The colors of dog coats are classified in several ways, depending on the kind of distribution of pigment. One of the many bi-color dog coat colors is the “parti color” in dogs. If you haven’t already heard of it, parti-color in a coat means that it is at least 30% to 50% white (in uneven distribution), with some other color as well.
Parti or piebald coats are quite distinct from the merle dog coats. Merle coats can be identified by the irregular patches or specks of color on the lighter background of the same color. Parti coats are not diluted like merle coats; both colors in parti coats present themselves as solid patches throughout the dog’s body.
If you’re fascinated by the fabulous bi-color parti coats of doggos, this review will help you find your ideal parti partner.
Dog Breeds with Eye-Catching Parti-Colored Coats
1. Irish Red and White Setter
Irish Red and White Setter is a gorgeous and friendly dog breed that was originally bred as a hunting partner. Other than its friendly face and balanced build, you’ll immediately notice its pearl white silky coat with patches of red. This dog’s parti coat stays fabulous with a complete, weekly brushing session along with some occasional bathing.
With this beautiful dog’s coat helping its hunters spot it easily from a distance, its endurance and confidence make it a reliable partner. This breed isn’t for pet parents who’re couch potatoes. As a high-energy dog, it needs vigorous daily exercise to stay healthy.
This high-stamina dog makes a wonderful breed for hiking and stays alert while on camping trips. But its merits depend on how well it’s been trained; this dog can be quite eager to please and cooperative if trained consistently with positive reinforcement methods.
2. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a herding breed that has helped farmers move sheep and cattle from one place to another. This fluffy dog has a thick double coat that gives it a shaggy appearance, with hair even covering its eyes.
This gentle giant’s smiley face will instantly claim its place in your heart. Unlike many other large dog breeds that tend to be less active, the Old English Sheepdog is a hard-working breed built to get stuff done.
This panda-like doggo comes in many coat color variations; other than blue merle, sable, and white, you can find it in some parti color varieties. From black and white coats to blue and white, and gray and white, OES has an elegant color palette.
OES is the ultimate family dog with an affectionate nature and a tendency to enjoy human companionship. This dog thrives with physical and mental stimulation, and hates when everything is dull around it. A bored OES won’t be as well-behaved as one that has stuff to occupy it and games to play with its pet parents.
3. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are among the most gorgeous dog breeds with a diverse range of colors and markings. While many Cocker Spaniels come in solid, silky coats, you’ll also see them with different types of spotted and multicolored coats, like sable, black and tan, black and white, cream, and golden coats.
Along with all its other fascinating coat colors, Cocker Spaniels also come in parti colored coats, where a huge portion of the silky fur is white, with markings of some other color like red or black. Owners of these pooches need to dedicate a lot of time to regular grooming to keep their coats from getting tangled.
Apart from their eye-catching coats, Cockers are dogs with an adorable face and are perfect companions for active pet parents. They were originally bred as gundogs and still carry an active and high-spirited nature, as well as a focused mind.
These pooches have also been nicknamed “Merry Cockers” due to their happy-go-lucky temperament and make great therapy dogs, according to Orvis. These pups need regular exercise and enough attention to keep them from becoming bored and excessive barkers.
4. Brittany
Brittany isn’t just a breed with an adorable name; it has a sweet and companionable personality that makes it a great family dog. Making sure to socialize the dog when it’s still a puppy and getting it acquainted with your friends and family members helps it grow to be more friendly, according to PetMD.
When it comes to dogs with parti coats, Brittanys come with one of the most gorgeous orange and white coat colors, along with many other types of markings and combinations. They can also have small spots on their parti coats that make them look very eye-catching. The coats can be wavy or straight, and need some basic grooming to stay tangle-free and clean.
These pooches were originally bred as hunting dogs in France during the 1800s and are still considered agile and highly energetic doggos. Brittanys make wonderful participants in dog sports, from agility to dock diving and flyball. They’re surprisingly affectionate dogs and tend to bond strongly with their favorite humans; as sensitive doggos, they don’t appreciate being left alone for long periods of time.
5. Finnish Lapphund
If you love dogs with fluffy coats and smiley faces, the Finnish Lapphund is a dog breed you shouldn’t ignore. This breed originated in Scandinavia as a herder of reindeer and is accustomed to working closely with humans. If you want an affectionate dog that loves to snuggle up next to you, a Finnish Lapphund, or Lappie, will make a wonderful companion for you.
This herding breed comes with a gorgeous thick coat that helps it thrive in cold weather. The colors and markings are quite diverse in these doggos, including roan, white markings, blue, brindle, and piebald coat, according to WebMD. Piebald and parti-colors in Lappies are less common but definitely present for their fanciers.
With their spitz face and fuzzy coat, these dogs have a very memorable and appealing appearance. Their tendency to get along well with their human companions makes them good domestic dogs, if their owners can get used to their barking.
6. French Spaniel
French Spaniel is a muscular, medium-sized breed that was used as a multipurpose companion of hunters, due to its abilities in pointing and retrieving. This sturdy dog comes in a white and brown parti coat and can also have patches or ticks on its athletic body. Their medium-length, smooth coat can also be wavy and needs regular grooming, like daily brushing and bathing, to stay clean and free of matting.
Despite their hunting background, French Spaniels are very calm and obedient dogs that get along well with everyone. Their docile nature makes them good family dogs, and as they love human company, they can be “velcro” at times.
You can introduce different types of activities to keep your doggo physically stimulated. These pups won’t just enjoy outdoor walks, but indoor games and playing in a fenced yard will also keep them happy. As dogs with boundless energy, French Spaniels also enjoy activities like swimming and hiking with their pet parents.
7. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers were crossbred in the U.S. (Boston) from White English Terrier and the English Bulldog. They’re normally known for their “tuxedo” coat, which is typically black and white, or brindle with white hair (that’s normally on its face, legs, and chest).
These pooches come in a smooth, short coat that enhances their other features, like their perky ears, sturdy little body, a short tail, and droopy face. They’re not an excessively shedding breed and need only minimal coat care to keep it free of dust and loose hair.
These pups are clownish and confident in nature and enjoy playing with their pet parents. They will enjoy some brief walks outdoors, as well as playing fetch and other games indoors. As a brachycephalic breed, they are prone to suffering from snoring and wheezing, as well as heating up if overexerted.
8. Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a dog breed with a really prominent parti coat variety. The gorgeous silky hair is mostly white with red or orange-red spots; the black-tipped ears on this color combination make them stand out.
This dog breed originated in the Netherlands and later ended up in the sporting group of the American Kennel Club. Other than its charming appearance, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is loved for its sweet temperament and intelligence. As playful and athletic doggos, they make wonderful outdoorsy companions for pet parents who enjoy an adventurous life with their canine best friends.
This dog’s hair needs some weekly brushing sessions and occasional bathing to stay clean and easy to manage. Other types of grooming they might require are trimming their nails regularly and cleaning their ears to prevent the increased risk of infections.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most loved dog breeds that makes an ideal family pet, as well as popular companion dogs for solo owners. These pampered lap dogs were favored by British royals and got their breed name after King Charles, who was fond of these doggos.
Cavs make wonderful apartment dogs, but they can thrive in any environment where they are being loved by their humans. They make wonderful dogs for people with children and get along well with other dogs in the household as well.
Cavs come in the most gorgeous coat types and colors; their lush, silky coat has different patterns and tan markings. Cavs can also be black and tan dogs, or tricolor (with black and pure white coat and tan points). Their parti coat is characterized by pearly white and red or orange markings.
As curious doggos, Cavs should be kept on leash when they’re outdoors with you, or they might run off to explore. Their exercise needs can be met with some indoor games and mental stimulation activities like puzzle toys, though they also make fine companions for short walks.
Conclusion
Parti color dogs are among the most captivating and unique-looking dogs that we absolutely adore. These dogs can have smooth, rough, or curly coats and varying grooming needs, which you should get to know when adopting them.
Make sure to adopt your parti dog from a reputable breeder and ensure it’s been screened for the health issues their breed is prone to.
