From suburban dog parks to rural working kennels, coat color is one of the quickest ways we notice and remember dogs. Spotting common patterns helps when identifying breeds, choosing a pet, or simply appreciating canine variety.
There are 28 bicolor dog breeds, ranging from Akita to Wire Fox Terrier. For each breed, you’ll find below entries organized with Scientific name,Colors/pattern,Origin so you can compare coat patterns and geographic roots at a glance.
How can I tell if a dog is truly a bicolor breed?
Bicolor typically means two predominant, well-defined colors (not speckling or brindle) following breed standards; look for consistent patterns on the head, body, and legs and compare with breed photos or standards. Puppy markings can change with age, so check parent photos or ask a breeder for genetic background if you need certainty.
Do bicolor patterns affect a dog’s health or care needs?
Most bicolor coats don’t change temperament or major health risks, but large white areas can carry higher sensitivity to sun and, in some breeds, a small risk of congenital deafness tied to white markings; routine grooming, sun protection for pale skin, and breed-specific health checks are sensible precautions.
Bicolor Dog Breeds
| Breed | Scientific name | Colors/pattern | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Border Collie | Canis lupus familiaris | Black and white, saddle or piebald pattern | United Kingdom |
| Boston Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | Black and white tuxedo or brindle-and-white pied | United States |
| Dalmatian | Canis lupus familiaris | White coat with distinct black or liver spots (piebald-like) | Croatia/United Kingdom (history) |
| Bull Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | Predominantly white with single colored head patch or colored bodies | United Kingdom |
| English Springer Spaniel | Canis lupus familiaris | Liver-and-white or black-and-white bi-colored, often parti or piebald | United Kingdom |
| English Cocker Spaniel | Canis lupus familiaris | Black-and-white or liver-and-white bicolor, roan and piebald variants | United Kingdom |
| Parson Russell Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | White base with black or tan patches, bicolor markings common | United Kingdom |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | Solid paired with white markings, commonly bicolor patterns | United States |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | Many two-color combos, often white paired with brindle or black patches | United Kingdom |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Canis lupus familiaris | Red-and-white or sable-and-white bicolor patterns common | Wales |
| Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Canis lupus familiaris | Black-and-white, brindle-and-white, or blue-and-white bicolor patterns | Wales |
| Landseer (European Continental Type) | Canis lupus familiaris | White with large black patches (classic black-and-white Landseer) | Europe (continental) |
| Whippet | Canis lupus familiaris | Solid paired with white, often bicolor piebald or saddle patterns | England |
| Greyhound | Canis lupus familiaris | Many bicolor combos including black-and-white or fawn-and-white patterns | Worldwide (developed in Britain) |
| Basenji | Canis lupus familiaris | Chestnut-and-white or black-and-white bicolor patterns common | Central Africa |
| Japanese Chin | Canis lupus familiaris | Black-and-white or red-and-white bicolor coat, often silky markings | Japan |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Canis lupus familiaris | Blenheim chestnut-and-white bicolor variety common | United Kingdom |
| Smooth Fox Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | Predominantly white with black or tan patching, clear bicolor patterns | United Kingdom |
| Wire Fox Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | White base with black or tan markings, bicolor common | United Kingdom |
| English Bulldog | Canis lupus familiaris | Pied or patched bicolor combinations, white with brindle or fawn patches common | United Kingdom |
| Siberian Husky | Canis lupus familiaris | Black-and-white or red-and-white bicolor face masks and saddles common | Siberia (Russia) |
| Alaskan Malamute | Canis lupus familiaris | Gray-and-white, black-and-white or sable-and-white bicolor patterns common | Arctic (Alaska/Arctic) |
| Shiba Inu | Canis lupus familiaris | Red-and-white or black-and-white bicolor patterns with clear markings | Japan |
| Shetland Sheepdog | Canis lupus familiaris | Black-and-white or blue-and-white bicolor varieties, with clear pied patterns | Shetland Islands, Scotland |
| Akita | Canis lupus familiaris | Red-and-white or white-and-colored bicolor patterns, striking facial masks | Japan |
| Saint Bernard | Canis lupus familiaris | Red-and-white bicolor or piebald patterns common in working lines | Switzerland/Italy (Alps) |
| Brittany | Canis lupus familiaris | Orange-and-white or liver-and-white bicolor, often patched or roan | France |
| Irish Red and White Setter | Canis lupus familiaris | Solid red markings on white background, clear red-and-white bicolor | Ireland |
Images and Descriptions
Border Collie
Medium 30–45 lb working dog, highly intelligent, energetic and trainable. Notable for striking black-and-white bicolor coats and intense herding drive; excels in sports and farm work, needs mental and physical activity daily.
Boston Terrier
Small 15–25 lb companion, friendly, lively, and people-oriented. Known as the “American Gentleman” for its tuxedo-like black-and-white markings; compact, affectionate, and well suited to city living with moderate exercise.
Dalmatian
Medium-large 45–70 lb sporty companion, alert and active. Famous for its white-and-black spotted bicolor look; historically coach dog and firehouse mascot, needs regular exercise and firm training for strong-willed temperament.
Bull Terrier
Medium 50–70 lb muscular, playful, and stubborn companion. Notable for egg-shaped head and often white body with a colored ear or eye patch; affectionate but requires consistent training and socialization.
English Springer Spaniel
Medium 40–50 lb energetic gundog, eager, affectionate and trainable. Commonly seen in clear liver/black-and-white bicolor patterns for flushing and retrieval work; needs active lifestyle and mental stimulation.
English Cocker Spaniel
Small-medium 26–34 lb joyful, affectionate sporting dog. Celebrated for clear two-color patterns like black-and-white or liver-and-white; versatile hunter and family pet that thrives on activity and companionship.
Parson Russell Terrier
Small 13–17 lb energetic terrier, bold, tenacious and lively. Often white with clear black or tan patches that create bicolor contrast; bred for fox hunting and requires vigorous exercise and mental challenge.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Medium-large 40–70 lb muscular, loyal and confident family dog. Frequently shows two-color coats such as black-and-white or blue-and-white; notable for strength, affectionate temperament, and need for consistent leadership and socialization.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Medium 24–38 lb courageous, affectionate companion with a tenacious streak. Known for strong bicolor patterns, especially white with colored patches; friendly with family when properly socialized, energetic and people-focused.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Small 25–30 lb herding breed, alert, affectionate and bold. Pembrokes frequently display clear red-and-white bicolor coats that emphasize their short-legged silhouette; lively companions that enjoy activity and human company.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Small 25–38 lb sturdy herder, loyal, and adaptable. Cardigans commonly show distinct two-color patterns like black-and-white or brindle-and-white with a characteristic long body and fox-like tail; intelligent and trainable.
Landseer (European Continental Type)
Very large 120–150 lb gentle, calm and family-oriented. Recognized as a distinct type in some registries, Landseers are notable for dramatic white-and-black bicolor coats and a history as water rescue and companion dogs.
Whippet
Medium 25–40 lb graceful sighthound, quiet at home, fast and affectionate. Whippets commonly wear crisp bicolor patterns like white with a solid color saddle or piebald patches; excellent companions and racers.
Greyhound
Large 60–80 lb slender sighthound, gentle, calm and fast. Greyhounds often present clear two-color coats such as black-and-white; valued for speed, relaxed home demeanor, and sensitive temperament.
Basenji
Small-medium 22–26 lb alert, independent and clean hound. Basenjis frequently show sharply contrasting bicolor coats like chestnut-and-white; known for curled tail, quiet vocalizations, and intelligent but independent nature.
Japanese Chin
Toy 6–11 lb dignified, affectionate and alert companion. The Japanese Chin is noted for elegant black-and-white bicolor patterns or red-and-white markings; lapdog history with cat-like manners and gentle temperament.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Small 13–18 lb affectionate, gentle toy spaniel. The Blenheim color (rich chestnut markings on white) is a classic bicolor look; loved for softness, friendliness, and suitability as a family companion.
Smooth Fox Terrier
Small-medium 15–19 lb lively, keen and fearless terrier. Smooth Fox Terriers are often white with distinct black or tan patches, giving a crisp bicolor appearance; bred for hunting foxes and excelling in agility.
Wire Fox Terrier
Small-medium 15–19 lb spirited, playful and intelligent. Wire Fox Terriers commonly display striking white-and-black or white-and-tan bicolor coats with wiry texture; energetic dogs needing activity and consistent training.
English Bulldog
Medium 40–50 lb stocky, calm and affectionate companion. Bulldogs frequently show bicolor pied coats—white with brindle or fawn patches—giving a distinctive, dramatic appearance; low exercise needs but require health-aware care.
Siberian Husky
Medium-large 35–60 lb energetic, friendly and pack-oriented working dog. Huskies often sport bold two-color coats with clear contrast, including black-and-white masks; famous for endurance pulling sleds and high exercise needs.
Alaskan Malamute
Large 75–100 lb powerful, loyal and dignified sled dog. Malamutes commonly show strong two-tone coats with white underparts and colored saddle or mask, bred for heavy hauling and close family bonds.
Shiba Inu
Small 17–23 lb alert, independent and clean companion. Shiba Inu often display striking red-and-white bicolor coats with crisp facial markings; spirited and aloof with strong grooming needs for dense coat.
Shetland Sheepdog
Small-medium 15–25 lb agile, intelligent and loyal herder. Shelties frequently appear in concise two-color patterns like black-and-white, creating a sharp contrast; excel in obedience and herding sports and bond closely with families.
Akita
Large 70–130 lb powerful, dignified and loyal guardian. Akitas commonly present red-and-white bicolor coats with bold masks and white markings; reserved with strangers, deeply devoted to family, requires strong leadership.
Saint Bernard
Very large 120–180 lb gentle, patient and rescue-oriented mastiff. St. Bernards often show red-and-white bicolor coats with white blaze and chest; historically mountain rescue dogs known for calm temperament and family friendliness.
Brittany
Medium 30–40 lb energetic, friendly and versatile gundog. Brittanys commonly display vivid bicolor coats like orange-and-white, prized for pointing and flushing game; affectionate family dogs needing regular exercise and field work.
Irish Red and White Setter
Medium-large 50–70 lb happy, energetic and sociable gundog. Specifically bred and recognized as red-and-white, this setter displays classic bicolor contrast; excels in fieldwork, needs active lifestyle and lots of running.
