There is a huge variety of colors, shades, and coat patterns in dog breeds. One of the most striking is the tri colored dogs. These are usually in a specific combination of three distinct colors, like black, white, and tan or grey. These breeds will have variation in the pattern and shades, although some will have their shading in a specific area of their bodies.
Tricolor dog breeds should not be confused with brindle-coated dogs, which are more like abstract shading, somewhat similar to a tiger’s stripes.
What is important is that most of the tricolored dog breeds will have a unique appearance, with even puppies from the same litter having unique shades and markings.
Tri-Color Dog Breeds
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
These large herding dogs come in two American Kennel Club (AKC) approved colors: black, white, and rust or tan. These are sweet and affectionate descendants of Swiss mountain dogs. Energetic enough to make for good working dogs, they are gentle in nature.
Their soft expressions and good nature have them labeled as gentle giants. They are loving pets and are eager to please. They make for loyal guard dogs as well as good family pets.
These are large dogs, with males reaching a top height of 27 inches at the shoulder. They have thick, silky double coats that require weekly brushing to maintain their silky sheen. Originally bred to herd cattle or to pull carts, these dogs will enjoy agility training, mental stimulation, and regular exercise.
2. Beagle
These smart little dogs are members of the hound group and are medium-sized dogs. They are popular for their signature floppy ears, and expressive brown eyes. These come in a variety of tri color mixes, like black white and tan, reddish brown and pale lemon.
Measuring a maximum of 15 inches in one variant and 13 inches in another, these are keen and social dogs. They are often described as merry for their inclination for energetic and carefree fun. They make for good companion animals and are good around other dogs and even cats.
Beagles are not high maintenance, as their short coats are easy to manage. They require exercise and enjoy scent walks, which helps satisfy their instincts. This means that they need to be well-trained for leash control and will need to be kept on leash.
3. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Similar in temperament to the Bernese mountain dogs, these are also affectionate and loyal dogs. They are very people-friendly and make for good family pets. They can make good guard dogs as they tend to bark to alert their owners.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a short and smooth coat that is easy to manage with weekly grooming. It tends to shed in spring and fall. The standard breed colors are black, white, and red, with a streak of white, usually from the forehead, down to the chin.
While these are large herding dogs, their exercise needs are average, with an hour of walking, playing fetch, and other games usually enough to satisfy them. Their thick coats are suitable for cooler weather and they can overheat in warmer weather.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These are members of the toy breed and are connected to British Royalty. A beautiful tricolor dog breed, they have white, tan, and black coloring. They are popular for their round eyes, long silky coat, long ears, and short legs. They are very loyal pets with a very affectionate personality and cope well with families as well as single owners.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel height averages about 12 inches to the shoulder and boasts usually different colored ears from the rest of its body. The breed is a friendly one that can handle being around both humans as well as other dogs.
Their silky coats require regular brushing, and their long ears need to be cleaned and monitored for infections. Despite being a toy breed, they are energetic and will require an hour of exercise as well as some indoor games to tire them out.
5. Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Another herding dog from the Swiss mountains, these are also medium-sized dogs with a maximum height of 21 inches. They have thick, double coats that are usually in shades of black, brown, and white.
These are tough and energetic dogs that will do well in an active family, as they have the energy to keep up with multiple members. They will require early training as well as socialization to help them adjust.
Along with high exercise needs, these dogs also need detailed grooming at least 2-3 times a week and ideally daily during shedding season to keep their short and dense coats well-kept. They have a strong herding drive and will need to be kept on the leash when around other dogs, as they tend to chase after other dogs.
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
With short little legs, long bodies, and a lolling tongue, this little dog is unbelievably cute! Although it just reaches a maximum height of 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is classed as a herding dog.
They have a medium-length double coat that is usually a mix of three colors. These are mainly black, tan, sable, red, and fawn with white markings. According to PetMD, these dogs need regular grooming as well as regular exercise that includes mental stimulation to keep these animals satisfied.
Corgis need early training so that they can be socialized as puppies to be around other dogs as their strong herding instinct can make them agressive towards other pets.
7. Australian Shepherd
This is a medium herding dog that reaches a maximum height of 23 inches at the shoulders. With medium-length double coats, the Australian Shepherd is usually black, red, red merle (solid brown on a tan body), or blue merle (black on grey) with a mix of white and tan markings.
These are beautiful dogs with the toughness of a sheepdog and the temperament to be a good addition to an active family. They are highly intelligent and will enjoy different games to stimulate them.
As an energetic dog, the Australian Shepherd needs at least 2 hours of running to be properly exercised, according to WebMD. They need to be brushed at least once a week if not more. Their thick coats shed all year long and will shed more heavily in spring.
Conclusion
Whether they are in three distinct colors, tricolor combinations, or merle with markings, with long ears or perky ones, there are tricolor breeds on this list that will suit the most active lifestyle as well as people with families, other pets.
One of these lovely breeds is bound to work out as the perfect companion for you.
