Tricolor dogs we love

Tricolor dogs are characterized by their distinctive coat, which consists of three different colors. Often this color pattern combines black, brown and white. Such dogs are found in many breeds and are often prized for their striking and attractive coat pattern. This color combination can be both genetic and the result of breeding goals.

The colorful trio: dog breeds with tri-colored coats

When you think of dogs, there is one color combination that is often considered particularly striking and attractive: the tri-color coat. The interplay of black, brown and white - or variations of these tones - gives many dog breeds a unique look. But which breeds sport this particular color pattern? Let's take a look at some of the most popular tri-color dog breeds.

Why tricolored? The genetic basis for the tri-colored coat is fascinating. It takes a combination of specific genes to produce this pattern. In many breeds, the tri-color pattern is the result of selective breeding efforts over generations.

Beagle

Dog, plant, collar, carnivore, grass, dog breed, companion dog, fawn, dog accessories, dog collar, Depositphotos / 5seconds

The Beagle is a medium-sized dog breed, known for its characteristic tri-color coat. Black often dominates the back, while brown accents the legs and eye area. White adorns the chest, paws, tail tip and often the face. 

Originally bred in Britain for rabbit hunting, the Beagle is characterized by a keen sense of smell and a friendly nature. The color combination of black, brown and white is genetic and makes the Beagle one of the most striking dogs in the playground. Despite its diversity in color patterns and shades, the tri-color pattern remains the symbolic image of the Beagle. It embodies the historical and genetic depth of this popular breed.

Basset

Dog,carnivore,dog breed,companion dog,grass,muzzle,sniffer dog,plant,sporting group,hunting dog, Depositphotos / art_man

The Basset Hound, known for its drooping ears and melancholy eyes, often presents itself in a striking tri-color coat. This pattern usually combines black, brown and white, with black usually dominating the back, brown accenting the ears and face, and white found on the chest and paws. Originally bred in France for drag hunting, the Basset is characterized by a remarkable sense of smell. 

Its coat is not only an ornament, but also provides protection during hunting excursions. The three-color pattern gives the Basset a distinctive appearance and highlights its distinctive body shapes. This play of colors reflects the elegance and heritage of this unique breed of dog.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Purebred Bernese Mountain Dog, taken in spring. Depositphotos / Bigandt

The Bernese Mountain Dog, often referred to simply as the "Bernese", is a majestic breed characterized by its distinctive tri-color coat. Typically, this coat combines black as the main color, with distinctive brown markings on the eyes, cheeks and legs, and white on the chest, paws and forehead. The origins of this Swiss working dog are deeply rooted in the Alpine country, where it originally served as a draft and herding dog. Its dense, medium-length coat provides protection from alpine weather conditions. 

The characteristic tri-color pattern is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also enhances the Bernese's powerful appearance. This color combination, along with his gentle and loyal nature, makes the Bernese Mountain Dog one of the most popular and recognizable dog breeds in the world.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in foliage on meadow Depositphotos / mashiki

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, often referred to simply as the "Cavalier", is a small, graceful dog breed known for its warm eyes and soft, silky coat. One of the most notable coat patterns is the "tricolor" - a combination of black, brown and white. Here, the black often covers most of the body, the brown stands out around the eyes and on the paws, and the white often extends across the chest and face. 

Originally from Great Britain, this spaniel was a favorite of the nobility, particularly King Charles II, for whom the breed is named. The Cavalier's tri-color coat, coupled with his affectionate and playful nature, makes him a desirable family member. His colors and patterns not only accentuate his beauty, but also reflect the rich heritage of this aristocratic dog breed.

Chihuahua

A cute chihuahua lying on a pet bed Depositphotos / graphicphoto

The Chihuahua, recognized worldwide as the smallest dog breed, often surprises with its variety of colors, including the tri-color variety. A tri-colored Chihuahua usually combines black, brown and white in its coat, although the color distribution varies. The black may cover the back, while brown and white stand out on the face, belly and paws. 

Despite their small size, Chihuahuas have a strong personality and are known for their lively and sometimes impetuous nature. The tri-color coat pattern gives these small companions an eye-catching appearance that adds to their charming presence. Originally from Mexico, this breed has captured the hearts of many with its striking appearance and great character. The tri-color pattern adds an extra dimension of uniqueness and elegance to the Chihuahua.

Great Swiss Mountain Dog

Big Beautiful Dog Great Swiss Mountain Dog Depositphotos / SkSirius

The Great Swiss Mountain Dog, often known as the "Big Swiss", is an impressive and robust breed that is most notable for its distinctive tri-colored coat. The coat combines black as the dominant color with brown markings on the eyes, cheeks and legs, as well as white elements on the chest, paws and forehead. 

This coloration not only gives the breed a striking appearance, but also reflects its origins as a working dog in the Swiss Alps. Originally used as a draft and guard dog, its dense coat provides it with protection from the harsh weather conditions of its homeland. The tri-color pattern of the Great Swiss is a distinctive mark of the breed, emphasizing its powerful stature and versatile working ability, while also highlighting its friendly and loyal nature.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Entlebuch mountain dog walks on a night city summer Depositphotos / averyanova

The Entlebuch Mountain Dog, the smallest of the four Swiss Mountain Dogs, stands out for its distinctive tri-color coat. This striking pattern is composed of black as the base color, combined with brown markings on the eyes, cheeks and legs, and white markings on the chest, paws and often a "blaze" on the forehead. 

The Entlebucher was originally bred for herding cattle in the Swiss Alps and is known for its intelligence, energy and loyalty. Its compact appearance is accentuated by its tri-colored coat, which emphasizes its athletic constitution and alertness. Despite his working past, the Entlebucher has found a firm place today as a loyal family dog. The characteristic tri-color pattern not only serves as a reminder of his alpine origins, but also highlights the unique beauty and character of this special breed.

Basenji

Horizontal portrait of Basenji breed dog with short hair in tricolor black, white and red color, standing outdoor with green background in summer. Depositphotos / TatyanaBelka

The Basenji, also known as the "barkless dog", is a unique and ancient dog breed that has its roots in central Africa. One of the most striking color variations of this sleek and elegant dog is the tri-color pattern. The coat of a tri-color Basenji typically features a combination of black, brown (or tan), and white. While the black often covers the back and parts of the head, brown markings stand out on the eyes, cheeks and legs. White is usually found on the chest, belly, paws, and end of the tail.

The Basenji is known not only for its lack of barking, but also for its curiosity and intelligence. The tri-color pattern adds beauty and uniqueness to the already impressive appearance of the Basenji. It accentuates the toned, muscular stature and graceful lines of this special dog and highlights its exotic origins.

Sheltie

Healthy pedigree dog photographed outside in nature on a sunny day. Depositphotos / Bigandt

The Sheltie, officially known as the Shetland Sheepdog, is a small to medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance that is often accentuated by its tri-color coat. This coat pattern usually combines black, brown (or tan), and white. Black often covers most of the body, while brown shows on the eyes, cheeks, and legs. White appears on the chest, neck, paws, and often the face. Originally from the Shetland Islands, the Sheltie was used for herding sheep. Its dense, long coat protects it from the harsh climate of its native land. 

The tri-color pattern gives the Sheltie a striking and elegant appearance that highlights his grace and agility. Coupled with his intelligence and loyal character, the special coat pattern makes him one of the most iconic and popular dogs in the world.

More cute tricolor dogs

  1. 1. Treeing Walker Coonhound head, tricolored dog breed from America, American hunting dog for hunting raccoons and opposums, dog with long floppy ears, spotted dog breed, large dog
    Treeing Walker Coonhound Hunting Dog
  2. 2. Breed description of the Harrier from UK, British dog breed, English dog breed similar to Beagle, dog similar to Beagle but big
    Harrier Companion Dog, Hunting Dog
  3. 3. Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Australian collie,Dog breed,Canidae,Australian shepherd,Carnivore,Companion dog,Miniature australian shepherd,
    Australian Shepherd Herding Dog, Sheepdog
  4. 4. American Foxhound breed description, dog similar to Beagle
    American foxhound Hunting Dog
  5. 5. Mammal,Dog,Vertebrate,Bull terrier (miniature),Canidae,Old english terrier,Dog breed,Bull terrier,Bull and terrier,English white terrier,
    Bull Terrier Watchdog, Companion Dog
  6. 6. Dutch Partrige dog, Dutch dog breed with brown white coat, family dog, tri-coloured dog breed
    Drentsche Partridge Dog Hunting Dog, Family Dog
  7. 7. Smooth Fox Terrier breed description, medium sized dog with long muzzle, dog with tipped ears, family dog, guard dog, hunting dog, active dog breed for families, sporty dog from Great Britain, English dog breed with smooth coat, tricolor
    Smooth Fox Terrier Watchdog, Family Dog
  8. 8. Drever breed description, small brown white dog with floppy ears
    Drever Hunting Dog
  9. 9. Chinese Crested Dog or Naked Dog Breed Description
    Chinese Crested Dog Companion Dog, Family Dog
  10. 10.
    Dog,Vertebrate,Canidae,Mammal,Dog breed,Cavalier king charles spaniel,King charles spaniel,Carnivore,Companion dog,Spaniel, Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Canidae,Dog breed,English cocker spaniel,Cocker spaniel,German spaniel,Carnivore,Spaniel,
    Cockapoo Companion Dog, Family Dog

    Hybrid Breed

  11. 11. Louisana Catahoula Dog Profile Picture Breed Description of Merle Colored Dog
    Louisiana Catahoula Bulldog Watchdog, Herding Dog, Working Dog
  12. 12. Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Dog breed,Canidae,Russell terrier,Companion dog,Carnivore,Parson russell terrier,Puppy,
    Parson Russell Terrier Family Dog
  13. 13. Moscow guard dog temperament and breed description
    Moscow watchdog Watchdog
  14. 14. Terrier Brasileiro breed description
    Brazilian Terrier Watchdog, Family Dog
  15. 15. English Foxhound breed description, temperament and character, dog with three colors, tricolor dog breed, dog with floppy ears from England, Great Britain dog breed, English hunting dog, hunting dog breed, tricolor, dog with three colors, dog similar to Beagle
    English foxhound Hunting Dog, Family Dog
  16. 16. Ariegeois breed description
    Ariégeois Working Dog, Hunting Dog
  17. 17. Nederlandse Schapendoes Temperament, breed description of the Dutch herding dog
    Schapendoes Herding Dog
  18. 18. Tibetan Terrier breed description
    Tibetan Terrier Family Dog
  19. 19. Basset Griffon Vendeen, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, medium sized dog breed with floppy ears, tricoloured dog breed from France, French dog for hunting, hunting dog, rough haired dog, dog with rough coat
    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Hunting Dog
  20. 20. Breed description Decker Hunting Terrier, Decker Rat Terrier, large rat terrier, American dog breed, unknown dog breed, not recognized by FCI, brown white dog with prick ears from America, small dog breed, dog with stubby tail, tail is stubby
    Decker Hunting Terrier Companion Dog, Hunting Dog, Family Dog
  21. 21. brown white dog, merle dog breed, dog breed that have merle color, dog breed american shepherd, mini aussie, miniature australian shepherd, australian shepherd dog small, small australian shepherd dog, shepherd dog, family dog, miniature american shepherd brown white, dog with tilt ears, triangle ears, long coat, beautiful dog breed, blue eyes in dog, tricolor dog breed
    Miniature American Shepherd Family Dog, Sheepdog
  22. 22.
    Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Australian collie,Dog breed,Canidae,Australian shepherd,Carnivore,Companion dog,Miniature australian shepherd, Dog,Vertebrate,Dog breed,Canidae,Labrador retriever,Mammal,Retriever,Sporting Group,Carnivore,Snout,
    Aussiedor Companion Dog, Working Dog, Family Dog

    Hybrid Breed

  23. 23. Fox Terrier Breed Description
    Fox Terrier Hunting Dog
  24. 24. Griffon Korthals, Griffon d'arrêt à poil dur, rough haired pointer, dog similar to German Rauhaar, large dog breed from France, breed description of hunting dog, hunting dog breed
    Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Hunting Dog
  25. 25. Swiss Hound, Bernese Hound Breed description
    Swiss Hound Hunting Dog
  26. 26. Norwegian Lundehund temperament breed description
    Norwegian Lundehund Hunting Dog, Family Dog
  27. 27. German Wirehaired Dog Hunting Dog, Pointer, German Hound Breed
    German Wirehaired Pointer Hunting Dog
  28. 28. Biewer Terrier breed description, character, small dog breed for seniors, dog for old people, small breed, hypoallergenic breed
    Biewer Terrier Companion Dog, Family Dog
  29. 29. Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Canidae,Dog breed,Carnivore,Sporting Group,Liver,Pointing breed,German shorthaired pointer,
    German Shorthaired Pointer Hunting Dog
  30. 30. Bretan Spaniel, brown white dog with floppy ears and very short tail, no tail at birth, dog with stubby tail, French dog breed, Brittany dog
    Epagneul Breton Hunting Dog
  31. 31. Havanese breed description
    Havanese Family Dog
  32. 32. Japan Chin breed description, temperament, calm dog breed for seniors, dog for children, dog fond of children, well-behaved calm dog for beginners
    Japanese Chin Companion Dog, Family Dog
  33. 33. Blue Lacy breed description, temperament of sheepdog from America, American dog breed temperament, silver dog, dog similar to Weimaraner, dog similar to Greyhound from coat
    Blue Lacy Herding Dog, Working Dog, Hunting Dog
  34. 34. American Rat Terrier, Terrier from America, brown white dog breed, small dog with standing ears, portrait of a small dog, companion dog, family dog
    American Rat Terrier Hunting Dog, Family Dog
  35. 35. Kooiker Hondje from Holland Breed description
    Kooikerhondje Hunting Dog, Family Dog
  36. 36. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne Breed description
    Blue Gascony Griffon Working Dog, Police Dog, Searchdog
  37. 37. Springer Spaniel Breed Description
    Springer Spaniel Watchdog
  38. 38. Hamiltonstövare puppy, Hamilton dog male, male, male puppy, dog similar to beagle, tri-coloured dog, hunting dog, dog from Sweden, Swedish breed, dog with floppy ears
    Hamiltonstövare Hunting Dog
  39. 39. Dog,Mammal,Scotch collie,Vertebrate,Canidae,Rough collie,Collie,Dog breed,Shetland sheepdog,Carnivore,
    Long-haired Collie Herding Dog, Family Dog
  40. 40. English Shepherd breed description, black and white dog for sheep, sheepdog from England, Great Britain dog breed
    English Shepherd Working Dog, Sheepdog
  41. 41. Appenzeller Mountain Dog Profile Picture
    Appenzell Mountain Dog Watchdog, Working Dog, Shepherd Dog
  42. 42. Portrait photo of a short hair collie
    Shorthaired collie Herding Dog
  43. 43. ANGLO-FRANCAIS DE PETITE VENERIE
    Anglo-Français de petite vénerie Hunting Dog
  44. 44. Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Canidae,Dog breed,Carnivore,Akita,Akita inu,Shiba inu,Nose,
    Akita Inu Watchdog
  45. 45. Australian Cattle Dog puppy breed description Merle
    Australian Cattle Dog Herding Dog
  46. 46. Breed description of a Greek Sheepdog, Sheepdog, Herding Dog, Herding Dog from Greece, large dog breed, ancient breed, typical dog breed from Greece, medium length coat on dog, large dog breed with triangle ears
    Greek shepherd dog Herding Dog, Shepherd Dog, Sheepdog
  47. 47. Coton de Tulear white, dog similar to Bolognese and Havanese, dog also called cotton dog, allergy dog, dog breed for allergic people, allergy to dog hair can be eliminated with this breed, dog similar to Bichon Frise, white small dog breed for beginners, dog for children, children dog breed, family dog, dog combed for a dog show, smoothed coat on dog, breed description and character,
    Coton de Tuléar Companion Dog, Family Dog
  48. 48.
    Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Canidae,Dog breed,Chihuahua,Puppy,Carnivore,Snout,Companion dog, Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Dog breed,Canidae,Carnivore,Companion dog,Styrian coarse-haired hound,Snout,Sporting Group,
    Chiweenie Companion Dog, Hunting Dog

    Hybrid Breed

  49. 49. Bearded Collie Dog
    Bearded Collie Herding Dog
  50. 50.
    Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Dog breed,Canidae,Bernese mountain dog,Carnivore,Greater swiss mountain dog,Appenzeller sennenhund,Giant dog breed, Poodle breed description 1234
    Bernedoodle Family Dog

    Hybrid Breed

  51. 51. Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Canidae,Dog breed,English cocker spaniel,Cocker spaniel,German spaniel,Carnivore,Spaniel,
    Cocker Spaniel Hunting Dog
  52. 52. McNab dog, small black brown white dog with standing ears
    McNab Herding Dog, Working Dog
  53. 53. Dog,Mammal,Vertebrate,Dog breed,Canidae,Bull terrier (miniature),Carnivore,Bull terrier,Old english terrier,Snout,
    Miniature Bull Terrier Family Dog
  54. 54. Breed description of a red dwarf spitz, Pomeranian
    Pomeranian Companion Dog, Family Dog
  55. 55. American Cocker Spaniel Dog
    American Cocker Spaniel Companion Dog
  56. 56. Beauceron profile picture breed description
    Beauceron Herding Dog
  57. 57. Welsh Sheepdog, Ci Defaid Cymreig, black and white dog, dog with merle look, Border Collie like, Welsh dog breed, dog from England, British dog breed medium size, dog with long coat like Collie, dog with prick ears and floppy ears, herding dog, sheepdog
    Welsh sheepdog Herding Dog, Working Dog, Sheepdog
  58. 58. Jack Russell Terrier breed description
    Jack Russell Terrier Hunting Dog
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