When a gentle giant dog shows up in an inky black and white harlequin coat, some of us will stop and stare and wonder about nature and color palettes. Our modern dog breeds have been carrying ancient design works on their smooth coat for so long.
A study proved that these variations started 2 million years ago due to the changes in one gene called the Agouti Signalling Protein gene.
So these big breeds’ lovers are not drawn to their size only, but to the amazing spectacle. They become more irresistible when paired with loyalty, strength, and love.
Let’s have a look at these giants having striking colors and traits.
Large Dog Breeds with Unusual Color Patterns
1. Great Dane
Easygoing Great Danes stand out wherever they go thanks to their imposing presence and distinctive colour patterns in the coat. They rank among the tallest dog breeds, and carry a picture of elegance and balance.
According to the AKC, their coat colour has 7 variations, but the most famous is the black and white patchwork pattern called Harlequin Great Danes.
Great Danes were originally bred in 1800 for hunting wild boars and guarding the estates. Interestingly enough, they hail from Germany rather than Denmark. Regardless of their great size, they are often called gentle giants and are great as a family dog.
With proper socialization, they get along well with children and other dogs.
These big dogs are kind and quiet companions. They need a moderate amount of exercise for a happy and healthy life. However, they tend to develop some health issues due to their size, such as hip dysplasia and wobbler syndrome.
They are blessed with a short coat that does not shed much and are considered low maintenance breed.
2. Akita
One of the ancient dog breeds from Japan, the Akita is celebrated as a symbol of health, long life, and happiness. Akita’s luxurious coat comes in several colors, such as white, black, brindle red, and fawn. The patterns’ colors in the coat include pinto, white markings, and black and white masks.
This muscular and fiercely loyal dog has a dense double coat, fox-like face, pointed ears, and plumped tail, says PetMD. Akita is not a social dog, which means they are not built for everyone. Akita’s temperament is alert, calm, and reserved.
These courageous dogs show affection towards their families but are wary of strangers, making them excellent guard dogs.
This working breed has a strong prey drive and, independent nature. Sometimes, they tend to be defensive and intolerant in the presence of other individual dogs. So, these dogs are not well-suited to multi-pet households.
A moderate amount of physical and mental stimulation is important, consisting of brisk walks and slow jogs.
3. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are shaggy, brave, and calm ancient hunting dogs. The coat of the Irish Wolfhound ranges from common to rare colors. The most common colors are wheaten, gray, fawn, and red, while uncommon ones include black and tan, blue, brindle, and sable.
The rare Irish Wolfhound comes as a white dog. AKC-approved coat markings are gray, white, and black.
Irish Wolfhounds make wonderful family dogs as these affectionate companions crave human interactions. Owing to their gentle nature, they are very patient around children. They do have a natural prey drive and should always be on leash or in a fenced yard while walking.
The easy-going Irish Wolfhound is strongly attached to its owners, and if this breed is left alone for a long time, it gets separation anxiety. They are smart, eager to please, but sensitive dogs, and trained well via positive reinforcement methods.
An adult Irish Wolfhound has a tendency to become a couch potato and can develop obesity; thus, regular exercise is important.
4. Newfoundland
With soft, expressive eyes and a sweet temperament, the Newfoundland is famous as a nanny dog for kids. This powerful and striking breed gained popularity through the paintings of Sir Advin Landseer, and it has the following coat colors: gray, brown, black, and black and white coat.
Their unique coat pattern is also found in white and brown, black and tan markings, and as a whole beige, but it is not recognized by the AKC.
Newfies have a magnificent and proud history as they worked as water rescuers, drafting dogs, watchdogs, and companions, according to Britannica. These sensitive dogs are not happy in hot weather and do not need an ample amount of physical activity as well.
It is one of the easiest dogs for training and can become an effective protective dog.
The amiable behavior of Newfies makes them a perfect breed for people of all ages. They are playful and affectionate with other family pets. Newfies’ thick coat is water-resistant, which is great for water-loving dogs. However, it sheds profusely seasonally and needs regular brushing.
5. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute has a wolf appearance with nine coat color variations and eye-catching markings. AKC approves gray, black, silver, sable, blue, and red colors, and all of them can blend with white.
The markings are black and gray that follow distinct patterns like caps, eye shadows, nose, closed faces, and pen.
Alaskan Malamutes are naturally loving, loyal, and playful dogs. They originated as sled dogs and were used to scare bears in a snowy environment. Since their ancestors pulled the sleds, today’s Malamutes demand an ample amount of exercise along with human companionship.
They are a bit too much for young children and small animals, due to their hyperactive nature and sheer size. Malamutes are smart dogs, and they know how to use their sharp brain for their own good.
Thus, they tend to hear the commands selectively, which means patience and consistency are vital for their training.
6. Leonberger
The Leonberger was bred in Germany as an all-purpose working dog breed. One’s attention can be drawn to either their lion-like mane or unique appearance due to striking coat colors. Regardless of their thick double coat, Leonberger has a visible body outline and display a range of base coat colors such as yellow, red, and sandy. This breed has distinctive markings with a black mask.
They are considered friendly big dogs with playful and gentle temperaments, making them suitable family pets for families and individuals alike. They are gentle velcro dogs and do not thrive in busy households. Leonbergers have instincts of guarding their owners and make good watchdogs as well.
Obedience training is a must for the powerful and massive Leonberger. They are extremely enthusiastic and active dogs. Therefore, they require vigorous exercise like long walks, hiking, swimming, and dog sports.
Easy to train, Leos respond well to commands through gentle training sessions, thanks to their intelligence and eager-to-please nature.
7. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Medium to large-sized Catahoula Leopard Dog is a versatile working breed, originated in Louisiana near Catahoula Lake. They are known for their powerful and agile bodies that are covered with brindle or merle coat colors.
AKC has officially approved other solid backgrounds for coat as well, including chocolate, red, blue, yellow, and black.
The unique appearance of the Catahoula Leopard shines more with striking coat patterns such as leopard-like spots and merle patterns. With proper training and socialization, these independent dogs can be loving and loyal companions for families.
They need ample space and exercise to thrive; otherwise may engage in destructive behaviours.
Catahoula Leopard Dog has a strong will, which makes training a challenge for owners. Positive reinforcement methods, along with consistency and patience, can work best for this breed. With boundless energy, these big dogs are perfect partners for your outdoor adventures.
Conclusion
These large dogs with their unique coats remind us of how nature and genetics collaborate to create an art on four legs. These colors tell a story of their evolution, selective breeding, and adaptation. But always remember, beauty comes with responsibility.
There are some other breeds as well that bring harmony between rarity and loyalty, such as the Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Australian Shepherd.
