18 Dogs with Pink Noses We Absolutely Love
No two dogs are exactly alike. Our furry friends come in all different sizes, shapes and colors. But did you know that they also have different colored noses? If you look closely, you’ll notice that dog snouts can be black or darker in color. Some match the pup’s fur, and some dogs have adorable pink noses!
Ready to see some sweet pink sniffers? We’ve scoured Instagram to find a collection of the cutest dogs with pink noses to share with you.
Dog Pink Noses: Are They Rare?
If you have a dog with a pink nose, you’re not alone. There are a number of dog breeds with lighter noses, as well as puppies and older dogs that may temporarily have a pink snout. Overall, a dog with a pink nose is not uncommon, and if your dog is one of them, there’s usually nothing to worry about – as long as your pup is healthy and their nose is not sensitive to your touch. Be sure to see your veterinarian if there are any signs that it might be due to a health issue.
Causes of Pink Noses in Dogs
While a dog’s nose color can be a breed characteristic, it can also be influenced by genetics, age, sun exposure, or health issues. Here are the most common causes of a dog’s pink nose:
Age
The color of a dog’s nose is partly dependent on their age. Many puppies are born with pink noses that darken as they get older. And some dogs may have black or dark noses that can lose pigment and get lighter as they get older.
Snow Nose
Many dogs will lose pigment in their noses in the wintertime, which is known as “snow nose” or “winter nose.” This seasonal loss of color is known as “hypopigmentation,” and can turn the whole nose pink or cause just a stripe in the center or pink patches. Snow nose isn’t anything to be concerned about as long as your pup is in good overall health, and the pigment usually returns back to normal when the weather warms up. The noses of older dogs will often stay pink throughout the year.
Breed
A dog’s breed can play a big part in its nose color. “In some breeds, such as the Dalmatian, having a pink nose is a normal trait,” says Dr. Alejandro Caos, a veterinarian with The Vets. In addition to Dalmations, any other white-furred dogs such as Samoyeds and White German Shepherds may be more likely to have pink noses due to a genetic influence.
Other common dog breeds with pink noses include:
- Boxers
- Blue Heelers
- Irish Setters
- Doberman Pinschers
- Poodles
- Bull Terriers
- Pointers
Dog breeds that are more prone to snow nose include:
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Siberian Huskies
- Malamutes
- American Eskimos
- Cocker Spaniels
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
Albinism
This rare genetic mutation causes a complete lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes, resulting in pinkish skin. Most albino dogs will have blue eyes and pink noses.
Sun Exposure
Some dogs with pink noses may have been exposed to too much sun, so the color could be a sunburn, says Caos. If your pup’s snout turns pink or red, appears dry or flakey and is sensitive to your touch, it’s time for a break from the sun. And like humans, dogs can also get skin cancer from sunburns, so try to limit your dog’s sun exposure, especially if you live in a warmer climate. You should also consider using doggie sunscreen on your little sun bather. Just make sure it’s approved for canines and not just humans, as the ingredients in human sunscreen may not be suitable for a dog’s skin.
Health Issues
In some cases, a dog’s pink nose can be due to a health issue, in which case you should see your veterinarian. “If your dog has a pink nose due to genetics or breed standard, there is generally nothing to be concerned about,” says Caos. “However, if your dog’s nose has changed color or has become lighter over time, it may be normal, but it can also be a sign of an underlying health issue or skin condition.”
Caos also warns that if you notice a sudden change in the color of your dog’s nose or other unusual symptoms, you should consult with your veterinarian. “You can take a picture every day for four weeks to note changes in pigmentation of the nose to provide your veterinary health team for evaluation,” he adds.
Here are a few of the health issues that dogs with pink noses may have:
Canine Pemphigus. This immune related skin disorder can cause sores and crusty areas on or inside the dog’s nose.
Discoid Lupus. Another immune related skin disorder that will cause hair loss and sores around the dog’s nose, discoid lupus can get worse when the dog is exposed to the sun.
Vitiligo. A depigmenting disorder that causes patches on the skin as it blocks healthy, pigment-carrying cells, this condition can turn the skin on your dog’s nose pink as well as other parts of its body.
Dogs With Pink Noses: 18 Adorable Photos
Now that you’re an expert on dogs with pink noses, sit back and enjoy these fun photos of some of our favorite rosy-hued canine cuties!
Hi, I’m Butch and I’ll never get a haircut!
Just try and take the ball from me. I’ll even close my eyes this time!
Ivy the pink nose dog is ready to pawty!
Whatchu lookin’ at?
Meet Bertie. This dog’s pink nose doesn’t get any cuter!
I may not be a red-nosed reindeer, but I sure am cute!
Herbie is taking his recent knighthood a little too seriously.
Sweet dreams!
Ren loves his outdoor time. And showing off that beautiful pink nose!
Rocky is ready to hit the town on his 10th birthday.
That Kaya – she’s a pink-nosed beauty!
It doesn’t get much cuter than Dale, an adorable white dog with a pink nose.
Meet Blue. This dog’s pink nose is his trademark!
This adorable pink nose dog is looking “pawsome” in a new snazzy harness.
You can never have too many Golden Retrievers…or dogs with pink noses!
Sweet Darby loves sniffing around outside!
You know you want to pet me.
Pretty pink nosed English Labs recuperating after a long play session.
