If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies surged in the last couple of years.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
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There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
Dogs come in all shapes, sizes and shades, but there’s something particularly attractive about dogs that have multiple colours in their coats.
Certain breeds have two, three or even more colour hair – including brindles, where the colours are blended together or striped, or merle, who have marbled patterns constituting at least two colours.
A third category of coat is tricolour - three different colours in distinct patches that make any one dog’s hair completely unique, like a human fingerprint.
Here are 10 breeds that have distinguished tricolour coats.
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5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
One of two distinct breeds of Corgi (the other being the Cardigan Welsh Corgi) the Pembroke Welsh Corgi comes in two tricolour varieties - brown, tan, and white, and the striking tan, white and black. A favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, they were originally used as hunting dogs. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Only recognised as a distinct breed in the 20th century, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog has highly-distinct patches of black, brown, and white. It's larger cousin the Greater Swiss Mountain dog has similar patternation. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The dog that has one of the softest coats in the canine kingdom also has one of the most attractive. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes in a variety colourations, with the tricolour-coated version having patches of clack, white and brown. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Rough Collie
Destined to be forever associated with television canine star Lassie, the Rough Collie's flowing coat is a mixture of black, white and tan. Photo: Canva/Getty Images