13 Black & Brown Dog Breeds

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Black and brown dog breeds are among the most striking color combinations. These two colors offer a stunning contrast, which gives them an intelligent and regal appearance and once you see a dog with these colors, it will leave a lasting impression.

Keep reading to see our list of black and brown dog breeds. Some may be familiar, while others might be less well known. Here’s what you need to know about these black and brown dogs.

1. Rottweiler

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Germany
• Height: 22-27 inches
• Weight: 77–130 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Moderate
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low
• Kid-Friendliness: High
• Typical price range: $1,500 to $2,500
• Potential health issues: progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, eyelid deformities, and other vision and eye problems, heart problems

The Rottweiler is a strong and compelling black and tan dog that was originally bred to herd cattle. Because of their strength, they were also used to pull carts for butchers and farmers. Despite their somewhat fearsome reputation, this breed is very kind, loving, and adores its owners. Black and tan are the only colors you will find this dog breed in and no other color variations are currently accepted by The Kennel Club.

2. Airedale Terrier

Breed Overview:

• Origin: England
• Height: 22–24 inches
• Weight: 40–64 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Moderate
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Tendency to bark: Moderate to High
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate
• Typical price range: $800 to $1,500
• Potential health issues: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease, thrombopathia

The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier types, which is why they are usually referred to as the ‘king of terriers’. This black and brown breed was created as a versatile hunting dog and was commonly used to hunt rats and otters. These black and tan dogs are now cherished in homes across the country due to their goofy personalities and love to create mischief. But beware, they are also highly independent and are prone to following their own directions, which means they will require a lot of training.

3. Doberman Pinscher

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Germany
• Height: 24-28 inches
• Weight: 71–99 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: When necessary
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate
• Typical price range: $1500 to $2500
• Potential health issues: hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), hypothyroidism, Wobbler’s syndrome, narcolepsy, and albinism.

The Dobermann, also referred to as the Dobermann Pinscher, is a striking and elegant dog from Germany that has roots in being a guard dog. It is muscular, strong, and elegant, and its coat color comes in different varieties, such as black & rust, blue and rust, fawn and rust, and red and rust. This may be one of the most iconic black-and-tan dog breeds on this list. Highly intelligent and very active, these dogs are extremely gentle and are always at their happiest when they’re part of a family. Aside from stunning black and tan, they can also be blue and tan, fawn and tan, and red and tan.

4. German Shepherd

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Germany
• Height: 22-26 inches
• Weight: 49–88 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: High
• Shedding: High
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: High
• Kid-Friendliness: Yes
• Typical price range: $1,500–$3,000
• Potential health issues: bloat, hip dysplasia, arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

The German Shepherd is a strong, quick, and very loyal, intelligent dog breed.  They tend to have large black patches on their backs and around the muzzle, while the rest of their bodies are covered with a light brown fur. This black-and-brown breed is a medium- or large-sized dog. This is one of the most popular breeds, and the German Shepherd was first used as a herding dog and then became a popular service animal for police and the armed forces. This means this breed responds really well to the right kind of training methods.

5. Black and Tan Coonhound

Breed Overview:

• Origin: USA
• Height: 23 to 27 inches
• Weight: 75 to 100 pounds
• Activity level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Moderate
• Shedding: High
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: High
• Kid-Friendliness: High
• Typical price range: $400 – $800
• Potential health issues: hip dysplasia, ear infections, blood clotting disorders, working injuries, hypothyroidism, minor eye concerns, bloating.

The Black and Tan Coon dog is a one-of-a-kind pup, named for it’s working days as a raccoon hunter. The black and tan coloring, extra-long ears, sorrowful face, and sweet disposition are easily recognizable. The Black and Tan Coonhound temperament is ideal for those looking for an easy-going, family-oriented breed that is relaxed during the day and most active at night. This is an intelligent dog who will love lying at your feet as much as playing in the backyard with its owner.

6. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Southern Africa
• Height: 24-27 inches
• Weight: 64-90 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Medium
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate
• Typical price range: $1,700 to $2,500
• Potential health issues: elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and hypothyroidism

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was developed in Africa in order to corner and hold big game prey, like lions, bears, and boars. Today, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is still used for hunting, and some members of the breed have even evolved into pointing and retrieving. Usually the first thing people notice about the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the characteristic ridge that runs down the spine, which gives it it’s name. This ridge explains part of the heritage, which is a mix of European hunting dogs and African dogs who had the distinctive ridge.

7. English Toy Terrier

Breed Overview:

• Origin: England
• Height: 10–12 inches
• Weight: 6–8 pounds
• Activity level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate
• Typical price range: $1,000 – $1,800
• Potential health issues: patellar luxation, canine deafness, and skin problems

The English Toy Terrier skyrocketed to fame in the 1800s, thanks to their ability to keep rat populations down. This breed resembles a pint-sized Doberman Pinscher, and they are relatively easy to train. This dog is full of energy so they make excellent companions for those who are willing to dedicate enough time to exercise and stimulation. English Toy Terriers are always black and tan in coloring, which means you will never find them in any other different hues.

8. Jagdterrier

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Germany
• Height: 13–16 inches
• Weight: 17–22 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Moderate
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: High
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate
• Typical price range: $700–$1000
• Potential health issues: Primary Lens Luxation

Jagdterrier is an intelligent and strong hunter who is capable of challenging not only common prey animals like game, wild boars, foxes, weasels, and badgers but also more dangerous prey like bobcats and cougars. After years of selective breeding and careful offspring management, the result was flawless: a functional, all-purpose hunting dog. This ultra-efficient breed is known to be the perfect purebred hunting machine today. The Jagdterrier is loyal, affectionate, and a committed companion, making their lively spirits far more prominent than their actual size and proportions.

9. Beauceron

Breed Overview:

• Origin: France
• Height: 24–27.5 inches
• Weight: 80–110 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Low
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate
• Typical price range: $1,200-$1,500
• Potential health issues: hip dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy and progressive retinal atrophy

Beaucerons were used in the 1800s to control large flocks of livestock, and they usually compete on herding trails all across the globe. A Beauceron is a worthy opponent to the more well known herding breeds like the Border Collie. The Beauceron is another active and intelligent black and tan breed that is known for being a fearless and loyal working dog. It’s closely related to the Dobermann, and the two breeds share many of the same qualities. But while the Doberman became more of a guard dog, the Beauceron is a natural outdoor herding dog.

10. Dachshund

 

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Germany
• Height: 8–9 inches for Standard and 5–6 inches for Miniature
• Weight: 16–32 pounds for Standard and 11 pounds & under for Miniature
• Activity level: Moderate
• Grooming needs: Low to Moderate
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Moderate to High
• Kid-Friendliness: High
• Typical price range: $300 and $3500
• Potential health issues: intervertebral disk disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, leg-calve-Perthes disease, and Dachshund teeth issues.

This dog breed originated in Germany, where it was used to hunt badgers, foxes, and wild boars. This smaller black and brown dog breed has become a popular breed in the United States and the United Kingdom. The dachshund, also known as the sausage dog, comes in three varieties, which include the wired hair coat, long-haired coat, and short hair coat. The color pattern for this breed is vast, but the smooth-haired Dachshunds are usually two-colored: black, brown, fawn, wild boar, or blue.

11. Miniature Pinscher

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Germany
• Height: 10–12 inches
• Weight: 8.8–11 inches
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Low
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: High
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate
• Typical price range: $1,000 to $6,000
• Potential health issues: Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Hypothyroidism, Epilepsy, Heart Disease, Allergies, Demodectic Mange, Cataracts.

Because of its black and tan coat, similar name, and indistinguishable physical characteristics, it is usually mistakenly believed to be a miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher breed. However, this is not the case and the miniature pinscher is a breed all of its own. While this breed may not be a guard dog like the Doberman, it does make an incredibly effective watchdog.

12. Australian Kelpie

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Australia
• Height: 18–20 inches
• Weight: 31–46 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Low to Moderate
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Moderate
• Kid-Friendliness: Low to Moderate
• Typical price range: $1200–$1600
• Potential health issues: hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, cryptorchidism, and cerebellar abiotrophy.

The Kelpie is another black and tan dog from the land down under and depending on the breeding, a Kelpie’s black and tan coat may be rough or smooth. The Kelpie is also part of the herding group and a close relative of the Border Collie. Like both breed’s relatives, they herd sheep, cows, and other livestock. The Australian Kelpie became celebrated for it’s skills and was exported all over the world.

13. Belgian Malinois

Breed Overview:

• Origin: Belgium
• Height: 22-26 inches
• Weight: 44–66 pounds
• Activity level: High
• Grooming needs: Low
• Shedding: Moderate
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Tendency to bark: Moderate
• Kid-Friendliness: Moderate
• Typical price range: $1500 – $3000
• Potential health issues: hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, cancer, epilepsy, autoimmune thyroiditis, and retained testicles.

The Belgian Malinois is a sheepdog that is sometimes mistaken for a German Shepherd. They were first bred around the city of Malines in the northwestern region of Belgium, are one of four closely related breeds of Belgian herding dogs. The Belgian Malinois is popular as both a police and military working dog and is equipped with lots of energy. This breed is a world-class worker who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner.

Final Thoughts

Black and brown dogs are absolutely stunning and this color combination not only offers a striking contrast but can be seen in many dog breeds. Some dog breeds are popular for their black and brown coat colors, and many of these breeds evolved from traditional working dogs.