What is one of the most common characteristics exhibited by tobiano horses?

Tobiano horses are known for their distinctive coat pattern, which is primarily characterized by white markings that extend down the sides of the animal, often crossing the back. One of the most common characteristics of tobiano horses is indeed a dark head with small markings. This feature occurs because tobiano coloring typically involves white patches that cover various parts of the body, while the head may retain more of the darker color prevalent in the horse's coat.

Additionally, the dark head with small white marks can create a striking appearance that is visually differentiable from other coat patterns, such as overo or solid horses. This characteristic is part of what makes identifying tobiano horses relatively easier for horse enthusiasts and evaluators during assessments or competitions.