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Forget basic black or golden fur, these dogs are dressed to impress. From tiny freckles to bold patches, these spotted dog breeds come in every kind of polka-dot pattern.
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But did you know those spots aren’t just for looks? In many breeds, they trace back to working roots, offering camouflage in the field, helping herd livestock, or distinguishing one dog from another. Whether practical or purely stylish, these 22 dogs with spots were born to stand out.
What Makes A Dog “Spotted”?
Spotted coats can appear in several distinct patterns, depending on the breed’s history and genetics.
- Parti-colored or Patched: Large, clearly defined spots on a contrasting base coat, like a Dalmatian’s black dots.
- Ticked: Tiny flecks of color scattered across a white background. Common in hunting breeds like the Bluetick Coonhound.
- Merle: A marbled, splotchy mix of dark and light patches. Often seen in herders like the Australian Shepherd.
- Dapple: Similar to merle, but usually found in Dachshunds and a few smaller breeds.
- Brindle with White: Some brindle dogs have white patches that give a piebald or spotted appearance.
These patterns aren’t just for style. In many breeds, they originally served a purpose, helping dogs blend into the brush, stand out in a pack, or signal their job.
1. Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is the original spotted icon. Famous for Disney’s “101 Dalmatians” and known as a firefighter’s mascot, this breed has an instantly recognizable look and a bold personality to match.
Dalmatians are born with plain white coats. Their signature black spots develop over the first three to four months. Some may carry a gene for blue eyes, which is linked to a higher risk of deafness.
They are high-energy, headstrong, and not ideal for first-time dog owners.
Quick Facts:
- Short white coat with black spots
- Weighs up to 80 pounds
- Athletic, intelligent, and stubborn
- Needs daily exercise and space to roam
- Prone to deafness, especially with blue eyes
Need help burning off your dog’s excess energy? Check out these fun exercises to do with your dog to keep your Dalmatian active and out of trouble.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
Often confused with the Australian Shepherd, the Australian Cattle Dog is a herding breed that can sport a spotted, salt-and-pepper coat with tan highlights. Their speckled appearance isn’t just pretty; it helps them blend into the brush while rounding up cattle.
These dogs are intense, smart, and energetic. They shed heavily and need weekly brushing. While they can live in smaller homes, they thrive best with space and at least an hour of daily activity.
Quick Facts:
- Dense, speckled coat in blue or red patterns
- Medium-sized, typically 35–50 pounds
- Very active and intelligent
- Needs at least 60 minutes of exercise per day
- Heavy seasonal shedder; get a good deshedding brush
Have a herding breed? Meet your dog’s (and your) best friend: the herding ball. Learn more about herding dog breeds and how a herding ball can help channel their energy in a healthy, fun way.
3. German Shorthaired Pointer
This sleek sporting breed is a favorite among hunters and spotted dog fans. German Shorthaired Pointers often have white and liver-colored coats covered in dense ticking or blotchy patches.
They’re one of the most popular breeds in the U.S., thanks to their loyalty and trainability. Their short coat makes grooming easy, and they shed less than many other active breeds.
Quick Facts:
- Short coat with liver and white ticking or patches
- Medium to large size, 45–70 pounds
- High-energy and highly trainable
- Popular hunting breed and family companion
- Moderate shedder with low grooming needs
4. Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is the breed most people picture when they think “spotted like a leopard.” Their coat colors are incredibly varied, ranging from gray with black spots to white with reddish patches, and everything in between.
Catahoulas are powerful, independent dogs with high energy and a strong guarding instinct. Early socialization is a must, and they do best with confident owners who can provide structure and space.
Quick Facts:
- Short, dense coat with leopard-like spotting
- Can have blue eyes or heterochromia
- Medium to large size, typically 50 to 90 pounds
- Independent and protective
- Needs regular brushing and daily exercise
5. English Setter
The English Setter is an elegant sporting breed with a long history as a waterfowl hunter. These spotted dogs have silky, medium to long coats that often features a white base with speckled brown or black spots.
Setters are known for their sweet temperament and sociable nature. They do well with families, including children and other pets, but need early training due to their prey drive and high activity levels.
Quick Facts:
- Speckled coat with feathered fur
- Medium to large size, 45 to 80 pounds
- Friendly and eager to please
- High shedding, needs regular grooming
- Ideal for active homes with a yard
Got a dog with a strong prey drive? English Setters can live peacefully with cats and other pets, but early training is essential. Learn how to introduce a cat to your dog and set them up for long-term harmony.
6. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds almost always have some kind of spotting in their coat, whether it’s subtle or bold. Their medium-length fur can be merle, black and white, or tricolor with flecks of copper and tan.
These dogs are workaholics. Aussies need a job to do and plenty of daily activity. They adapt well to apartment life if exercised properly, but thrive in homes with yards or active households.
Quick Facts:
- Medium-length, fluffy coat with merle or speckled pattern
- Medium size, 40 to 65 pounds
- Extremely energetic and intelligent
- Sheds heavily, needs brushing twice a week
- Great for agility, herding, and active families
7. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized hunting dog with a wavy, feathered coat that often comes in spotted black-and-white or brown-and-white patterns. Their coat is medium length and prone to tangling, so regular grooming is a must.
Bred in England in the 1800s, these energetic dogs were made for the field. They do best with plenty of daily activity and space to run, although they can adapt to more compact homes with enough outdoor time.
Quick Facts:
- Medium-length coat with black or brown spots
- Weighs 40 to 50 pounds
- High energy and very active
- Needs frequent brushing and moderate grooming
- Friendly and family-oriented
8. Brittany Spaniel
Originally from France, the Brittany Spaniel is a high-energy hunting dog with spots. Their coat often features large and small spots in shades of orange, liver, or brown over white. Their medium-length fur sheds seasonally, especially in warmer months.
These dogs are eager to please and easy to train. They get along well with other pets and people, and they make excellent companions for active families. Expect to spend at least an hour outdoors each day if you bring one home.
Quick Facts:
- Medium-length, spotted coat in brown and white
- Typically 30 to 45 pounds
- Energetic and quick to train
- Friendly with kids and strangers
- Needs at least 60 minutes of daily exercise
9. Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhounds are known for their speckled coats and strong noses. Their short, low-maintenance fur is typically a mix of white, black, and tan, with dark ticking that gives them a spotted or mottled look.
These dogs are intelligent and determined, but can be stubborn. They do best with experienced owners and early socialization. While apartment living is possible with enough activity, a yard is ideal for burning off their endless energy.
Quick Facts:
- Short, ticked coat in black, white, and tan
- Medium to large size, 45 to 80 pounds
- Highly energetic and scent-driven
- Minimal grooming needs
- May chase smaller pets without early training
10. Beagle
Beagles are one of the most popular family dogs in the United States, and their short, dense coats often feature small brown spots on white areas. Some even have “ticking,” a pattern of tiny colored hairs that creates a speckled appearance.
These gentle, happy-go-lucky dogs are just as comfortable hunting rabbits as they are snuggling on the couch. They’re great with kids, other dogs, and small spaces, as long as they get daily walks and plenty of sniff time.
Quick Facts:
- Short coat with brown or black spots and ticking
- Small to medium size, 20 to 30 pounds
- Friendly, social, and great with families
- Weekly brushing recommended
- Needs at least 30 minutes of daily exercise
Beagles aren’t just great family pets, they’re also comforting companions. Their gentle, affectionate nature makes them one of the best emotional support dogs for people seeking everyday comfort and connection.
11. Border Collie
Border Collies are brainy, high-energy dogs that often have spotted or merle coats in a wide variety of colors. Whether black and white, blue merle, or red and white, many of their color combos feature bold speckling or ticking.
They shed heavily and need regular brushing. As a working breed, they’re happiest when they have a job to do and at least an hour of physical activity each day. Apartment life is possible, but only with committed daily exercise.
Quick Facts:
- Medium to long coat with spotted or merle patterns
- Medium size, 30 to 45 pounds
- Considered the smartest dog breed
- High shedders, need daily brushing
- Excellent for agility and herding work
Border Collies are brilliant—and they know it. Keep their minds as busy as their bodies with clicker training, brain games for dogs, and other entertaining activities. Some Collies even learn to use talking buttons to communicate.
12. American Bulldog
American Bulldogs often have white coats with large black or brown spots, though solid-colored versions also exist. Their short coats are low-maintenance, making grooming a breeze.
These dogs are strong, confident, and best suited to experienced owners. Without enough physical and mental stimulation, they can become destructive. Early training and a secure yard are highly recommended.
Quick Facts:
- Short coat with black or brown spotting
- Large and muscular, typically 60 to 120 pounds
- Confident and powerful
- Not ideal for first-time dog owners
- Low grooming needs but high exercise needs
Boredom can lead to destruction, especially with powerful breeds like the American Bulldog. Keep your dog’s brain busy with interactive toys and snuffle mats designed to challenge and engage.
13. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is one of the oldest and most recognizable spotted dog breeds. Their coats are short and typically white with tan, brindle, or black patches. Grooming is simple, though weekly brushing is recommended, especially during seasonal shedding.
Bulldogs are known for their stubborn streak. While some may assume they are slow learners, the truth is they’re independent and often choose not to obey, even when they know the command. Because of this, they’re not the best choice for first-time dog owners.
Quick Facts:
- Short coat with tan, brindle, or black spots
- Medium size, 40 to 50 pounds
- Low grooming needs
- Stubborn and independent
- Best for experienced owners
14. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are energetic, intelligent little dogs with mostly white coats and tan or black spotting, especially on the head and back. Their short, dense fur is easy to maintain with weekly brushing.
JRTs are quick learners but can be a little headstrong. They do best with early training and socialization. These pups love to cuddle and are known for being both playful and affectionate with their families.
Quick Facts:
- Short white coat with tan or black spots
- Small size, typically 13 to 17 pounds
- Smart and energetic
- Easy to groom but sheds seasonally
- Great for active families
JRTs are high energy and tend to stay active well into their senior years. Keep them busy with engaging routines, mental challenges, and plenty of movement. Learn more about high-energy dog breeds and see how your pup stacks up with the latest dog activity statistics.
15. Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentinos are large, powerful dogs that are usually solid white, though there are some dogs that have spots. Their short coats are low-maintenance and only need occasional brushing, especially during seasonal shedding.
These strong-willed dogs are not ideal for beginners. They require experienced handling and firm training from an early age. With proper socialization, they can be loyal protectors and gentle family companions.
Quick Facts:
- Mostly white coat with occasional black spots
- Large and muscular, often 80 to 100 pounds
- Protective and confident
- Low grooming needs
- Requires experienced owners
16. Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Terriers are one of the four breeds often referred to as Pitbulls. While the American Pitbull Terrier is also a spotted dog, it’s not AKC-recognized, so the Staffy takes its place here. Their short coats are typically white with tan or black patches and require minimal grooming.
Staffies are strong, active, and intelligent. They enjoy learning tricks and thrive with consistent training. While they can live in apartments, they do best with a yard or daily outdoor exercise.
Quick Facts:
- Short coat with white, tan, or black spotting
- Medium size, 40 to 70 pounds
- Loyal and eager to please
- Needs about 45 minutes of daily exercise
- Great with families if socialized early
17. Great Dane
Great Danes can carry spots in almost any coat color, but it’s most common on white or merle dogs. Their coats are short and relatively low-shedding, though they benefit from weekly brushing during seasonal changes.
Despite their size, Great Danes are gentle giants. They enjoy lounging and don’t need much exercise. About 30 minutes a day is enough, even for these massive pups. One of the most famous Great Danes of all time? Scooby-Doo.
Quick Facts:
- Short coat with black or gray spots, often on white or merle
- Giant breed, 100 to 130+ pounds
- Calm and affectionate
- Low-maintenance coat
- Apartment-friendly with daily walks
18. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the tiniest spotted dog breed on this list. Any coat color—black, tan, fawn, or cream—can include spots, and both Deer Head and Apple Head varieties may be speckled. Their short coats are easy to manage with weekly brushing.
These little dogs are protective, bold, and surprisingly loud. While they’re easier to train than some large breeds, early socialization is key to managing their tendency toward aggression. With the proper guidance, Chihuahuas make loving and loyal companions.
Quick Facts:
- Smallest breed with potential for spotting in any coat color
- Typically 5 to 8 pounds
- Confident and vocal
- Low shedding and grooming needs
- Needs early training to curb bad habits
Chihuahuas are known for their impressive lifespans, often living well into their teens. With the right care, they can be one of the longest-living dog breeds. Learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and explore other dogs with the longest lifespans.
19. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mastiff, is usually recognized for its large white coat. However, some dogs also have black or gray spotting, especially around the head or body. With their long, dense coats, these dogs shed heavily and require consistent grooming.
This breed is assertive, stubborn, and descended from ancient Molosser dogs. They are not ideal for first-time owners due to their independence and size, but with firm training, they can be calm, devoted, and excellent with children.
Quick Facts:
- Long white coat with possible black or gray spots
- Giant breed, often 85 to 120+ pounds
- Strong-willed and protective
- Heavy shedder, needs regular brushing
- Gentle with kids but needs confident training
Looking for a gentle giant that can also stand guard? The Great Pyrenees is both family-friendly and fiercely protective. Explore more of the best guard dogs for families.
20. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are well-known for their silky coats and soulful eyes, but they’re also spotted more often than people realize. While the golden color is popular, many Cockers have white coats with golden or black patches.
These pups are affectionate, easygoing, and great for families. They enjoy playtime and social interaction but aren’t as high-energy as other sporting breeds once mature. Early socialization helps prevent territorial behavior.
Quick Facts:
- Medium-length coat, often white with black or golden spots
- Small to medium size, 20 to 30 pounds
- Friendly, social, and affectionate
- Moderate grooming needs
- Excellent with kids and other pets
21. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, or “Griff,” is a rugged hunting breed with a short, wiry coat. Many have spotted or patched markings across their white or brown coats. Their wiry fur is practical for fieldwork and less likely to trap burrs or debris.
Griffs are highly energetic and thrive on activity and purpose. They do best in homes with active families or individuals who can keep up with their exercise needs. Despite their work ethic, they’re also known for being affectionate and loyal companions.
Quick Facts:
- Wiry coat with white or brown spotting
- Medium to large size, 45 to 70 pounds
- High energy, especially as puppies
- Minimal grooming but regular exercise is required
- Excellent family and hunting companion
22. Corgi
Both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis can have spotted coats. While their patterns vary, blue merle Corgis are especially known for their bold speckles. Their medium-length double coats shed year-round and require regular brushing to manage.
Corgis are full of personality. They’re energetic in their younger years but mellow out with age. Despite being a herding breed, they adapt well to apartment life and only need about 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity.
Quick Facts:
- Medium-length double coat with merle or spotted coloring
- Small to medium size, 25 to 35 pounds
- Playful, clever, and affectionate
- Sheds heavily, especially seasonally
- Apartment-friendly with daily walks
Spotted A Favorite?
Whether you’re drawn to the dots or the dapple, there’s more to consider when choosing a dog with spots than a pretty coat.
Looking for a kid-friendly companion? Explore the best dog breeds for families. Live in a small space? Check out our guide to the top dogs for apartment living. And if you’re looking for a pup that’s easier to train, sheds less, or doesn’t need constant exercise, we’ve got guides to help you find your best match.
