Spotting the Differences: A Guide to the Different Types of Dalmatian Colors

Are you a fan of Dalmatians? With their iconic spotted coats and playful personalities, it’s no wonder why they’re such a beloved breed. But did you know that there are different types of Dalmatians? From size to coat color, each type has its own unique characteristics. In this guide, we’ll help you spot the differences between them so you can pick the perfect pup for your family.

Different dalmatian Colors

This post will cover the different dalmatian colors along with hash tagged photos on Instagram. We’ll cover the following color variations:

• Black & White Dalmatians
• Liver Dalmatians
• Lemon Dalmatians
• Orange Dalmatians
• Brindle Dalmatians
• Trindle (Tri-color) Dalmatians
• Long-haired Dalmatians

Black and White Dalmatians

Black and white Dalmatians are the most common type of Dalmatian. They are easily distinguished by their black and white coat, which is made up of black spots on a white background. Black and white Dalmatians are considered standard Dalmatians and are one of the most recognizable dogs, thanks to movies like 101 Dalmatians.

As defined by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Dalmatian Color and Markings are as follows:

Color and Markings: Color and markings and their overall appearance are very important
points to be evaluated. The ground color is pure white. In black-spotted dogs the spots are dense
black. In liver-spotted dogs the spots are liver brown. Any color markings other than black or
liver are disqualified. Spots are round and well-defined, the more distinct the better. They vary
from the size of a dime to the size of a half-dollar. They are pleasingly and evenly distributed.
The less the spots intermingle the better. Spots are usually smaller on the head, legs and tail than
on the body. Ears are preferably spotted. Tri-color (which occurs rarely in this breed) is a
disqualification. It consists of tan markings found on the head, neck, chest, leg or tail of a black or liver-spotted dog. Bronzing of black spots and fading and/or darkening of liver spots due to
environmental conditions or normal processes of coat change are not tri-coloration. Patches are a
disqualification. A patch is a solid mass of black or liver hair containing no white hair. It is
appreciably larger than a normal sized spot. Patches are a dense, brilliant color with sharply
defined, smooth edges. Patches are present at birth. Large color masses formed by intermingled
or overlapping spots are not patches. Such masses should indicate individual spots by uneven
edges and/or white hairs scattered throughout the mass.

http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Dalmatian.pdf

Liver Dalmatians

Liver Dalmatians are one of the two recognized color varieties of the Dalmatian breed. They are often referred to as ‘chocolate Dalmatians’ due to their brown or liver-colored spots. While they are not as common as the standard “black and white” Dalmatians, they are just as friendly and make great family pets.

Color variations, like the Liver Dalmatian, have enthralled Dalmatian enthusiasts and genetic scientists for generations. Research and studies have been done to understand the gene mutations.

Coat color is influenced by the production of the two main pigments eumelanin (brown to black pigment) and pheomelanin (light to brownish red pigment). In most mammals, the synthesis of eumelanin or pheomelanin is regulated by two key genes, MC1R (locus E) and ASIP (locus A). In domesticated dogs, a third gene, CBD103 (locus K), also plays an important role. Several other genes have been identified in relation to coat color in dogs, e.g., TYRP1 (locus B), MLPH (dilution locus D), MFSD12 (dilution locus I), etc.

The liver gene occurs on the gene TYRP1 (locus B). The brownish color is a result when the recessive genotype bb is present. In locus B, the genotype “b” is liver and “B” is black. This means that a liver Dalmatian puppy can be born from black parents if both are carriers of the liver allele. For example, if both parents are Bb there is a 25% chance that the pup will be bb.

TYRP1 (locus B) – genotype that is responsible for black or liver

Genotype	Color spots / Nose color	Genetic Transmission
BB	Black / Black	Black
Bb	Black / Black	Black / Liver
bb	Liver / Liver	Liver

Lemon Dalmatians

Lemon dalmatians are one of the most popular variations of this breed. They are easily recognizable by their bright yellow coats, which make them stand out from other dalmatians. While they are not considered a separate breed, they are still very popular among dog lovers.

Lemon dalmatians were first bred in the United States in the early 1900s. They were created by crossing a yellow Labrador Retriever with a Dalmatian. The resulting puppies were then bred with each other to create the Lemon dalmatian we know today.

While they share many similarities with standard Dalmatians, there are some key differences that set them apart. Lemon dalmatians typically have a lighter coat than their counterparts. They also often have freckles on their faces and bodies.

MC1R (locus E) – genotype mutation that is responsible for lemon

Genotype	Color spots / Nose color	Genetic Transmission
BBEE	Black / Black	Black
BBEe	Black / Black	Black
BBee	Lemon / Black	Lemon

You’ll notice that one of the key differences between the Liver and Lemon Dalmatians is the nose color. Liver Dalmatians will have a brown nose, whereas, a Lemon Dalmatian will have a black nose.

If you’re considering adding a Lemon Dalmatian to your family, be sure to do your research. They require just as much care and attention as a standard Dalmatian, and you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for everything that comes along with owning one of these beautiful pups!

Orange Dalmatians

When it comes to Dalmatians, there are two accepted types by the American Kennel Club (AKC): Black Dalmatians and Liver Dalmatians. However, there are other dalmatian colors: lemon, blue and orange. Orange Dalmatians are the rarest of the four, making up less than 5% of all Dalmatians. While they may not be as common as their black and liver counterparts, they are just as loveable and make great family pets.

So, what makes an Orange Dalmatian? Well, they are born with an orange coat which is caused by a recessive gene. This means that both parents must carry the gene in order for their pup to be born with it. While their coat is their most defining characteristic, Orange Dalmatians also tend to have freckles on their face and nose.

MC1R (locus E) – genotype mutation that is responsible for orange

Genotype	Color spots / Nose color	Genetic Transmission
bbEE	Black / Liver	Black
bbEe	Black / Liver	Black
bbee	Orange / Liver	Orange

If you’re thinking about adding an Orange Dalmatian to your family, be prepared for some extra attention! People will be drawn to your pup’s unique coloration and will want to learn more about them. But don’t worry, these pups can handle the spotlight and love meeting new people.

Sable Dalmatians

Sable is a “two part” color, so a sable Dalmatian is sable at the A locus, and also has to be Kyky at the k locus.

ASIP (locus A) – genotype mutation that is responsible for sable

Genotype	Color spots / Nose color	Genetic Transmission
ay Kyky	Sable / Black	Black

Blue Dalmatians

MC1R (locus E) – genotype mutation that is responsible for orange

Genotype	Color spots / Nose color	Genetic Transmission
BBDD	Black / Black	Black
BBDd	Black / Black	Black
BBdd	Blue / Black	Blue

Brindle Dalmatians

Brindle Dalmatians is not necessarily a color, but a beautiful variation of the Dalmatian’s patterns. Often referred to as “reverse pied”, brindle Dalmatians have a coat that is primarily dark in color with lighter colored markings. While the brindle pattern can be found in many other dog breeds, it is truly unique on a Dalmatian.

The brindle pattern is caused by a mutation in the gene that controls coat color. This means that brindle Dalmatians are not considered true “purebreds” by the Kennel Club standards. However, they are still recognized by many major breed organizations including the American Kennel Club.

CBD103  (locus K) – genotype mutation that is responsible for brindle

Genotype	Color spots / Nose color	Genetic Transmission
ky	Black / Black	Black

The K^B variant of the CBD103 gene promotes eumelanin (black pigment) synthesis by blocking agouti gene expression at the A Locus which would otherwise inhibit MC1R production of eumelanin. The alternate k^y variant of the CBD103 gene disrupts the normal function of the CBD103 gene allowing for agouti (A locus) gene expression and the inhibition of black pigment synthesis. 

Despite not being considered purebreds, brindle Dalmatians make excellent pets and are just as loving and loyal as their counterparts.

Tri Color/Trindle Dalmatians

The tricolor or trindle Dalmatian is a liver-spotted dog with patches of black and gray. This coat pattern is also known as a brindle. While the three colors are considered equal in show rings, some kennel clubs list the tricolor as a separate color variety. The blue Dalmatian is actually a dilute liver; that is, it has liver spots on a gray background.

Long Haired Dalmatians

Dalmatians come in two coat varieties: short-haired and long-haired. The long-haired variety is not as common as it is a recessive gene. The coat of the long-haired Dalmatian is silky and flowing, and it often has a slight wave to it. The hair on the head is usually shorter than on the body, and the ears are covered with long hair that hangs down. The long-haired Dalmatian does require more grooming than the short-haired variety, but many people find that the extra effort is worth it for the beauty of the breed.

Definitions

Some Basic Genetic Terminology:

Locus: The specific physical location of a gene on a chromosome (plural loci)

Allele –

noun GENETICS

1. one of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome. A dog inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent. If the two alleles are the same, the dog is said to be homozygous. If the alleles are different, the dog is deemed heterozygous.

“Allele” is the word that we use to describe the alternative form or versions of a gene. People inherit one allele for each autosomal gene from each parent, and we tend to lump the alleles into categories. Typically, we call them either normal or wild-type alleles, or abnormal, or mutant alleles.

https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Allele#:~:text=An%20allele%20is%20one%20of,is%20homozygous%20for%20that%20allele.

Genotype: The combination of alleles that a dog has at a particular locus

Phenotype: The physical appearance impacted by the genotype and/or environment

Recessive: Two copies of an allele are needed to express the phenotype (a recessive allele is hidden in heterozygous dogs)

Dominant: Only one copy of an allele is needed to express the phenotype (a dominant allele will hide the other allele if the dog is a heterozygote)