Which dog breeds are brindle? In our database of 162 breeds, 33 list brindle among their colors. Brindle is a coat of dark stripes over a lighter base, usually fawn, brown or gray. It is a pattern, not a breed, and in most of these breeds it is only one of several accepted colors.
The 15 best-known brindle breeds each get a section below, with size, weight, lifespan and temperament from our breed data. The other 18 are in the table at the end. If you have a brindle puppy and are not sure about the breed, the dog breed selector can help you narrow it down.
Boxer
The Boxer is a two-color breed in our data: fawn, brindle. The brindle dogs have dark stripes over a fawn base, and many also have white markings on the chest and paws, as in the photo.
The Boxer is a large breed in the AKC Working Group. Adults weigh 50 to 80 lb (23 to 36 kg) and stand 21.5 to 25 in (55 to 64 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 10 to 12 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as active, bright and fun-loving. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Boxers are bouncy and playful. The AKC data lists 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day, and the short coat is easy to wipe down. Like other short-nosed breeds, they struggle in hot weather.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Brindle is one of many colors for the American Pit Bull Terrier: black, blue, fawn, red, brindle, white, chocolate, buckskin. The dog in the photo has the dark striping over a brown base.
At 30 to 60 lb (14 to 27 kg) and 17 to 21 in (43 to 53 cm) tall, the American Pit Bull Terrier counts as a medium dog (a breed the AKC does not recognize). Expect 12 to 14 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as confident, enthusiastic and friendly. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
The AKC does not recognize this breed, so our data follows other breed standards. Some cities, landlords and insurers restrict pit bull type dogs, so check the rules before you commit.
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is the AKC-recognized cousin of the pit bull. Brindle sits among its colors: black, blue, fawn, red, brindle, white, liver, seal. It is also the breed in our feeding guide.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a large breed in the AKC Terrier Group. Adults weigh 40 to 70 lb (18 to 32 kg) and stand 17 to 19 in (43 to 48 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 16 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as good-natured, confident and smart. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Short and smooth, the coat needs only a weekly rub with a rubber brush. These are strong dogs, so start training and socializing early.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the smaller English bull-and-terrier breed, and brindle is among its common colors: red, fawn, black, blue, brindle, white, brindle and white. Brindle and white is allowed too.
At 24 to 38 lb (11 to 17 kg) and 14 to 16 in (36 to 41 cm) tall, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier counts as a medium dog (in the AKC Terrier Group). Expect 12 to 15 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as clever, brave and tenacious. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
A Staffy is compact but strong, and it chews hard. Pick sturdy toys and keep up the training.
French Bulldog
Brindle is the first color listed for the French Bulldog in our data: brindle, fawn, cream, white, brindle and white, fawn and white. The brindle dogs have dark striping over a fawn base, with or without white.
The French Bulldog is a medium breed in the AKC Non-Sporting Group. Adults weigh 16 to 28 lb (7 to 13 kg) and stand 11 to 13 in (28 to 33 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 10 to 12 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as playful, smart and adaptable. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Frenchies have flat faces, which makes them prone to breathing trouble and heat stress. Keep walks short in summer and skip hard exercise in the heat.
Bulldog
Bulldogs come in fawn, red, white, fallow, brindle, fawn and white, red and white. Brindle is common, and the stripes are often broken up by white.
At 35 to 55 lb (16 to 25 kg) and 14 to 15 in (36 to 38 cm) tall, the Bulldog counts as a medium dog (in the AKC Non-Sporting Group). Expect 8 to 10 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as friendly, courageous and calm. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
The lifespan in our data is 8 to 10 years, the shortest of any small or medium breed on this list, so see a vet regularly. The flat face and skin folds call for careful cleaning and cool surroundings.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers wear a tuxedo pattern. The standard colors in our data are black and white, brindle and white, seal and white, so brindle comes with white markings, and the puppy in the photo is the black and white version.
The Boston Terrier is a small breed in the AKC Non-Sporting Group. Adults weigh 12 to 25 lb (5 to 11 kg) and stand 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 11 to 13 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as friendly, bright and amusing. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
This is a small dog with a flat face, so watch for overheating and snoring. Boston Terriers are also on our list of dog breeds with white-tipped tails.
Great Dane
Brindle is one of the classic Great Dane colors: fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin, mantle, merle. The dark stripes on a fawn base give the dog a tiger-like look. Harlequin and merle Great Danes appear in our merle guide.
At 110 to 175 lb (50 to 79 kg) and 28 to 32 in (71 to 81 cm) tall, the Great Dane counts as a giant dog (in the AKC Working Group). Expect 7 to 10 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as friendly, patient and dependable. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
A giant breed that grows fast, so ask your vet about puppy food and exercise limits. The short coat needs little brushing.
Greyhound
Brindle is among a long list of Greyhound colors: black, red, fawn, blue, white, brindle, black and white. The photo shows a paler dog, which is also common.
The Greyhound is a large breed in the AKC Hound Group. Adults weigh 60 to 70 lb (27 to 32 kg) and stand 27 to 30 in (69 to 76 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 10 to 13 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as independent, gentle and noble. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Greyhounds are sprinters that sleep most of the day. Because of their thin coats and low body fat, they need a coat in the cold.
Whippet
The Whippet comes in black, blue, fawn, red, white, cream, brindle, parti-color. Brindle Whippets have a striped coat over a lean, athletic body.
At 25 to 40 lb (11 to 18 kg) and 18 to 22 in (46 to 56 cm) tall, the Whippet counts as a medium dog (in the AKC Hound Group). Expect 12 to 15 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as playful, affectionate and calm. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
A Whippet is a smaller sighthound that sprints, then naps. The AKC data lists 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day. Keep it on a leash near open ground, because it will chase anything small and fast.
Cane Corso
Brindle comes in three shades for the Cane Corso in our data: black brindle, gray brindle, chestnut brindle. The other colors are black, gray, fawn and red.
The Cane Corso is a giant breed in the AKC Working Group. Adults weigh 88 to 110 lb (40 to 50 kg) and stand 23.5 to 27.5 in (60 to 70 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 9 to 12 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as intelligent, affectionate and majestic. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
A giant guardian breed that needs a confident owner, early training and plenty of socialization.
Mastiff
The Mastiff has three colors in our data: fawn, apricot, brindle. Brindle Mastiffs have dark stripes over a fawn or apricot base.
At 120 to 230 lb (54 to 104 kg) and 27.5 to 33 in (70 to 84 cm) tall, the Mastiff counts as a giant dog (in the AKC Working Group). Expect 6 to 10 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as dignified, good-natured and courageous. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
One of the heaviest breeds in the database, and 6 to 10 years is a short lifespan. Expect large vet and food bills.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs come in fawn, red, red fawn, brindle. Brindle Bullmastiffs have dark stripes over a fawn or red base.
The Bullmastiff is a giant breed in the AKC Working Group. Adults weigh 100 to 130 lb (45 to 59 kg) and stand 24 to 27 in (61 to 69 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 7 to 9 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as loyal, affectionate and brave. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
This is a calm, protective giant, but the lifespan is a short 7 to 9 years. Be ready for drool.
Basenji
The Basenji comes in red and white, black and white, tricolor, brindle and white, so its brindle always comes with white. It is a lithe, short-coated hunting dog from Central Africa.
At 20 to 26 lb (9 to 12 kg) and 15 to 18 in (38 to 46 cm) tall, the Basenji counts as a medium dog (in the AKC Hound Group). Expect 13 to 14 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as poised, independent and smart. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
The Basenji is known as the barkless dog, and it makes a yodel-like sound instead. It is also independent and clever, which the AKC temperament words confirm.
Akita
The Akita's colors in our data are white, red, fawn, black, brindle, silver, pinto. Brindle is one of them, next to white, red, fawn, black, silver and pinto.
The Akita is a giant breed in the AKC Working Group. Adults weigh 70 to 130 lb (32 to 59 kg) and stand 24 to 28 in (61 to 71 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 10 to 14 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as dignified, courageous and profoundly loyal. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
A large, dignified dog from Japan with a thick double coat. It sheds heavily in spring and fall. Akitas are also on our list of dog breeds with curly tails.
Other brindle dog breeds
The 18 breeds below also list brindle among their colors. A few are worth a note:
- Dutch Shepherd: both of its colors in our data are brindles, gold brindle and silver brindle.
- American Bulldog: the data lists white and brindle, not solid brindle.
- Xoloitzcuintli: a mostly hairless breed. Brindle appears among its colors, but there is little coat to show it.
- Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier: both have wiry coats and show up in our wire-haired dog breeds.
- Shih Tzu and Tibetan Terrier: both are long-coated, so brindle is harder to see under the hair.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Lifespan | Brindle colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Bulldog | Large | 60-100 lb | 10-12 years | white and brindle |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Giant | 80-150 lb | 11-13 years | brindle |
| Boerboel | Giant | 150-200 lb | 9-11 years | brindle |
| Borzoi | Large | 60-105 lb | 9-14 years | brindle |
| Bouvier des Flandres | Large | 70-110 lb | 10-12 years | brindle, gray brindle |
| Bull Terrier | Large | 50-70 lb | 12-13 years | brindle, black brindle |
| Cairn Terrier | Small | 12-15 lb | 13-15 years | brindle |
| Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Medium | 25-38 lb | 12-15 years | brindle |
| Catahoula Leopard Dog | Large | 50-95 lb | 10-14 years | brindle |
| Dutch Shepherd | Large | 42-75 lb | 11-14 years | gold brindle, silver brindle |
| Irish Wolfhound | Giant | 105-155 lb | 6-8 years | brindle |
| Miniature Bull Terrier | Medium | 18-28 lb | 11-13 years | brindle, black brindle |
| Presa Canario | Giant | 84-110 lb | 9-11 years | brindle |
| Saint Bernard | Giant | 120-180 lb | 8-10 years | brindle and white |
| Scottish Terrier | Small | 18-22 lb | 11-13 years | brindle |
| Shih Tzu | Small | 9-16 lb | 10-18 years | brindle |
| Tibetan Terrier | Medium | 18-30 lb | 15-16 years | brindle |
| Xoloitzcuintli | Medium | 10-55 lb | 13-18 years | brindle |
Why do some dogs have brindle coats?
The AKC glossary describes brindle as "layering of black hairs in regions of lighter color (usually, fawn, brown, or gray) producing a tiger-striped pattern." Names vary with the base color. Our data includes gray brindle, black brindle, chestnut brindle, gold brindle and silver brindle among the variants.
Brindle appears across many AKC groups. Of the 33 breeds, the most common groups are Working (9), Terrier (6), Hound (5). Because it is one color among several, a litter will not always include a brindle puppy. We do not go into the genetics of brindle here, because it differs across breeds and we would rather cite only what the AKC says.
Sources:
- American Kennel Club: Glossary of breed standard terms
- American Kennel Club: Dog breeds directory and breed trait ratings
All 33 brindle dog breeds at a glance
| Breed | Size | Weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akita | Giant | 70-130 lb | 10-14 years |
| American Bulldog | Large | 60-100 lb | 10-12 years |
| American Pit Bull Terrier | Medium | 30-60 lb | 12-14 years |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | Large | 40-70 lb | 12-16 years |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Giant | 80-150 lb | 11-13 years |
| Basenji | Medium | 20-26 lb | 13-14 years |
| Boerboel | Giant | 150-200 lb | 9-11 years |
| Borzoi | Large | 60-105 lb | 9-14 years |
| Boston Terrier | Small | 12-25 lb | 11-13 years |
| Bouvier des Flandres | Large | 70-110 lb | 10-12 years |
| Boxer | Large | 50-80 lb | 10-12 years |
| Bull Terrier | Large | 50-70 lb | 12-13 years |
| Bulldog | Medium | 35-55 lb | 8-10 years |
| Bullmastiff | Giant | 100-130 lb | 7-9 years |
| Cairn Terrier | Small | 12-15 lb | 13-15 years |
| Cane Corso | Giant | 88-110 lb | 9-12 years |
| Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Medium | 25-38 lb | 12-15 years |
| Catahoula Leopard Dog | Large | 50-95 lb | 10-14 years |
| Dutch Shepherd | Large | 42-75 lb | 11-14 years |
| French Bulldog | Medium | 16-28 lb | 10-12 years |
| Great Dane | Giant | 110-175 lb | 7-10 years |
| Greyhound | Large | 60-70 lb | 10-13 years |
| Irish Wolfhound | Giant | 105-155 lb | 6-8 years |
| Mastiff | Giant | 120-230 lb | 6-10 years |
| Miniature Bull Terrier | Medium | 18-28 lb | 11-13 years |
| Presa Canario | Giant | 84-110 lb | 9-11 years |
| Saint Bernard | Giant | 120-180 lb | 8-10 years |
| Scottish Terrier | Small | 18-22 lb | 11-13 years |
| Shih Tzu | Small | 9-16 lb | 10-18 years |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Medium | 24-38 lb | 12-15 years |
| Tibetan Terrier | Medium | 18-30 lb | 15-16 years |
| Whippet | Medium | 25-40 lb | 12-15 years |
| Xoloitzcuintli | Medium | 10-55 lb | 13-18 years |
Conclusion
Brindle covers dogs from Boston Terriers at 12 to 25 lb to Mastiffs at 120 to 230 lb, so size, exercise and health matter more than the stripes. Compare any two of them with the dog breed comparison tool, or filter all 162 breeds with the dog breeds by trait finder.
For other coat patterns, see dog breeds with spotted coats and merle breeds. If tails interest you, see our dog breeds with white-tipped tails.
