23 Brindle Dog Breeds

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

Quick Summary: Have you ever seen a gorgeously striped dog and thought, “what kind of coloring is that?” This kind of color is known as brindle, and there are a variety of breeds of dogs with this kind of coat color. There is a genetic component that allows dogs to be part of the breed of brindle dogs, and we’ll look at this and other factors below.

The coat of a dog’s brindle can be found in two different ways – brindle or reverse. We’ve got a few examples below, and both are beautiful in their color. Similar to tortoiseshell color for cats, but it’s reflective in dogs instead. It is also available in various brindle colors that include blue brindle, red brindle, brown brindle, fawn brindle, and a mix of white and any among the 4.

Below is a list of 23 breeds that come with the brindle coat. Many mixed breed dogs come equipped with this gorgeously colored and striped coat too. Before we dive into our top breeds with stripes, let’s look at the various types of brindle and how the color came about.

What Does Having a Brindle Color Mean?

The coat of the brindle has been in existence since the time dogs roamed the earth. The Brindle coat color is one of the recessive genes that are located on the locus K. It is characterized by having black stripes or coloring over an orange background, where some of the orange colors peek out or lighter stripes on darker backgrounds or coats that resembles the appearance of a coat of a tiger in a few ways.

The heavier or darker color of brindle is considered the standard color that is usually the most talked about. The lighter brindle coloring is referred to as “reverse brindle. This kind of coat is distinguished by the lighter hue being more noticeable against the darker background of the dog’s coat.

Certain breeds may have some dogs with a gray and “blue” looking color of the brindle color. The coats that are orange-reddish or reddish look like “red” brindles, while the fawn colors are lighter orange, nearly the color of a tan. The images below will provide you with an idea of the various coat colors that you can expect of brindle breed dogs.

What Breeds of Dogs Carry the Brindle Gene?

There are a variety of brindle dog breeds with the color gene, and they all can appear equally stunning. Although there is only one breed certain to have the brindle color regularly, there are many breeds that carry the genes with other mixed colors – with the most notable being the merle color, which looks similar to a marbling of solid colors paired with brindle coats.

We’ve identified more than 20 breeds that can carry this gene. Although this coat color appears more prevalent in certain breeds of dogs, such as the molosser breed, it is possible to see it in other breeds that we’ll discuss in depth below.

American Bulldog

It is believed that the American bulldog breed is descended from the original English bulldog. Like English Bulldogs, they carry the brindle color gene since they belong to the same dog breed. They are robust and durable breeds, typically employed for show, farming, and sport.

It is believed that the American Bulldog is a headstrong breed that is similar to their brethren – the English bulldog. They require socialization from a young age in life and are challenging to teach. It is recommended to engage an expert trainer if you are a first-time pet owner to ensure that proper socialization is taught right as a puppy.

Anatolian Shepherd

An Anatolian Shepherd is a strong breed that was developed to guard livestock. They are often observed wearing a brindle coat and usually are fawn or apricot-colored. It is possible to pay more for this color of Anatolian, and their size could make them appear intimidating.

Anatolians are considered to be guardians and committed to their family members. They’re reserved with strangers, which makes them perfect guardians.

They are a bit headstrong, and they will require you to improve your skills in training in case you want to own one of these powerful dogs.

Boxer

Boxers are an additional American Favorite that carries a gorgeous brindle coat. Boxers are generally very upbeat dogs and are excellent pets for families. They love to leap into the air with their front paws. This is why they are referred to as “boxer” dogs. They are strong and muscular canines even though they don’t have the size of a large breed.

Boxers are a bit protective; however, they are great with their families. They’re not as obstinate as mastiffs and are smart and easy to train than some breeds that require longer to master tricks.

Brindle boxers are fairly common when choosing your dog.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a carrier of this gene. The gentle giants have a very high chance of having a brindle coat. Like the English mastiff, this color combination could make them appear more intimidating than other brindle dog breeds.

This breed is similar to the English Mastiff. Stubborn and headstrong, they can also be lazy when they wish to be. They love to play down their abilities and could drive a new dog owner mad by their inability to listen. However, they can be incredibly good with other pets and children when properly socialized. They also guard their family members with their lives and make them excellent pets for the family.

Bull Terrier

In the 1980s, there were few dogs that were more famous than Spuds McKenzie. He was the black and white dog that was featured in an advertisement campaign for Bud Light. The bull terrier was brought back to the spotlight and, with it, the knowledge that a tiny number of bull terriers have the gene for brindle color and could be a breed of brindle dog.

Bull terriers can be stubborn; however, they are loving dogs. These dogs are unsuitable for new pet owners however, should you have an able hand and patience in training, they can be some of the best dogs for their families and defend them for the rest of their lives.

Cairn Terrier

The gene that is known as the brindle is rarer than the other color combinations within the Cairn Terrier breed; however, the tiny furballs with wire coatings are adorable and have personality. Since the brindle color is more common in this breed than in other colors and breeds, they could have an additional cost.

It is believed that the Cairn Terrier can be described as an ancient terrier breed that originated in the Scottish Highlands as a working puppy. They were bred to help hunter dogs and then became sassy dogs with a mission.

They are highly smart and quick to learn, which makes them an excellent choice for new pet owners.

Cane Corso

A member of the mastiff family, the Cane Corso is an Italian Mastiff and is a bearer of the gene brindle. It is quite common to see Corso wearing brindle coats compared to other breeds. Sometimes they have orange eyes, but these are not that common.

The Corso is like the English Mastiff in its ability to be patient and calm; however, they are more loyal guardians and less tolerant of strangers. It is essential to teach your Corso from an early age to determine who is the most important person in their relationship with your dog.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Welsh Corgi is a smaller breed that carries genes from brindles. Merle coloring is also popular. The combination of colors is more often seen than other color combinations such as black, white, and tri-colored corgis. A brindle corgi is a little more scarce, and the price it comes with is a bit higher and also.

Corgis are wonderful pets for families. They are smart and can be distinguished by their tails, which often are clipped at birth. They are adorable with their backsides and are often the main focus of social media, with several corgi accounts on Instagram dedicated to just one Corgi.

The breed of corgi actually comes in two distinct types: the Cardigan Welsh and the Pembroke Welsh. Both have similarities and distinctions.

Dachshund

The dachshund is known to have the gene brindle at times. It’s not as prevalent in this breed as it is in pups such as those of the American Mastiff or any type of bulldog or American pitbull.

Dachshunds can have short or long hair, and both lengths may be carriers of the gene known as brindle. This is a very popular color combination, but you’re unlikely to get a better cost for a brindle puppy from a breeder since the color isn’t so common as classic brown and black or brown and tan.

Dutch Shepherd

One of our most loved brindle-coated dogs is one of our favorite breeds, the Dutch Shepherd. The dutch shepherd with a brindle coat is quite stunning in their appearance. They are carriers of the brindle gene and usually have amber-colored eyes, and this coat color, and more.

Dutch Shepherds are highly smart dogs that are frequently employed in police as well as military tasks. The breed is difficult to train for novice pet owners. So ensure you’re prepared to put time and money into the education of your dog to ensure that you are a good family member.

English and American Mastiff

The American Mastiff can carry the gene known as brindle. The massive dogs are usually carriers of this gene and their color is a very popular color among the mastiff breed. The color, when combined with their size makes mastiffs appear more intimidating as compared to other breeds on this list.

Mastiffs aren’t ideal dogs for new pet owners, and you should only consider one when you’re a strong pet owner and can spend time with them. Mastiffs can be extremely stubborn, and they are known to display this stubbornness frequently, making you believe they’re stupid. The truth is, they are clever and utilize this advantage every opportunity they have.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is one of the most popular small breeds in the United States. They look like large bulldogs, but they appear like Batman with their ears, which happens to be their most prominent characteristic. They make excellent pets for families and are very extremely affectionate with their owners.

There are Frenchies with pure brindle coats and with a bit of Merle mixed into them. Their color is stunning, and it’s accentuated by the bright yellow eyes the dog has.

Brindle French Bulldogs are popular when it comes to coloring, and there’s a high chance to find one from the local breeder if you’re a fan of Frenchies!

Glen of Imaal Terrier

It’s a less well-known breed among the majority of dog owners within the United States. The breed falls under the terrier class, and it’s one of the four Irish breeds of terriers. It’s typical to find Glen of Imaal to carry the reverse brindle coat and similar to the Irish Wolfhound, they sport a more rough and dense coat.

Glen of Imaal Glen of Imaal is a small breed that has curved legs and more moderate requirements for exercise in comparison to other breeds of terriers in the same category. They are very intelligent and, therefore, a good choice for new pet owners.

They have a moderate amount of activity, which means you won’t throw the ball for hours as you would if you take it home with a Lab puppy. They’re smart and stubborn, but you should be ready to begin training as soon as possible. 

Great Dane

It is believed that the Great Dane can carry the brindle gene. It’s not as common as their other colors, but like Mastiffs, these massive dogs can appear impressive when you look at their size and this combination of colors. Brindle Danes can be more expensive too.

Danes are imposing enough because of their size. They’ve been crossed with smaller breeds to produce more size-friendly varieties, such as the great dane and labrador mix.

They’re sweet dogs with their families and, like the other breeds of giants, can relax and enjoy the time they spend at home. Make sure you have enough space for an enormous breed dog, and this Great Dane could be the perfect companion your family requires!

Greyhounds

Greyhounds are among the most well-known racing breed across the United States. They also have the brindle gene, but the combination of colors is less common among this breed than in the more conventional merle breeds, such as black, white, and apricot coat colors.

Greyhounds are an all-time favorite of the family. They are excellent with children as well as other family members. They also do well with strangers if they’re appropriately introduced and socialized from a young age.

Greyhounds are often couch potatoes who enjoy long hours of relaxation on the sofa.

Irish Wolfhound

It is believed that the Irish Wolfhound will typically fall in the reverse brindle class. Their wavy coats are lighter; however, you’ll notice stripes of tiger appear, which indicates that they are with reverse brindles. The Irish Wolfhound with reverse brindle coloring is not uncommon for this breed, but it’s a little harder to spot due to their coat being rough and thick.

The Irish Wolfhound is another dog that is not suggested for those who are new to dog ownership. They’re similar to mastiffs in that they can be aloof with strangers; however, they are more open to them once they’re recognized and accepted as an integral part of the household.

Another huge breed of dog, and they look stunning with their brindle-colored coloring.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russel Terriers are another breed many people do not know they have brindle coats. The brindle coat may be somewhat uncommon for JRT breeds as compared to other breeds.

They are extremely intelligent! They’re among the most intelligent dogs you could have and are as easy to train as the Golden Retriever, if not more easily.

Jack Russells are great pets for families and are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are great for hiking or any other outdoor pursuits.

Mountain Cur

Mountain Cur is also known for its beautiful brindle color. The Mountain Cur is a part of the group of hounds and can be trained easily and are excellent family pets. Their gorgeous coats attract attention, and they make excellent hunting dogs.

Mountain curs can be great with children when they are socialized appropriately. They can defend their home and their family members to the end of the earth when they feel threatened, which makes them a very loyal breed of dog.

If they don’t have sufficient exercise, they could be destructive. So ensure you have plenty of energy sources for your dog!

Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is a beautiful hunting dog that belongs to the breed of coonhounds. They descend from German Hanover Hounds and are great waterfowl breeds.

Plott Hounds are highly intelligent and very active. It is recommended to take a stroll with this dog or provide it with an opportunity to exercise regularly.

They also have gorgeous back and brindle coats. They are extremely athletic dogs and are exceptionally robust. If you choose to adopt the Plott Hound, you’ll just have to be conscious of the arduous exercises you’ve signed up for.

Presa De Canario

Presa Canarios also have this gene. Presa Canarios also are members of the Masiff Family and have certain traits genetically similar to other Molosser dogs. This breed of dog is Spanish and comes from Gran Canaria. These are big pups similar to other breeds of the same lineage.

Presa Canario Presa Canario is also known as the Canary Mastiff and is part of the mastiff family, which comes from the old Molosser breed of dog. They were originally developed to be able to handle livestock. They are a difficult breed to handle for new pet owners, and it’s advised to begin training early and frequently when choosing to adopt one of these vibrant puppies.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle dogs are primarily used as hunting dogs. The name is a reference to the purpose they are employed to do, and that is to chase and trap various kinds of small games that are found in trees.

They are carriers of the brindle gene, and this color combination is very typical for this breed.

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is an active dog breed. They are full of energy because this breed was initially designed for hunting. They’re high-energy dogs, so if you are planning to bring one into your home, make sure to exercise them each day.

Whippets

Whippets are commonly called “mini greyhounds.” They are, in fact, a breed of their own and although they have common genetics, they are distinct in their own way. One thing they have in common with greyhounds is their brindle coat color.

Whippets are typically smaller dogs, but they possess a lot of energy. Prepare to spend a lot of time working out these loyal puppies if you decide to bring them to your home.

They are generally more nervous than a typical greyhound when they’re not properly socialized as puppies; however, this is the case with numerous breeds.

Whippets are a breed that is characterized by their striking striped coat. Whippet brindle coat is just one breed with the striking stripes of a tiger.

Mixed Breeds

It is important to remember all the mixed breed puppies available that have this gorgeous coat. Any purebred breed above, when mixed with any other breed, will have the potential to create brindle-coated offspring. There is a chance that it will be less dependent on the breed it’s mated to. However, there’s a possibility of brindle colors forming if one parent is carrying the gene.

Here’s a brief list of “Designer Dogs” that have the potential to crossbreed to one of the brindle dog breeds:

1. Labs and Pitbulls
2. Pitbulls and Rottweilers
3. Mastiffs and Boxers
4. Pitbulls and Boxers
5. Mastiffs and Labs
6. Mastiffs and Pitbulls
7. Doxies and Corgis
8. Great Danes and Labs
9. Doxies and Chihuahuas

Conclusion

Whatever kind of dog you’re looking to add to your household, there’s one thing you can be sure of – puppies with brindle color combos are stunning in their color.

This list isn’t comprehensive; however, we’ve gathered some of the most loved breeds with tiger-striped looks. So have fun searching for your new Brindle Pup!