13 Dog Breeds With Unique Coat Colors & Patterns Explained

Dog coats come in a much wider range of colors and patterns than you might expect. While black and yellow dogs are common, many breeds surprise you with shades and markings that stand out.

Learning about the variety of dog coat colors and patterns helps you appreciate how unique every dog can be. Whether you admire bright fur or eye-catching patterns, you’ll soon see that dogs are as diverse in appearance as they are in personality.

1. Beagle – known for its 25 coat color combinations including black, tan, and white

• When you think of a Beagle, you might picture the classic tricolor look: black, tan, and white. However, Beagles actually come in a wide range of colors and patterns. There are about 25 different recognized coat color combinations for this breed.
• You can find Beagles with bicolor coats, such as tan and white or lemon and white. Some Beagles have rare colors like blue, chocolate, or red. Even the pattern and placement of the colors can be unique for each dog.
• This variety makes Beagles stand out among other breeds. If you want to see detailed examples, check out a list of common and unique Beagle coat colors. Each Beagle can look different, even if they come from the same litter.

2. Plott Hound – unique brindle coat with tiger-like stripes

• When you look at the Plott Hound, one of the first things you may notice is its striking brindle coat. The pattern often looks like tiger stripes, making these dogs easy to recognize.
• Most Plott Hounds have a short and dense coat with bold, striped color patterns. The brindle stripes can appear in shades like black, gold, orange, or even russet. You might also see some Plott Hounds in solid colors, but the brindle pattern is much more common and a key feature of the breed.
• This unique coat not only stands out visually but also helps the Plott Hound blend into wooded areas while hunting. The mix of colors and stripes creates a sort of natural camouflage.

3. Belgian Malinois – distinct coat with black and orange hues

• When you look at a Belgian Malinois, one of the first things you might notice is its unique coat color. The breed often features shades of fawn, red, or mahogany as a base, with darker, black markings on the face, ears, and tips of the fur.
• Some Belgian Malinois dogs have striking orange or tan tones in their coats. These orange hues combine with the black “mask” to give the breed a bold and vivid appearance. The color pattern stands out and helps you easily recognize them.
• You might also notice that there are rare versions with striped or brindle patterns. In these dogs, the base color is usually fawn or red, and black hairs form stripes on top of it. This creates an eye-catching look that is not common in all Malinois dogs.

4. Australian Cattle Dog – speckled blue, black, and tan coat

• If you are looking for a dog with a striking coat, the Australian Cattle Dog stands out. This breed is known for its speckled pattern that often mixes blue, black, and tan colors. Puppies are usually born with a white coat that changes to blue-gray or red as they grow.
• The “blue” color comes from black hairs mix with white, creating a bluish look. The dogs may also have tan markings on their legs, chest, or face, adding to their unique pattern. Some Australian Cattle Dogs may show noticeable mottling or speckling across their coats.
• This breed standard recognizes two main colors: blue and red speckle. Blue coats can include black or tan markings, but large black spots are considered less desirable by breed standards. Tan markings are allowed on the legs and under the body as long as they do not overpower the blue outer coat.

5. African Wild Dog – mottled coat featuring black, brown, white, and yellow

• If you are looking for a dog breed with a striking and unusual coat, the African wild dog stands out. Their fur shows off a mix of black, brown, white, and yellow. These colors create a unique pattern that looks like a patchwork or mosaic.
• No two African wild dogs have the same coat. Each dog’s markings are different, almost like a fingerprint. You can spot bright splashes and dark spots on their legs, backs, and faces.
• Their coat is not just for looks—it helps with life in the wild. The mix of colors helps them blend into grass and brush when hunting or hiding. You can learn more about their special fur pattern by visiting National Geographic’s article on the African wild dog’s mottled coat.

6. Bull Terrier – variety of brindle patterns with muscular build

• When you look at the Bull Terrier, one of the first things you might notice is its strong and muscular body. This breed stands out with a unique egg-shaped head and alert, triangular eyes.
• Bull Terriers come in many coat colors, but their brindle patterns are especially eye-catching. Brindle means the coat has stripes or streaks of color, often in brown, black, or tan shades. Some Bull Terriers have bold patches while others have more blended markings.
• These dogs can have a solid brindle coat or a mix of brindle with white patches. No two patterns are exactly the same, which makes each Bull Terrier different.
• If you like dogs with unusual stripes and a strong body, the Bull Terrier is a great example. Their brindle coats really set them apart from other brindle dog breeds.

7. Collie – shaded yellow and black and tan patterns

• When you look at Collies, you will notice more than just their classic looks. Collies can have rare coat patterns like shaded yellow and black and tan. These patterns make them stand out among other breeds.
• The shaded yellow pattern gives the dog a golden or cream-colored coat that looks rich and warm in the sunlight. This shade is sometimes called “shaded sable” and can range from pale to a deeper gold. The hair often has darker tips, adding depth to the color.
• Collies also come in the black and tan pattern. Dogs with this pattern have a mostly black coat with tan markings on their face, chest, and legs. These tan points give Collies a bold appearance.
• Both the shaded yellow and black and tan patterns are a result of specific genetics. If you want to see how the agouti gene impacts the dog’s appearance, Collies are a good example.
• While black and white is common in some herding breeds, Collies show off a wider range of shades. For more examples of Collie colors and genetics, you can explore detailed Collie color variations.

8. Labrador Retriever – comes in yellow, black, and chocolate shades

• You will usually see Labrador Retrievers in three main coat colors: yellow, black, and chocolate.
• Yellow Labradors can range from a pale, almost cream color to a deeper, fox-red shade. Even within the same litter, you can see different shades of yellow.
• Black Labs are solid and have a deep, glossy appearance. This classic color is often the most common one you notice in Labradors.
• Chocolate Labs have a rich brown coat, often described as luscious or dark. The chocolate shade can also vary slightly between dogs.

9. Chihuahua – range includes tan and golden fur colors

• When you see a Chihuahua, you might notice right away how many coat colors they can have. These tiny dogs come in shades that include tan, golden, chocolate, black, cream, and even fawn.
• Some Chihuahuas show off solid colors, while others have coats that mix different shades. Patterns like merle and brindle also appear, making their coats even more unique. There are also Chihuahuas with markings such as white patches or dark masks.
• The tan and golden colors are especially popular. These soft, warm hues give Chihuahuas a classic look. If you’re interested, the American Kennel Club recognizes over 30 different coat color possibilities for these dogs, along with many kinds of patterns and markings.

10. Brindle Dogs – unique striped patterns across various breeds

• Brindle is a coat pattern you may see in many types of dogs, not just one breed. These dogs have dark stripes or patches that mix with a lighter base color. The pattern can look a little like tiger stripes, giving each dog a special appearance.
• You might spot brindle markings on dogs like Boxers, French Bulldogs, Mountain Curs, and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Breeds such as Bull Terriers and Cairn Terriers also show off this striking color pattern. Sometimes, even large breeds like the Great Dane have brindle coats with bold stripes.
• The brindle pattern is created by genetic traits unique to each dog. Some brindle coats appear in shades of brown and black, while others may be more red, gray, or even silver. No two dogs will look exactly the same, even if they are from the same litter.