17 Dog Breeds With Beautiful Spotted Coats

A dash of this, a dash of that! When it comes to dogs with spotted coats, the colors can vary widely.

Some are speckled, some are spotted, and some have ticking (we’ll explain those terms later) and are known for their eye-catching patterns. What makes them special? Well, the coats often come in various colors, shapes, and designs!

So what breeds make the list? There are plenty to choose from, and all of them are beautiful! However, whether you prefer solids or spots, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder!” Let’s look at some of the most popular dog breeds with spotted coats!

Perhaps the most recognizable, the spotted Dalmatian coat is best known for its appearance in the movie 101 Dalmatians with the villain Cruella de Vil believing the spots would make for a “fabulous coat!”

Dalmatians also became associated with firehouses because of their role in the early days of the fire service. Eye-catching, for sure, the popular spotty dog will forever be one of the most sought-after family pets!

Distinct and quite handsome, if you ask us! The spots on a German Shorthaired Pointer are freckle-like, creating the brown and white spotty look.

They can be solid dark brown or black and most have some variation of white or roan, a mix of white and pigmented hairs caused by a genetic trait. Puppies of this breed are born with solid coats and develop their spots as they grow!

Another stunning breed, English Setters are typically white with speckles and are known as one of the most desired spotted dog breeds. With its striking appearance, we can see why!

The English Setter sports a silky medium to long coat, and the speckled patterns are known as Belton markings. English Setters are born solid white and develop spots and flecks of color within days of birth!

While the Chinese Crested is often on the list of “ugly dogs,” (yes, for many years running) some feel the coat of this toy breed is striking, especially because the spots are on its skin rather than its coat.

These dogs have scattered white spots on their bodies, and they appear more prominently on their chest area. One perk for this breed? No shedding – but owners do need to take extra care of their delicate skin.

Fox Terriers have dense coats that can be smooth or wiry, and they’re usually white with black or brown spots. This breed is relatively small, but don’t let that fool you – Fox Terriers are rather feisty!

They’re considered low-maintenance, and unless you plan to “show” your dog, they don’t need much grooming. Personality-wise, Fox Terriers are known to be alert, lively, and smart!

This breed has what you might call “its own take on spots!” Dachshunds are typically solid tan or black and tan but can be diverse in coat color.

The American Kennel Club lists 15 colors for Dachshunds but only recognizes 12 of the colors as “standard.” Dachshunds are spunky, feisty dogs, but are also very sweet, making for a consistently popular family pet!

With a medium-length outer coat, English Springer Spaniels have a feathering fringe on their ears, chest, legs, and belly and, you guessed it, a spotted (or speckled) coat! Their coat colors may include dark brown and white, black and white, and tri-color. You may also notice that puppies of this breed are mostly white, but they develop spots as they grow older!

Another “speckled” breed, Australian Cattle Dogs are often referred to as “blue heelers” or “red heelers,” with a rich mottled pattern in their medium-length fur. Their spots are a distinctive feature and are considered “aesthetic.”

Blue Coats can have a black patch over one eye or both eyes, while Red Coats can have a similar effect, and if they have no mask at all, they’re known as “plain-faced!”

As its name suggests, the Bluetick Coonhound has a spotted coat with a black and blue “ticking” pattern on white, which creates the appearance of a navy blue color.

The breed can also have tan markings around its eyes, cheeks, chest, and below the tail, and its spots can be of various shapes. Considered low-maintenance and minimal shedders, the breed is vocal, yet also lovable if trained properly!

A fun name, a spotted breed! A Catahoula Leopard Dog’s coat is considered “spotted” because of its distinctive pattern of multi-colored spots, similar to a leopard’s coat.

They come in various colors, including black, white, gray, silver, blue, buff, tan, and red, which creates a leopard-like pattern to their fur. Not all Catahoula Leopard Dogs are spotted – some have solid colors with patches of white.

You may be more familiar with the term “Aussie,” as Australian Shepherds are widely known! They’re cattle dogs, with a classic merle-patterned coat, and their spots can range from small specks to large patches and come in several colors, including black, tan, and gray.

They may also have blue or two different colored eyes, which is known as heterochromia. Talk about striking features!

Some describe the Border Collie as one of the most popular spotted dog breeds, fitting into the dotted, merle, or ticking pattern categories. Border Collies have a luxurious long coat and can be black and white, tan, blue, or red merle.

They have small flecks of color in their coats, which can appear on their face, chest, or legs. What causes it? A series of dominant genes that affect the production of melanin in their skin, coat, and eyes. Interesting, for sure!

With a dense, short coat, the Braque Francais Pyrenean (yet another fancy name) is a hunting dog with a solid base coat, usually a chestnut color, with white spotted coat patterns and a chestnut-colored face.

The coat can also be white with brown spots or have tan, roaning, or ticking markings. They’re an energetic breed that’s affectionate and loyal, and makes a great family companion!

Are you surprised to see this breed on the list? Did you know Chihuahuas can have spotted coats, irregular spots, splashes, or speckles of color? They can also be born with their spots or develop them over time!

Dark spots that appear on white fur are usually on the legs or muzzle and ticking can be present at birth or develop over time. Even more? Spotted Chihuahuas are considered attractive and are sought after!

Corgis can have spotted coats due to white markings or brindle points. There are two types of Corgis, the Pembroke and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeds, and both can have spots!

Corgis come in a range of colors, including red, sable, fawn, black, and tan with or without markings, and can also be multi-color. With thick fur, they are prone to high shedding, so grooming is necessary!

While this breed may not be covered in spots, the Jack Russell Terrier has patches and large spots to make him enough of a “spotty breed!” They develop ticking patterns (small spots or freckles) as they age and showcase a white coat base with a wiry short coat.

Many are tri-colored, with black and tan being the most common spot colors. Their spots change in size and shape as the dog gets older and can grow, fade, or become more prominent during the winter season!

This gentle giant is the closest breed to #1 on our list, the Dalmatian. It’s a large dog that has its own spotty variety – the harlequin. Its white coat is paired with markings of black spots that come in small and larger sizes across the body. Regular Great Danes can also have some spots on their coats, especially those with a blue merle-patterned coat!

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