Some call them black and tan, others call them black and brown dog breeds, but one thing is true — they are beautiful dogs. This type of coloration is quite common in the dog world.
Black and brown coat color variations and specific markings or masks that go with this color can be seen in all kinds of dog breeds, from big dogs to small dogs. It can also be seen in different groups of dogs — from hunting dogs to guard dogs.
But, truth be told… these colors are usually seen in dogs bred for hunting, whether for hunting ducks or wild boar. These colors come in handy when you have to sneak up on your prey and not be seen.
However, it also goes great with working dogs that are used in Police or Military — it’s much better to have a dog that is black and brown than a spotted Dalmatian or a lively-colored merle Australian Shepherd when you are out on the battlefield.
Of course, these colors can be seen in toy dogs and dogs that were specifically bred to be companions of family dogs as well.
So, from tiny Chihuahuas to mighty Tibetan Mastiffs, it’s time to take a look at 19 black and brown dog breeds and learn more about them.
19 Black And Brown Dog Breeds
As I already mentioned, these colors usually go with dogs that help people catch prey. These dogs are hunting dogs, catching small and big game with their humans. They need these colors.
Dog coat color variations are not the same as in cat breeds. Cat breeders don’t need their cats to have stealthy-looking coat colors. But, dogs working with humans often need specific coat colors.
Sometimes, having a specific coat color means the difference between life and death, especially when it comes to hunting dogs. So, we will focus on black and tan dogs coming from sporting groups the most… but you will see there are other dog breeds with the same colors.
This time, I am only mentioning different breeds of purebred dogs… not mixed dogs. Crossbreed dogs can also have black and brown coat colors, but that topic will have to wait for some other time.
1. Black And Tan Coonhound
This is literally a black and brown dog breed. It’s not just that it can have this coat color variation, it is the only one accepted by the AKC (American Kennel Club).
These are large dogs that weigh more than 100 pounds, and that can be up to 27 inches tall. Females are slightly smaller than males.
The black and tan Coonhound is an affectionate, big dog bred for hunting raccoons; hence, the name. This is an all-American dog breed that comes in only one coat color — a black body with tan markings on the muzzle, legs, and above the eyes.
Coonhounds are brave dogs that have a soft side as well. They go great with young children, and they are quite affectionate. Being a hunting dog, they love the company of other dogs so having another doggie no matter the breed is alright.
2. Airedale Terrier
This is another dog that only comes in black and tan coat color. They actually come in two shades of tan — grizzled and brown. These dogs are medium-sized dogs that can weigh up to 70 pounds, and grow up to 23 inches tall.
Both males and females are of the same height, but females usually weigh less. But, no matter if you have a male or a female Airedale Terrier, they have a unique black saddle on their back that stretches onto their neck and tail. The rest of their body is either brown or grizzled.
These dogs are true furry friends with their furry legs, eyebrows, and beard. Airedale Terriers are very brave and highly protective so they excel as guard dogs as well.
This dog is often called the king of Terriers because of its height, but also because of its work ethic and agility. These Terriers are versatile working dogs, and they can do much more than just help hunt vermin.
3. German Shepherd
This black and brown dog breed is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It is the German Shepherd — a dog used by Law enforcement, the Military, and by Search and Rescue teams.
And, it’s no wonder why everyone wants help from these dogs — they are intelligent, brave, and loyal dogs that have unique black and brown or red and tan markings on their muscular and strong body.
Of course, these dogs come in other coat color variations, such as a black GSD, a sable GSD, isabella, white, etc. Most of these GSDs have a unique black saddle on their back, along with a black muzzle, ears, and tail, but the rest of their body is brown.
There are different types of German Shepherds, but all of them have approximately the same weight — from 50 to 90 pounds, and similar height — from 22 to 26 inches.
This German dog is an excellent companion, and one of the most favorite black and tan dog breeds. They don’t have to be your guard dogs… they can be your family pets as well — they can do it all!
4. German Pinscher
This black and brown dog breed is the one from which both the Miniature Pinscher and the Doberman Pinscher came from.
These are one of the oldest German dog breeds bred as watchdogs and ratters, and even though people don’t use them to catch rats anymore, they are still doing an amazing job as watchdogs.
They are medium-sized dogs, weighing up to 20 pounds, and being no more than 20 inches tall. Females are usually smaller than males.
The German Pinscher is an affectionate dog, with typical black and brown markings that are easily recognizable in today’s much more popular Doberman Pinscher breed.
These dogs are very alert and always ready to tell you if anyone is approaching the house or the yard. They are not very open to strangers, and they are also not very friendly to other dogs.
But, with good, early socialization, the problem with other dogs is solved.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Loyal and fearless… this is the perfect two-word explanation of the mighty-looking Doberman Pinscher. They look like scary, big guard dogs, but they are gentle and affectionate towards their owner.
They weigh more than 90 pounds, and can be more than 27 inches tall, but they are very affectionate, and they go excellent with young children.
These dogs come in several coat color variations, but the most recognizable is either the black and tan or the black and brown coat color.
You’ll also find that there are two types of Dobermans — the American and the European version. There are some differences, but the most important one is that European Dobermans have fewer diseases because of the more diverse breeding programs.
That’s why Doberman breeders from the States are importing Dobermans from Europe — because of the gene pool with fewer hereditary diseases.
This is a smart, loyal, and brave dog that makes an excellent guard dog. If you are looking for a dog to keep you safe and give you cuddles — the Doberman Pinscher is the black and brown dog breed for you.
6. Australian Kelpie
Black and brown (tan) Australian Kelpies are beautiful, fast, agile dogs, with a lean, muscular body that is ready to herd whatever you need to be herded — ducks, sheep, cattle, geese… you name it.
This is a medium-sized dog. They weigh from 40 to 50 pounds, and they can be up to 20 inches tall. The Australian Kelpie is a true working dog. They are high-energy, and as such, they need proper daily mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
This is a dog that needs something to do. They were bred for it, and they love it! Leaving such a hard-working and energetic dog with nothing to do is a very bad thing. They will soon become bored, and a bored dog can become aggressive or destructive.
Although they are short-haired, they can have a double coat as well. Other coat colors are black, tan red, fawn, and others.
7. Dachshund
It’s the sausage dog — the Weiner dog (or Dachshund). So many names for a short, but long dog. They originated in Germany, and they are also beautiful black and brown dogs that are well-known all around the world.
They come in two sizes — standard and miniature. The standard Dachshund weighs from 16 to 22 pounds, and can be up to 9 inches tall. The miniature Dachshund weighs under 11 pounds, and can be up to 6 inches tall.
But, what matters is that both versions can have gorgeous black and brown coat colors. There are other coat color variations, too — for example, the dapple Dachshund and the brindle Dachshund.
These dogs have a high prey drive, and it would be best if you don’t leave them alone with small animals. You can socialize your dog, but when it comes to their hunting instinct and fast-moving, small animals — you can never be 100% sure your Dachshund won’t bolt after them!
The Dachshund can either have a short, medium-length, or a long coat type. There is actually an amazing version of a Dachshund called the longhaired cream Dachshund.
8. Chihuahua
This is a small dog with a big personality. The Chihuahua weighs no more than 6 pounds, and it is up to 8 inches tall.
People think Chihuahuas are aggressive, sassy, mischievous, and quite shaky. But, the first one is not entirely true. They can be aggressive, just like any other dog breed. The reason why they have to have a bit more spunk is due to their size.
It’s called small-dog syndrome, and it happens when we don’t socialize our doggos or when we let them rule the house without teaching them what is not alright to do.
Dog owners around the world can tell you that sometimes the smallest dogs act in the most aggressive way, but just as long as you have their back.
Chihuahuas might be small, but they are not good with children. They don’t have the patience for them, and they can get hurt if you don’t teach your children that dogs are not toys no matter how small they are.
9. Jagdterrier
This is another German dog breed. Their name literally means “huntdog” in German, and that is exactly what they do the best.
Even though their most recognizable coat color variation is black and brown, they can also come in black and gray, and dark brown.
This is not a very popular dog breed, especially not when compared to other mentioned German breeds. But, it is a brave, agile, and intelligent dog that makes the best companion dog during work and leisure time.
Jagdterriers are around 16 inches tall, and weigh around 20 pounds. They have floppy, small ears, a short tail, and a coat that comes in three types — smooth, wiry, and rough.
10. Belgian Malinois
This is a beautiful herding dog — smart, hard-working, and highly trainable. They can grow up to 26 inches tall, and can weigh from 40 to 80 pounds. Females are smaller than males, and they usually weigh around 50 pounds.
Even though the AKC recognizes only smooth and short-haired Belgian Malinois, there is a long-haired Malinois, too.
This is a herding dog, but they are also amazing watchdogs and guard dogs. They actually resemble German Shepherds a lot, especially because of their pointy ears, long muzzle, and bushy tail.
But, they are completely separate dog breeds that happen to have similar traits, and one of them is that they are beautiful-looking, black and brown dogs.
11. Great Dane
Great Danes are true giants of the dog world. They can be up to 32 inches tall, and they can weigh around 175 pounds!
Even though these dogs are big, they are calm and obedient lovable giants. The Great Dane comes in many coat color variations, including black and brown.
This dog was originally bred in Germany, and they were originally used for boar hunting. As the need for hunting wild boar lessened, these dogs became great guard dogs.
Unfortunately, similar to other large dog breeds, the Great Dane has a very short lifespan. That means you will have to pay extra attention to its health, and take your Dane to the vet to make its life as long and as comfortable as possible.
Don’t forget that one of the main external factors for a long life is dog food — high-quality dog food. That means lots of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and a very low percentage of carbohydrates.
12. Rottweiler
This is a black and brown dog breed that is considered one of the most confident guard dogs. They are large dogs that can grow up to 27 inches tall, and weigh from 80 to 135 pounds!
The Rottweiler comes in three coat color variations, and they are all shades of brown combined with black. Black and tan, black and rust, and black and mahogany are the AKC-accepted colors. But, there are eight possible coat color variations of Rotties.
These dogs are descendants of Mastiffs from the Roman Empire, and they are still very muscular-looking. A true guardian dog.
They are also affectionate with their family, very playful, and quite adaptable. However, because of their size, it would be best if you had a yard for your lovely Rottie.
If you are interested in getting a Rottweiler puppy for yourself — you can check out this list: 10 Rottweiler Breeders in the U.S.
13. Beauceron
The Beauceron is a herding dog from France. They can weigh more than 100 pounds, and they can be up to 28 inches tall. As in most dog breeds, female Beaucerons are smaller than males.
The Beauceron is a gentle and obedient dog. They are excellent at gathering and taking care of flocks of sheep — they’ve been doing it for a long time! People believe this dog breed was around during the Middle Ages.
They weren’t only used as herding dogs, but as guarding dogs, military help, etc. They were even used as military dogs during World War I, especially by the British army.
And, they come in black and brown coat color variations — from tan and rust, to other shades of brown combined with black.
14. English Toy Terrier
This small dog has many names — the Black and Tan, the Manchester Toy Terrier, and the Miniature Black and Tan.
This is a dog that can weigh up to 12 pounds, and that can be no more than 12 inches tall. It comes in two coat color variations:
- Black
- Black and brown (tan)
This is a small black and tan dog that looks like the miniature version of a Doberman Pinscher. It’s a small and agile dog that was once bred for catching rats.
But, today, this is a wonderful companion dog that goes great in all living spaces — from apartments to farms, they are small and adaptable.
15. Bloodhound
The next on our list is one of the greatest Search and Rescue hounds — the Bloodhound. This dog can grow up to 27 inches tall, and weigh more than 100 pounds.
They have long, droopy ears, a wrinkly face, and a nose that can smell a specific smell for more than 130 miles! That’s why they’ve been used as Police dogs and Search and Rescue dogs for years.
But, when they are not working, they are loving pets that love to play and show affection to their owner. They are also great with other dogs.
But, keep in mind that they do drool a lot, and that they have a very high prey drive. Also, their nose can take them far away from the trail if they sense something, and when a Bloodhound tracks a smell… nothing can stop him.
16. Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier was developed in the 19th century, in Australia, by crossbreeding many purebred dogs, from Yorkshire and Norwich Terriers to Cairn and Scottish Terriers.
The result was a brace, fast, and loyal small Australian Terrier. These dogs weigh up to 20 pounds, and they can be up to 11 inches tall.
They were used to hunt not only rats, but snakes as well, and we all know how dangerous Aussie snakes can be. The Australian Terrier is a brave little dog!
They come in black and brown, but the only AKC-accepted colors are sandy red, and blue and tan. However, you will most likely see the black and tan version in photos.
17. Tibetan Mastiff
This is an imposing guard dog that can scare away any intruder with just its looks. They are large dogs that can be from 24 to 26 inches tall, and weigh more than 100 pounds.
They also have incredible mane-like fur around their head that makes them look even scarier. But, their broad head and muscular body also add to their scary look.
However, they are affectionate and loving family pets that show loyalty and affection to their owner. But, they are very suspicious of strangers, and it is best not to leave them alone with strangers — dogs or people.
These dogs are very expensive as well, and there aren’t as many breeders in the States that breed and sell purebred Tibetan Mastiffs.
But, if you happen to find your Tibetan pup, remember that they need lots of space and pet care to keep them healthy and happy. They also need mental stimulation and thorough weekly grooming.
18. Yorkshire Terrier
From giant Mastiffs to tiny Yorkies… don’t think that these small dogs lack the bravery of the big dogs. Yorkshire Terriers are brave and agile little dogs that were originally bred as ratters.
However, their silky fur and cute, button eyes made them popular family pets as well. Not to mention that they are small, adaptable, affectionate, and great with children.
A Yorkie can grow up to 8 inches tall, and weigh up to 7 pounds. It is a true small fluffy dog with a big personality.
They come in black and brown coat colors, but there are other shades as well. There is even a golden Yorkie.
These dogs have high energy levels that come from their Terrier and hunting ancestors. That means you’ll have to be careful when you go out with your Yorkie — they might chase a small animal.
19. Lancashire Heeler
And, the last on our list of black and brown dog breeds is the Lancashire Heeler. This is an old dog breed, with origin roots dating back to the 17th century.
They grow to be 12 inches tall, and weigh up to 17 pounds. It’s a small, affectionate, and versatile dog that can both herd cattle and catch rats and rabbits.
The Lancashire Heeler comes in only two coat colors:
- Black and tan (brown)
- Liver and tan (brown)
They have terrier markings, which means they have brown eyebrow patches, brown legs, a brown belly, and a brown tail. Their other parts are black.
The Conclusion
This is the end of the list of 19 black and brown dog breeds. We’ve seen small dogs, medium-sized dogs, and large dogs. From Tibetans and Danes to Chihuahuas and Toy Terriers — there are so many different dog breeds and dogs of different sizes that have a black and brown coat color.
Some of them are unique and rare dogs that cannot be seen that often, and some of them are very popular dogs that almost everyone knows about.
But, whatever dog breed you are interested in, and no matter if they are black and brown or pure black or pure white — they are all asking one thing from you… to take care of them.
It takes more than just feeding a dog to have one. You have to take it to the vet, bathe and groom it, and give it lots of love and cuddles.
All dogs need playtime and exercise. How much depends on the dog’s breed, its health, and its age. But, all of them need at least one walk during the day. If you can’t keep up with your dog’s activity levels, it is better to find a dog with low-energy levels or another pet completely.