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While many dogs typically look like wild wolves, some breeds bear more resemblance to the royal tiger – at least in terms of their coat color. Brindle dog breeds have unique stripes that differentiate them from solid or spotted puppies.
“Put simply, a brindle coat pattern refers to streaks or streaks of color, most commonly black hair, streaked within a red base hair color,” said Don Woodman, DVM, board member of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association and owner of the Animal Hospital of Northwood in Fla. “It’s similar to tiger stripes, but the ‘stripe’ pattern may not be as pronounced as tiger stripes and can appear ‘muddy’.”
Essentially, when a dog has stripes, it is wearing a brindle coat. But some brindle dogs can have the stripe pattern all over their body, while others just have spots. Brindle dogs are the result of complex genetics that allow the same genes to produce different colors so that no two brindle dog breeds appear alike and there can even be deviations within a particular breed. The following dogs are the most famous brindle breeds with these beautiful, unique coats.
Mountain cure
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A litter of mountain pups can look completely different from pup to puppy, but brindle dogs are a common breed manifestation. Active and alert, the Mountain Cur is suitable for energetic families who have a dog companion on their adventures.
“Expect a companion who needs entertainment and activity and can bring you dead birds, squirrels, and other small game as gifts.” says Holzmann. “Great companion for an owner who enjoys hiking or running.”
boxer
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Perhaps best known for their muscular bodies and black face masks. Boxer dogs often have the brindle pattern mixed in with white flashes on the snout, chest, and paws. Despite a wrinkled facade, boxers are actually super social pets and should have plenty of interaction and exercise throughout the day. Boxers are not meant to be left alone for long periods of time and are best at the center of their family’s activities as beloved family pets.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
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The popular Cardigan Welsh Corgi can perhaps be recognized from the back as well as from its friendly face and cheeky ears in front. Are you even a dog lover if you haven’t gazed gleefully at a cute loaf-like corgi butt?
Adorable bottoms aside, Cardigan Welsh Corgi coats come in a variety of colors and patterns, but many have brindle accents. Their thick, double coat falls off especially in spring and fall, so weekly brushing is a good idea to keep up with flowing coat.
French bulldog
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Unfortunately, research shows that brindle dog breeds are less attractive to pet owners and can be left in shelters more often, Woodman says. However, some of the brindle dog breeds on this list hold spots in the top 20 most popular dog breeds in America, according to the American Kennel Club, with the French Bulldog only taking second place behind the Labrador Retriever.
“French Bulldogs are great companions because of their small stature and pleasant demeanor,” says Woodman.
The friendly French Bulldog is suitable for loving families and has a light temperament that works well for first-time dog owners and / or apartment residents.
Greyhound
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Long and lean, it’s no surprise the greyhound is known for its speed, but bursts of energy go away as quickly as they come.
“While this dog is a greyhound and was bred for hunting, greyhounds are great domestic dogs,” says Woodman. “They are fast sprinters, but happy as couch potatoes.”
These lackluster loungers carry almost no body fat along with short hair, with the brindle pattern being just one variation the breed is born with – greyhounds range from black, white, blue to red, brindle and fawn.
German Mastiff
Jim Craigmyle / Getty Great Dane puppies grow rapidly in the first few years of life. To protect his developing bones, you shouldn’t exercise your puppy regularly until he is at least 18 months old.
The Great Dane is a stereotypical gentle giant. With a maximum weight of 175 pounds, these large dogs are often best friends with children and other pets, although supervision is recommended for smaller children and pets to avoid accidents with the extra large breed.
As such a large breed of dog, the Great Dane is prone to health problems and unfortunately has to pack a lot of love into a shorter lifespan.
“Given their size, they tend to have a shorter lifespan,” says Woodman. “Be prepared for your mate to be a part of your life for 10 years or less.”
Akita
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Tall and powerful, the fluffy Akita can be any color – including brindle – and is therefore better known for its distinctive wide face, curled tail, and thick, fluffy fur.
“This dog is bred for hunting and not suitable for inexperienced dog owners,” says Woodman. He recommends that Akitas need an owner devoted to early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training to keep these pups happy and thriving.
Always preferring their own people to strangers, the Akita can best be the focus of your attention as the only pet in the house.
Great Dane
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A drooling, fond breed, the mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds on the market at over 200 pounds. As certified couch potatoes, these massive dogs love nothing more than hanging out with loved ones and, despite their size, are relatively easy to care for. Just have a towel handy for that drool – it’s handy in their DNA!
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