Any Canine lover would agree to the fact that when it comes to dog breeds, we can hardly miss the spotted type. While the shiny coat or the adorable fur attracts some, the bright (and at times sober) spots find many takers. However, when it comes to the spotted one’s, not many are familiar with the wide variety of breeds that are available to be brought home. Well, the Dalmatians are not the only torchbearers of the spotted types.
If you are reading this, it’s for certain that you are a canine lover and if you are researching for the best-spotted breed for a pet or simply curious about the spotted breeds, you are in the right place.
Whatever your need be, it’s for certain that at the end of this article, you will be familiar with the top twenty spotted dog breeds and most certainly will be able to differentiate between an Australian Cattle dog from an Australian Shepherd or a Cocker Spaniel from an English Springer Spaniel.
So, without much ado, let’s take a look at the Top 20 Spotted dog breeds:
1. Dalmatians
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and hard
- Color: Black or Liver on White,
- Max weight: 79 lbs
- Max height: 23″-25″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 12-14 yrs.
Apart from the fact that these canines with shiny coats with black spots have captured the imagination of many (thanks to Disney Production’s hit 101 Dalmatians), they are revered for being the most intelligent of the spotted breeds. These gentle and wise canines with the most explicit contrast of spots and coats are being considered to be the best of the spotted breeds for ages now.
While a full-grown Dalmatian can weigh up to seventy pounds, they are born without their famous black spots. The spots start developing after approximately ten days after birth and continue to develop up to three to four months. With unbounded strength and stamina, they can give any canine a run for their money. Considered a medium sized breed, the Dalmatian have a short, stiff and shiny coat.
2. English Springer Spaniel
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and soft, Double coat
- Color: Black or Liver on White, White on Black or Liver
- Max weight: 55 lbs
- Max height: 23″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 12-14 yrs.
With centuries of history behind them, these super energetic and playful canines can make the best of pets. Primarily a hunting breed they can be trained easily for the outdoors and the indoors. With a double coat the pet requires a bit of grooming during shedding, but those petting sessions can be relaky soothing and relaxing for the owner. Anyone with wilderness and hunting as routine can rely on this spotted breed.
A full-grown English Springer Spaniel can weigh up to 55 pounds and can grow up to 23 inches. While a white coat with black or liver spots is the most common color combination, they can also be found with the exact opposite color combination with a black or a liver coat with white spots. Whatever color the spots are, the English Springer Spaniel can be the ideal companion.
Get more breeds list: hairless dog breeds
3. Cocker Spaniel
Overview:
- Fur type: Long and soft,
- Color: White on Black, Brown or Light cream
- Max weight: 55 lbs
- Max height: 16″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 12-15 yrs.
Famous for the size of the litter, Cocker Spaniels can give birth to up to nine puppies. Apart from being a good breeder, these adorable canines can be easily trained to be a indoor companion as well as a field dog. With soft and long fur on the ears and legs, a soft body coat and an attractive color pattern, the Cocker Spaniel has the best in terms of looks.
Cocker Spaniels with their long drooping ears, furry limbs and (mostly) spotted head is a treat for the eyes. The breed can be easily trained and can be the best indoor pet. However, it requires a bit of training to ease grooming, which is a must; thanks to the furry tail, limbs and ears.
4. Catahoula Leopard
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and dense.
- Color: Black on White or Grey
- Max weight: 95 lbs
- Max height: 25″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 10-14 yrs.
These sombre looking canines can be the most vigilant guards. Primarily a watchdog, the Catahoula Leopard with the right training can be wonderfully social. They are considered to be one of the best guard dogs and are the most trustworthy companion in a farm. True to their name, their spots add to their looks, relating them to their larger wild cousins.
A canine of immense strength, it requires a bit of training and the right set of daily exercises to curb it’s natural aggressive streak. While a simple walk on the busy streets might not be the ideal exercise, a large courtyard can be an ideal spot for training this ultra-vigilant pet.
5. Brittany Spaniel
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and dense.
- Color: Orange, Liver, or Black on white.
- Max weight: 45 lbs
- Max height: 20″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 12-16 yrs.
The ideal choice for that perfect game of fetch, these canines are fun and obedient. Naturally friendly and good natured, they can be easily trained. The breed has been the most popular amongst bird hunters. However, in spite of being a hunting dog, the Brittany Spaniel can be easily trained to be the ideal indoor pet.
Brittany Spaniel are natural shedders and she’d excessively during the summers. They possess immense strength and agility. Their natural caring attitude with a bit of social conditioning can make them the best companion. And with their unbounded energy, one must be ready for really long sessions of Fetch.
6. Bluetick Coonhound
Overview:
- Fur type: Coarse and glossy with ticks.
- Color: Black on white.
- Max weight: 80 lbs
- Max height: 27″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 11-12 yrs.
Bluetick Coonhound is one of the most efficient Racoon hunting dogs. The coarse and glossy black ticks on a white coat bestows a bluish tinge, thus the name Bluetick Coonhound. The medium sized canine requires some effort and determination on the part of the pet owners to make it an ideal pet. Along With an acute sense of smell, the canine possesses great strength and agility.
With an average lifespan of ten to twelve years, the canine has a comparatively shorter life span. However, unlike most of other spotted breeds, they require no extra effort in grooming. They are hyperactive and require a constant activity to keep in check their hunting instincts.
7. German Shorthaired Pointer
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and hard, Double layered.
- Color: Brown on white or vice versa.
- Max weight: 70 lbs
- Max height: 2ft
- Avg. Life expectancy: 11-15 yrs.
One of the most popular spotted breeds, the German Shorthaired Pointer is the most trusted fowl hunting dog. While the most commonly found variety has white spots on a brown coat, the exact opposite combination can also be found in abundance. With a double coat and short hair, the pet does not require any additional grooming.
With a maximum height of two feet and weighing up to seventy pounds, the Pointer makes for a slim and lanky pet. The fowl hunter is extremely intelligent and playful and is surprisingly easy to train.
8. Australian Shepherd
Overview:
- Fur type: Medium long
- Color: Red or Blue Merle, Black, White with markings or Tan points
- Max weight: 70 lbs
- Max height: 23″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 11-13 yrs.
A combination of fur and spots makes the Australian Shepherd a treat for the eyes. The shepherd is perfect for anyone who is prepared to handle excessive shedding as it might require a minimum of two grooming sessions daily during the shedding period. A playful herd canine, the wide variety of color combinations and the medium long fur makes it one of the most popular spotted breeds.
The fluffy canine apart from its color combinations is one of the most playful spotted breeds and a great team player. The Shepherd is easy to train but requires long sessions of exercise and playtime to keep a check on its aggressiveness and longer grooming sessions during shedding.
9. Australian Cattle Dog
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and double coat
- Color: Salt and Pepper, Tan Merle
- Max weight: 49 lbs
- Max height: 20″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 11-16 yrs.
This spotted breed is primarily a sheep herding dog fitting large pastures, however the right social conditioning and ample exercise can make a great companion. The unique Salt and Pepper with Tan Merle on white or Tan coat results in an appealing combination of colors that gives an appealing look to the canine. With a double coat it is a shedder and might require long grooming hours during the shedding season.
Australian cattle dogs have high energy levels, are agile and playful. They are easy to train and require a rigorous daily exercise routine if kept indoors as house pets. With plenty of physical activities and routines this can be one of the most reliable companions amongst the spotted breed.
10. English Setter
Overview:
- Fur type: Medium long
- Color: Tan or Black on white
- Max weight: 80 lbs
- Max height: 2ft
- Avg. Life expectancy: 10-15 yrs.
This canine with speckles can blow away any dog lover with their looks and with their affectionate nature can surely melt any heart. This gentle yet playful canine primarily has a white coat with black or Tan speckles with a coat of medium length fur. English Setters are effective and efficient hunting dogs with an acute sense of smell. They are medium sized breeds with high energy levels and inherent hunting skills.
With centuries of glorious history behind them, they are still considered to be one of the best hunting dogs. While most of the hunting dogs follow the footprints of the birds during hunting, the English Setter relies on the aerial scent. Being a hunter they have high energy levels and require rigorous exercise to keep their hunting instincts on a check.
11. Border Collie
Overview:
- Fur type: Long
- Color: Tan, Black on white, Blue merle etc.
- Max weight: 45 lbs
- Max height: 21″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 10-17 yrs
Border Collies are famous for their good looks. Without doubt the long fur and the amazing color schemes makes it attractive. This spotted breed has the widest variety of color combinations from Tan, Liver, White, Blue, and Red merle. One for the herding, the be older Border Collie is vigilant and a strategist with great intelligence while the younger ones with unbounded energy are playful and restless.
The Coolie with its long fur demands regular grooming and can be quite a shedder. The puppy can be trained easily and the daily physical activity can include some training tontine the cognitive and problem solving skills. This adorable spotted breed is sure to surprise one with its intelligence.
12. Staffordshire Terrier
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and smooth
- Color: Tan, Black on white,
- Max weight: 80 lbs
- Max height: 19″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 12-16 yrs
Staffordshire Terrier can be a stubborn pet, however with the right social conditioning and training, it can be an ideal house companion. A direct descendant of the cross of the Bulldog and Terrier, it was primarily used for dog fights and other sports. With a short and smooth coat that are usually White with Tan, Black or Liver patches the Terrier is one of the few spotted breeds that demands less grooming.
The medium sized canine is good natured and can be a good house pet if trained. With inherent aggressive instincts it requires rigorous physical activity every day and is best when assigned long and engaging tasks.
13. English Bulldog
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and smooth
- Color: Tan, Black, Brindle
- Max weight: 50 lbs
- Max height: 2 ft
- Avg. Life expectancy: 3-10 yrs
One of the oldest and most celebrated of the spotted breed, the English Bulldog has many fans. The burly build and the adorable face wrinkles coupled with the amazing spots and smooth short coat makes the English Bulldog a treat for the eyes. The burly canine can be a bit stubborn and is not recommended for first time pet owners. However, they can be trained in basic obedience and can be reliable companions.
Thanks to the short, shiny and smooth coat the bull doesn’t require frequent grooming sessions. The stubborn nature coupled with its adorable antics can make the training sessions a lot of fun.
14. American Bulldog
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and coarse
- Color: Black, Brown, Fawn, Brindle on White
- Max weight: 115 lbs
- Max height: 26″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 10-15 yrs
Unlike its older predecessor, the American Bulldog was added to American Kennel Club only in the year 2019, but that doesn’t diminish its status of being a cultural icon of the US. Aggressive by nature this large canine has immense strength and requires strict and rigorous training from a young age. While the younger pups require professional trainers, the older ones must undergo regular physical activity and are best kept engaged in activities for longer period of time.
American Bulldog is a prized pet for any canine lover. While the short coat doesn’t demand frequent grooming sessions, the pet must undergo obedience training at a young age. With the right social conditioning, physical training and cognitive development activities, this brute can be a warm companion.
15. Great Dane
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and smooth
- Color: Black, Grey on White
- Max weight: 180 lbs
- Max height: 35″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 8-10 yrs
Great Danes as the name suggests are large sized canines that can weigh up to 180 pounds and measure over 35 inches. While many are unicolored, most of these giants can have Black or Grey spots on White coat. With short and smooth coats, they are easy to clean and don’t require frequent grooming.
When size matters, the Great Dane takes the prize amongst the spotted breed. While they are imposing, they are gentle and do not warrant rigorous physical activity to be well behaved. These gentle giants are ideal house companions with the right social conditioning.
16. Beagle
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and Coarse
- Color: Black, Grey, Tan on White
- Max weight: 25 lbs
- Max height: 16″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 10-15 yrs
One of the most popular domesticated spotted breeds in America is a descendant of the Hound breed. Used as sniffers around the world have a strong sense of smell. Commonly spots of Black, Grey or Tan appear on White coats. Owning to their small size and comparatively less frequent grooming they are hugely popular as pets.
The small canines are gentle and friendly in nature and go well with other pets. They require a moderate routine of daily exercise and are ideal even for small indoors.
17. Argentino Dogo
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and Coarse
- Color: Black on White
- Max weight: 90 lbs
- Max height: 27″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 10-15 yrs
As the name suggests this big game-hunting breed from Argentina is a vehement house guard. With a stubborn nature they can be a bit hard to train however with due diligence the canine can be the best house guard. While these canines are mostly unicolored, spots of Black appear on the coat. With a short and smooth coat, they hardly require any grooming.
With majestic looks and muscular structure, the canine can give any pet a run for their money while keeping the house safe. Being naturally defensive, the canine requires a bit of social conditioning and regular physical exercise to curb its aggressive traits.
Read more: Best Dog Beds for Dogo Canario
18. Corgis
Overview:
- Fur type: Medium length
- Color: Fawn, Black with White or Tan
- Max weight: 30 lbs
- Max height: 12″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 12-15 yrs
Corgis also can be called the dwarf herd canine. The name locally means “dwarf dogs.” Primarily cattle herding breed they are quite appealing with their medium length soft fur and the unique color patterns. With their medium length fur, they are excessive shredders and require regular grooming. They make adorable pets and are affectionate and playful in nature. Being a herding dog, they are vigilant and loud.
Barring the fact that they are excessive shedders, Corgis can be a livewire in any household. With a social and playful nature, the pet is sure to light up any day.
19. Jack Russel Terrier
Overview:
- Fur type: Short and Coarse
- Color: Tan, Black, White
- Max weight: 18 lbs
- Max height: 12″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 13-16 yrs
Jack Russel Terrier is a medium sized spotted breed that can make for an ideal house companion. With short fur it sheds minimally and requires little grooming. It can be easily trained and is playful in nature. Being hyperactive and energetic they are good chasers and can cause a riot with even a cockroach. They can be easily trained and are fast learners.
With minimal grooming, playfulness and fast learning Jack Russ Terriers can be ideal pets and can be trained for most sporting events.
20. Great Pyrenees
Overview:
- Fur type: Long and Soft
- Color: Black, Grey, Badger on White
- Max weight: 165 lbs
- Max height: 32″
- Avg. Life expectancy: 10-12 yrs
Great Pyrenees is a giant cattle guard canine with long fur and a white coat. Mostly unicolored, they at times develop Black, Grey or Badger spots. Ok in spite of being a guarding dog, they are surprisingly gentle and are ideal companions. They are intelligent and independent and can be trained with a bit of persistence. In spite of the big build and being guard dogs, they are surprisingly gentle and are fast learners.
This gentle giant from the Pyrenees has come a long way and has even been at the verge of extinction, but has withstood the test of time and is a proud spotted breed.
More about breeds: Harlequin Dog Breeds
Final Words
Spots and speckles of varied shades and tinges have made it to this list of the top twenty Spotted dog breeds. While the list goes on, there are a few of the spotted breeds that will soon make it to this list. The adorable Chihuahua, with its own spots is a small wonder amongst the spotted breed but has failed to make it to this list.
But as any Canine lover would agree, every breed with its own unique characteristics is appealing and whether it’s the gentle giants like the Great Dane and the Great Pyrenees or the small playful Corgis and the Beagles, the Spotted dog breeds are adorable and can be ideal companions.
