Tricolor dogs have coat colors in a combination of brown, black and white, with different shades and schemes of these colors! Spotted, brindle, you name it. In fact, the tricolor is one of the most common color patterns in canines. Did you know that there are over a dozen of these tricolor dogs?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel usually comes in brown and white, but there are tricolor varieties, as well. And, of course, who would forget the beautiful shades of black, brown, and white of a Beagle and an Australian Cattle Dog? This gorgeous splash of colors makes them more adorable than they already are.
Let’s get to know more about these tricolor dog breeds that are sure to put a smile on your face. Who knows, you might be tempted to welcome one of these lovely pups to your home soon!
18. American Bully
When one thinks of “American Bully,” the first thing that comes to mind as far as appearance goes is a muscular, robust pup with coat colors in brown and white. But there are actually tricolor Bullies, which, as the name implies, have coats with more than two colors. These include chocolate tri, blue tri, black tri, and fawn tri, to name a few.
Although they look different from two-toned Bullies, tricolors are not any different from the former when it comes to their personalities. They are still the same sweet, affectionate, highly devoted canines who are always ready to protect their favorite humans no matter what!
17. Bernese Mountain Dog
A massive tricolor dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a luxurious, dense coat of black, white, and brown. The body is mostly black, while the legs have a darker shade of brown with white fluffy fur on the chest.
If you like active dogs – and you have the space for it – then a Berner is for you. They adore children and other pets in the house, so you won’t have a problem with these gentle giants. Just be sure to supervise your younger kids when playing with this sweet beast, though.
16. Great Swiss Mountain Dog
The name aptly fits this tricolor beast of a dog. Great Swiss Mountain Dogs are humongous, and they look a little like Berners… Just a larger version. Their body is covered in black fur, some brown spots and patterns on the legs, and white lines on the chest and head.
They may seem intimidating because of their size, but they are softies on the inside. Swissies are affectionate creatures that simply love to cuddle with you. If you like a big dog that does not require much exercise, this pooch is a perfect match for you.
15. Entlebucher Mountain Dog
A medium-sized tricolor pup, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog has a nearly identical color pattern as the dogs we previously mentioned. They also have a predominantly black body with a white chest and a few brown markings elsewhere. Their tails are usually black.
Entlebuchers are your typical hardworking, active dogs. They will make sure to get you off the couch, so you can get your exercise in (and them, as well). But if you’re new to owning a dog, this breed may not be for you because they are a bit high-strung with a stubborn streak.
14. Chihuahua
They may be short with diminutive bodies, but Chihuahuas have big personalities. These tenacious creatures mainly come in brown, yet you can definitely find a number of tricolor ones with the usual brown, black, and white colors.
Chis are generally healthy pooches. They do love to run around and move but with their very modest size, it should be easy to care for these little babies. And best of all, they can be happiest even when playing indoors.
13. Boxer
Mostly brown and white but with black muzzles and around the eyes, Boxers are tough-looking tricolored dogs. They have a squarish body and head – kind of like an actual boxer. Their coats are short and tight, so they don’t shed much.
Although they may seem tough, they are indeed very sweet and affectionate. Boxers are fiercely loyal to their owners and will do anything to please them.
12. Collie
Collies are a natural sweetheart. They have long and smooth fur in a combination of white, brown, and black, often spread evenly throughout their bodies. Their heads are wedge-shaped, and the ears are tall and erect.
Because of their dense coats, Collies require daily brushing. They also shed heavily, so if you have allergies, these pups may not be a right fit for you.
11. Panda Shepherd
As the name implies, Panda Shepherds are like canine pandas, with black circles surrounding their eyes. These pups also resemble German Shepherds with tricolor coats in black, light or dark brown, and white.
Speaking of coats, these pups have dense fur all over its body, so shedding is definitely an issue. Just like a German Shepherd, Panda Shepherds are very active and agile dogs. They need regular exercise, so be sure to take them out for walks and play with them as often as possible.
10. Basset Hound
Famous for their long, sagging ears and droopy eyes, Basset Hounds are little darlings. These tricolor dogs often have a predominantly white color with brown and black markings on the tail, head, and back.
With their short fur, grooming should be quite easy for Basset Hound owners. They do have a tendency to gain weight so quickly, so it is best to give them ample exercise each day.
9. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Corgis are often in white and brown coat colors, and these are the colors recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). But there are tricolored ones with a splash of black markings on their bodies, which are just as cute and cuddly as the dual-colored Corgis.
These short-legged pups are energetic and agile. They easily learn tricks and can be a source of entertainment for many. Plus, they have short coats that are stress-free to groom and maintain.
8. Basenji
While many Basenjis are dual-toned, there are certainly some with three colors – black on their bodies and shades of brown and white on the tail, legs, and face. They also have tall ears and a long snout.
Apartment dwellers would love having a Basenji as a pet because of their quiet nature. They don’t bark as much, so it should not be an issue with you… Or your neighbors!
7. Shetland Sheepdog
This list of tricolor dog breeds will never be complete without the adorable Shetland Sheepdog. Shelties, as they’re often called, are like small Collies with the same wedge-shaped heads and profuse coats in black, brown, and white colors.
Shelties are working dogs that simply love to move a lot. They are very active, they tend to bark at strangers, and they are very protective of their families. If you want a pup that’s comical, smart, and loyal, this breed is for you.
6. Australian Shepherd Dog
A fun mix of brown, white and black, the Australian Shepherd is famous for its multiple patterns and shades of those three colors. They have long, thick hair that requires regular grooming to keep them under control.
Aussies love their daily exercise. They are the perfect jogging buddies, so they can make sure to keep you motivated to move more each day. But grooming can be challenging for first-time owners as Aussies have dense coats that tend to get tangled so easily.
5. English Bulldog
Compact and bulky, these traits are trademark features of an English Bulldog. But aside from their build, these pups are also known for their adorable coats in different color combinations, such as white, brown, and black markings on their faces.
Bulldogs are people-oriented. They love being around their families but can be wary of strangers. Early training and socialization are a must to help them develop positive habits at a young age and beyond.
4. Papillon
Well-known for their butterfly-like ears, Papillons are another tricolor breed with combinations of white, black, and brown all throughout their bodies. They are small pups with long, flowing hair that demands to be petted as it is luxuriously smooth and soft.
Papillons are playful and agile fellows. They require moderate exercise, such as daily walks and some playtime. Since they are tiny, it should not be a problem to keep them in an apartment or compact home.
3. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are mainly black with brown faces and legs, along with a few white markings on the chest and back. Their coats are medium-length, which need to be brushed regularly to prevent knots and tangles.
Bred as working dogs, Aussie Cattle Dogs are muscular and strong. They enjoy playing with their favorite humans and running around the yard. If you have the space for this medium-sized dog, you should not have any problem accommodating its demand for daily exercise.
2. Beagle
Beagles, the famous tricolor dog breed, actually come in six tricolor variants, which are all recognized by the AKC. These are in different shades of brown, sable, and white. Just like the Basset Hound, Beagles have short hairs that are easy to groom and maintain.
One thing to note about Beagles – they are prone to depression and separation anxiety. This is why if you have to leave your home too often, it helps to have two Beagles to keep themselves company. And, of course, be sure to play with them when you’re around.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A fluffy tricolor toy breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a delight to first-timers and experienced owners alike. They come in various tricolor combinations – some have mostly black coats with brown and white markings in random places, while others have a perfectly-balanced spread of all three colors.
Cavalier Spaniels are affectionate and friendly. They like to stay active, which makes them a fun companion during hikes and sports. And with their compact sizes, they are outstanding lap dogs, as well.
Related Questions
How Much Is A Tri-Color Bully Worth? Tri-color Bully dogs are expensive and can cost you about $500 to upwards of $5,000. The price point depends on a number of factors, such as bloodlines, the history of both parents, and so on. Show quality Bully dogs cost around $5,000 to as much as $10,000. On the other hand, pet-quality tri-color Bullies with registration documents are about $2,500. Those without papers should be between $500 and $1,500.
Do Puppies Get Their Color From Mom Or Dad? Puppies get their coat color from both their mom and dad. In fact, each parent contributes a single allele, which means each allele has a 50 percent likelihood of being passed down to the pups. This allele determines the coat color and length, as well as other features of the offspring.
Is Brindle A Tri-Color? Brindle is actually a striped pattern, which is similar to a tiger’s striped coat. The streaks are often darker than the coat’s base color, and these are irregular in a pattern. Furthermore, the colors are usually in shades of brown, tan, black, or gold, and these color combinations often come in a tri-color pattern. If the stripes have three colors, then yes, brindle can be considered as tri-color or “trindle.”
