Dalmatian
No one is completely sure how Dalmatians got their spots. Historians don't even know where they came from. Although they got their name from Dalmatia, they did not originate there. Regardless of their origins, Dalmatians are one of the most recognizable dog breeds, thanks to their distinctive coats. (Source)
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Leopard
The leopard coat is one of the animal kingdom's most distinct patterns. Unlike the cheetah's regular black spots, leopards have complex patterns known as rosettes. Their rosettes help leopards camouflage through the grass and brush, escaping predators. When a leopard is born, its skin contains pigment cells that secrete two chemicals into the skin's upper layer. They then diffuse out and interact to produce either a black-brown color or a pale, yellow-reddish color. Leopards in eastern Africa have circular rosettes, while their southern counterparts have square rosettes. (Source)
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Spotted Bush Snake
Spotted bush snakes are harmless, solitary animals. They have green bodies, yellow underbellies, blue tongues and black spots along their backs. They feed on lizards and frogs, and can grow to 4.25 feet long. Spotted bush snakes live in trees found in bush and forest areas, where it is easy to camouflage when predators threaten them. (Source)
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Holstein Friesian Cow
Holstein Friesian cows are the black-and-white dairy cows responsible for the milk we drink. Much like human fingerprints, no two cows have exactly the same pattern of spots. You may also see the occasional red-and-white Holstein. Their color is a result of a recessive gene. (Source)
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Appaloosa
The Appaloosa is a horse breed best known for its gorgeous spotted coat. Each horse's unique coat pattern is the result of its genetic makeup. The genes produce various spotting patterns, from leopard to snowflake, on top of a base coat color. The Appaloosa is one of the most famous breeds of horses today, and participates in horse shows around the world. (Source)
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Spotted Turtle
Yellow and orange spots cover the spotted turtle, also known as the polka-dot turtle. Baby spotted turtles have one spot at birth, but can grow to have 100 or more as they become adults. These fun-looking creatures live along the East Coast. Due to the loss of their natural habitat, there has been a huge decline in the spotted turtle population. (Source)
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Pietrain Pig
These spotted pigs get their name from Pietrain, Belgium, from where their breed originates. They are medium-sized swine known for their unusual coat. The Pietrain pig is white and covered with black spots. This leaves them looking dirty and unattractive to some farmers. We think they're pretty cute, though. (Source)
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Brazilian Tapir Calf
Unlike many other spotted animals, Brazilian tapirs lose their spotted coats after infancy. The spots and stripes on their baby coats offer protection. With the markings, it's easier for the calves to camouflage in the forest. (Source)
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Spotted Trunkfish
Marine biologists know these playful-looking fish for their spotted coats and triangular-shaped bodies. They swim in clear water and coral reefs, using their spotted coats to help camouflage them from predators. They also can secrete toxins when disturbed or excited. These toxins can kill fish as large as nurse sharks. (Source)
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Spotted Moray
The moray eel may look like a reptile, but it is a fish. There are more than 200 different species of moray eel, one of which has spots. The spotted moray is a solitary animal. It usually spends its time buried in holes. It can grow to be 7 feet long. (Source)
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