combine more than one color. In our list are dogs with spots of varying sizes that appear on the background of a dominant fur color, as well as dogs with speckled coats. You may also be interested in:
This gentle giant of a dog is native to the Aragonese Pyrenees in Spain, where it is used to guard livestock. It has a compact, muscular and slightly rough body, though it is surprisingly agile. The Pyrenean Mastiff has thick, heavy fur, which offers ideal protection from the cold. It is a white dog with black spots or beige spots on the face, flanks, back or on the base of the tail.
This is a medium-sized, energetic dog, originally from the Brittany region in northwestern France. It has a sturdy and proportionate body, with a round head with droopy rectangular ears. The Brittany has short, straight fur. Its coat is usually white with black, liver or orange spots.
The Bracco Italiano is a large spotted dog suited to hunting. In fact, it was bred for that purpose hunting in the Middle Ages. Its body is lean, with balanced proportions. It has slender but muscular legs, perfect for chasing prey, and its ears are long and thin. It has a short, dense coat usually white with orange or chestnut spots. Some individuals also have roan coats.
The Gos Rater Valencià (sometimes known as the Valencian Ratter) is a small spotted dog that was developed to control rat populations. It is originally from Valencia, Spain, where its existence has been documented since the 16th century. This is a muscular and slender breed. It has raised triangular ears and an elongated snout. It has short, white hairs with black spots or tan spots on the flanks and head.
This breed of terrier is native to Birmingham,in the United Kingdom, where it was developed in 1863. It is a small spotted dog with solid legs and a high tail. It has a short snout and small ears, which fall slightly forwards. The Parson Russell Terriers coat is short and bushy. It is a predominately white with black or brown spots around the eyes and ears.
The Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz (sometimes called the Spanish Jack Russel) is a breed native to Jerez and Cádiz in Spain. It was developed to eradicate rats and mice in wine cellars, but currently serves as a companion dog. It is a medium-sized and slender dog, with a thin tail. It has short, fine, white fur with brown or black spots on the neck and head. Some individuals are speckled dogs, with small flecks all over the body in addition to the characteristic spots on the face.
The English Greyhound is another popular large spotted dog, native to Britain. In ancient times it was used as a hunting dog. It has a strong, streamlined body with long graceful legs. The Greyhounds coat is short and may vary in color. However, the most commonly found are white dogs with spotsin varied tones, in addition to some speckled areas.
The German Shorthaired Pointer, originally bred as a gun dog, is an energetic breed known for its ‘noble’ appearance. It is large and muscular, with an elongated head and droopy ears. Individuals appear in many different colors and tones, but the most common variety is white with black or brown spots on the chest and legs, in addition to large spots on the flanks.
This is a medium-sized dog first developed in Britain in the 17th century. It is a slender breed, known for its intelligence and curiosity. The English Pointer has smooth and very short fur. It is usually white with brown, reddish or liver spots distributed on the head and flanks. The fur on its legs is often speckled.
The Jack Russell Terrier is another small spotted dog from the terrier family. Originally bred for fox hunting in the United Kingdom, it has an elongated body and short legs. An energetic dog, it loves games and outdoor activities. This breed has a short and smooth coat. It is usually white with black spotsor reddish spots on the flanks and head.
Having read this far you must be wondering about one spotted dog breed that is better known than all others: the Dalmatian. Thanks to Disneys 101 Dalmatians, the Dalmatian is the most popular spotted dog in the world. It is an active, affectionate dog, first bred in Croatia in the 17th century. It has a rectangular and well proportioned body, as well as characteristically drooping ears. It has a short, soft white coat usually covered in black spots, although some individuals have brown spots.
The Norrbottenspets is a breed from Sweden, where in the past it was used as a hunting dog. It is a small spotted dog with a compact and proportionate body. It is characterized by its raised, pointed ears. The Norrbottenspets has a smooth, semi-long coat. It is usually white with reddish spots on the back, flanks and head.
The Bull Arab is a spotted dog from Australia, where it was developed as a hunting dog. Like other bull breeds, it is characterized by a sturdy but agile body. It is known for its intelligence and physical endurance. The Bull Arabs coat is short and appears in a variety of colors. The most common is white with reddish spots all over the body.
This spotted terrier is also from Australia, where it was first bred in the 19th century. It is a small dog characterized by a slender body with long legs. It has a strong personality and requires adequate socialization. The Tenterfield Terriers coat is short and smooth. It is usually a white dog with black, tan or liver spots on the flanks and head.
The Pachón Navarro is a Spanish dog originally from Navarra. It is a large spotted dog, capable of reaching up to 30 kilos, originally raised for hunting. It has a broad head and droopy ears. Its coat is short and white with reddish or chestnut flecks all over, in addition to larger spots on the face, ears and back.
The Carea Leonés (or Leonese Shepherd) is another Spanish dog with spots, bred for herding sheep. It is medium-sized with a long snout and floppy or erect ears, depending on the individual. It has a strong, muscular body with an upward curling tail. The Carea Leonés has a semi-long and smooth coat. It has white or grey fur speckled with liver or black spots. There are also some all-black specimens.
This breed is native to England and is known for its good looks. It has a compact and proportionate body with strong legs and a slightly curved tail. Its snout is elongated and its ears can be either long or short. The English Setters coat is semi-long on most parts of its body but on the tail, chest and abdomen it grows very long, almost reaching the ground. It is a white dog with black, reddish or blue spots.
The 14 Black and White Dog Breeds
These cute dogs have long, narrow snouts and were bred to be compact but fearless hunting dogs. Fox Terriers are mostly white with black, tan, or black and tan markings, so seeing a black and white one isn’t unusual. They are energetic, friendly, and independent. They are considered to be “gentlemanly” dogs, making them a little easier to handle than many terriers. They are just under 16 inches tall, weight up to 18 pounds, and can live up to 15 years.
Tibetan Terriers are affectionate dogs with long, silky coats that touch the ground and hair often flops over their eyes. These dogs are called the “Holy Dog of Tibet” and were bred as watchdogs for monasteries. They were also bred for companionship to the monks living in the monasteries, making them loyal companions. Tibetan Terriers are unique because they were bred to have “snowshoe” feet that allowed them to maneuver in the snow high in the mountains of Tibet. Tibetan Terriers are on the small end of medium-size dogs, standing up to 17 inches tall and weighing up to 30 pounds. They can live to be 16 years old.
These pint-sized companion dogs come in a variety of colors but are commonly seen in black and white. Often considered to be somewhat cat-like in behavior and personality, the Japanese Chin can be fussy but graceful. They have long coats with especially long hair on their curved tails that falls delicately over the back. These dogs were bred as royal companions and have short, slightly upturned snouts. They are up to 11 inches tall and 11 pounds and can live to be 12 years old.
One of the most recognizable and classic small dog breeds, the Boston Terrier does have a few colors allowed by the breed standard, but they’re usually black and white. They tend to be friendly but alert to their surroundings. Boston Terriers love being around people and while they enjoy activity, they make great apartment and city dogs due to their moderate energy level and agreeable temperament. Boston Terriers are up to 17 inches tall, up to 25 pounds, and can live up to 13 years.
Italian Greyhounds are small sighthounds with a delicate frame and a high-stepping gait. They are cuddly and love people and usually other animals, although their sighthound nature may make them prone to chasing small animals. They are built to be so lean that they usually need a little extra warmth via sweaters and coats in cold weather due to their short coat and lack of body fat. Italian Greyhounds stand up to 15 inches, weigh up to 14 pounds, and can live up to 15 years.
Other breeds of dogs with spots
In addition to these, here are some other breeds of spotted dogs:
If you want to read similar articles to 17 Best Spotted Dog Breeds, we recommend you visit our Comparisons category. Bibliography
These fashionable pups can be really sassy, so despite their size, early training is needed. Chihuahua’s are loud and protective, making them good watchdogs.
Their coats are normally white, with large tan or black spots across the head and body. With correct training, these spotted dogs can make wonderful household pets.
Cocker Spaniels have a beautiful, feathered coat that comes in an array of colors. Reddish-brown, black, gold and brown are all possibilities. Just like other spotted Spaniels, it’s common for them to have a mixture of colors as well as spots that look like freckles.
I’m Charlotte, a content and copywriter from the North of England and currently living in Berlin. Animals have always been a huge part of my life, so writing about dogs is a total pleasure! I love all kinds of dogs and their cheeky personalities, but I’d have to say Weimaraners are my favourite!
Regardless of which coat they have, your Great Pyrenees will need a lot of grooming – at least a daily brush if you don’t want to be vacuuming all day long. They will repay you with affection and constant love though!
FAQ
What are the spotted dogs called?