There are a few breeds of dogs that commonly have white and brown coloring. This coloring is known as “tricolor” and refers to dogs that have a white base coat with large patches of black or brown. Some popular tricolor dog breeds include the Beagle, Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Border Collie, and Cocker Spaniel.
Beagle
Beagles are a very popular tricolor breed. They are small hunting dogs that originated in England. The classic Beagle coloring is white with large brown and black patches. Some Beagles are mostly white while others have more brown or black. The brown patches can range from light tan to deep reddish brown. Beagles have a muscular body, droopy ears, and a happy personality. They make excellent family pets due to their friendliness and moderate energy levels.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are medium-sized herding dogs. Despite their name, they were actually developed in the western United States, not Australia. These intelligent dogs come in many color combinations, including tricolor. An Australian Shepherd with brown and white fur has a white base coat with tan and black spots over the eyes, ears, legs, and body. The brown can vary from light tan to deep reddish tones. Australian Shepherds are lively, loyal pets that need daily exercise.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog hails from the Swiss Alps. They are large, sturdy dogs bred to work on farms and drive cattle. The most common Bernese Mountain Dog coat pattern includes a white chest and front legs, black back and rear, and rusty brown spots over the eyes, sides of the mouth, and between the black and white areas. Their thick, moderately long fur keeps them warm in cold mountain conditions. Despite their large size, these dogs have a gentle nature and get along well with people and other pets.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a highly energetic and intelligent dog originally bred to herd sheep in the border region between England and Scotland. Border Collies can have tricolor coats with black, white, and brown. The brown is often seen on the legs, chest, eyebrows and lower face. Border Collies need a lot of mental and physical exercise. Their trainability and herding instinct make them wonderful performance dogs for agility, flyball and other dog sports.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are small sporting dogs that were bred to hunt game birds. The American Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel breeds can both have tricolor coats. The white base fur is accented with spots or patches of black and tan or brown shade. Cocker Spaniels have pleasant, upbeat personalities. They thrive on attention and enjoy being with their family. Regular brushing and grooming is important for this breed.
Other Tricolor Dog Breeds
In addition to the breeds above, there are other dogs that may have white, brown, and black fur. These include:
- Brittany – Medium-sized gundog used for bird hunting
- English Setter – Gun dog breed that locates and points at game
- English Springer Spaniel – Another hunting dog used to flush out and retrieve birds
- French Bulldog – Small companion breed with trademark bat ears
- German Shorthaired Pointer – All-purpose gundog with high energy and endurance
- Gordon Setter – Large black and tan gundog that points and retrieves
While less common, tricolor coats can also sometimes occur in other breeds like the Siberian Husky, Pomeranian, Shetland Sheepdog, Miniature Schnauzer, and more.
Genetics of Tricolor Coats
In dogs, coat color is determined by genes that control the production and distribution of melanin pigment. There are two types of melanin:
- Eumelanin – Black/brown pigment
- Pheomelanin – Red/yellow pigment
The patterns and colors we see result from the combination of these two melanins across different areas of the dog’s fur. In tricolor dogs, the fur has regions with both eumelanin and pheomelanin over a white background. The white results from a lack of melanin.
There are several genes involved in producing tricolor coats:
- Piebald gene – Causes white spotting and areas of depigmentation on the fur and skin. Dogs only need one copy of the dominant piebald allele to have white patches.
- E locus – Controls the production of eumelanin. The recessive e allele allows for the development of red/yellow pheomelanin.
- A locus – Determines how diluted or intense the pigment will be. The ay allele produces rich reddish-brown tones.
The size, shape and distribution of the brown, black and white zones depend on modifiers like the ticking gene and additional spotting patterns. Careful crossbreeding helped develop the signature tricolor look in breeds like the Beagle, Bernese Mountain Dog and Border Collie.
Common Health Issues in Tricolor Dogs
In general, tricolor coats do not directly affect the health or cause medical conditions in dogs. However, some issues are more prevalent in certain tricolor breeds.
| Breed | Common Health Issues |
|---|---|
| Beagle | Cherry eye, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, glaucoma, luxating patella, intervertebral disc disease |
| Australian Shepherd | Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, drug sensitivities |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Cancer, elbow dysplasia, entropion, ectropion, gastric torsion |
| Border Collie | Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, Collie eye anomaly, allergies |
| Cocker Spaniel | Ear infections, cataracts, glaucoma, luxating patella, hip dysplasia |
Responsible breeders will screen their dogs for any common hereditary conditions and only breed animals with healthy conformation and temperaments. In general, mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier than purebreds, but this is not guaranteed.
Grooming Tricolor Coats
Proper grooming is important for maintaining the look and health of a tricolor coat. Shorter-haired dogs like Beagles require occasional brushing to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. Longer-haired breeds like Australian Shepherds and Border Collies need weekly brushing to prevent tangles and matting.
During shedding seasons in spring and fall, more frequent brushing may be necessary. Bathing should be done as needed using a mild canine shampoo. Take care not to get water in the ears. After a bath, be sure to thoroughly brush and completely dry the fur.
Check for any debris trapped around the toes, eyes and mouth. Trim the nails regularly to prevent cracking and overgrowth. Clean inside the ears gently with a veterinarian-approved solution to prevent infections.
Keeping tricolor coats vibrant and healthy does not require complicated grooming. But owners do need to commit to a routine of regular brushing, bathing, nail trims and ear cleaning.
Exercise Needs for Tricolor Dogs
The exercise needs of tricolor dog breeds vary depending on the type and purpose of each breed. For example:
- Beagles require 30-60 minutes of exercise per day
- Australian Shepherds need 60-90 minutes of vigorous activity daily
- Bernese Mountain Dogs do well with 30-45 minutes of moderate exercise each day
- Border Collies have high energy demands, needing 60-120 minutes of intense activity
- Cocker Spaniels need 30-60 minutes of exercise daily
Activities like walking, running, hiking, swimming and structured dog sports are great ways to meet a tricolor dog’s exercise requirements. Puzzle toys and training sessions also provide mental stimulation. Without adequate physical and mental activity, these breeds are prone to boredom and unwanted behaviors like barking, digging and chewing.
Providing the right amount of exercise creates a well-adjusted, happy tricolor dog. Owners should be prepared and able to meet the unique activity demands of their chosen breed.
Training Tips for Tricolor Dogs
Most tricolor breeds are intelligent and trainable, especially herding dogs like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. Here are some tips for successfully training a tricolor dog:
- Start training early and be consistent
- Use positive reinforcement like treats, praise and toys
- Keep training sessions short and fun
- Practice basic commands like sit, stay, come, down, heel
- Crate train puppies to aid in house training
- Socialize puppies to a wide variety of people, places and animals
- Redirect chewing or destructive behavior
- Participate in obedience classes for continued structured learning
While stubborn at times, most tricolor dogs aim to please their owners. Setting clear rules and boundaries, remaining patient, and finding the right motivators will lead to success.
Ideal Home Settings for Tricolor Dogs
When choosing a tricolor breed, consider if your home environment suits that particular dog. For example:
- Beagles can adapt to any setting but need walks and playtime.
- Australian Shepherds do best with active owners and backyard space.
- Bernese Mountain Dogs are laidback but require room for their large size.
- Border Collies thrive on jobs to do and lots of daily stimulation.
- Cocker Spaniels enjoy being with their families in most any home.
First-time owners may find breeds like Border Collies or Australian Shepherds too high-maintenance. Beagles and Cocker Spaniels are usually better choices for novice dog owners. Any environment should allow for adequate exercise and quality time together.
Nutrition Tips for Tricolor Dogs
Feeding recommendations vary between tricolor breeds based on size and energy requirements. Some general nutrition tips include:
- Choose an age-appropriate commercial dog food formulated for the breed size
- Feed set meals rather than free-feeding
- Adjust food quantities based on activity level and weight
- Provide fresh water at all times
- Mix in or top food with wet dog food, broth or warm water
- Avoid overfeeding treats and table scraps
- Consult your veterinarian about optimal diet and quantities
For active, high-energy breeds like Border Collies, choose a food higher in protein and fat versus a more sedentary Cocker Spaniel. Monitor weight and adjust amounts to maintain ideal body condition.
Finding Responsible Tricolor Dog Breeders
When searching for a tricolor puppy, seek out responsible breeders who prioritize health and good temperament. Warning signs of bad breeders include:
- No health testing or guarantees on puppies
- Selling many different breeds
- Puppies available all the time with no waitlist
- Unwilling to show parents or home premises
- Does not ask questions of potential buyers
- Only communicates via the internet, no phone calls
Look for breeders who:
- Focus on one or a select few breeds
- Screen for hereditary diseases
- Breed infrequently and sell only a few litters per year
- Require applications; interview buyers
- Allow you to meet parents and see premises
- Provide health and purchase guarantees
- Maintain contact after sale for advice and support
Avoid pet stores and websites selling dogs. The best way to get a healthy tricolor puppy is by doing research to find ethical, responsible breeders.
Adoption and Rescue for Tricolor Dogs
There are many tricolor dogs of all ages available through shelters and rescue organizations. Consider adoption benefits like:
- Lower costs compared to a breeder
- The satisfaction of giving an animal a second chance
- Receiving an animal already screened for medical and behavior issues
- Possibly being able to adopt older trained dogs versus a puppy
Search for local or breed-specific tricolor dog rescues online. Complete an application and the group will match you with available dogs that suit your home. Working with a legitimate rescue ensures you get a dog’s full history.
You can also find adoptable tricolor dogs through municipal shelters and websites like Petfinder.com. Talk to staff about any known background and be prepared to allow a transition and adjustment period.
Costs of Owning a Tricolor Dog
Expenses for owning a tricolor dog include:
- Purchase or adoption fee – $50-$2,500 depending on breed and source
- Supplies – $150-$300 for crate, bed, bowls, collar, leash, toys
- Food – $100-$300 annually
- Vet care – $300-$800 for annual check-ups, shots, preventatives
- Grooming – $150-$600 yearly for bathing, brushing, nail trims
- Training – $100-$200 for group classes
- Boarding – $25-$50 daily while traveling
Annual costs typically range from $500 for small dogs to over $1,000 for large breeds. Emergency medical expenses for injuries or illnesses can add thousands more to costs. Budget accordingly when deciding to own a dog.
Conclusion
White, brown, and black tricolor coats are a signature look across several popular dog breeds like Beagles, Australian Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Border Collies, and Cocker Spaniels. Proper care and training helps bring out the best in these intelligent, energetic dogs. With an understanding of the unique traits of each breed, tricolor dogs can make wonderful active companions and family pets in the right homes.
