One of the most popular spotted dog breeds is Dalmatian, easily recognizable for their black and white spotted coats. But did you know there are plenty of other amazing spotted breeds with outstanding features and the gentlest temperaments?
It’s hard not to notice a spotted dog breed – thanks to their unique color combos and pattern. Their spotted coat is formed due to a lack of pigment cells in their coat, leaving a wonderful spotty pattern that we all love so much.
But why should you get a spotted dog breed?
Spotted dogs are energetic and playful, perfect for people who live active lifestyles. They are also known to be highly intelligent and make excellent guard dogs as well.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different breeds of spotted dogs and help you decide if you’re planning to get a spotted companion.
Top 20 Spotted Dog Breeds Revealed
1. Dalmatians
Now that we’ve discussed Dalmatians earlier let’s start this list with these brilliant dogs. If you’ve watched 101 dalmatians, you know exactly how lovable this breed is. Dalmatians were originally used for hunting, but are now chosen as family dogs. They have a friendly personality and loyal nature, making them the perfect choice as household pets. Another plus is that these dogs can be trained easily.
Dalmatians are also not very vocal, so you don’t have to worry about them barking all night. They mostly only bark when they sense danger. That said, Dalmatians can be a little handful regarding their energy levels. Therefore, keeping them in a house with young children is not recommended – unless you regularly socialize with them and train them well.
2. Catahoula Leopard Dog
This breed has a short coat with a spotted pattern littered all over. Each dog has a unique spot pattern, some with more and others with just a few. This is a highly intelligent and curious breed, so you’ll have to exercise them daily.
Although not aggressive, this breed might bark at strangers. They may not be affectionate like lap dogs, but they are very loving. This breed makes a great pet and also serves as a watchdog. It may not be the best idea to get this breed if you have other pets. This is because Catahoula leopard dogs are leaders and might assert dominance.
3. English Setter
The English Setter is known for its fluffy spotted coat, with longer hair on their ears and tail. This spotted breed originates from England and France. If you’re looking for a protective dog that loves to cuddle, an English Settar will make a great pet.
English setters are very gentle and get along with children as well. They are easy to train and don’t get aggressive. Since they have a protective nature, they might bark at strangers and stay alert most of the time. This breed is known to be easygoing and loves affection. They are also very obedient and always eager to please.
4. Great Dane
Have you always been fond of larger dogs that are truly affectionate with a gentle temperament? The Great Dane breed is the pet you’re looking for. This breed can grow up to 90 cm tall and have a shorter coat. They originated from Germany and were traditionally hunting dogs.
Despite their intimidating looks, the Great Dane is actually an excellent family dog. They love both receiving and giving love. This breed also socializes with other pets easily and doesn’t bark at strangers. Don’t let their size and look fool you. Great Danes aren’t aggressive at all. They have a rather calming personality.
5. Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire terriers tend to have shorter coats and cute little floppy ears. These dogs were originally used for bullfighting but can be kept as family pets.
They are gentle and have loads of energy, so they are not suitable for people with less active lifestyles. Even though this breed is related to pitbulls, their personalities differ. This breed is very tolerant and good around children too. However, Staffordshire Terriers sometimes tend to get too excited and may bark a lot.
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
This is another excellent option if you’re looking for a larger dog. Originally bred for hunting, the German Shorthaired Pointer originates from Germany and is a powerful dog full of energy and very intelligent.
If you like to hike or go on adventurous trips, this dog breed will make a perfect companion. Since german shorthaired pointers have strong legs, they can easily hike. They are excellent with people, but since they tend to get too excited, it’s best to keep them away from children. This dog is also suitable for people with fur allergies since they don’t shed a lot.
7. American Hairless Terrier
Staying on the topic of allergies, this is the best option for people sensitive to dog fur. Although this breed has no fur, their skin often has a spotted pattern. This is a very playful breed that loves to socialize with other pets.
American hairless terriers are also friendly towards children, making this a good family dog. They’ll play around the house and even demand affection from their owners. However, they do tend to bark a lot and have a loud yappy bark. Since this dog is smaller, it will be suitable for a small space.
8. Corgi
This adorable breed is known for its little tail and short legs. Corgis are popular in pop culture for their small size. You can also find corgis that have a spotted coat. Corgis are a great option for first-time dog owners. They are extremely friendly and love to play. What makes them even cuter is that they are lap sized.
Although they are smaller, corgis are full of energy and very athletic. You’ll have to walk your corgi daily to keep them from becoming irritated. They are also known to be a smart breed and aren’t too needy. Train them well to avoid unnecessary barking.
9. Beagle
This small dog breed often sports a sporty pattern on its fur. Beagles are a popular breed, and they have adorable floppy ears. Originating from the UK, these small dogs were traditionally used for hunting.
Beagle is a popular breed that’s very loving and cheerful always. You can also leave them alone, but not for a long period. They are good family dogs due to their playful nature. They tend to be loud and bark a lot, but luckily training can fix that. You’ll need to put some effort into training these canines.
10. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels are known for their majestic fur, which forms silky fringes around their ears. You can find this breed in the spotted variety as well. This is another good option for first-time dog owners since it is a very gentle breed.
Cocker Spaniels get along well with other pets and love children too. This is an affectionate breed that loves its owners’ attention. However, this may not be the best option if you are looking for a watchdog. They only bark at strangers or birds.
11. Brittany
Brittany dogs are often seen with an orange and white coat, a spotted pattern running through. Their coat has a mixture of big spots and smaller ones dotted around. Brittanys are very happy dogs and they love to play. Although they are lovable and gentle, they make amazing watchdogs.
They will bark at strangers and stay alert if they see any suspicious activity. This breed is fairly easy to train due to their intelligent nature. They are also very social, making them highly flexible for different households.
12. Australian Cattle Dog
As the name suggests, an Australian Cattle Dog is often kept on duty to keep cattle organized. But what most people don’t know is that they also make great pets. This breed usually has spots around its tail and face region. They are reliable and very protective of their owners.
You may find them becoming suspicious around strangers as well. They may not seem like it, but Australian cattle dogs are actually very affectionate. These quick learners are also easy to train. They are very intelligent and can be trained to protect you and your children. However, they may be prone to separation anxiety and tend to form a strong bond with their owners.
13. Bluetick Coonhound
This dog has many little spots on its coat and little floppy ears. Bluetick Coonhounds are one of the most friendly breeds out there. They love their owners and stay alert to protect them as well.
However, it’s best not to keep this breed if you have other smaller pets. Since they are hunting dogs, they may chase small pets around. You’ll need to socialize your Bluetick hound, or it can become wary of strangers. This breed tends to be quite loud and barks a lot. But it’s something that proper training can fix.
14. Italian Bracco
This is an Italian breed with a droopy face, long ears, and a coat full of many tiny spots. Although this breed may have a sad-looking face, they are very affectionate towards their owners. They were originally used for hunting birds, but their friendly nature and gentle temperament make them great household pets.
Since they have a short coat and don’t shed as much, they are also suitable for people with allergies. All you need to do is brush their coat once a week to manage it. They require daily exercise but aren’t as energetic as other breeds.
15. Braque Francais
Braque Francais is an adorable breed covered in many tiny spots, which gives their coat a beautiful pattern. These dogs are very social and love being outdoors. They get along with other humans and with pets as well. So if you already have other pets, consider getting this breed. They are also highly affectionate and you’ll often find them asking for cuddles.
This is a gentle breed that is great for people who have children. They are on the submissive side and are very obedient as well. Braque Francais tends to be quite sensitive and doesn’t like to be left alone.
16. English Bulldog
You probably didn’t know this, but you can find English bulldogs with spotted coats! This breed is known for its adorable grumpy-looking faces and small wrinkled bodies. They may not look intelligent, but English bulldogs are great at picking up cues.
This breed is very friendly and gentle, often asking for cuddles. They love attention and get along with children too. However, they may be prone to serious health issues.
17. Chinese Crested
This is a hairless dog with silky fur on its head and legs. Chinese crested dogs have hairless skin that is covered in spots. They are on the smaller side and are considered toy pups.
So if you’re looking for a spotted dog that you can fit in your handbag, this is a good pick. They are very playful and friendly toward their owners. This breed may be high maintenance, but it’s totally worth it!
18. Border Collie
This dog breed is very popular and can also be found in a spotted variety. Originating from Scotland, they were often used as herding dogs. They are a great option for a family pet due to their gentle demeanor.
This breed is also quite submissive, always looking to please their owners. They are also considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds. This makes training them very easy.
19. Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are another breed that can bear spotted patterns on their fur. They are pint-sized dogs that can fit onto your lap with ease. This is a great pet for people that don’t have much space in their house.
They tend to be quite delicate yet still possess a sassy attitude. Not only are they fiercely loyal, but love to stick by their owners’ side. However, they bark a lot and have a yappy bark.
20. Dapple Dachshund
Lastly on this list is this adorable spotted dachshund breed. This dog is known to be very loyal and quite independent. They are a better option for single people rather than large families.
This is because they tend to bond better with one person than many. If you have other smaller pets at home, avoid getting this breed, as it may chase them and can possibly harm your other pets. Other than that, they are absolutely adorable and cuddly pets.
Final Takeaway
What do all spotted dog breeds have in common? They are loyal and love to take care of their owners. No matter what their size, spotted breeds are very protective of their families.
These spotted cuties all deserve love and make great house pets. We hope this article helps you find the perfect spotted dog for your home.
