Are you hung up on the cute spotted puppies from 101 Dalmatians? That’s so us! Dogs with patterns are very visually appealing, and when they’re joyful in nature, you want to cherish every moment with your pup.
Dalmatians are not the only amazing dog breed with a spotted coat, and there are many types of textures a dog can have. Dog coat colors and types are determined by genetics, and the gene responsible for giving dogs spotted or speckled coats is called the “merle” gene.
Merle gene controls the pigmentation of a dog’s coat, making some hair darker and some lighter.
If you’re fascinated by speckled canines and want one of those as your pet, but also want an affectionate companion, this guide will help you find one.
Speckled Dog Breeds that are Joyful Pets
1. Border Collie
Border Collies are adoring and joyful pets that always remain puppies at heart. One of the most popular family dogs, Collies have an eye-catching speckled coat influenced by the merle gene.
Border Collie is a working dog breed that loves a busy life. If you don’t have enough time to spend with your dog or have a sedentary lifestyle, this dog might not be for you. Collies are one of the prettiest spotted dogs with their unique coat patterns that make them stand out.
Collies come in two coat varieties: medium length, rough coat, and coarse, short coat. Both are equally gorgeous and come in colors like blue merle, white, black, and tan.
As high-energy dogs, Collies need regular exercise and love to play with their humans.
2. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are strong and enduring dogs with spotted coats that can turn heads. They’re one of the most beautiful dogs, without any doubt, and have an even-tempered and fun-loving personality.
With their expressive faces and big personalities, Aussies have charmed dog lovers for ages. They’re intelligent dogs with a gentle nature and were originally bred as working dogs. Just a view of these happy-looking, tail-wagging dogs can de-stress you.
Aussies come in a thick double coat that’s water-resistant. They adorn many beautiful colors, including blue merle, red, red merle, white, and black. Their coat patterns are a thing of beauty and deserve all the adoration in the world.
You’ll find many combinations of colors and textures, like black and white, black and tan, black tricolor, and blue merle tricolor that has some orange in it. Their fluffy coats need regular grooming, like brushing and bathing, otherwise they might accumulate dirt and develop matts.
3. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels and their silky, long coats are what the dreams of dog lovers are made of. Also called “merry Spaniels,” these pups are famous for being happy-go-lucky and sociable. Many cockers boast white coats with black or golden speckles.
Cocker Spaniels are playful dogs that can blend well in your family and get along with other pets. They love the companionship of their owners and live to please them. Being easily trainable makes them even more cherished as pets, though consistent training matters from when they’re puppies.
Cocker’s coats can be black, brown, red, and liver, and can be curly and wavy. They’re not hypoallergenic, so regular brushing and bathing are important in keeping the dander in check.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russel Terriers are small dogs with quite unique and adorable speckled coats, compared to the others on this list. These round-eyed beauties normally have a white base with spots on the head and on other locations on the body.
These dogs are a little package of energy and fun and make perfect partners for owners who love to play with their dogs. Weighing no more than 13-17 pounds, these dogs are quite portable pups. They were originally bred as “baying terriers,” which means that they were meant to help hunters by chasing and cornering foxes.
Their coats tend to be short, and caring for them is pretty straightforward; just some combing and occasional bathing will do. These small but energetic dogs have huge exercise needs that they will not get over.
5. Chihuahua
Make way for the smallest speckled breed in the world (or don’t)! Chihuahuas have a very unique look, especially their facial features, with their apple-shaped heads, big, round eyes, and a little pointy muzzle. Their perky ears will most definitely catch your attention.
These small dogs are no taller than 5-8 inches and weigh up to 6 pounds, having a life expectancy of 14-16 years. Chihuahua’s distinct, speckled coat adds to their fascinating appearance.
The American Kennel Club has recognized many coat colors, with black and tan, chocolate, black, cream, and fawn as a few of the breed standard colors. They always have some kind of speckles, from merle markings to black brindling and spots on a white base.
These tiny pups have the personality of royalty; they’re very spunky and cheerful around their humans. They make loving lapdogs as well as full of joy playmates. They’re quite apartment-friendly and will happily indulge in some indoor games with you.
6. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are vigorous herding dogs that sometimes get mistaken for our famous Aussies. These loyal and protective furry companions live to keep their owners happy and thrive when given a job to do. They come in very captivating speckled coats of two varieties: blue and red.
They’re referred to as blue or red heelers depending on the colors of speckles they have on their dense, water-resistant double coats. They’re versatile dogs and can adapt to both cold and warm climates, and love spending time with their owners both outdoors and indoors.
They shed their fur from moderate to high levels; regular upkeep, like brushing and bathing, will hugely benefit them.
7. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are one of the most popular and recognizable spotted dogs. It’s hard not to admire their long legs and sleek build as well as their endurance and energy levels. On top of it all, they’re also loving family pets that enjoy playtime outdoors with their humans.
Originally bred as bird dogs (hunting dogs) used to retrieve game, these canines helped their hunter owners by “pointing” to the prey by standing in a way that their nose points in the right direction. Apart from being intelligent, these tough canines are also great in dog sports like running and swimming.
Their smart brains make them spectacular pets once they’re well-trained, but the same feature can lead to a stubborn streak.
The common coat colors for Pointers are liver, black (that can be glossy or muted), and white. Their coats can be speckled or patched with different color combinations. Speckled Pointers are “speck-tacular” on the hunting field as they can be overlooked easily, camouflaged with nature.
Conclusion
All these speckled dogs are unique and charming in their own ways and provide their pet parents with gentle and entertaining company. To find a healthy spotted dog, find a rescue center that is reputed, or a breeder known for ethical practice.
