Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. While many dogs have a solid coat color like black, brown, or white, some dogs have a mix of colors in their fur. These multi-colored dogs are striking and beautiful, often referred to as “parti” dogs. But what exactly are dogs with more than one coat color called? There are a few different terms used to describe multi-colored dogs.
The most common term is “parti” or “parti-color.” This refers to any dog that has large patches of two or more colors in their coat. Parti dogs can have any combination of colors like black and white, liver and white, red and white, or tricolor with tan, black, and white. The name comes from the word “partition” or divided into parts.
Some other names used for multi-colored dogs include:
Piebald
Piebald refers specifically to dogs that are spotted with large irregular patches of white and another color, usually black or brown. The white spots appear randomly throughout the dog’s coat. Some examples of piebald dog breeds are the English Springer Spaniel, Border Collie, and Great Dane.
Tricolor
Tricolor dogs have three distinct solid color blocks on their coats. The most common tricolor pattern is black, tan, and white like the Bernese Mountain Dog. Other tricolor combinations can include liver, tan, and white or black, red, and white. This differs from brindle coats that have streaked or striped patterns rather than solid blocks of color.
Brindle
Brindle refers to a coat pattern of vertical dark stripes over a lighter background. The stripes can be black, brown, or even gray mixed with fawn, red, or tan colors. Some brindle dog breeds include Boxers, French Bulldogs, and Plott Hounds. While similar, brindle coats have more blurry stripes rather than clear defined patches of color.
Merle
Merle is a genetic coat pattern that produces mottled patches of color. Merle coats are a solid base color (usually gray or black) with blotchy patches of a lighter color like white or tan. The merle gene causes random modifications of pigment in the coat. Merle is commonly seen in Australian Shepherds, Catahoula Leopard Dogs, and Collies.
Sable
Sable coats have a lighter base color with darker tips on the fur. Puppies are born very dark and lighten up as they mature. Sable coats range from tan, beige, brown, or red with black tips. Examples of sable dogs are German Shepherds, Corgis, and Pomeranians. Not all sable dogs would be considered multi-colored, but the mix of shades can create a complex coat.
Agouti
Agouti refers to each individual hair having bands of color like black, brown, red, or tan. This creates an overall salt and pepper speckled appearance. Agouti coats are commonly seen in Schnauzers, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Keeshonds. It differs from merle coats in that the colors are mixed evenly throughout rather than in patches.
| Coat Pattern | Description | Example Breeds |
|---|---|---|
| Parti | Large patches of two or more colors | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Border Collie |
| Piebald | Large irregular white patches with another color (usually black or brown) | English Springer Spaniel, Great Dane, Dalmatian |
| Tricolor | Three distinct solid color blocks, usually black, tan, and white | Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, Rottweiler |
| Brindle | Tiger-like vertical stripes of two colors | Boxer, French Bulldog, Plott Hound |
| Merle | Mottled patches of color, usually gray/black with tan/white | Australian Shepherd, Catahoula, Collie |
| Sable | Lighter base color with darker tips | German Shepherd, Corgi, Pomeranian |
| Agouti | Individual hairs banded with multiple colors | Schnauzer, German Shorthaired Pointer, Keeshond |
Causes of Multi-Colored Coats in Dogs
There are several genetic factors that contribute to multi-colored coats in dogs:
– The piebald gene – This is a dominant gene that creates random white spotting and patching. It interrupts pigment production in the coat.
– The merle gene – This causes the marbled, mottled patches of color. It’s a dilution gene that lightens base coat colors.
– Tan points – This causes tan markings to appear in specific areas like the muzzle, eyebrows, legs and chest. The rest of the fur is usually black or brown.
– Agouti gene – This regulates the distribution of black or brown pigment, creating lighter and darker banding on hairs.
– Saddle tan – This is a tan marking pattern with a dark back and lighter underbelly. It is common in breeds like German Shepherds.
– Ticking – Small dots or flecks of a different color over a white or solid background. This creates a freckled or salt-and-pepper effect.
Popular Multi-Colored Dog Breeds
There are many purebred and mixed breed dogs that exhibit stunning multi-colored coats. Some of the most popular include:
| Breed | Coat Pattern |
|---|---|
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Tricolor (black, tan, white) |
| Australian Shepherd | Merle (gray/black & tan/white) |
| Beagle | Tricolor or piebald (black, tan, white) |
| Border Collie | Tricolor, merle, sable & white, or piebald |
| Cocker Spaniel | Parti, tricolor, sable |
| Dalmatian | White with black spots |
| English Springer Spaniel | White with liver/black spots |
| French Bulldog | Brindle, pied, fawn & brindle |
| German Shepherd | Black & tan or black, tan, silver |
| Great Dane | Brindle, merle, mantle (black & white) |
There are also many mixed breed dogs with stunning multi-colored coats. The unique combinations make them extra special.
Care Tips for Multi-Colored Dogs
While a multi-colored coat is simply a cosmetic trait, there are some care considerations for dogs with parti, merle, or brindle coats:
– Use a deshedding tool regularly to remove loose hair and minimize matting if the coat is longer.
– Bath when dirty and use a moisturizing shampoo to keep the skin from drying out.
– Use a conditioner or finishing spray after baths to prevent the coat from becoming brittle.
– Brush thoroughly with a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent tangles.
– Trim longer fur around eyes, ears, belly, and feet for cleanliness and comfort. Avoid clipper irritation.
– Monitor skin closely for signs of allergies, infections, or parasites that are harder to see under variegated coats.
– Protect dogs with thin, light fur from sunburn with specially formulated dog sunscreens and shirts/jackets when outdoors for extended periods.
– Feed a high quality diet rich in omega fatty acids to promote a healthy, shiny coat.
Health Considerations
Certain genetic conditions are more prevalent in some multi-colored dog breeds:
– **Merle dogs** – Can have an increased risk of deafness, blindness, and sun sensitivity. Breeding merle to merle amplifies health risks.
– **White dogs** – Higher incidence of congenital deafness and sunburn susceptibility. Limit sun exposure.
– **Piebald dogs** – Possible hearing impairment or deafness if white covers one or both ears.
– **Brindle dogs** – No major health concerns linked to brindle specifically, but watch for breed-specific issues like hip dysplasia in Boxers.
It’s important to get parti or merle dogs from responsible breeders who test breeding stock for genetic issues. Well-bred dogs should have no problems from their multi-colored coats alone.
Conclusion
From piebald to merle, dogs with multi-colored coats come in many stunning patterns. While “parti” is the most widely used descriptive term, there are some differences between the specific types of variegated coats. Most multi-colored coats are produced by genes that alter pigment distribution and concentration. Popular breeds like Australian Shepherds, Beagles, and Bernese Mountain Dogs exhibit beautiful multi-colored coats. With proper care and health testing of parents, dogs with parti coats can make wonderful pets and companions. Their captivating colors give them truly unique style.
