10 Tricolored Dog Breeds That Stand Out in a Crowd

By: Nico Avelle  | 
puppy
Resist this floofy little pupper. We dare you. Kseniiia Zhuk / Shutterstock

You can spot a tricolor pup from across the park. With bold patches of black, white, and tan, the tricolored dog breeds stand out not just for their coats but for their character.

Tricolor combinations show up in all types of dogs—herding breeds, scent hounds, even couch potatoes.

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These dogs aren't just eye-catching; they often have long histories and distinct jobs. Let's meet the standouts.

1. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese mountain dog
Bernese Mountain Dog. oxygen / Getty Images

Originally bred in Switzerland for farm work, the Bernese mountain dog is part of the Swiss mountain dogs group.

With a thick, dense coat made for cold weather, these gentle giants are as sweet as they are sturdy. Their silky coat features classic black, white, and rust-colored markings. Expect weekly brushing and a loving—if slightly drooly—companion.

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2. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Anna Averianova / Shutterstock

This working breed is a cousin to the Bernese but has a short coat and even more guarding duty in its DNA. The Greater Swiss is known for its tricolored coat, strength, and calm demeanor.

They thrive on daily exercise and early training, especially since their size can be a handful.

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3. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd. Anna Averianova / Shutterstock

A herding breed and natural-born entertainer, the Australian shepherd often comes in striking tricolor combinations. This high-energy dog excels in dog sports and needs mental stimulation to avoid destructive behavior.

Despite the name, the breed was developed in the United States, not Australia.

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4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Photology1971 / Shutterstock

This small, affectionate breed brings a silky coat and sweet temperament to the tricolor scene. Their round eyes and elegant appearance make them wonderful family companions.

Though they look regal, they’re happy chasing toys or curling up for a nap.

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5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

dog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Ruzso / Shutterstock

With little legs and a big personality, the Pembroke Welsh corgi is a herding group standout. Tricolored dog? Check. Couch potato and working breed? Somehow, yes.

Frequent brushing helps manage their dense coat, and their cleverness makes early socialization a must.

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6. Basset Hound

basset hound
Basset Hound. cynoclub / Shutterstock

This scent hound might have a lazy comedian vibe, but basset hounds were originally bred for hunting. Their tricolor patterns and long ears are instantly recognizable.

Give them a long walk, and you’ll have one tired, happy pooch.

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7. Australian Cattle Dog

Australian cattle dog
Australian Cattle Dog. OlgaOvcharenko / Shutterstock

Known for their endurance and intelligence, the Australian cattle dog features a distinctive blue or red speckled coat, often with black or tan markings.

This medium-sized breed, often called a blue heeler or red heeler, needs structure and moderate exercise. It’s a herding dog that doesn’t mess around.

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8. Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Entlebucher Mountain Dog. Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock

The smallest of the Swiss mountain dogs, this tricolor breed is compact but bold.

Known for loyalty and guarding skills, the Entlebucher thrives with early training and frequent grooming. Their coat pattern makes them look like a Bernese mountain dog in fun-size packaging.

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9. Bull Terrier

bull terrier
Bull Terrier. cynoclub / Shutterstock

Tricolored coats on bull terriers highlight their egg-shaped heads and muscular frames.

Descended from dogs bred for bull-baiting, these dogs now serve as loyal companion animals with strong personalities. Early socialization and firm training help channel their energy.

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10. Panda German Shepherd

Panda German Shepherd
Panda German Shepherd. Holly Hildreth / Getty Images

Not officially recognized by all kennel clubs, the panda shepherd owes its unique black-white-and-tan coat to a rare gene. It shares the same intelligence and trainability as standard German shepherds but with a bold twist in appearance.

Just don’t confuse that look for softness; these dogs still need plenty of structure and exercise.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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