19 Spotted Dog Breeds

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

Quick Summary: The Dalmatian quickly comes to mind when you think about spotted dog breeds. However, it’s not the only one. In this post, you’ll discover 19 spotted dog breeds that you can consider taking home as a family pet. Aside from the spot markings on their body, you’ll also learn about their temperament and overall behavior. Therefore, you’ll not only end up with a cool-looking canine friend but also a lovable dog.

Are you looking for a dog with spotted markings for your next pet but don’t know which is right for you? Below are 19 diverse breeds of dog that are spotted, with each one having distinctively unique pup personalities! Certain breeds such as Dalmatians are famous for their spotted puppies. Other breeds, such as the Jack Russell Terrier or the Beagle, are famous for their spots but aren’t quite as famous.

The color of coats is closely linked to the dog’s genetics. This means that certain breeds tend to have different coat colors with spots. The list below is only for purebreds, however, any dog with parents that are purebreds listed below has the possibility of having spots. Examples are the Dalmatian mixes, Beagle mixes, and even Great Dane mixes.

Are you looking forward to your dog returning home from the shelter or breeder? Let’s look at every breed, their capacity to be a dog that is a family pet, and whether they fit in with your lifestyle.

Dalmatian

The Dalmatian is the most well-known spotted breed of dog on this list. The dog is the main character in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians and is well recognized as the mascot of the firefighter. Dalmatians have short white coats that have black spots. There is a chance for Dalmatians to have the blue-eyed gene however, this typically causes them to be deaf.

They are not born having black spots. Their coats are white, and spots appear in the first 3-4 months.

Dalmatians are unsuitable for new pet owners. They are prone to a stubborn streak which is a challenge when you own dogs that weigh as much as 80 pounds when they’re fully mature. They also have high levels of energy and will likely require an area that is bigger when you adopt one. If you don’t work out regularly, they could become destructive.

English Setter

It is believed that the English Setter is a hunter breed that has been in existence for many centuries. An ideal waterfowl hunting companion, the English Setter is spotted with a medium-long to a longer coat. The coat’s color can differ and the most popular being white with a white base, with black or brown spots. They shed and have long hair. It is important to ensure you brush your dog every day or brush them at least once a month.

It is said that the English Setter is generally easy-going and loves to delight their owners. They enjoy a long, happy life when they are with their family.

They have a strong prey drive. Therefore, the training of young dogs is crucial.

An English Setter can be a wonderful dog for families and is a great companion for children. Due to their exercise needs, we recommend getting a house with a yard that includes an outdoor space.

Cocker Spaniel

A Cocker Spaniel is a popular spot-on dog! Although Cocker Spaniels are most widely depicted as having a golden coat, they actually quite often feature spots. Cocker Spaniels are covered with longer coats, and the most common spots include Cockers that have white coats and spots that are either golden as well as black spots.

Cocker Spaniels are perfect for every kind of family. They are great with children as well as other dogs. They can be a bit territorial if they are not properly socialized as puppies. Although they’re active in their puppy years, however, they’re not particularly active as they progress into adulthood. In the end, these puppies make great family members.

Corgi

The Pembroke as well as Cardigan Welsh Corgis can have coats with spots. They are medium-length in their coats and come in a range of shades. Spots can be seen in any combination of colors and are most well-known with the blue merle coat combination.

Corgis require regular grooming, and they will shed more than the other breeds listed on this list.

Corgis are energetic when they’re young. However, they tend to slow down as they grow older. They are charming and are well-known for their cute tails.

Corgis can live within an apartment. They typically require 30-45 minutes of exercise per day to reduce destructive behavior. They’re just as likely to curl up on the lap of your child as to want to run.

Brittany Spaniel

The Brittany Spaniel is another medium-sized hunting dog that has spots. The breed originated in France around the late 17th century. Brittany Spaniels come in a variety of brown and white coats.

The brown part of their coats will appear as spots, with certain spots appearing bigger than others. Their coats are medium-length and shed often in the summer months, especially when blowing their coats.

Brittany Spaniels are full of energy! Due to their hunting instincts, they are active and require at least 60 minutes of outdoor time per day to make sure they do not become destructive. The Brittany Spaniel is a very simple dog to train, competing with other breeds of athletic dogs.

These animals are generally very friendly with strangers and keen to delight their owners. They are also great pets for families. Brittany Spaniel is commonly confused with their more American breeds and is also known as”the” Brittany.

Jack Russell Terrier

It is believed that the Jack Russell Terrier can be described as a small-sized dog breed with spotted spots. The coats of these dogs are typically white with a few brown spots on both the neck and body. They may have different dimensions of spots and also have short coats.

Although they shed more frequently, the Jack Russell Terrier sheds more often during the shedding season. However, their grooming requirements are less pronounced because their hair is shorter.

It is believed that the Jack Russell Terrier can be considered to be one of the most intelligent dogs. They can be trained easily, but they can be quite obstinate sometimes. It is recommended to begin training your JRT as early as possible to ensure they master the basics of obedience.

The JRT is a great companion for the majority of dogs so long as they’re socialized at an early age. They also enjoy cuddling and are great family members.

English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is another dog with spotted markings. The pups are medium-length curly coats. The most popular colors are brown and white, with spots of brown, and black and white, with spots of black.

Since their hair is medium-length and can grow very long, you’ll need to prepare for more than average grooming needs. They will have to be groomed regularly to prevent their hair from encroaching on your house.

Springer Spaniels are highly active dogs. They are hunting dogs and are accustomed to being in the outdoors and enjoying their natural habitat. English Springer Spaniels were originally established in England in the 1800s as breeds and are known as reliable hunters.

They are medium-sized dogs that weigh around 40 to 50 pounds. They will likely need an outdoor space, or at the very least, have the capability to exercise frequently.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard dog is a spot-on breed with an array of coat colors. Catahoulas are colored black with white spots, gray and black, and a variety of shades in between. They can also have heterochromia or blue eyes. These are two distinct colored eyes.

Catahoulas are also known for their short coats, which are extremely dense. They shed frequently, so bi-weekly grooming is recommended to keep sheds at bay.

Catahoulas need a strong and committed owner because they are dominant breeds. They are very active and can serve as guards and watchdog dogs. Due to their nature of guarding, it is essential to start socializing them early. In addition, due to their high energy levels, a bigger yard is generally advised when you plan to take home a Catahoula.

Great Dane

Great Danes may have spots on coats of any color. The most frequent spots are on white Great Danes or ones who have Merle-coated coats. Spots may vary in hue, but they are usually black or grey against white coats.

Great Danes shed hair, but not in a large amount. They require regular grooming throughout their shed season to keep their extra hair from your couch. The shorter length of their coats makes regular brushing a breeze, and they don’t really require de-shedding.

It is said that the Great Dane is a couch potato and can do well even in a small apartment, with just 30 minutes of exercise per day. They are harder to handle because they can be resistant. They can weigh up to 130 pounds, which is why they are not recommended for novice pet owners who do not have previous experience with giant breeds.

Australian Cattle Dog

Many times misunderstood and often mistaken for the Aussie, the Australian Cattle dog is a shepherding breed with spots on their coats. The Australian Cattle Dog is a notorious shedder, and you’ll require regular brushing sessions to ensure that hair doesn’t get into your house.

The Australian Cattle Dogs sport a distinctive salt-and-pepper coat that has shades of tan scattered throughout. The spots are black, and they may also have smaller spots of white on the bodies. Their coats could be tan and white, with a variety of spotting patterns and more.

The pups of this litter are very energetic and have levels of energy that rival those of the Border Collie. They were bred with similar goals and thrive when they have plenty of space to roam. The breed can live in smaller apartments or homes, but it is essential to ensure they get enough physical activity each day.

Beagle

Beagles can be another type of dog with plenty of spots. They usually have classic black, white, and Tan coats. They’ll have spots that are usually brown, and typically, it is seen on the white areas of the coat. The coats of beagles tend to be shorter, and their shed is lower. Their coats are short and thick and must be groomed regularly to reduce shedding.

Beagles are among the most loved breeds of dogs for families across the United States. Because of their gentle nature and sharp noses, they can be used as hunting companions as well as basic household pets.

Beagles are great with children and dogs. They are large enough to be simple to handle, and they do well in smaller spaces. Beagles require about 30 minutes of exercise per day to stay out of trouble.

Australian Shepherd

It is believed that the Aussie is another beloved breed that comes in a variety of spots on their coats. The fluffy dogs have medium-length coats and are known for their shed. It is recommended to schedule bi-weekly grooming sessions to maintain hair loss to the minimum.

Australian Shepherds may be found with a variety of spots on their coats. Most often, you’ll see variations of white and brown or merle, which is black, brown, and white.

Australians are known to be extremely active. If you are planning to bring one to your home, make sure to have the time to exercise every day. We suggest at least 60 minutes of physical activity for Aussie puppies to relax. A yard is a good thing for this breed. However, due to their size, living in an apartment is only acceptable if they are outdoors every day.

Chihuahua

Whatever the color of a Chihuahua’s coat, every coat color is likely to carry spots. Their coats are short, and grooming requirements are pretty low. Both the Deer Head and Apple Chihuahuas with a Headed coat can have spots on their coats. They require regular brushing, and they do not shed much.

Chihuahuas can be loud and protective. They are excellent watchdogs because they warn their owners of any dangers that could occur. Since Chihuahuas are small, they are much easier to handle in terms of training. They are definitely determined, however, so when you have one of them, prepare to begin training them early.

Chihuahuas can be among the most aggressive breeds of dogs, but not just because of their nature. Since they’re small, their aggressive behavior frequently is not regulated. This could cause problems when they interact in a dog’s environment.

Chihuahuas are great pets for families, provided they are socialized and trained at an early age.

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mastiff, is a breed that is most well-known for having white coats. However, they can also sport an all-white coat that has black spots. They are hairy and require a lot of grooming to keep their shed to the minimum. If your furniture is dark in color, you can expect that your Pyrenees will leave behind a small piece of themselves almost everywhere they travel.

The Great Pyrenees is a tough-minded and tenacious breed. Since they are a descendant of the Molosser, they can grow quite big. Because of their hard-headedness and their love of playing in the fields, they’re not recommended for first-time dog owners.

It is essential to be consistent and firm in your training should you decide to adopt one. They are great pets for families and are gentle with children.

American Bulldog

American Bulldogs are often seen with spots, but typically only when they sport white coats. Spots vary in hue, but black is the most popular, then brown. It is possible to find dark black American Bulldog with white spots; however, they are rare.

The majority of American Bulldogs have shorter coats, and their grooming needs do not require as much attention. It’s definitely not as demanding as other breeds.

American Bulldogs are extremely strong-willed and shrewd. They’re not recommended for new pet owners. They are frequently thought of as Pitbulls, but they aren’t. It’s a strong breed, and failing to train the dogs properly in their early years can cause behavior issues when they get older.

They can also be destructive when not exercised regularly, and it is recommended to have a house with an area of a few square feet if you are planning to take on one of these puppies.

English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are one of the oldest dog breeds with spotted marks. They have short hair, usually with a white base coat. Spots appear in shades of black, tan, or brindle-colored spots. They are very similar to the English Bulldog, and grooming requirements are low. It is recommended to brush them regularly, especially during early summer.

It is said that the English Bulldog is very determined. Due to the way they appear, they are frequently thought of as less smart than other breeds. However, they are not. They may not be able to follow instructions or require several sessions of training to master an elementary obedience course, but this is not because they’re less smart.

They are extremely independent breeds and are often unable to listen to their trainer, even though they know their instructions. This is why English Bulldogs aren’t recommended for new dog owners.

Staffordshire Terrier

Staffordshire Terriers are among the four breeds that are referred to by the name of Pitbulls. The American Pitbull Terrier would also be considered to be a spotty dog breed on this list, however, because they aren’t officially recognized as an AKC breed, the Staffordshire Terrier is the one that takes their place.

Their spots may differ in color. Similar to those of the English Bulldog, common spotted coat colors are white, with black or tan spots. They sport short coats, so their grooming needs are not as required as other breeds.

Similar to Dogo Argentino, the Staffordshire Terrier is a bit stubborn. They’re highly trained and active, however. They love mastering new skills and learning basic commands for obedience.

We suggest that you own a large yard for your Staffy, or at the very least take them on walks every day. Staffordshire Terriers require about 45 minutes of exercise per day and are excellent family pets if they are properly trained.

Dogo Argentino

Another breed that’s similar to Pitbulls is the Dogo Argentinos. They typically have a white coat; however, they may get black spots in the coat from time to time.

They have short hair and do not require much grooming or care at all. They do shed their coats in the summer months, but regular brushing is generally enough. Dogos do not have other color combinations in relation to the spots they have on their coats.

Dogo Argentinos are extremely powerful canines. Similar to Pitbulls, the Dogo Argentino is not recommended for those who are new to dog ownership. They are big, and some weigh over 90 lbs or so. Because of their fierce willpower and protective nature, it is recommended that owners are familiar with handling dogs that are a bit squeamish.

If properly trained and supervised, the Dogo is a wonderful pet for the family or as home security.

Bluetick Coonhound

Bluetick Coonhounds are spotty-coated hunting dogs, which are renowned for their sharp ability to smell. Coonhounds shed less as other breeds listed on this list. Their coats are less draping and need less maintenance.

In general, the Bluetick has three coats: black, white, and tan coats. The majority of their spots are on the white parts of their bodies, and are in the form of brown or black.

Bluetick Coonhounds are extremely energetic. Although they are able to live in smaller spaces such as one in a small apartment, we would suggest a house with a yard. They are medium-sized to large-sized dogs.

They can be a bit difficult to train. We suggest that more experienced dog owners consider their Bluetick Coonhound as their dogs. Bluetick Coonhounds will be a good fit with the majority of household pets when introduced to them in the early years. They are known to chase because of their prey drive.

Conclusion

Whatever breed you select from the list of spotted dogs mentioned above, they can surely make for a wonderful pet for your family. Spotted dogs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose one depending on your lifestyle and preferences.

There are many Purebred dogs with spots as there are many breeds that have their parents’ spots genes.

We always recommend that you adopt before shopping! Be sure to check out the local shelters before heading out to search for your personal speckled pet to join your family!