10 Best Brindle Dog Breeds

By
Gemma Johnstone
Gemma Johnstone, writer for The Spruce Pets
Gemma Johnstone
Gemma Johnstone is a dog expert and writer with over 15 years of experience in the pet industry and as an animal welfare advocate. She has worked for the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and fundraises and volunteers for local dog rescues.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 11/30/21
Brown-gray and white brindle dog sitting on couch

The Spruce / Kristie Lee

Brindle is a distinctive coat pattern in dogs that's described as tiger-striped, though the variations of color are more subtle and blended than distinct stripes. Dogs born with this coat pattern carry a particular recessive gene. Typically, the pattern features shades of red as the base color with black stripes on top. However, the coloring can vary considerably, depending on other coat genes that are present.

Here are 10 dog breeds that carry the brindle gene.

Tip

A brindle coat doesn't have any bearing on a dog's personality. So, if you're attracted to a dog with this coat pattern, it's important to consider whether the breed's typical traits are right for your lifestyle.

  • 01 of 10

    Basenji

    Brindle basenji on grass

    Sergey Tikhomirov / Getty Images

    The Basenji is an ancient breed that bears a striking resemblance to dogs painted on the tombstones of Egyptian pharaohs. Up until the '80s, the Basenjis found in the United States didn't come with brindle markings. Breeders were looking to extend the gene pool of their dogs to combat health problems. So several dogs were imported from Central Africa, and they brought the brindle gene with them. Basenjis are typically loyal, calm, and gentle. They also tend to be clean and quiet.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 16 to 17 inches

    Weight: 20 to 25 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Smooth, short coat in chestnut red, black, brindle, or tricolor; all have white feet, chest, and tail tip; may have white legs, blaze, and collar; tail is curled over onto the back

  • 02 of 10

    Boxer

    Brindle boxer lying on sofa

     Jody Trappe Photography / Getty Images

    Brindle markings are very common on one of North America's most popular dog breeds: the boxer. Known for being fun-loving, energetic, clever, and affectionate, boxers can be great family pets. But, given their power and size, encouraging calm behavior and working on leash skills are important. Moreover, boxers are a flat-faced, brachycephalic breed and thus can overheat easily in hot temperatures. Be prepared for a fair amount of drool, too.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 23 to 25 inches (male); 21 to 23 inches (female)

    Weight: 65 to 80 pounds (male); 50 to 65 pounds (female)

    Physical Characteristics: Medium-size, square-built dog; short muzzle; short, shiny, smooth coat most commonly seen in fawn or brindle coloring; white coat is possible

  • 03 of 10

    Cairn Terrier

    Cairn terrier standing on grass

    Tara Gregg / EyeEm / Getty Images

    Brindle cairn terriers are fairly common. But, because their coat tends to be wiry and shaggy, the pattern isn't as distinct as it can be on breeds with short coats. The color tones can also lighten as a dog ages. Confident, clever, and loving, these dogs are full of character. But they can be prolific barkers and diggers, and they love to chase small rodents.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 9 to 10 inches

    Weight: 12 to 15 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Double coat with a wiry outer coat; comes in a wide range of colors, including brindle

  • 04 of 10

    Cardigan Welsh Corgi

    Brindle Cardigan Welsh corgi on grass

     Infinityyy / Getty Images

    Considered one of the oldest breeds from the British Isles, the Cardigan Welsh corgi is commonly found with brindle markings. The brindle gene was thought to have been introduced when these dogs were crossed with the now-extinct brindle herder. Cardigans aren't as popular as their slightly smaller Pembroke relatives, but they're devoted to their family, clever, and playful.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 10.5 to 12.5 inches

    Weight: 25 to 38 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Low-set, deep-chested, sturdily built; full, brush-like tail; large, erect ears; medium-length, dense, water-resistant double coat that comes in red, sable, brindle, black, or blue merle; with or without white markings on the neck, chest, legs, muzzle, tail, and face

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Dutch Shepherd

    Brindle Dutch shepherd by fall foliage

    Baerle97 / Pixabay

    Dutch shepherds are only found with brindle markings. They're usually shades of silver or red gold. These dogs were originally found in other coat colors, but, in the early 20th century, the breed standard changed in an attempt to distinguish them from the German shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Dutch shepherds are a highly intelligent, energetic, and driven breed. They also tend to be very trainable people-pleasers.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 22.5 to 24.5 inches (male); 21.5 to 23.5 inches (female)

    Weight: 45 to 75 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Short, long, and rough-coated varieties; brindle coloring

  • 06 of 10

    French Bulldog

    Brindle French bulldog headshot

    Ludovica Nigro / Getty Images

    French bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and they're commonly found with brindle markings. Their popularity stems from their unique appearance and goofy, fun-loving, friendly natures. Unfortunately, their appearance also creates problems. Their squat faces mean they're prone to breathing difficulties, which can cause them to overheat easily. This breed isn't suited to living in hot climates.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 11 to 13 inches

    Weight: 19 to 28 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Small, squat, muscular; wide head; short snout; large, bat-like ears; short, smooth coat in brindle, fawn, white, or combination of brindle and white or fawn and white

  • 07 of 10

    Great Dane

    Brindle Great Dane profile shot

    mariakbell / Getty Images

    Great Danes come in an array of coats, including the brindle pattern. These huge dogs are known for being loving, friendly, and eager to please. Despite their size, they tend to get along well with respectful children and other household pets. However, living with a Great Dane can have its drawbacks. You'll need plenty of space and a considerable budget for their food. Their lifespan also is considerably shorter than the average dog.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 30 to 32 inches (male); 28 to 30 inches (female)

    Weight: 140 to 175 pounds (male); 110 to 140 pounds (female)

    Physical Characteristics: Regal and muscular stature; large, square head; short coat in brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches), or mantle (black and white)

  • 08 of 10

    Greyhound

    Brindle greyhound on grass

    Sandra Standbridge / Getty Images

    Because of their short coats, the brindle markings sometimes found on greyhounds are very distinct. Despite their bursts of incredible speed, this affectionate breed can be a wonderfully chill housemate. Once a greyhound finds a comfy spot on the sofa, it tends to be quite happy. However, greyhounds generally have a strong prey drive. They often don't live peaceably with smaller household pets, and they instinctively want to chase wildlife.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 25 to 30 inches

    Weight: 60 to 80 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Long legs; athletic, thin body; long, narrow head; pointed muzzle; short, smooth coat in many different solid and brindle colors

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Mastiff

    Brindle English mastiff lying down

    A dogs life photo / Getty Images

    Gentle and giant mastiffs can often be found with brindle markings. Despite their intimidating size, mastiffs can make wonderfully affectionate, calm, protective, and loyal family members. However, these dogs won't suit every household. They need lots of space and a large food budget. Plus, training and socialization from a young age are essential to manage these powerful dogs. And they are known for being prolific chewers.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 30 inches and up (male); 27.5 inches and up (female)

    Weight: 150 to 220 pounds (male); 120 to 180 pounds (female)

    Physical Characteristics: Short, sleek coat; colors are fawn, apricot, or brindle; dark mask on the muzzle, ears, and nose

  • 10 of 10

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Brindle Staffordshire bull terrier in snow

    Eudyptula / Getty Images

    Staffordshire bull terriers are often found with brindle markings, and sometimes the shades can be very dark. Known for being devoted to their families and incredibly affectionate, it's not unusual for a Staffie to climb onto your lap seeking attention. Staffies thrive in company, and they aren't suited to living in a household where they are left alone often. Separation anxiety can be a problem with this breed.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 14 to 16 inches

    Weight: 24 to 38 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Muscular build; deep chest; square head with short muzzle; short, smooth coat in solid red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle

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