Instead, the Appaloosa breed is characterized by its distinctive coat patterns, which are further categorized into four basic patterns:
* Leopard: Small, evenly distributed spots on a white background
* Snowflake: White spots with dark centers
* Blanket: A large, white patch covering the back and flanks
* Fewspot: One or a few small spots on the body
Within these patterns, there are further variations, leading to a wide range of Appaloosa appearances. So, while there isn't a specific number of "breeds," there's a huge diversity within the Appaloosa breed thanks to these coat patterns.