If you’re looking for a spotted dog, the following list will help narrow down your search. From small to large dogs, there are plenty of breeds to choose from. Spotted dogs come in all shapes and sizes!
Spotting is not an exclusive trait of any one breed; it can be found in many different types of dogs including hounds, terriers, spaniels, and more.
The world of dogs is so vast and beautiful, we could spend a lifetime exploring it. One of the most intriguing aspects to me is spotting breeds. There are many different types of spotted dog breeds and I’m going to list the top 10 for you!
They have an air of mystery about them, and they are often used in films to portray wild animals. This blog post will explore the top 10 most stunning spotted dog breeds out there today! Warning: you might find yourself wanting to adopt every single one!
Contents
What Causes a Dog To Have Spots on Their Fur?
Spots are typically caused by a dominant or recessive gene pair. For example, some dogs have spots because they’re considered to be an “odd-eyed” Dalmatian. Therefore they can often be used as a genetic marker and help identify what the dog might look like if it had been piebald (white with large black spots). Many times the coloration of a dog’s fur is due to genetics. This is also true when it comes to hairless animals like snakes and armadillos.
Fragments of broken-down hair follicles are located in many places within the skin, sweat glands often produce oils on their surface that leave stains on areas that lack fur protection, hormones may cause blotches in certain hormone-sensitive areas on some breeds’ fur (such as around their eyes), while some dogs’ inner ear flaps form differently than others. Different colors will result based upon each specific type of spot or stripe or blotch that these various causes
Other times, spots are caused by exposure to chemicals, exposure to sunlight (sunburns!), allergies to food-grade materials in the dog’s bedding material. Other potential triggers for spots are abnormal hormonal levels during certain phases of the female canine menstrual cycle, allergies to external irritants such as food items or veterinary medications, ingestion of wild mushrooms or water with high chlorine content.
No matter what the cause is, they sure are beautiful! Although there are many more breeds that have spots, here are ten dog breeds that are commonly born with the genetics that bless them with this amazing feature!
Top 10 Most Beautiful Spotted Dog Breeds To Take Your Breath Away
1: Dalmatian
Dalmatians are pretty spotted dogs and their looks make them popular with potential pet owners. The Dalmatian dog breed is the second-most popular dog breed in America after Labrador Retrievers. They are also intelligent, beautiful, and goofy dogs that offer lots of personality to the family.
They were virtually unheard of worldwide until a popular box of Cracker Jacks gave them their fame! Dalmatians have a dramatic coat pattern of black and white with a healthy, shiny sheen. Gone are the days when a purebred Dalmatian was all black or mostly white so he could be mistaken for a hearse horse in Victorian times!
In addition to being beautiful animals with great personalities, Dalmatians have been notably useful. The original dogs were bred from two separate breeds, English pointer dogs from England and Irish wolfhound dogs from Ireland.
These dogs were used as hunting companions by the English aristocracy in the 1700s for deer hunts because they could do well even on long hunts through bogs.
2: English Pointer
The English pointer was originally bred as a gun dog and hunting dog. It got its name from the hunters who used them in England because they would point out prey that had been shot, like pheasant and rabbit.
They are descended from the old Dachshunds of Germany (think what you will) and resemble those dogs with their elongated body and straight tail. Some say these pointers were nicknamed “the poor man’s hawks” because they served as an inexpensive means to bring down the game – even if it was just rabbits.
English pointers are pretty spotted dogs because they have been bred from out-crossed bloodlines. English pointer puppies come in many different colors since they have been bred from out-crossed bloodlines, but the goal is for them to be a “solid” colored dog with spots on their sides and underside of their tail pointing away from the muzzle.
A purebred spotting dog has a white base coat, but it may also have patches or spots of brown or black which can occur in various patterns including shields, saddles, stars, and rosettes.
3: Australian Cattle Dog
This dog is identified as an intelligent, athletic, strong-willed breed. They are one of the few breeds that can successfully herd cattle (hence their name) and they can easily adapt to becoming a working dog or family companion.
Now, if you were to look at an Australian Cattle Dog lying in the grass with its tan fur spotted with brown patches against its white fur, I would venture that this is one of the most beautiful things you will witness. So what caused this?
Well honestly, no one knows for sure how these markings came into being but there’s a popular theory called “Piebaldism”. If you take a closer look at an Australian Bull Terrier, specifically one that lives in Australia, you’ll notice he has more spots than the other (more commonly known) varieties of Bulldogs.
4: English Setter
The English Setter Dog has a hunting dog heritage, the need for camouflage during outdoor pursuits has been bred into our modern-day Hungarian Greyhound.
The English Setter Dog resembles the liver and tick-spotted hunting dogs of England who were not only hunters but would flush out or set a line of the game so that they could be shot by someone on horseback.
Pushed to one side by advances in firearms, these hand-raised sporting dogs made their way to Europe and became the ancestors of today’s Golden Retrievers.
During this process, as with all types of selective breeding, those traits that happened to be desired came to prominence while those that weren’t disappeared into the general population.
5: English Springer Spaniel
Almost all dogs come in a variety of colors, including white and brown. But the English Springer Spaniel is especially pretty with their spotted pattern. The unique roaming (brown roan) that provides these spots came from an ancient ancestor called the Irish Water-Dog.
This dog breed was used to herd cattle, hunt for ducks and geese on wetlands, and retrieve shot birds from marshes.
When hunting got more difficult because of increased territories owned by other people the English Pointer was added to the mix so they could give information to hunters about where they can find prey: by pointing with its fore-paw at particular locations to show direction, distance, and movement of animals!
6: Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel was originally bred to be hunting dogs in the early 1800s. The name Cocker comes from the traditional practice of carrying these dogs, or “cocking” them, by their hind legs when they hunted small songbirds like quails and partridges.
The human hunter would carry the dog by its hind leg which would cock up their back end and permit a free range of motion for their front legs- perfect for nimble maneuvering around thickets and brush.
Roughly 100 years came and went with little change in this tradition until in 1904 Mr. W.R Sutherland was disappointed in not finding any good bird dogs at a shipyard sale in Cardiff, South Wales.
7: German Shorthaired Pointer
A German Shorthaired Pointer’s color is a part of what makes them a pretty spotting dog. The German Shorthaired Pointer spots that vary from smokey blue to liver brown, as well as small white patches on their chest and paws, make the handsome dogs look particularly attractive. But it isn’t just the colors that make these loyal companions so irresistible.
The intelligent breed features an inquisitive nature and athletic build which made them one of the most popular hunting breeds in America for quite some time. The German Shorthaired Pointer, which is a hunting and sporting dog, is one of the most popular breeds in this country.
The breed was originally developed to be a gundog and capable of both pointing and retrieving game, and it has been able to maintain that role very well through its history.
This particular type of dog is bred for its scenting abilities which allow him or her to sniff out prey on command from miles away. The rich spots across his back make him easy for hunters (and their spectators) to identify.
8: Beagles
The dominant gene which controls the coloring of a Beagle’s coat is called “agouti.” If this gene is present, the dog will be predominantly black and yellow with some lighter shades on its legs and chest. If it is not present, then the dog will mainly be black-brown with occasional ginger or cream patches.
Roughly 75% of litters will contain one pup who receives two copies and thus does not inherit agouti; these pups are usually labeled as “sable” regardless of their actual coloration.
Rarely there may also be an amber-colored dog in such litters because it has a very specific coat gene mutation that gives them its unique appearance.
The Beagle breed as we know it now entered the public eye in 1876, but they have been around much longer from at least 150 years before this date. Originally, the oldest written mention of the Beagles was in Elizabeth I’s 1560-1590 reign and specifically mentioned “sophisticated” hunting dogs matching what we know today.
9: Catahoula Leopard Dogs
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a spotted dog that has a coat in one color, usually black and white or tan and white. It’s an American breed of herding dogs with “Leopard-like” spots. As the name suggests, the Catahoula comes from south Louisiana – it takes its name from a parish within that state.
The origin of this breed’s unusual spotting pattern is unclear, but some suggest their coloring resembles tree bark which would help them camouflage themselves for hunting prey like squirrels and rabbits.
Others speculate they were selectively bred for this trait to resemble their favorite prey so hunters could be less conspicuous. They originated as a cross between the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog and the English Foxhound, and these dogs were bred with an Irish Water spaniel to increase their coat’s water resistance.
10: Bluetick Coonhound
The Blue Tick Coonhound is what other breeds call an “oddball”. It has a combination of ticked or spotted fur, and the body is composed of merely three colors – all shades of brown. They’re also excellent hunters who can track games for miles through difficult terrain.
Blueticks were originally bred to hunt raccoons, so it should come as no surprise that they are among the best coon hounds in America.
What’s interesting about them is despite their striking appearance, they weren’t officially recognized as a breed until 1990! During this year, eleven bluetick puppies were born on January 18th at Moro Plantation Kennel in Louisiana. Bluetick Coonhounds have spots on their fur.
The breed was originally produced from a “spotty” dog called the American Foxhound, so they have some visible markings on their coat. Bluetick Coonhounds are easy to spot with their black and white mottled or splotched coat, but they also have a few visible markings on their fur due to the original breed being crossed with the American Foxhound which has some type of spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my white dog getting black spots?
Your pup may have vitiligo, an autoimmune condition that destroys the cells in melanocytes. If they have flea allergies then it can cause bald patches on their skin! But, it isn’t unusual for dogs to develop age spots on their coat as they get older.
These are typically seen on the muzzle, chest, legs, and under-body – often areas that are frequently contacted by the ground. Some of these dark patches can be caused by an accumulation of pigment-forming cells called melanin (‘melanocytosis’).
Although it is rare for all or most of a dog’s white fur to suddenly turn black, the genetic cause is either an increased number (dominant form) or decreased number (recessive form) of protein molecules in melanocytes necessary for making eumelanin (pigment production).
How can you tell if a dog’s coat is healthy?
The color of a dog’s coat may be an indicator of its health. Coat colors can change depending on a variety of factors, such as genetics, environment, and physical condition. A sign that the coat is unhealthy is when the hair breaks off in patches.
A healthy coat will have no bald spots whatsoever. If you believe your dog may have been exposed to some form of toxic compounds or has been using chemicals inappropriately, then it may be necessary for you to get your pup checked out by a veterinarian before attempting any treatment or grooming at home.
Healthy hair looks shiny, feels strong and thick (not thin), and falls in a range of textures, such as smooth to frizzy or curly to straight. The coat also comes in a variety of colors from white/silver/lack-of-fur, black wiry hair to reddish fur with black spots. A healthy dog’s coat will respond well to brushing (dress the dog appropriately for the type of coat it has).
What makes a dog’s coat soft and shiny?
One key is to shampoo with shampoos that are best for your dog’s coat type. Your local pet store will have a variety of brands with different ingredients to help bring out the natural softness of your dog’s coat. But some general tips apply regardless of the shape or texture of their hair.
As with most mammals, there is no one method or approach to dog grooming that works for every dog. The best you can do is give them baths when needed, brush them regularly, check their ears weekly, clip their nails and clean their teeth while they’re both awake and cooperative.
With these points in mind, we can delve into different ways you can groom your pup depending on his fur type. And, by feeding your pup quality dog food – you’re not only providing him with his daily nutrition needs – but also helping to maintain his shiny coat!
Takeaway
If you’ve been considering bringing a spotted dog into your family, we hope this list has helped to narrow down the options for you. We’re confident that one of these breeds will be perfect for your lifestyle and needs!
They’re like perpetual puppies–full of life and excitement. They’re also great icebreakers at the park, so if you’ve been looking for one to bring home with you then these top 10 most stunning spotted dog breeds might be just what your pup needs!
We hope our article has given you some insight into how spotting works in domesticated animals, as well as tips on where to go from here. If there’s anything else we can help answer or any other information about this topic that interests you, please reach out–we would love to hear back from you! Thanks again for reading and happy trails ahead!”
