Dog Coat Patterns

Although there are a wide variety of dog colors, the patterns give us an even broader range of colors & combinations. Some patterns are breed-specific, while others can be found across many breeds.

The genetics of color is beyond us, but here are some of the basic patterns those genes produce with real examples.

A white base coat with tiny spots over most of the body giving the impression of blue, yellow or orange colors.

A coat with two colors.

Refers to the red and white coloring of certain spaniel breeds.

Marbled blue, grey & black.

A lighter background with a fine and fairly even mix of black stripes.

Mottled markings of several different colors.

Large black or blue splotches on a white background coat.

White base coat with tan and/ or black patches on the head, back, legs & tail.

A white base coat with a second color blanketing the body, & part of the neck, head, tail & legs.

A fairly even mixture of black and white hairs which give a salt and pepper look to the coat.

An even mixture of colored & white hairs

A light background coat (usually gold, silver or tan) with black tips – often accompanied by a black mask.

A coat with three distinct colors.

Black dog with white pattern on chest, chin and feet resembling a tuxedo and spats. Most commonly found in the Boston Terrier.

Need More Color?

Be sure to check out the basic dog colors too.