Since the release of the classic 1996 Disney movie 101 Dalmatians, spotted dogs have become one of the most sought-after animal companions worldwide. With their attractive, eye-catching, and mesmerizing coat pattern, these ten iconic breeds of dogs with spots will undoubtedly take your breath away.
Top 10 Spotted Dog Breeds
Here are the most renowned spotted dog breeds in the world.
1. Dalmatian
The Dalmatian got its name from the Croatian coastal region of Dalmatia. This flashy, black and white speckled dog was already popular in the 1800s when they walked alongside carriages to protect their owner and horses from animals and other threats. When they reach adulthood, they could grow up to 23 inches tall and weigh about 70 pounds.
Dalmatians are highly energetic, sensitive, and playful animals. These dogs are brilliant and easily trainable, but they can be stubborn and destructive when left alone for too long. Their stubborn streaks, a constant need for attention, and large size make them unsuitable for first-time dog owners.
2. Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff breed dates back to the 1200s and was initially raised in the Pyrenees mountains in Spain to herd and protect sheep. The height of these dogs can range from 27 to 31 inches, and their weight could reach up to 180 pounds.
Pyrenean Mastiffs are gentle dogs with a calm temperament. They don’t need much exercise or stimulation, but they still love playing and walking.
These dogs are great with kids and quickly get along with strangers and other dogs when properly introduced. They can sometimes be overly aggressive if they feel their home and family are in danger.
3. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most beloved sporting dogs worldwide. Their name comes from the woodcock, a bird these dogs flushed out for hunters. They have a long, silky coat that can vary in color, ranging from tricolor or solid to combinations of white, black, and tan.
Cocker Spaniels are typically gentle and affectionate family companions who are good with the elderly, children, and other pets. They tend to be non-aggressive toward people and other animals, making them poor watchdogs. These dogs also have very high and intensive grooming needs because of their long coats.
4. Brittany
Among many brown and white dog breeds, Brittany is among the most popular. These dogs possess a dense, flat, and short coat that is easy to groom and maintain. They also thrive with human companions and dislike being alone for long periods.
Brittanys are energetic, happy, and alert. They need a lot of intensive exercise daily as they may become neurotic and destructive when deprived of it. Although they are friendly toward children, it is advisable that you let your small children play with your Brittany with supervision.
5. Great Dane
The Great Dane was originally bred to hunt wild boars and other animals. Despite their large and imposing size, today’s Great Danes are mellow and relaxed pets. They have smooth, short coats prone to shedding and require regular brushing to keep in top condition.
Great Danes are sweet and affectionate animal companions. They love to play and exercise and are gentle with children. They can occasionally be aggressive with livestock and other pets if there’s no socialization. These dogs also need an equally ample space to live comfortably, or they will knock into everything.
6. Corgi
Corgis are known for their furry coats and adorable stubby legs. Despite their size, they were initially raised as working dogs, helping farmers herd cattle and other livestock. These dogs are very independent and can become stubborn if there’s no proper training and attention.
Corgis are energetic dogs that require moderate exercise to maintain their happiness and health. They are also friendly, playful, and outgoing.
7. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel got its name from how it “springs” toward birds to flush it for hunters. These dogs were popular in the 1500s as hunting companions in England. They are intelligent, athletic, and versatile, making them good companions to bring on a hiking or camping trip.
English Springer Spaniels do not like to be alone; if left alone, they may become nuisance barkers. Since they were raised as hunting partners, they strongly desire to be with people. These dogs also need a lot of grooming and regular brushing since their hair gets long.
8. English Pointer
English Pointers are hunting dogs named after the characteristic pose they assume when they detect the scent of deer or birds. They possess a thick, short, spotted coat that requires brushing twice or three times per week. These dogs live closely with hunters in forests, which makes city living unsuitable for them.
English Pointers are independent, active, and need lots of exercises. Without sufficient movement, they may become unhappy and destructive. This breed also needs obedience training from a young age since they can be strong-willed and stubborn.
9. Border Collie
Border Collies are working dogs bred in Britain to herd sheep, cattle, and other livestock. They are active and energetic dogs that thrive best in the countryside. This breed is brilliant, easy to train, and responds well to praise.
The herding instincts of Border Collies make them excellent watchdogs. Although they get along well with children and other pets they are raised with, they will look out for their family if they sense a threat or danger. They are also considered average shedders and may require regular brushing to maintain their coats.
10. Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog’s history traces back to the Spanish explorers of Florida in the 1500s. The Spanish bred them because they liked their efficiency in tracking and hunting deer, bobcats, and feral hogs. Because of their heritage, today’s Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very wary towards strangers.
Catahoulas are very intelligent, energetic, and social pets. They require lots of patience, firmness, and consistent training. As for their coat, they need weekly brushing to keep them shiny and free of dead hair.
How to Choose a Spotted Dog Breed
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a spotted dog.
Lifestyle
When choosing which spotted dog breed is best for you, you must examine your current lifestyle and consider what adjustments you are willing to make for your new animal companion. Take a look at your family’s needs, especially if you have children, older relatives, people with allergies, or other pets in your home.
Resources
Dogs, like any other pet, require much care and maintenance. From grooming to monthly vet check-ups, keeping a dog can be pretty costly and time-consuming. When choosing the breed of your next pet, consider the unique needs of each one and whether you will be able to fulfill them.
Commitment
Anyone looking to get a dog should consider whether they can commit to the responsibilities of pet ownership. If you would not have time to walk your dog, play with your pet, or take it to the vet, you should consider getting a low-maintenance pet like a fish or a hamster instead.
Spotted Breeds: FAQ
Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions about spotted dog breeds:
Some dog breeds, especially hairless ones, have naturally spotted skin. These spots are just patches of melanin on the dog’s skin from birth.
You must still be wary because red or pink patches that appear suddenly under the legs or folds in the skin could be rashes. If your dog seems bothered or irritated by these patches, it may be time to visit a vet.
Freckles, also known as Ticking, are common in various dog breeds and often become more prominent with age or exposure to the sun. Your dog’s breed can also be responsible for the appearance of freckles because their genes affect the melanin production in your pet’s skin.
Most breeds that have ticking in their genes are English Setters, Dalmatians, Cattle Dogs, Corgis, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherds.
Ticking is a pattern of colored hair in the white parts of a dog’s coat. It is not present at birth but begins to develop when a puppy reaches three weeks old. Although this pattern is present in various breeds, it is most commonly found in Dalmatians, Australian Cattle Dogs, English Settlers, and Australian Shepherds.
The color and pattern of a dog’s fur are linked to genetics. As a result, some species are more likely to carry multicolored coats with spots. Pigment cells are responsible for a dog’s fur’s black, yellow, or brown areas. While these cells are absent in white hair, they are fully present in dogs with a coat of a single color.
The spots on a dog’s tongue are areas of hyperpigmentation. These spots, like freckles, are harmless markings that develop when more pigment is deposited in one area of the tongue. Tongue spots are perfectly normal. Some dogs are born with spotted tongues, while others develop these markings later in life.
If you are looking to get a spotted puppy as a new member of your family, make sure you do a lot of research before choosing which of the breeds listed above is the right one for you. Different dog breeds have varying exercise requirements and grooming needs that you must consider before adopting a new animal companion.