Tri color dogs, also known as tricolor dogs, are dogs that have three different coat colors. While any dog can be tri colored, this coloring is often associated with certain breeds like the Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Corgi, and Beagle. But are tri color dogs actually rare compared to other coat patterns?
Intro
The rarity of tri color dogs compared to other coat patterns depends on the breed. For some breeds like the Australian Shepherd and Corgi, the tri color pattern is very common. In other breeds, it is less common. Overall, tri color dogs make up a relatively small percentage of the general dog population. However, they are not so rare as to be unusual.
The defining characteristic of a tri color dog is having three distinct coat colors over their body. This is different from bi-colored dogs that have two coat colors like black and white. Common color combinations for tri color dogs include black, white, and brown or tan as well as black, white, and red.
Some key factors that influence the rarity of tri color dogs include genetics, breed standards, and breeding practices. The genes that control coat color and patterns are complex and vary by breed. Some breeds have genetics that make the tri color pattern more likely.
Additionally, tri color coats are specifically desired in some breeds like Aussies and Corgis, so breeders actively select for this trait. In other breeds, different coat patterns may be more popular based on breed standards. Overall, while not the most common coat pattern, tri color dogs are not exceptionally rare. Their uniqueness is part of their widespread appeal.
Genetic Factors Behind Tri Color Coats
The genetics that determine coat color and patterns in dogs are complex. Multiple genes are involved that interact to create the final coat color and marking patterns we see. Here are some of the key genetic factors that influence tri color coats:
The E Locus
This locus controls whether a dog is black (dominant E allele) or red/yellow (recessive e allele). Dogs with an EE or Ee genotype will be black/brown while ee dogs will be yellow/red. Most tri color dogs are EE or Ee.
The A Locus
This locus controls how much black pigment is produced. The dominant Ay allele produces a lot of black pigment while the recessive at allele produces little to no black pigment. This affects how dark the black parts of the tri color coat will be.
The S Locus
The S locus determines whether a dog will have white spotting patterns. The recessive allele produces extreme white spotting while dominant alleles produce less white. This controls the white areas in tri color dogs.
Modifier Genes
In addition to the main coat color genes, several modifier genes influence the size, shape, and location of the white spotting and other coat markings. These can create unique tri color patterns.
The interaction of these genes is what allows for the expression of the tri color coat pattern in certain breeds. For example, a dog needs at least one E allele from the E locus to produce black hair, at least one S allele to produce white spotting, and the correct modifiers for the unique markings.
Breeds Where Tri Color Coats are Common
While possible in many breeds, tri color coats are most prevalent in certain breeds where the combination of genes and breed standards have made them common. Breeds where tri color coats are very common include:
Australian Shepherd
One of the breeds most associated with the classic black, tan, and white tri color pattern. In fact, this coat color is part of the Australian Shepherd breed standard. It is estimated that about 50% of Aussies have tri color coats.
Border Collie
Tri color coats are also extremely common in Border Collies, occurring in around 75% of dogs. The classic black, white, and tan is the most common pattern.
Corgi
About 80% of Pembroke Welsh Corgis, one of the two Corgi breeds, have tri color coats. The black, white, and tan pattern is sometimes called “tri-color” or “tricolor” in Corgis.
English Setter
Many field-bred English Setters are born with tri color belton coats, a pattern of black, white, and tan/orange spots. However, many turn solid white or predominantly white as adults.
Beagle
Tri color coats are one of the most common patterns seen in Beagles, together with black saddle and red. The white, black, and tan combination is frequently seen.
So in summary, tri color coats are very common in herding breeds like Aussies, Collies, and Corgis as well as in hunting breeds like Setters and Beagles. The genetics and breed standards in these breeds make tri colors prevalent.
Breeds Where Tri Color Coats are Uncommon
While some breeds frequently have tri color coats, in other breeds this pattern is quite rare. Breeds where tri colors are not commonly seen include:
Labrador Retriever
While possible, tri color coats are rare in Labradors. The breed standards only recognize solid black, yellow, and chocolate colors. Tri colors may occur when breeding Labradors with other tri color breeds.
German Shepherd
The vast majority of German Shepherd Dogs are tan and black bicolor. Tri color coats only occur occasionally in this breed and are not considered desirable based on breed standards.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers very rarely have tri color coats as the breed standards only recognize various solid shades of gold. A tri colored Golden is usually a mix with another breed.
Doberman Pinscher
Most Dobermans are black and tan bicolor. Tri color Dobermans may sometimes occur but are not accepted by breed standards or breeders.
Great Dane
Harlequin Great Danes may appear tri colored but they do not have truly distinct white, black, and grey/brown patches. True tri colors are extremely rare in Danes.
So for these breeds and many others, tri color coats are unusual and uncommon, as other patterns and colors are prioritized in the breed standards.
Rarity of Tri Colors in the General Dog Population
It’s difficult to determine exactly what percentage of all dogs have tri color coats. However, we can conclude that tri colors make up a relatively small portion of the total dog population based on:
– The limited number of breeds where tri color coats are common
– The fact that many popular breeds like Labs rarely have tri color coats
– Sources that estimate only around 5-10% of dogs overall have tri color coats
Additionally, according to veterinary research, genetically black dogs make up around 75% of the general dog population. This leaves just 25% of other coat colors including tri colors.
So while tri color dogs may stand out to us, and be common in certain breeds, they are still rather uncommon in the overall dog population compared to solid black or bi-colored dogs. But their rarity adds to their appeal for many dog lovers.
Why Tri Colors May Appear so Common
Despite their relative rarity in the total dog population, to many observers it may seem like there are tri color dogs everywhere. Why is this? Here are some reasons tri color dogs appear more common than they are:
– Their unique and eye-catching coats command more attention
– Popular breeds like Aussies and Corgis have very high rates of tri color coats
– There are specific terms for their coat patterns like “tricolor” and “calico”
– Breeders intentionally select for the tri color pattern in certain breeds
– The rise of mixed breed dogs increases chances of seeing tri colors
So while not the most common pattern when looking at all dogs, the extra attention given to tri colored dogs along with their deliberate selection in certain breeds gives the impression that they are very prevalent. In reality, they make up a low single digit percentage of the hundreds of millions of dogs worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tri color dogs are rare compared to solid colored or bi-colored dogs when looking at the overall dog population. However, they are quite common in breeds like the Australian Shepherd and Corgi. Their genetics and breed standards increase the likelihood of the tri color pattern being expressed. While their unique coats draw extra attention, leading to a perception that they are very common, tri color dogs are still relatively unusual compared to other coat patterns. But it is precisely their rarity that makes them so prized and noticeable. Their special blend of three colors is part of the widespread appeal of tri color canines.
Data Table on Tri Color Rates by Breed
| Breed | Approximate % with Tri Color Coats |
|---|---|
| Australian Shepherd | 50% |
| Border Collie | 75% |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 80% |
| English Setter | 30% |
| Beagle | 40% |
| Labrador Retriever | 1% |
| Golden Retriever | 1% |
| Doberman Pinscher | 1% |