15 Black and Brown Dog Breeds

Whether you’re a fan of black dogs or brown dogs, black and brown dogs or black and tan dogs, you’re sure to find the dogs you love on this list.

Black and brown dog breeds are as striking as they are iconic! Black and brown, or black and tan, dogs come in all shapes, and sizes, from tiny toy Terriers to massive Mastiffs.

They also come in a wide variety of personalities. You can choose from spunky and energetic, cuddly and quiet, or ferociously loyal and protective.

Choosing a character that matches you and your lifestyle is arguably the most important decision you will make when selecting the perfect dog.

Some of the most courageous and dependable dogs bear black and brown color combinations! Black and brown are ubiquitous among heroic working dogs worldwide.

No doubt about it, black and brown dogs are adorable – especially when they have those expressive eyebrows!

So, to help you choose your perfect dog, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of the most popular black and brown dog breeds and some critical information about them for savvy pet owners.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are one of the larger brown and black dog breeds known for their fantastic abilities as working dogs. But they also make brilliant family dogs. This breed is known for its loyalty, courage, and protective nature. They’re very smart, confident, and stable companions filled with curiosity. They will explore anything and everything with their noses. German Shepherds are active shedders who put their mouths around anything that will fit, so be aware that training may be required to curb this habit. These dogs also need lots of activity as they can be very high-energy.

Dachshund

Dachshunds are easy to spot – if you don’t trip over them! This breed is long and low to the ground with a full chest and a classic black and brown coat. Initially, these dogs were bred to hunt dangerous prey. Today they are playful, intelligent, and curious companions that make an excellent addition to any family. Dachshunds are alert and confident and carry a bigger bark than you might expect. Be aware that their curiosity and confidence can cause them to be reckless.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman is a sleek, compact, and powerful black and brown dog breed with an iconic profile and a short coat of shiny black and brown fur. This breed is brilliant and highly trainable. Known for being alert, fearless, and loyal, they are especially well suited to guard and protection duties. Doberman Pinschers can also be a powerfully dominant breed. We don’t recommend them for first-time dog owners. These dogs are also very high energy so expect to be out walking, running, and playing before you get to sit down and relax.

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is a black and tan hypoallergenic dog breed with a thick wiry double coat of brown and black hair. They are known for being patient with children and sternly defending the home. These clever dogs were one of the first-ever police dogs used in Great Brittain. Airedales aren’t prone to barking though this breed does enjoy digging in the garden and may chew items around the house. They are a bit stubborn and require a firm yet gentle hand. But they are well worth the extra training and handling effort.

English Toy Terrier

Also known as the Miniature Black and Tan or the Toy Manchester Terrier, these dogs love to spend time with their humans but not always with strangers. Like most Terriers, they can be distant and cautious of people if they aren’t socialized. They are alert and loving and small enough to fit a variety of homes. English Toy Terriers are an intelligent, energetic, and playful breed trained initially to hunt foxes and rats. Today they spend their immense energy seeking the affection of those who care for them.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are large muscular dogs with double black and brown fur coats. This breed is intelligent and confident and often used as working dogs. They are energetic and athletic and need daily exercise. Rotties love walking, swimming, and running, especially with their humans. Rottweilers are territorial, protective, and have a powerful hunting instinct, so many people steer clear of them. But, as with any powerful breed, early training and socialization to get along with other people and pets will help them fit comfortably into your household.

Beauceron

Beauceron is a lesser-known black and tan dog breed found most commonly in France. These fit, muscular dogs have a thick double coat of black and brown hair that tends to shed. They are intelligent and energetic. They are also naturally gentle and friendly. Beaucerons do well with people when trained early to socialize. This breed has been used as herding and guard dogs for centuries in France and can be cautious of strangers due to their guarding instinct.

Jagdterrier

The Jagdterrier (pronounced Yack-Terrier,) or German Hunting Dog, is a small black and brown dog. Their dense fur coat can be either smooth or rough. These German dogs are playful, affectionate, and dependable companions. They socialize well with people and children, making a great addition to the family. An intelligent breed, these dogs have been used traditionally for hunting and possess a strong prey instinct so keep an eye on them around smaller house pets.

Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpies are a black and brown dog breed with dense double coats well suited to inclement weather. They are composed, not at all aggressive, confident, and very clever. Their keen intellect makes these dogs easy to train. The Australian Kelpie is eager to please the humans that care for them. Often used for herding, these dogs are alert and energetic and will work untiringly when employed. They require lots of stimulation, so they are very compatible with active owners.

Miniature Pinscher

These dogs resemble miniature versions of the Doberman Pinscher and pack the same confidence. Due to their small size, this overconfidence can lead to trouble, but with training, Miniature Pinschers make spirited and playful companions. They are known to be stubborn and may not be the best dogs for new owners. Miniature Pinschers have loads of energy and need lots of room to stay active. They are very alert and tend to be very aggressive toward strangers making for excellent guard dogs.

German Pinscher

German Pinschers are compact, agile, and energetic companion dogs. Smaller than a Doberman but nearly twice the size of a Miniature Pinscher, these are playful and lively dogs. German Pinschers are intelligent, athletic, and energetic, requiring lots of physical and mental stimulation. They are often employed as guard dogs due to their vigilant nature and strong prey drive.

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are sweet and intelligent giants. They are massive dogs and require a lot of room to themselves. Not a breed for inexperienced owners, these dogs are particularly stubborn and independent and need early training and socialization. The Tibetan Mastiff has a thick brown and black double coat that is relatively low maintenance. With family, they are devoted and sensitive to your moods. Around strangers, they tend to be aloof and territorial.

Lancashire Heeler

Lancashire Heelers look like black and tan Chihuahuas with a sturdy, weather-resistant double coat. They are moderately energetic, friendly, and can be very talkative. These dogs are intelligent and train quickly, making them good companion pets. The Lancashire Heeler is vigilant and can be territorial. Without proper training, they can become aggressive toward strangers. So if you choose this breed, make sure you are willing to put in the training time.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are small, feisty dogs with long, rich, silky black and brown coats. They are very active and well-suited to young people who can match their high energy levels. Yorkies are intelligent and receptive to training though they can be territorial and prone to barking. They are courageous and a bit bossy. This breed loves attention and can be very protective.

Prazsky Krysarik

The Prazsky Krysarik is a small chihuahua-like dog with a short or long black and brown coat. They are the smallest breed in the world but pack quite a bit of energy. Prazsky Krysariks tend to be active and playful and require a fair amount of exercise. This breed is calm, intelligent, affectionate, and devoted to its people. They are often used for scent hounding in the Czech Republic and have a strong prey instinct. Owners need to be vigilant with them on walks around small game.

Final Thoughts

Black and brown dog breeds may not be a rare color combination, but they certainly are a classic color combination.

From the littlest of funny furry friends to great big loveable companion canines, you’re sure to find the right dog for your heart in black and brown.

Whatever color you look for in a pet, always be sure to learn proper care for the animal before bringing it into your home.