Whenever there is a discussion about black and brown dogs, the first dog that comes to mind is either a Rottweiler with his strong jaws and confident looks, a Dachshund with floppy ears, and a sausage spine, or a Doberman Pinscher with his alert expressions and sleek body.
But there are not just these breeds that are black and brown. There are plenty of others, and we’d discuss distinct features of those breeds in this article.
Let’s start.
1. Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier breed descended from the rough-coated type terriers of Great Britain. Initially, they were named Rough Coated Terriers, but later, in 1850, they were named Australian Terriers. They are the tiny-legged terriers that were developed to shoo away mice and rats. But now Aussie lovers keep them to amuse their hearts.
These dogs are excellent family dogs that always crave company. They easily get along with kids and strangers, but they require a little social training to get along with other dogs.
One thing to keep in mind before bringing an Aussie terrier: They have a fragile heart that can’t withstand loneliness for a long period of time and can develop separation anxiety.
2. Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpies originated from Scotland as a result of several crossings among various Collie breeds. In the 1800s, when the breed was imported to Australia, it didn’t have enough stamina to withstand the dry and harsh atmosphere of the country. From there on, the Australian breeders modified this breed’s characteristics, which is why this developed form is called ‘Australian’ Kelpie.
This breed has abundant energy, a sharp brain, and high trainability—all the traits that make it a great working dog. Kelpies require open areas where they have enough space to release their pent-up energy. But these qualities make them unsuitable for apartment-dwellers or people having busy lifestyles.
3. Beagle
Beagles are currently ranked 6th most popular dog breed in the United States. Its popularity is because of its manageable size, good temper, intelligence, and a lack of inherited health problems.
Back then, Beagles were bred for “beagling”—hunting of hares and rabbits by scent.
To have an idea of how good these dogs are at smelling and tracking, John Paul Scott and John Fuller, authors of the book Genetics and the Social Behaviour of the Dog, began a 13-year study of canine behavior. As part of this research, they tested the scenting abilities of various breeds by putting a mouse in a one-acre field and recording how long it took various dogs to find it. Beagles found it in less than a minute!
Because of its amazing sense of smell and incredible tracking ability, the Beagle breed was used as a detection dog for prohibited agricultural imports.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Good-natured, calm, yet strong, Bernese Mountain Dogs are the 22nd most popular canines in the United States.
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a medium-length double coat that is silky and smooth and has a bright natural sheen. These picturesque dogs come in a combination of white, black, and brown colors. The base color of their coat is jet black, upon which there are rich rust and clear white markings. There is a signature white marking on the chest that typically forms an inverted cross on their body.
There is no denying their beauty, and almost every dog owner would want to have this supergiant fluffy doggo by their side. But, sadly, not everyone can have this wish granted. These dogs are not hypoallergenic and shed a lot, which means if you are allergic to dogs or don’t like to see your couch, bed, carpet, and everything else covered with their dead hair, this breed is not for you.
5. Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound emerged from the southern United States, where they hunted raccoons. Interestingly, the breed got its name ‘Coonhound’ because of its raccoon hunting. When they hunt raccoons, they use their fantastic sense of smell to trail their quarry for miles until they finally corner it, most often on the tree. There, the dogs howl and alert their master.
These dogs are not only good at raccoon hunting but also at hunting deer, bears, wolves, or cougars. Other than this, these dogs were also used for tracking.
It is said that Black and Tan Coonhounds have a so-called cold nose that allows them to follow an old trail.
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Developed in the rugged Shetland Islands, near the Arctic Circle, Shelties were bred to herd cattle. But Shelties proved their worth at every job that a dog does. They are smart, intelligent, highly trainable, and possess great strength.
The list of duties that these dogs can perform goes way long. Shelties are medical alert dogs, good service, and therapy dogs. They excel at dog sports such as rally, agility, herding, and obedience.
Standing at the position of 25th most popular dog in the world, Shelties have won a fair number of competitions such as Herding Group at 2020 Westminster Dog Show, 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Agility Competition, etc. Moreover, Shetland sheepdogs have won Best of Group five times since their debut at the show.
7. Dachshund
The short-legged, long-spined, narrow-headed, and floppy-eared Dachshund breed is the 12th most popular breed in the United States. These little dogs were bred in Germany 600 years ago to hunt badgers—their name literally means ‘badger hound’ (dachs means badger; hund means dog).
However, there are chances that the breed originated in the Northern African country, Egypt. This is because early Egyptian engravings depict a short-legged hunting dog that looks just like a Dachshund. There have also been recent discoveries of mummified Dachshunds found in Egyptian burial urns. Whatever the origin may be, the breed made it to the American Kennel Club (AKC) list in 1885.
Their short legs and near-to-ground tummies allow them to enter badger dens easily. Their floppy ears help them judge the location of the target, and their fierce gusto gives them the courage to take on the 15-pound mammals.
8. Doberman Pinscher
17th most popular dog in the United States, Doberman Pinschers are the working group dogs known for their alertness, bravery, and loyalty.
The AKC describes Pinschers as, “[their] appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that is square. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal, and obedient.”
Doberman Pinschers are aggressive dogs and don’t easily get along with strangers and other dogs. Per the temperament tests conducted by the American Temperament Tests Society, Dobermans have scored 79.5% —an indicator that these dogs are short-tempered.
9. Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Also known as Shepherd Dog from Entlebuch, or Dog of the Alpine Herdsman, the Entlebucher (ENT-leh-boo-cur) Mountain Dog breed is a native of Switzerland and is the smallest of the four tri-colored Swiss Sennenhund breeds.
The breed is quite rare in the United States and was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2011.
These dogs are said to be the small form of Bernese Mountain Dogs because of their amazing similarity in face shape, tri-colored coat, and markings on the skin. What sets them apart is the thickness of their coats. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a profuse coat, whereas Entlebuchers have a short and tighter coat.
10. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Developed in the Swiss Alps, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of Switzerland’s oldest dog breeds. They usually weigh approximately 85 to 140 pounds and stand approximately 24 to 29 inches tall. These are the large dogs with a powerful build and an intimidating outlook.
These dogs were bred to be large in size, hardworking, and athletic so that they could work in the Swiss farms for cart-pulling, herding, guarding, and protecting livestock.
These black and brown dogs are real hard workers and stay focused while working. Though they are huge and have strong personality, they also tend to be fantastic family companions.
11. Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier breed made it to the AKC’s list in 1936, and the AKC describes this breed as alert, curious, affectionate, gregarious, and loyal.
These dogs have a short, harsh, wiry, and straight topcoat and a soft undercoat that protects the body from heat and cold. These dogs shed twice a year and require brushing and combing twice a week. Because of their minimal shedding, these dogs are hypoallergenic.
12. Otterhound
Next on the list of black and brown dog breeds is the Otterhound breed from England. As the name suggests, the breed was specifically developed to hunt otters.
Unfortunately, this breed has been declared an endangered breed in Britain. In 2012, it was estimated there were around 600 otterhounds in the world, while later on, in 2016, there were only 41 new registrations.
They are on the list of Vulnerable Native Breeds as identified by the UK Kennel Club, and great efforts are being made to save the breed.
13. Rottweiler
The 8th most popular dog in the United States, Rottweilers, are black and brown dogs having a bite force of 328 PSI and a chasing speed of 25 miles per hour.
Unlike other guard dogs, Rotties are calm and quiet, getting vocal only if there’s a reason to bark—to alert their masters. But they do bark when they are not being given enough time to play and release their energy. When they get bored, this triggers their frustrated side, which they show by chewing, digging, and excessive barking.
Explore: Dog Breeds