As the pandemic hit in 2020, over 23 million US households adopted a dog. That confirmed what we already suspected: dogs make us happier, less lonely, and more loved.
Every puppy belonging to tri-color dog breeds is truly one-of-a-kind. Welcoming one into your home means gaining a distinctive best friend that will stay by your side no matter what.
Tricolor — The Most Common Pattern Among Dogs
Whether you’re looking at the cutest litter or getting to know a puppy at a dog rescue, tri-colored dogs will always catch your eye. They’re beautiful and utterly unique.
But how did they get that striking fur? A multi-colored dog’s coat pattern results from a mutant recessive gene from their parents that developed over millions of years. There are endless color combinations, including white, tan, brown, chocolate, black, blue, and gray. The most common are the black, white, and brown dog breeds, like the unique Standard Bernedoodle and many breeds below.
Photo by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels
Meet the Tricolor Beauties
Let’s see some of the most beautiful tricolor and calico dog breeds (sporting three or more coat colors). Keep an eye out for one that sounds just like your best friend!
Beagle
Did you know that Beagle-like dogs were described in Ancient Greek documents compiled around 400 BC? With such a complex gene pool, it’s no surprise that most Beagles sport kaleidoscopic multi-colored coats.
Today, they’re among the most popular small tricolor dog breeds, and the AKC describes six tri-color combinations as the Beagle standard. Single-colored dogs of this breed are incredibly rare.
But Beagles aren’t for everyone. They’re very prone to separation anxiety, highly active, and in need of much exercise and playtime to prevent their destructive behavior. Still, they can be incredibly friendly and loving.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Looking for a family-friendly, black, brown, and white dog to welcome into your home? The beautiful Pembroke Welsh Corgi fits that description perfectly. These small dogs are always happy, affectionate, and lovable without being needy or requiring constant attention.
But don’t let their cute appearance and short legs fool you. Corgis can be proud, strong, and agile. While the AKC might not recognize multi-colored pooches of this breed as standard, this makes them all the more special.
Australian Shepherd
As the cowboy’s herding dog of choice, the Australian Shepherd is lean, strong, and enduring. But the AKC doesn’t consider Aussie dogs with black, brown, and white fur as the breed’s standard.
An Australian Shepherd is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an athletic furry pal or a dog for obedience competitions. Keep in mind that this dog needs regular exercise, and its medium-length coat requires daily combing and grooming.
English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a medium-size multi-colored dog breed known for its stocky, hefty, and wrinkled appearance. Its distinctive nose, short legs, and powerful muscles were once helpful in herding bulls, and now they’re the characteristics that make this breed unique.
Despite their appearance, English Bulldogs are incredibly caring, loving, reliable, and dependable. All these characteristics make them perfect for families with kids.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are famous for their beautiful tri-colored dense coat streaked with black, brown, and white fur. “Berners” are a large breed, known primarily for their gentle and loyal attitude towards their family. Also, these tricolor puppies are the perfect kid companion.
If you want to have one of these dogs in your life, note that they come with high energy levels and require regular exercise and playtime. Also, their beautiful, long coat makes them prone to shedding.
Boxer
Unfortunately, Boxers’ reputation precedes them. They’re often listed as one of the “dangerous breeds” in the US. But the reality is that they’re incredibly loyal, protective, and upbeat.
The appearance of these tri-colored dogs matches their personality. Their tight-fitting coat highlights the strong muscles and jaw, while the proportioned medium-sized body tells a lot about their potent forward thrust.
Because of their protective, playful, and loyal nature, Boxers have also been named as one of the USA’s favorite breeds. They’re also excellent with kids but do best when partnered with an expert dog owner.
Panda Shepherd
The Panda Shepherd has a distinctive look among the most popular dogs with multiple colors. Descending from German Shepherds, Panda Shepherds’ unique colors result from a single bloodline’s evolution.
Around 35% of their body is covered in white fur, and the black fur circles around their eyes make these dogs look like pandas. Like German Shepherds, they’re loving, affectionate, incredibly playful, and energetic. They love to socialize, spend time outdoors, and keep their mind active. If you get one of these beauties, make sure you prepare various exercises to do with your dog.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
If you’re looking for stunning, energetic, and very large tricolor dog breeds, you should get to know the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. It has a black, silky, medium-length fur covering most of its back. The coat is streaked with other tones, including chocolate, tan, red, and white.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, or “Swissie” for short, can grow taller than a small human. The breed is incredibly gentle and loving. Also, if trained well, it’s very friendly towards kids, strangers, and other dogs.
St. Bernard
What are the most majestic dogs with black, brown, and white fur? St. Bernards! It’s a large breed descended directly from the Swiss Alps, where they used to be gentle guardians, rescuers, and protectors.
While St. Bernards are great for families with kids and even other dogs, they require complex maintenance and regular grooming to prevent shedding and coat issues. Aside from that, these gentle giants don’t need much to be happy — just a large yard to relax in and moderate exercise!
Pit Bull Terrier
Descended from Bulldogs and Terriers, Pit Bull Terriers are powerful and resilient dogs. Their tight-fitting tri-colored coats in black, brown, and white, alongside their muscles and square head, can make them look intimidating.
But don’t be fooled by their appearance! They’re some of the most playful and kind-hearted colorful dog breeds. They do best in the company of expert dog owners that provide regular physical and mental stimulation. Also, they can be excellent jogging partners!
Rough Collie
If you’re looking for dogs with different colors, a long, soft fur, and a majestic appearance, Rough Collies can be great companions. They have a characteristic wedge-shaped nose. Also, they’re great with kids and highly trainable.
Rough Collies aren’t too energetic, and they might not get along with other dogs and strangers.
Cocker Spaniel
If you enjoyed watching Lady and the Tramp as a kid, you’d love to welcome a Cocker Spaniel into your family. These multi-colored dogs have been among the most popular breeds in the US since the 1930s. They have long ears and a sophisticated sense of smell.
Cocker Spaniels are bird dogs at heart. They’re highly energetic and need to be at the center of all family activities. While they’re highly trainable and intelligent, they can also be proud and nervous. Be ready to undergo intensive training with them.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds come in all sizes and colors, but they’re the most beautiful with a multi-colored coat. This small, black, white, and brown dog is perfect for cuddling. Since a tri-color hound also needs minimal grooming and coat care, the breed is ideal for an apartment.
Keep in mind that these dogs are brilliant, and training them can be challenging, especially if you don’t have experience.
Bull Terrier
A Bull Terrier is a powerful brown, black, and white dog with short hair and a distinctive wedge-shaped head. These dogs are incredibly powerful and energetic and require daily exercise for at least an hour.
They’re great dogs for households with kids, other dogs, and older adults, thanks to their protective nature. That said, it’s crucial to begin their training while they’re still puppies and provide regular exercise.
Basenji
Originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Basenji dogs are among the most loved dog breeds with tri-color coats. But the standard includes just two colors — usually black and white or brown and white. Still, tri-colored Basenjis are beautiful and distinctive.
The breed is also famous as the “Silent Dog” or “Barkless Dog” because they usually aren’t noisy. But that doesn’t mean they’re not vocal. They communicate their emotions perfectly with a range of sounds and expressive looks. These dogs are energetic and enjoy spending time with their owners.
Photo by Helena Lopes from Pexels
Tri-Color Dog Breeds: Grooming Tips & Care Advice
There’s a great range of mixed-color dogs, each with its unique and diverse care and grooming needs. If you can’t handle it all yourself, partnering with an expert groomer can make a difference and improve the coat’s health.
Don’t forget that your dog’s diet can also impact its tri-colored coat. Make sure you find the top puppy food for large dogs and invest in quality kibble so your dog can stay healthier.
If you wish to see your tri-colored dog’s coat in its best condition, collaborating with a vet, nutrition expert, and grooming professional can help. A dog’s coat health directly reflects your pet’s well-being.
Looking for a Black, Brown, and White Dog to Love?
Tri-color dog breeds are truly unique. No matter which one you opt for, make sure to take care of it with quality food, regular grooming, and playtime. We recommend finding a puppy-safe shampoo for that beautiful coat and following professional grooming tips.