Brindle Dog Breeds: Top 12 Most Popular
A good number of pet parents want to have dogs with solid colors or a more definite color pattern. There are also those who prefer a more unique pattern of coat coloring such as brindle. Brindle dog breeds possess a color coat pattern that is almost similar to tiger stripes. However, the stripes of a tiger are more defined. The stripes on a brindle dog are subtler and the streaks of color are more irregular. These color streaks are also darker than the actual base color of the coat. Brindle dog breeds are among the AKC’s most sought-after pets. If you want to own a pet dog that has a unique color pattern, then you’ve got to check out 12 of the world’s most popular brindle dog breeds.
Boxer
Number 11 in the hearts of Americans, the Boxer is famous for its fawn coat coloring. However, its brindle coat pattern also commands a respectable following among diehard fans of the breed. It is a medium-sized breed that sports a short yet smooth coat. Boxers are Molosser-type of dogs that feature a solid body and are highly-valued for their work ethic. This dog is well-known for its great love for its human master and his family. It can also show unquestionable loyalty and faithfulness. The breed is a joy to have in the family. But owing to its strong Molosser genes, the Boxer is always wary of strangers.
Head over to our review of Dog Food for Boxers for more options.
Dachshund
The quintessential “hotdog” because of its unique elongated shape, the Dachshund sits on the number 13 spot in AKC’s most popular breeds for 2017. This “wiener” dog or “sausage” dog often comes in red as its base color. It can have brindle as a coat color pattern in addition to piebald, sable, and dapple or merle. Dachshunds can have short and smooth coat; although there are also those that have long and wiry coats. They are prolific hunters. Their nose is very keen on zeroing in on badgers and rabbits. They are very formidable when it comes to tracking, chasing, and flushing out small game.
Check out our guide on Dog Food for Dachshunds for more info.
Great Dane
Scooby Doo’s brethren are America’s 14th most-loved breed. It is also one of dogdom’s most popular brindle breeds. This giant dog has a very soft heart. Despite its hulking size, it can fit right into an apartment lifestyle. Aside from brindle, Great Danes can also come in blue, mantle, harlequin, black, and fawn. Despite their formidable size, Great Danes are very friendly dogs. They are in constant need of the physical attention of their owners. They won’t mind sitting on your lap, provided you don’t mind either. It has a very gentle nature that makes it the epitome of the “gentle giant” badge. They are also the largest couch potatoes of the dog kingdom.
Boston Terrier
Some people call the Boston Terrier the American Gentleman because of its unique tuxedo appearance. But don’t ever think that this small yet stocky dog only comes in black and white. It can also come in brindle and seal. The white is a mainstay as a base color of its coat, however. The white of the Boston Terrier should be present on its muzzle, chest, the band around its neck, and halfway up its front legs. Its rear legs should also have white. As for the rest of its body, it can come in the different colors of black, seal, or brindle. This is what gives the Boston Terrier the appearance of wearing a classy tuxedo.
Mastiff
The Mastiff holds the 28th spot in the hearts of Americans. It belongs to a class of dogs that are as ancient as the history of man itself. These dogs are very muscular and come with a very distinct black mask. This mask alone can be very intimidating to some individuals. Mastiffs possess a rectangular body that is thick-muscled and covered in a double coat of short hair. The recognized colors are fawn, brindle, and apricot. This is a large and heavy dog that is very patient and loving to its family. It also possesses a very protective nature which can spell bad news for troublemakers. Early socialization and training are essential for this dog.
Akita
The Akita Inu is a large Spitz type of dog that has its origins in Japan. There are two types of Akitas: the original Japanese and the American strain. In both types of Akitas, the brindle color coat pattern is acceptable as a breed standard. If you’re looking at a Japanese strain of Akita, the color should be red, fawn, pure white, sesame or brindle. The American strain of Akitas is more forgiving when it comes to colors and coat patterns. Akita Inus are large, independent, dominant, and very powerful dogs. But like all other dogs, they can show remarkable affection for their human owners. The same cannot be said for strangers, however.
Bull Terrier
There’s no mistaking a Bull Terrier for another dog breed. After all, this dog sports a one-of-a-kind shape of head that resembles that of a shark’s head. Some folks look at it as an egg-shaped head. This dog had its origins in the 19th century as a venerable vermin control dog as well as a worthy competitor in animal blood sports. Over the years, however, this dog is now a gentleman’s companion with no less than General George S. Patton being one of the most famous owners. Bull Terriers come in different colors and brindle is one of them. The others include white, fawn, black, red, and red smut. There’s tricolor, too.
Treeing Tennessee Brindle
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is not yet an AKC-recognized breed. However, it is already listed in the organization’s Foundation Stock Service Program. As a hunting dog, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle chases small animals that climb trees like raccoons and squirrels. It will stand guard by the trunk of the tree until its human master comes along to get the prey. This dog always sports the brindle color coat pattern as a standard. However, there are also those that have black coats with brindle trim. These dogs are fast and intelligent. Their sense of smell is also acute that they can rival those of scent hounds.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
It may not be as famous as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, but the Cardigan can hold its own. After all, this breed predates its more popular cousin. The ancestors of Cardigans are 12th century BC herding dogs while the Pembroke’s ancestors come from the 11th century AD. Perhaps the main distinction between these two Welsh Corgis is their color coat pattern. Cardigans can have brindle color coat patterns while Pembrokes do not. Cardigans are very loyal dogs and can work the farm like any other herding dog. It’s an athletic and active dog, too, despite its short limbs.
You may also like our article on Dog Food for Corgis.
Greyhound
Capable of running up to 45 miles per hour, the Greyhound runs more than 60% faster than Usain Bolt. It runs more than twice the speed of the average man. This dog features a very slender body for improved aerodynamic efficiency. It is famous for coursing and for racing. However, retired Greyhound racers are now serving a very different role – that of a lovable family companion. These dogs can come in brindle, white, fawn, red and blue, and black. It can also come in different color combinations. Aside from its remarkable speed, the Greyhound is also valued for its intelligence and gentle nature.
Take a look at our review of Dog Food for Greyhounds for more info.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT) looks like the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), only smaller and lighter. This doesn’t mean that this dog is a sissy compared to its American counterpart. The SBT is a proficient dog in bear-baiting, bull-baiting, and other animal-based blood sports. This is why some pet parents are wary of owning such a dog. But the SBT has a gentle and affectionate nature to it. It is tough and fearless, yes, but it can also be very friendly and loyal. When trained and socialized early on, this bull-baiting canine can be the most loving companion in your life. They are very intelligent, too.
Plott Hound
The Plott Hound is a brindle dog that is not very popular among dog lovers. However, when it comes to hunters of North Carolina and neighboring states, the Plott Hound is a venerable hunting partner. It is well-known for helping hunters catch bears. It is a scent hound that has remarkable skills in tracking and hunting. It is athletic, agile, and muscular. These are characteristics of a true hunting dog. Plott Hounds come in different shades of brindle color coat patterns. There are those with yellow brindle while others may feature red, tan, brown, grey, maltese, and black brindle. It may be a hunter, but it sure can be a great family companion.
Dogs with brindle color coat patterns look more unique than those with solid colors or other coat patterns. They are perfect for pet parents who may want something more than the usual stuff in dogs.
Sources:
- Looking At Some Of The Best Brindle Dog Breeds – Animal Science
- The Many Breeds of Brindle – Copper’s Dream
