Tricolor dogs have distinctive coats patterned with a combination of black, white, and brown.

All tricolored dogs have unique shapes and layouts of these colors. Their coats can be brindle, spotted, and come in many other variants.

While the tricolor is not a recognized AKC (American Kennel Club) breed standard, you’ll have no shortage of options if you want to become a pet parent to one of these eye-catching canines. Today’s guide will give you an insight into the temperaments of tricolor breeds and what’s it like to own one.

What Are the Most Popular Tricolor Dog Breeds?

In no particular order, these are the most popular of all tricolor dog breeds in the United States:

1) Boxer

Most boxers have brown bodies. Their coats are white from chest to forehead. Boxers have trademark back spots around their eyes.

Boxers are a medium-sized dog breed renowned for its squared head and body.

Developed in Germany and a mastiff-type dog, the boxer is the seventh most popular dog breed, according to the AKC.

2) Beagle

The beagle is the most immediately recognizable of all tricolor breeds.

These small dogs are family-friendly and have a pleasant temperament. That said, many beagles bark excessively. You may find that using a training collar combined with positive reinforcement helps to keep this baying in check.

Beagles were originally bred as pack dogs for hunting. Due to the breed’s scenthound origins, you should not allow beagles to wander off-leash. The short coats of these dogs mean grooming requirements are minimal. Having said that, the beagle sheds year-round.

There are eleven different coat patterns that meet the AKC beagle breed standard. Six of these patterns include tricolor variations.

If you ensure that a beagle gets plenty of exercise every day and sufficient company – beagles are prone to destructive behavior when left along – you should find these tricolor dogs are a pleasure to own.

3) Bull Terrier

Bull terriers come with heads shaped like a potato and fun-loving temperaments. Terriers are one of the best breeds if you have children at home and you want a loyal family dog who will mix well with the kiddies.

A length walk or a quick job should satisfy the exercise needs of this joyful breed. Invest in some long-lasting chew toys to bring out the best.

If you dislike regular grooming the bull terrier makes a smart choice. If you bath and brush your bull terrier once a week, that’s all he needs to stay looking his best.

This breed benefits from early training and socialization. Attempting to train a bull terrier as he gets bigger can prove challenging.

4) Panda Shepherd

A German shepherd sometimes has a color mutation that gives them a tricolor appearance. If so, they are known as panda shepherds. This coat’s pattern might not be recognized as a breed standard, but it nevertheless looks striking.

Although the panda shepherd can be considered a tricolor breed, the look is more spotted than most of the dogs we highlight today.

You’ll need to give these dogs lots of exercise and plenty of physical stimulation. A working breed that benefits from socialization and obedience classes from an early age, these dogs enjoy agility training and vigorously bounding around.

Expect daily moderate shedding from this tricolor breed. During spring and fall, the coat will shed heavily.

5) Entlebucher Mountain Dog

The Entlebucher mountain dog is a medium-sized breed with herding origins. You will find dogs of this breed with classic color-blocked tricolor coats. Their bodies are mainly black, and they have white chest blazes. Brown markings complete the tricolor pattern.

Although this is not the most well-known dog breed outside of the show world, this is a hardworking breed that requires lots of physical and mental stimulation.

With a strong will to match those high energy levels, Entlebuchers are not the best bet for inexperienced or first-time pet parents. If you are confident asserting your authority over dogs, the Entlebucher has minimal grooming needs and a fiercely loyal streak.

6) Papillon

The papillon is a toy dog breed names for their ears that resemble butterflies – papillon is the French word for butterfly.

Easily trainable and renowned for their ability in canine sports like agility, these dogs are remarkably eager to please.

Papillons are equally easy to look after. All they require is a short walk and plenty of indoor play.

Although the papillon has an elegant tricolor coat, you’ll need to invest in lots of grooming and upkeep. The papillon does not have an undercoat like most other dog breeds. You’ll need to comb his coat weekly to prevent tangles from developing. With no undercoat, this breed tends to struggle in colder climates.

7) Pomeranian

Pomeranians come with coats of many colors and patterns, tricolor among them.

With fuzzy coats giving this breed the appearance of super-cute teddy bears, you’ll need to stay on top of regular grooming, or that sleek coat will soon become matted.

Make sure you brush your Pomeranian’s teeth at least once a week to stave off any dental issues, commonplace amongst all toy breeds.

Although these tricolor dogs are affectionate, you should think twice about bringing one home if you have small children in the house due to their incredibly fragile nature and diminutive size.

8) Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese mountain dogs are commonly known as Berners. This stocky working dog is as gentle as he is strong. Berners are great companions for kids or adults.

Due to the size of this breed, it is imperative to train them from an early age. This enables you to tame his puppy instincts and excesses before he becomes too large to easily handle.

With dense coats prone to matting and tangling, you need to brush these dogs frequently. The long outer layer of Berners’ coats ensures they thrive in cooler temperatures.

Give these dogs moderate daily exercise and you should fulfill his needs without too much time or trouble. Combine walks and runs with high-quality dog food in the right amounts and your tricolor Berner will thrive.

9) Collie

Collies come with tricolor coat patterns, whether they are smooth collies or long-haired collies. Three of the breed standard coat colors satisfy the tricolor label.

These dogs were popularized due to the TV show, Lassie. Lassie featured a highly trainable collie.

With high energy levels and a strong desire to please, collies love showing off their obedience and agility skills.

Rough collies come with very long, thick coats that needs to be regularly combed to stop matting. Smooth collies need brushing, too. This will help to remove the undercoat as it sheds each year.

You should be aware that some collies, tricolor or otherwise, are sensitive to some common medications. You should always consult your dog’s vet before you administer any medications. Get your collie regular health screenings to identify any potential eye problems before they become more troublesome.

10) Chihuahua

The chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge personality.

Chihuahuas are probably the most popular of all lap dogs. Chis are fiercely loyal, but they can also be extremely stubborn. If you are an inexperienced pet parent, you may find owning one of these yappy little dogs is more challenging than you imagined.

This breed weighs up to 6 pounds, making the chi much too delicate for hectic households with larger animals or pets.

Although these pups are pretty energetic, a small daily walk will give them enough exercise for their needs.

One of the longest-living of all dog breeds, the chihuahua is usually healthy aside from a heightened risk of dental and eye disease.

11) Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Tricolor coats might not meet AKC breed standards, but you can commonly encounter this coloring in Pembroke Welsh corgis.

This lovable breed is distinguishable from the Cardigan corgi by the absence of a tail. The Welsh variant of corgi is just as keen and eager to please, though.

Although these dogs have super-short legs, they are agile and possess first-class herding instincts.

Pembroke Welsh corgis make outstanding family pets. They are fun-loving, friendly, and work well as therapy dogs. With the tricolor coat pattern, they look alluring, too.

12) Pitbull

The pitbull is a dog with a much-maligned reputation, so how about tricolor pits?

As long as these dogs are properly trained and socialized, they are often as lovable and affectionate as cats. Due to the soft nature of these pups, always keep training filled with fun and love.

Maintaining the short pitbull coat requires only occasional brushing. With moderate shedding all year round, these dogs are easy enough to care for.

Pitbulls are pups with very high energy levels. In addition to walks and high-intensity exercise, make sure you also have lots of toys and balls on hand.

13) Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

A Greater Swiss mountain dog resembles a short-haired Berner – see above. In many ways, these two breeds are similar.

Informally known as Swissies, these dogs are gentle giants well worth popping on your shortlist if you’re looking for a tricolor pet with a difference.

Large and impressively powerful, these dogs have naturally affectionate natures, rendering them excellent and kid-friendly pets.

As with many large breeds, you should train your Swissie from an early age to prevent him from becoming too unruly as he grows and ages.

Like many dogs with working backgrounds, the Swiss mountain dog has moderate exercise needs. If you can take him on a daily hike or walk, he will be more than happy.

The only significant drawback of this breed is their tendency to drool due to their large and droopy jowls.

14) Australian Shepherd

Australian shepherds are known as Aussies. Among the many different coat colors and patterns found on this dog, merle and tricolor are included.

Highly energetic, Aussies are exceptional herders due to their heritage. These dogs are also typically obedient, making wonderful pets for active families.

With thick coats of medium length, you’ll need to brush an Australian shepherd once a week. As shedding season approaches, you should increase the intensity of brushing. This phase is known as blowing, and if you brush your Aussie on alternate days, you should swiftly strip away his shedding undercoat.

15) Basenji

The basenji is a cat-like dog breed with a deeply ingrained sense of adventure.

While this breed is tagged as barkless, these dogs are not silent. They make a range of noises up to and including screams.

First-time dog owners should think twice before bringing a basenji home. Although cute to look at, this breed is usually willful and stubborn, so requires a firm and consistent hand.

Train basenjis from a young age to help tamp down the mischief baked into this breed. As long as you assert your dominance over this tricolor dog, you should enjoy an intensely rewarding experience.

Conclusion

We trust today’s snapshot of the most popular tricolor breeds has given you plenty of inspiration if you are looking to bring a new dog home.

If you’re hunting for a pooch with a tricolor coat pattern, you have the choice of many different breeds sporting this unique coloring.

It is crucial to do your research before adding any new dog to your home. You should make certain that the grooming, feeding, and exercise needs of any tricolor dogs on your shortlist mesh with your needs.

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