Brindle colored coats are striped coats, with a more muted mixing of colors and less visible stripes. Many breeds have different patterns that may appear to be blends of many different colors, streaks, and even patches of brindle coloring.
This unique mix of colors and patterns is determined by the genes of the breeds. Without going into the details of the complex genetics involved, the brindle pattern occurs due to a recessive gene that ensures that no two dogs will have identical patterns.
Brindle dogs tend to have a light color base with darker stripes, but this can vary a lot with breeds. There are also darker coats with light colored strips, which are called a reverse brindle. Let’s explore some of the most popular brindle dogs out there.
Brindle Dog Breeds
1. Boxer
One of America’s most popular dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Boxer is a medium-sized dog, with a maximum height of 25 inches. These muscular and energetic working dogs are a popular family dog for a reason.
The Boxer moves smoothly and gracefully, and looks beautiful with its short, smooth coat, which can be tan, brindle, or fawn, with white markings and a black mask on the face. They are low-maintenance and require weekly grooming to maintain their shiny coats.
However, it is a fun loving and affectionate dog to own. They are patient around kids and can be trained to be good guard dogs for the family. The Boxer needs a lot of exercise, with an hour long walk as well as playtime or a yard to run around in.
They are fast runners and have a tendency to jump around, which makes them unsuitable to be leave unsupervised around young kids or older, frail adults.
2. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
A medium-sized dog that stands at a maximum height of 16 inches at the shoulder, the “Staffy” is a stocky, muscular terrier with short ears. The breed’s standard colors are fawn, black, red, blue and brindle in all of these colors.
They have a short and smooth coat that does well with weekly grooming and monthly baths to keep them clean. They are affectionate and loyal family dogs that need to be socialized early to cope well with life as a family dog.
They have a high tendency to be aggressive to other dogs and need to be walked on a leash. Otherwise, they tend to chase after unknown dogs and other small animals. They need an hour of exercise, after which they are likely to relax at home.
3. American Pit Bull Terrier
Another medium-sized dog, the “Pittie” is an American breed with a short, smooth coat, and can reach a maximum height of 21 inches. They have muscular bodies, short folded ears, and a wide smile. Often stigmatized for being aggressive, the Pitbull is an affectionate and intelligent dog breed.
They make for loving family pets and respond well to positive training methods. The Pitbull comes in a range of colors, like fawn, red, grey, black, white, brown, tan, and brindle. They have short, smooth coats that need minimal, weekly grooming and sheds seasonally.
As a smart and low maintenance breed, they are popular picks for search and rescue work, therapy and service training as well as companion dogs. As an athletic breed, the dog will need at least one hour of exercise, like walking , jogging, as well as playing games like fetch and catching frisbees with their humans to stimulate their minds.
4. Greyhound
These lean and sleek hounds can be up to 30 inches tall at the shoulders and have a short, smooth coat. Standard colors can be fawn, red, white, blue, black, brindle, and any combination of these colors.
Designed for speed, these dogs make for affectionate, easy pets to have and many are very well behaved around children. They happen to have a high prey drive and will need to be on the leash to avoid them chasing after animals according to PetMD.
Greyhounds are sensitive, affectionate, and friendly, and when provided with a peaceful household, they make for a happy pet. As one of the fastest dogs, they enjoy their walks and runs, but will curl up peacefully once back home. They have low grooming needs, and the occasional brushing should be enough.
5. Whippet
Whippets can reach a maximum height of 22 inches. They have a short smooth coat that can be fawn, red, white, black, blue and brindle. These are sweet natured dogs with low maintenance needs. They have minimal grooming needs and just need the occasional brushing.
Whippets are very affectionate and will get separation anxiety if away from their owners. Completely non-aggressive, they are considered one of the calmest dog breeds, trusting of strangers and unsuited as guard dogs. They enjoy having space to run in, and should not be left off-leash outdoors as they chase after perceived prey and can get lost.
6. Great Dane
These are one of the biggest dog breeds around, and are true gentle giants often considered to be some of the quietest dogs around. With a maximum height of 34 inches at the shoulders, these are huge dogs. They have short, smooth coats that comes in mutliple colors, which includes brindle.
Great Danes are calm and laid back animals with patience for respectful children and friendly around other pets. They have high affection needs and need some additional training to make allowances for their build and their long tails
Great Danes have moderate exercise needs and will do well with a couple of hours of exercise once adults. They can be kept in yards as they don’t tend to jump. These majestic dogs are prone to some health issues which leave them with shorter life spans.
7. Mastiff
With muscular bodies and broad, noble head, mastiffs are dignified, solid and majestic dogs. They are among the largest dogs in the world, reaching over 30 inches in height and weighing around 200 pounds. They have a short and smooth coat that can be fawn, apricot or brindle with a black mask on the muzzle and ears.
These are family friendly pets that have a calm and a docile temperament according to WebMD. They need a regular workout of 30-60 minutes to keep them active. This time can be split into shorter intervals to keep the dog happy.
They need regular grooming to control their shedding. In addition, they also need regular cleaning of their ears and facial folds. As heavy droolers, they need to have their jaws cleaned regularly.
Conclusion
These beautiful and varied brindle breeds are trainable and can get along with your family and pets, provided that they are handled with care. If you are looking for a workout partner, one of the terrier breeds will suit you.
If you have the space and time to spend with a more needy dog, then one of the hounds on this list would suit you better.
Whatever your situation, remember that all dogs are unique and everyone’s experience is different. Do explore your options, visit your local shelter to see if you can find a dog to suit you.
