8 Beautiful Breeds of Brindle Dogs

Published October 3, 2022
Cute mastiff dog lying down on wooden table in park during sunset

Brindle coats on dogs are a gorgeous attribute. They're rare compared to other coat types, and they have a distinctive look that can be hard to describe, but once you've seen one, you know it. Although it is tempting to choose a dog based on appearance, it's crucial to remember that each dog is an individual with specific needs and qualities. The best way to find the right fit for your family is by doing research and learning about the different breeds available.

What is a Brindle Coat?

Brindle is a pattern of stripes that can occur in various shades and intensities. The pattern is created by the dog's fur being striped with black, red, or brown hairs. The stripes may be thin or broad, and there may be two or more different colors in each stripe. This is a visually stunning, attractive coat, and it's easy to see why so many people love it.

The brindle color coat pattern is caused by the interaction between two genes: B and E. The dog's genetic makeup determines whether it will have a brindle color coat or not. If a dog has two copies of the dominant B gene, they will have a brindle color coat. If they have one copy of each allele (B and E), they will have an agouti fur pattern. If they have two copies of the recessive E allele, then they will have a solid-colored fur pattern.

Breeds with Brindle Coats

Brindle is a recessive trait, so it's rare to see this coloration on purebred animals unless both parents have brindle coats. If you're looking for an unusual coat color for your dog, though -- and if you want a pet that's likely to stand out from the crowd -- finding a brindle pup may be the way to go! Dog breeds with brindle coats include the following:

Dutch Shepherd

Dutch Shepherd in meadow

The brindle coloring is the result of a combination of genes that give the dog's coat a unique pattern of brown, black, and white hairs. The Dutch Shepherd's brindle coat has been around for decades, but today it's growing in popularity as people recognize how gorgeous these dogs can be.

Bullmastiff

Outdoor portrait of a sitting dog

Bullmastiff brindle coats have a wide range of colors and patterns, but the main thing to know about them is that they're all unique. The pattern can vary from dog to dog, and even from one part of their body to another! Although the brindle coat may look about the same, each dog's pattern is different.

French Bulldog

French Bulldog

The brindle pattern can appear anywhere on your French Bulldog's body, from nose to tail, and it's not just limited to one color, like black or brown. It's possible for a French Bulldog with a white coat to have brindling, as well! The patterning is typically made up of black stripes against a light background color like cream or white.

American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier's brindle coat is a beautiful, warm, and soft coat that is designed to protect your dog from cold weather. The brindle coat is very common in the American Staffordshire Terrier breed and is usually black, brown, or red. The color of this coat can vary depending on the dog's heritage.

Boxer

closeup of a brindle colored boxer dog

Brindle color combinations can appear on your Boxer's coat. this pattern of stripes can be stunning in this breed. The overall effect is a mixture of black, brown, and gold colors that create a unique look for your boxer.

Jack Russell Terrier

A cute brindle and white Jack Russel

Brindle coats are a common trait for Jack Russell Terriers, and they're also one of the most distinctive features of this breed. The mix of different colors, including reds, blacks, oranges, yellows, and browns, stands out in a Jack Russell. The brindle coat can be broken down into different patterns: solid brindle (with no white markings), striped brindle (with white markings), and patched brindle (with white in the middle of the coat).

Greyhound

magnificent brindle coloured Greyhound

Greyhound brindle coats are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They're just so beautiful! The brindle coat has a unique pattern that makes it stand out from other greyhound coats. It also gives your dog a more wild look than the traditional greyhound coat, which is a nice change of pace.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The brindle coat color is one of the most common for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, but other colors include white -- which can also be seen on some Pembroke Welsh Corgis -- black, brown, gray, and tan. Brindles range from light to dark with stripes running along the back and sides of the body. Some have white markings on their chests or heads; others have no white at all.

Choose the Right Breed for You

Choosing a dog shouldn't be based primarily on coat color. Rather, base your decision on each individual dog's needs and what is suitable for your family. When looking at dogs for adoption, consider the breed. Dogs of certain breeds tend to have certain characteristics that make them better suited for certain lifestyles. Dogs are long-term companions and require a lifetime commitment.

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8 Beautiful Breeds of Brindle Dogs