Dalmatians are an iconic breed, instantly recognizable by their spotted coats and sleek appearance. However, there’s more to their coloring than meets the eye.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into 11 different Dalmatian colors, exploring both the standard and non-standard varieties.
You’ll learn about the genetics behind these color variations, how breed standards view them, and why Dalmatians have spots in the first place.
Standard Dalmatian Colors
Black Dalmatian
The black-spotted Dalmatian is the most well-known and common color variation of this breed. Dalmatians with black spots are a staple in popular culture, largely thanks to their portrayal in movies and media. These dogs have a white coat with distinct, jet-black spots scattered across their body.
Genetics: Black spots in Dalmatians are caused by the dominant gene, which overrides other potential coat colors. The gene responsible for this is the K-locus (dominant black gene), and when present, it produces the traditional black-spotted appearance.
Breed Standard: According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), black-spotted Dalmatians are the most common and the preferred coat color in competitions. These dogs typically have dark eyes, a dark nose, and clear-cut black spots that are well-defined.
Fun Fact: Puppies are born completely white, and their spots begin to appear within the first few weeks of life.
Liver Dalmatian
The liver-colored Dalmatian is the second most common coat variety. In this case, instead of black, the dog has brown or liver-colored spots. Liver Dalmatians are beautiful and distinctive, often having brown noses and amber-colored eyes to match their spots.
Genetics: The liver spots are the result of a recessive gene on the B-locus. For a Dalmatian to have liver spots, both parents must carry this recessive gene, making liver Dalmatians less common than black-spotted ones.
Breed Standard: Like black-spotted Dalmatians, liver-spotted dogs are also recognized by major kennel clubs. However, the liver color is less favored in show competitions compared to black.
Non-Standard Dalmatian Colors
Blue Dalmatian
The blue Dalmatian is a rarer variation where the spots are grayish-blue rather than black or liver. Blue-spotted Dalmatians are unique and striking in appearance but are considered non-standard by most kennel clubs.
Genetics: The blue coloration is caused by a dilution gene, known as the D-locus, which dilutes the black pigment to a blue or gray shade. This is similar to how blue or gray coats appear in other dog breeds.
Breed Standard: While blue Dalmatians are stunning to look at, they are considered non-standard and cannot compete in conformation shows. The blue spots are generally softer and less defined than black or liver spots.
Lemon Dalmatian
Lemon Dalmatians have spots that range from pale yellow to deep orange. These spots provide a sunny and warm appearance, making the lemon Dalmatian stand out among other color varieties.
Genetics: Lemon coloring is caused by the presence of two recessive genes on the E-locus. Dalmatians with this gene combination exhibit yellow or “lemon” spots instead of the more typical black or liver.
Breed Standard: Lemon Dalmatians are not accepted in most kennel clubs as a standard variety, but they are highly sought after by Dalmatian enthusiasts for their striking appearance.
Quote: “Lemon Dalmatians may not meet show standards, but they certainly win hearts with their sunny disposition and unique coat!” – Dalmatian Breeder.
Tri-Colored Dalmatian
Tri-colored Dalmatians display three distinct colors in their spots—typically black or liver with tan points. These tan markings appear around the ears, chest, and legs, creating a more intricate and varied pattern.
Genetics: Tri-coloring is caused by the A-locus, which adds the tan points seen in breeds like Dobermans or Rottweilers. A tri-colored Dalmatian must inherit genes for both the main coat color and the tan points.
Breed Standard: This color is not recognized by major kennel clubs, making tri-colored Dalmatians non-standard. However, they are still popular as pets due to their unique and attractive appearance.
Sable Dalmatian
The sable Dalmatian features a golden or brown hue over their traditional spots. This variation is extremely rare and is not commonly seen outside of specialized breeding programs.
Genetics: The sable gene is found on the A-locus and is responsible for the reddish-brown or golden coloring that appears over the dog’s black or liver spots.
Breed Standard: Sable Dalmatians are not recognized by most kennel clubs as a standard color, but their distinct appearance makes them highly desirable among Dalmatian lovers.
Brindle Dalmatian
Brindle Dalmatians have a unique striped pattern over their spots, much like the brindling seen in Boxers or Greyhounds. The brindle stripes typically appear over the darker spots, giving the Dalmatian a layered and textured coat.
Genetics: Brindling occurs due to a modification on the K-locus, which adds dark stripes over a lighter base coat.
Breed Standard: Brindle is not an accepted color in the Dalmatian breed standard, but these dogs can still make wonderful pets with a highly distinctive look.
Orange Dalmatian
The orange Dalmatian is a rare variation where the spots are a deep, vibrant orange rather than black, liver, or lemon. This color gives the dog a fiery and intense appearance.
Genetics: Like the lemon color, orange spots are a result of the E-locus gene but with a stronger pigmentation.
Breed Standard: Orange Dalmatians, though striking, are considered non-standard and cannot compete in shows.
Two-Tone Dalmatian
Two-tone Dalmatians have two distinct spot colors on the same coat—often black and liver, or black and blue. This rare color combination creates a multi-layered effect, adding complexity to the Dalmatian’s appearance.
Genetics: This dual coloring is the result of two different pigment genes expressing simultaneously, creating the two-tone effect.
Breed Standard: Two-tone Dalmatians are not recognized by most kennel clubs, but their unique appearance makes them highly appealing to Dalmatian enthusiasts.
Mosaic Dalmatian
Mosaic Dalmatians are extremely rare and have a patchy color distribution, with some areas of the coat displaying spots, and other areas remaining white. This creates a highly unusual, irregular coat pattern.
Genetics: Mosaicism occurs when a genetic mutation causes some cells to develop differently, resulting in varied pigmentation.
Breed Standard: Mosaic Dalmatians are not recognized by kennel clubs, but they are highly unique and valued by collectors.
White Dalmatian
White Dalmatians are those with very few or no spots at all. These dogs have a nearly pure white coat, making them stand out from their spotted counterparts.
Genetics: A lack of spots can occur due to a recessive gene that inhibits the appearance of pigmentation, resulting in an all-white coat.
Breed Standard: All-white Dalmatians are considered non-standard by kennel clubs and are rare, but they can still be healthy and happy pets.
Standard vs. Non-Standard Colors
In the world of Dalmatians, standard colors refer to those accepted by major kennel clubs such as the AKC. These include black and liver Dalmatians. Non-standard colors like blue, lemon, and tri-color may not meet show standards but are still valued for their unique appearance.
| Color | Standard or Non-Standard | Recognized by Kennel Clubs? |
| Black | Standard | Yes |
| Liver | Standard | Yes |
| Blue | Non-Standard | No |
| Lemon | Non-Standard | No |
| Tri-Colored | Non-Standard | No |
| Sable | Non-Standard | No |
| Brindle | Non-Standard | No |
| Orange | Non-Standard | No |
| Two-Tone | Non-Standard | No |
| Mosaic | Non-Standard | No |
| White | Non-Standard | No |
Why Do Dalmatians Have Spots?
The iconic Dalmatian spots are a result of genetics. The primary gene responsible for Dalmatian spots is the S-locus, which controls the appearance of white and spotted coat patterns. These spots appear as the result of random pigmentation in the skin, which gives the Dalmatian its signature look.
Fun Fact: Dalmatian puppies are born white and only develop their spots as they grow.
Do Rainbow Dalmatians Exist?
There is a common myth about rainbow-colored Dalmatians, but these do not exist in reality. While Dalmatians can come in a variety of colors, there is no genetic basis for a multicolored or “rainbow” Dalmatian.
The closest would be a mosaic or two-tone Dalmatian, but these dogs still have defined color patterns.
Conclusion
While the black-spotted Dalmatian is the most familiar color, the breed’s genetics allow for a wide variety of coat colors and patterns.
From the rare lemon and blue Dalmatians to the even rarer mosaic and brindle varieties, Dalmatians are a breed with a rich and diverse genetic makeup.
So, which Dalmatian color is your favorite? Would you go for the classic black or the more unusual lemon or blue?
