There are a number of dog breeds that can develop black spots or pigmentation on their skin. This skin pigmentation is usually benign and simply a result of normal pigmentation patterns in certain breeds. Some of the most common dog breeds with black spots on their skin include:
Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is likely the breed most well known for having black spots on their skin and coat. Dalmatians are born completely white and develop their dark spots as they mature. The spots usually begin appearing within the first few weeks of life. Dalmatians spots can be black or brown in color. The spots occur throughout the Dalmatian’s white coat as well as on their skin. Dalmatian spots are usually round or oval shaped.
All purebred Dalmatians will have spots, though there can be some variation in the number or pattern of spots. No two Dalmatians have the exact same spot pattern. The number of spots present at birth varies and increases as the dog matures. The spots can range in size from the diameter of a dime to the diameter of a half dollar coin or larger.
English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized gundog breed that sometimes develops small black spots on their skin as adults. The spots usually occur on the belly, chest, and paws. They can also occur inside the mouth on the lips and gums. The spots remain fairly small in size and number.
This type of skin pigmentation is not seen in all English Springer Spaniels, but it is accepted as part of the breed standard. The black spots do not typically cover the majority of the body and coat like with the Dalmatian breed.
Great Dane
Great Danes are a giant dog breed that sometimes develops black skin pigmentation as they mature. It typically occurs after one year of age. The black spots usually appear on the tongue, lips, gums, and roof of the mouth. Spots may also be seen around the anus and occasionally on the skin of the abdomen, chest, toes, or neck.
The spots remain small and scattered in Great Danes. The breed standard accepts black pigmented spots in areas of pink skin or tissue. The black spots are considered benign and normal for the breed.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers often develop small black spots on their skin as they mature. The spots usually first appear between two and four years of age. They often initially occur on the lips and gums inside the mouth. Some Dobies may also get spots on the skin of the belly, chest, tail, and legs.
In most cases, the spots remain small and few in number on Dobermans. Having multiple black spots on pink tissue is permitted in the breed. Extensive spotting is not desired or encouraged in the standard, however.
Beauceron
The Beauceron is a French herding breed that can develop small black spots across pink skin as adults. The spots most commonly show up on the lips, gums, around the anus, and sometimes the eyelids. The skin spots usually appear around two years of age.
Minimal black skin spotting is permitted for Beaucerons within the breed standard. However, extensive spotting on large areas of the skin and coat are not desired traits for this breed.
Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei often develops black spots on the skin, especially on the tongue and gums. The spots frequently appear by one year of age. These spots are due to the breed’s tendency toward mucinosis or overproduction of mucin in the skin.
In addition to pigmented spots, Shar-Peis are also prone to hyperspigmentation or overproduction of melanin. This sometimes results in blackening or darkening of the skin on the face, muzzle, and ears.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows can sometimes have black or dark pigmentation develop on the gums, lips, and inside of the mouth as adults. This pigmentation comes from the breed’s generally darkly pigmented tongue and oral tissues. Chow Chows may also have slightly speckled noses with small black spots.
The extent of oral pigmentation varies in Chow Chows based on lines. Black spots speckled around the mouth are permitted, but solid black or overly dark pigmentation is not desired per the breed standard.
Other Breeds
There are some other dog breeds that may occasionally develop a few darker skin spots in adulthood as well. These breeds include:
- Boxers
- Boston Terriers
- Bulldogs
- Chihuahuas
- Pugs
However, black skin spots are not considered standard or commonly expected in these breeds like they are in breeds like the Dalmatian, Doberman, and Shar-Pei who are predisposed to pigmentation.
Causes of Black Spots on Dogs
In most cases, the development of small black spots or pigmentation on a dog’s skin is perfectly normal and harmless. The pigmentation is usually the result of the dog’s genetics and particular breed heritage.
However, there are some other potential causes of black spots that dog owners should be aware of, including:
- Dermatosis papulosa nigra – Benign skin tumors often found on older dogs, especially Golden Retrievers
- Melanoma – Rare malignant melanoma tumors may appear pigmented
- Moles or skin tags – Can be brown or black in color
- Follicular cysts – Blackheads caused by clogged hair follicles
- Skin infections – Some bacterial or fungal infections can cause dark patches
- Allergic reactions – Can result in blackened, thickened skin
If your dog rapidly develops new spots or moles, take them to your vet to be evaluated. Catching any abnormal skin growths early on gives your dog the best chance of recovery and minimal treatment.
Conclusion
Certain breeds are prone to developing speckled black spots on their skin, oral cavity, and even coats. Most of the time, these spots are due to normal pigmentation passed down for that particular breed. As long as the spots do not become excessive in number or size, they are nothing to worry about.
Common breeds with black spots include Dalmatians, Dobermans, English Springer Spaniels, Great Danes, Shar-Peis, and Chow Chows. The spots usually begin showing up around 1-2 years old. Make sure you monitor your dog for any unusual skin changes and see your vet if you have any concerns.
| Breed | Where Spots Occur | When Spots Usually Appear |
|---|---|---|
| Dalmatian | Coat, skin, mouth | Birth to a few weeks old |
| English Springer Spaniel | Belly, chest, paws, mouth | Adulthood |
| Great Dane | Mouth, abdomen, chest | After 1 year old |
| Doberman Pinscher | Mouth, belly, chest, legs | 2-4 years old |
| Beauceron | Mouth, around anus, eyelids | Around 2 years old |
| Chinese Shar-Pei | Skin, mouth | By 1 year old |
| Chow Chow | Mouth, nose | Adulthood |