Dog breeds and appearances have a lot to do with each pet parent’s purchasing decision. Their temperament is also important but you may be surprised at how often the little details sway the equation. Dogs, in general, have a wide assortment of personalities, but their unique look, including their spots, can add to their allure.
Spots on a dog’s coat may be pretty common depending on the breed, but nose spots can make your pup look extra special. Let’s go over the top 10 dog breeds that feature nose spots and why they occur.
10 Best Dog Breeds With Spots on Their Nose
Some dogs will develop freckles or spots on their nose as they grow, others have them as a result of their breed. They are more commonplace in some breeds than others. It is worth noting that many dogs, regardless of the breed, will get spots on their nose with age.
The unique spotting patterns of some breeds will cover the whole body including the nose which will result in cute spots on the nose. What causes the spots is the melanin production on the skin, coat, and eyes of your dog due to dominant genes.
The most common breeds that exhibit spotting on their nose are terriers, spaniels, and setters.
#1. Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is one of the most varied when it comes to spots colors. They range everywhere from light brown to dark black spots and every color in between. This short haired breed has a dense coat and needs regular grooming to prevent excess shedding or overheating. Catahoulas are very willful so not a good pick for first-time owners. They are also extraordinarily active and require systematic exercise to remain healthy.
#2. Cocker Spaniel
If you are looking for a long-haired dog with a spotted nose, the Cocker Spaniel is a worthy choice. These lovely dogs are generally golden in color with brown or black spots on their noses. They have a peaceful disposition and get along well with other dogs. They tend be a bit barky however they respond well to training! They are very active when they are puppies but tend to calm dramatically as they age into adulthood.
#3. Dalmatian
You can’t have a spotted-nosed dog list without this famous breed. Dalmatians are loyal dogs that start out white and develop spots on their coat and noses during the first 4 months of life. They are obstinate and stocked of energy which makes them an apt choice for veteran dog owners. They are not overly vocal, but they will bark during playtime. Make sure that you give them plenty of exercise and room to play to keep them calm.
#4. English Springer Spaniel
This curly-haired breed is well recognized for its nose spots and body spots. Most dogs from this breed either feature brown spots or black spots over their body and nose. They are very active pets being that they are hunting dogs so it is important to give them plenty of space to play. English Springer Spaniels are also extremely loyal and make great companion pets for families and single adults alike.
#5. Australian Cattle Dog
This breed is frequently confused with the Aussie, but the spots on its snout and nose help set it apart. This breed has a beautiful spotted coat that goes through seasons of intense shedding. They tend to be salt & pepper colored with a blend of tan mixed in. They are very active dogs and will thrive in a home that features a large yard for routine play. They do well with families, other dogs, and small children.
#6. German Shorthaired Pointer
After Dalmatians, the German Shorthaired Pointer is the most well-known for its spots. It also happens to be one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the US. This is a low-shedding dog breed, and their spots lend to their allure. They are very energetic and great companions for fowl hunting. They can adapt to city or apartment living as long as they get outside often for long walks.
#7. Brittany Spaniel
This is a medium-sized breed that is most often used as hunting companions. Their coat and their noses are spotted making them a delight to observe. They do tend to shed often, so you will need to groom them on a regular basis. This breed is also very active and will be happiest when its owners have a yard in which they can roam. They are great with other dogs, families, and children.
#8. Border Collie
This happy-go-lucky breed is full of both energy and spots. Their coats range from a lush cream with brown and black spots to tan with amber spots. They have long hair and are very intelligent as a breed. Border Collie dogs do shed a lot so you will need to brush them each day to keep shedding to a minimum. Being that this breed is a working dog it is a good idea to pair them with an active family. They are one of the most common breeds found on farms.
#9. English Setter
This hunting breed has been a companion for fowl hunters for centuries. English Setters have a medium-length coat that is white at the base with either light brown or black spots. These spots will also develop on the nose, mouth, and snout. This breed is very easygoing and loves to people please. They are very eager to chase prey so it is important to focus on proper training at a young age. Being high-energy dogs it is best if they live in a home with a yard and room to play.
#10. American Staffordshire Terrier
If you’re interested in a really strong and confident dog and have a love for freckled dogs, American Staffordshire Terriers (Amstaffs) are for you. Amstaffs are fearlessly protective but can also be a lovable and fun companion for your family. The Amstaff works well with older more considerate children and gets on well with other dogs. Their body is very athletic and compact and in terms of health Amstaffs are susceptible to a few health concerns such as skin sensitivities and allergies, dysplasia and thyroid disease. They don’t require a lot of grooming and a firm, consistent training and socialization is required from an early age.
Dog Nose Colors FAQ’s
Why does my dog have a speckled nose?
Dogs’ snouts and noses are usually dark brown or black. The melanin is highly concentrated to help keep their noses safe from sun damage. Dogs will develop spotted noses due to genetics in most cases. As dog’s age, they may also develop spots on their nose similar to human age spots.
What color should a dog’s nose be?
The color of each dog’s nose is determined by their genetics. It is similar to hair color which will vary between breeds. Dog nose colors range from deep black all the way to light pink. Many dogs even have spotted noses. In most cases, a dog’s nose will match the color of its coat or its spot pattern.
Do puppies’ speckled noses turn black?
Most puppies are born with pink or light-colored noses. As they get older it will usually darken to brown or black within a few months. If their nose doesn’t change color as they age, their nose color will probably stay pink. Some breeds that have spotted coats will develop spots on their nose as they grow older as well.
What is a “Dudley Nose” on a dog?
Breeders refer to dogs with pink noses or flesh-colored noses as a Dudley nose. It is also a term used to refer to dogs with pink spots on their nose. Medically the spotting is called idiopathic nasal hypopigmentation. The spotting is not harmful and is just genetics presenting itself in the animal.
Dogs nose changing color: Should I worry?
In most cases, there is no need to worry when your dog’s nose changes color. Puppies will start off with pink noses that darken over time. Some breeds will start to develop spots on their nose that match their coat. Older dogs will also exhibit changes in color on their nose area while the weather may also cause a temporary change. If you notice color changes that are not due to age or weather, it may be caused by external irritation. It is best to visit your vet for a proper evaluation.
Are you a speckled-nose doggo lover? Tell us about your spotted nose dog in the comments!
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