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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9. Shetland Sheepdog
Commonly known as a Sheltie, the Shetland Sheepdog was originally known as a Shetland Collie, but was changed after a campaign by Rough Collie fans. It lools like a smaller version of that dog, with a similar mix of black, white and tan - although black is more commonly the dominant colour. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Bulldog
Also known as the English Bulldog (distinct from their smaller French cousins), the Bulldog isn't always tricolour, but when they are they can half a very attractive mix of black and white mixed with brindle or fawn. Occasionally they can also have near-lilac coloured patches. Photo: Canva/Getty Images