Dogs with “split faces” seem to get along with each other better than Bele and Lokai did from the planet Ariannus in the classic TV series, Star Trek, but “split face” is the term used for when half of a dog’s face is one color, and the other half is some other color, usually white.
To our knowledge, the mode of inheritance for this remains largely unknown. It may simply be part of fetal development instead of a pattern controlled by genetic inheritance, but in some breeds, it may be a separate gene or modifier that causes some dogs with the Irish spotting, piebald or trim pattern to have a split or completely white face, even if there’s very little other white on the dog. In merles, a split face is believed to be a variation of pigment distribution, and it’s sometimes seen in solids with blazes. No known breeding tests have been performed to date to determine the heritability or lack of heritability of this trait.
Split faces are not uncommon in Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Panda Shepherds, and, of course, the Smooth Fox Terrier.
As an aside, we always thought that, “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield” was one of Star Trek’s best episodes. As a recap, the Enterprise encountered two survivors of a war-torn planet, each was half black and half white, but on opposite sides of the other, and for that reason, they were committed to destroying each other. Silly, eh? Happily, split faced dogs seem not to notice the difference.
If you have a dog at home with a split face, let’s see their picture!
Whippet puppy Brian. Dam is black with white trim and sire is solid brindle.
How wonderful, Barb! Brian has a wonderful split face, thank you for sharing!
Bi-blue (Merle) Sheltie – Jobar’s Split Decision “Desi”.
Becky, what a beautiful dog!!
Allegra the Koolie from California
Split face chocolate merle
These are littermate American Staffordshire Terriers – both CH, agility and obedience titled and beloved members of my family. I lost Bond and Lil 3 yrs ago and miss them every day. Split faces were very common in my line – there was some bias in the breed ring, but I finished many. On the other hand, the general public always loved the look!
We’re so sorry for your loss, Denise, and understand all too well. Bond and Lil were lovely!
Miyla 9 mos Catahoula leopard dog
Wow, Katrina!
Barzilla-Mini-Aussie
Barzilla is a fine example, Tee!
This is my Ruby .. 1 year old Sheltie
She’s lovely, Gina, thanks for sharing her picture with us!
Jasper
Border collie/Australian shepherd
😊
Our Lucky Penny. We saved her on ST Patrick’s day from a pound.
She has two sides to her the all endearing loving best friend that is gentle and the gotta herd the squirrels, must, herd humans, need, to herd the leaves in the wind.
This is Archer, a 16-week-old Australian Shepherd.
Hello, Archer! What a cutie!
My Australian shepherd mix named Roo
Hello, Roo!!
This is my Woodstock, a 40/30/20/10 mix of Australian Cattle Dog, Chihuahua, Super Mutt, and Shih Tzu. The Super Mutt included terrier so there might be a genetic component to the split face.
My split faced mutt
He’s 17 breeds
GSD, Heeler, GSP, Golden retriever, cocker, chow, poodle, chihuahua, APT, Amstaff, boxer, Doberman, bull terrier, Ovcharka, Pekingese, and street dog.