18 Dog Breeds With Pink Noses

Usually dogs have dark-coloured noses, however, you might have seen some dogs with pink noses. Here’s the list of dog breeds with pink noses. Believe me, this is something very interesting to know. You will definitely like it.

Just before knowing dog breeds with pink noses, let us see how canines get pink noses.

How does a dog get a pink nose?

Basically, there are 3 reasons for a canine to have a pink nose –

1. Dudley’s nose
2. Snow nose
3. Butterfly nose
4. Selective breeding

Dudley nose

This is a condition where the canine’s nose permanently changes to pink or flesh colour. Its root cause is still unknown. 

Snow nose

Some canines lose their nose colour due to cold temperatures. This is known as “snow nose”. It is said that the enzyme responsible for producing melanin represses during winter and the nose colour changes to pink. 

Butterfly nose

Some canines have pink and black/brown coloured markings on their nose. This is known as the butterfly nose. It occurs when there is a lack of pigmentation in particular areas of the nose. Moreover, it is usually caused by genetics. Also, you can find it in dogs with white fur. 

Selective breeding

One of the main reasons for a dog to have a pink nose is genetics. If a dog possesses a pink nose, this means that it has a recessive liver gene which is responsible for changing the black pigments into liver/pink. 

18 Dog breeds with pink noses

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog bred for hunting birds and ducks. Moreover, it was able to avoid damage in any game because of its delicate and soft mounts. 

Some golden retrievers have an inherited pink nose and if you have one, then try to protect it from the sun as much as possible. 

Labrador Retriever

At birth, Labrador Retrievers have pink noses. This is pure because of the genetics they carry. As they get old, melanin starts to show its effect and the nose turns black or brown. Dudley labs, on the other hand, have pink noses for life. tyrosinase, an enzyme that is responsible for melanin, doesn’t produce much in Dudley labs. 

This does not mean that they are albinos. This lack of pigment reflects on their nose. In summer, you need to take care of sunburn because they are very vulnerable to sunburn.

Australian Shepherd

This is a medium-sized dog with a lot of energy and intelligence. Australian Shepherds love to work and are best suited for herding or farming. Many humans love this breed due to its attractive coat colour. 

Some Australian Shepherds can have pink noses or butterfly noses. It is most commonly seen in puppies.

Irish Setter

Irish Setter comes from Irish lands. It is a gundog breed and a very good family dog. Moreover, it is also known as a show-breed canine with a pink nose. 

Siberian Husky

This breed originated from Siberia and was initially used to pull sheds. The Siberian Husky looks like a wolf. 

It has fur that can easily pull off the cold weather. However, you cannot say the same about its nose. This breed of dog has a pink nose because of the cold weather.

When winter arrives, Siberian Husky gets a snow nose which makes its nose turn pink. 

Moreover, age can also affect a husky’s nose colour.

Bull Terrier

You can easily recognize a Bull Terrier. It is short, stout, and has an egg-shaped head. It weighs between 50 – 70 pounds and can reach about 20 inches at the shoulder. Bull Terrier has mischievous personality. However, it is not recommended when you already have a dog at your house. 

Bull Terriers have a pink nose or snow nose that changes when the weather turns cold or with age.

English Pointer

This is a persistent, strong, and independent dog breed that needs a lot of exercise and playing. This is because the English Pointer has a lot of energy inside. Moreover, this breed of dog comes from the United Kingdom and is recognized as a pistol dog because of its signature posture. 

Dalmatian

This is one of the most common dogs with pink noses. Dalmatians have a very unique coats with black or brown spots. Most people love this breed because of their stamina and endurance. 

Its natural nose colour is brown or black. However, the nose can turn pink due to genetics, cold, or age. 

Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino is a large dog with a strong build and great athletic qualities. It was initially bred to be a hunting companion. You can easily identify it with its trademark stake white coat and short hair. 

This breed usually has a black nose, however, some dogs develop tiny pink spots. This is known as the butterfly nose. 

This breed is the best option if you have prior experience of owning a dog. 

Poodle

Poodles also have pink noses. You can find a pink noses in poodles, toy poodles, and miniature poodles. Talking about history, these dogs come from Germany and were used as water dogs. 

Beagle

Initially, Beagles were hunting dogs. As time evolved, they came as house dogs. Due to their love, friendliness, and curiosity, they emerged as good pet dogs. 

This is one of the breeds with pink noses in puppyhood. 

Boxers

This is one of the most favourite family dogs and the reason is on point. Boxers are loyal, affectionate, and intelligent. Moreover, they also have a lot of energy to play with the young ones. 

Boxers love to spend the day playing and going for a walk. They come in different coat colours like fawn, white, black, and brindle. Many Boxer pups have bright pink noses. As they grow old, the pigmentation turns black. 

Samoyed

Samoyed is a medium-sized dog used for herding. It has a dense, double-layered coat that protects it against outside threats.  

The original motive for breeding them was to herd reindeer. However, now they are becoming good pet dogs. They have cute pink noses. 

English Springer Spaniel

This breed is very active and less aggressive. Therefore, it is a good choice if you want a cuddly dog. Moreover, they are very social and good at outdoor activities. 

Due to the lack of melanin during birth and advancement in age, English Springer Spaniels have pink noses. 

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a good companion. It was bred to help to redeem waterfowl. This breed is very energetic, has great hunting skills, and is very intelligent. 

While most of these dogs have black noses in puppyhood, some canines can have pink noses. It is considered completely healthy. 

White German Shepherd

Not all GSDs have pink noses. However, White GSDs can have. The White German Shepherd originated in the United States. Even though this breed was recognized in Europe in 1882, the breed was revised in 1933 in Germany. 

Bernese Mountain Dog

This breed is very friendly with the kids because of its patience, eagerness to play, and calmness. Moreover, the dog is not aggressive. This means that there is no chance of this dog biting your kid. 

Bernese Mountain Dogs have pink noses in puppyhood. As they grow old, their pink noses turn black.

Harlequin Great Dane

These dogs are one of the largest in the canine family. They can reach over 30 inches at the shoulder. Harlequin great Danes usually have pink or butterfly noses. Moreover, this breed is very loyal and loving. Also, it is very easy to train. 

Other dogs with pink noses

• Field Spaniel
• Cocker Spaniel
• Australian Shepherd
• Doberman Pinscher

Conclusion for Dog breeds with pink noses

In conclusion, I would say that canines with pink noses are an outcome of a lack of melanin. This is mostly genetic. However, other reasons for pink noses include butterfly noses, snow noses, and Dudley noses. 

I hope you enjoyed the article. I will be back soon with more interesting and informative pieces of writing. Till then, stay connected. Thank you.

Frequently asked questions

Are dogs with pink noses rare?

The colour of a canine’s nose is basically depending on both the age and breed. Some breeds have black noses, while different breeds are more vulnerable to pink noses. Still, different breeds have noses that are identical colour to their fur. Many dogs are born with pink noses that darken as they age.

Will a puppy’s nose stay pink?

Puppies are frequently born with pink noses. Depending on the breed, it is probable they’ll outgrow this stage, and their nose will darken over the years till it is absolutely black. 

Why does my yellow Lab have a pink nose?

As Labs age, the pigmentation of their nose reduces. This pigmentation is produced via means of an enzyme known as tyrosinase, which makes melanin. As this enzyme becomes much less effective, their nose can turn pink as they age. This is absolutely normal and isn’t anything to be worried about.