Brown dog breeds come in different shapes, sizes, and shades of this earthy color. From deep, almost black-brown to a lighter tan, these pups have diverse and fascinating features. So if brown is your favorite color, you might find these canines absolutely adorable.
Dachshunds, fondly coined as “sausage dogs”, usually have brown, long or short coats. There’s also the social butterfly, Labrador, commonly in lighter shades of brown. And who can forget chocolate brown cuties, Chihuahuas, that’s known for their big personalities!
Let’s round up the 22 most popular brown dog breeds of all time that are sure to brighten up your day!
22. Poodle
While Poodles may come in varied sizes – toy, miniature, and standard – they often come in a rich, brown color. Their curly chocolate brown coats are dense and low-shedding, which are hypoallergenic.
Aside from their good looks, Poodles are among the most popular brown dog breeds because of their wits and smarts. They are easy to train because of their inherent intelligence and obedience, so they should be good for first-time dog owners.
21. Shiba Inu
Next up in our brown dog breeds is the foxy-looking Shiba Inu. These ancient dogs hail from Japan and were bred to hunt. They have straight and stiff outer coats in shades of brown and red.
Interestingly, Shibas are quiet pups. They don’t bark as much and are quite fastidious like cats. These canines are a little on the stubborn and strong-willed side, though, which makes them more suitable for experienced dog owners.
20. Great Dane
These gentle giants are some of the tallest canines in the entire dogdom. With their imposing build, the Great Dane appears intimidating to strangers. But they are actually some of the sweetest pups you’ll ever find!
They stand up to 32 inches tall and weigh as much as 175 lbs on average. Their brown coats are short and straight, which are low-maintenance and low-shedding, as well.
19. German Shepherd
Although German Shepherds are not solid brown dogs, their predominant color is dark brown with some black mixed in. They have thick and long fur that requires regular maintenance as they shed a lot.
GSDs are bright and loyal pups that can learn commands quickly. This makes them ideal as service dogs and military canines, just as much as they fit well as family pets.
18. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is easily one of the largest pups there is at over 200 lbs in weight. Some of the hallmarks of this breed include a short brown coat, drooping jowls, and a square head. They have a robust build and well-defined muscles.
While they may seem intimidating because of their bulky bodies, they are actually quite affectionate. These pooches quickly bond with their families and have a great desire to protect their owners.
17. Boxer
With a sheer, smooth, and shiny brown coat, the Boxer is one beautiful pooch. These are energetic creatures who thrive on physical activity whether running around, a game of fetch, or a brisk walk.
They are medium-sized canines that grow about a couple of feet tall and weigh under 100 lbs. Their brown coats are often mixed in with white or a black face mask that adds some flair to their gorgeous looks.
16. Chow Chow
It’s impossible to mistake a Chow Chow for any other breed. After all, they have unique features such as their voluminous brown coats, purple-black tongue, and tiny eyes. If you’re up for a lot of coat brushing, then you’ll love the Chow Chow.
These are independent and somewhat aloof dogs, so they don’t require much attention. However, it is best to give them regular exercise to keep poor behavior at bay.
15. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
A master swimmer, this brown dog breed is an excellent hunter’s companion. The Chesapeake Bay Terrier’s chocolatey brown coat is dense and medium-length, which keeps them warm after a good swim.
They are known for their bright and sunny personalities. Chesapeakes are amazing family dogs because of their affectionate nature and adaptability.
14. Australian Shepherd
When it comes to athleticism, the Australian Shepherd can’t be beaten. They are hardworking and energetic pups that live to work. Whether it is herding and guarding or zipping through training sessions, they can do it all in flying colors.
Aussies do come in various colors but mostly in different shades of brown. They often have a reddish-brown color and bright blue eyes, which add to their stunning appearances.
13. Cane Corso
The mighty Cane Corso has come a long way since ancient Rome. These brown-coated canines are great runners, despite their rather hefty and bulky build. This is why they are great protectors and guards of livestock.
As intimidating as they may seem, the Cane Corso is quite lovable and sweet to its family members. With strangers, however, they can be aloof. Hence, early socialization is important for these large pooches.
12. Scottish Terrier
Compact and solid, the brown-coated Scottish Terrier comes with a unique feature. Their coats are wiry with a water-resistant quality, which makes them perfect for outdoor adventures. They are amazing runners and will tirelessly play a game of catch.
These cuties have their trademark fuzzy fur around the face and pointy, triangular ears. Their bodies are also low and long, which is why they are great hunting companions, too.
11. American Staffordshire Terrier
Fondly called the Am Staff or Staffies, the large American Staffordshire Terrier is much like the Pit Bull in terms of size and build. They are tough-looking pups but with soft and mellow personalities.
These are active dogs who love to spend quality time with their families. With their stiff and short coats, they should not be much of a hassle when it comes to grooming.
10. Leonberger
The fluffy Leobeger is one giant cuddle bug. These German brown dogs often weigh about 140 lbs and with a large build. Their necks and chest are thick, making them appear like a lion.
Because of such an abundance of fur, daily brushing and grooming are required. Another thing to note about these dogs is that they love to romp around and play, so they need regular exercise.
9. Saint Bernard
Big, yet absolutely sweet and gentle, Saint Bernard is another one of the most popular brown dog breeds. They were bred for search-and-rescue activities but also as working dogs.
With their large stature, they need a big space at home to move around. Frequent brushing is also very important to keep shedding under control. And one more thing – these pups drool a lot, so that’s another thing to consider before bringing this adorable pooch home.
8. Newfoundland
Another mighty large pooch, the Newfoundland is a hard worker of a pup that was bred to pull carts and perform heavy-duty farm work. They are highly trainable dogs, which is why they are good for first-time owners.
Newfies are hardy creatures. They can easily withstand cooler temperatures making them quite versatile. These dogs can swim, too, thanks to their webbed paws. So, if you need a swimming buddy, they are great for this!
7. Collie
An iconic brown dog, the Collie, has been made popular in the movies with the TV show Lassie. Aside from the fame that this breed has gotten from the TV media, they are also popular for their lovable personalities and great looks.
Collies are intelligent and alert dogs. They are reliable and can work on various things, including guarding and protecting livestock or herding cattle. When not busy at work, they enjoy spending quality time with their owners.
6. Basset Hound
Depicting the appearance of a “sad clown,” the Basset Hound is one solid-bodied pooch. They have brown coats, often in combination with white or tan. These medium-sized pups can grow up to 15 inches and are usually no heavier than 65 lbs.
Bassets have long, droopy ears and ample skin folds, and the latter requires regular cleaning to prevent infections. Mellow and mild-mannered, they are amazing family pets and easily get along with children.
5. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniels are noted for their tight curls in a deep brown hue. They are tall dogs that can reach up to 24 inches in height. In fact, they are the tallest Spaniel breeds.
While they may be gentle and mild, they can be a bit temperamental at times. They can usually tolerate young kids, just as long as they are not treated harshly.
4. Pomeranian
The cute and cuddly Pomeranian joins our list of brown dog breeds, even though they may come in a few other colors. But nonetheless, their dominant coat color is brown in various shades – dark or light.
They have puffy, medium-length coats and dark eyes. Do note that Poms are a bit bossy and domineering, so it is best to train them early to overcome bad behavior.
3. Chihuahua
Another tiny pooch on our list, the Chihuahua, is a lovable pup with a big personality. They have coats in various shades of brown, such as tan, chocolate, or fawn. These pups have apple-shaped heads and may have long or short coats.
Generally, Chis are healthy dogs. They are active fellows and require some exercise. Regular walks should suffice for these pups.
2. Labrador Retriever
Always friendly, sunny, and social, the Labrador Retriever is a playful brown-coated pooch that loves to play, swim and run around. They get along well with all members of the household, including other pets.
These dogs are tall and can stand up to 23 inches, and weigh up to 80 lbs. They need plenty of space to run around, considering their large build and energetic personality.
1. Dachshund
And last but not least, we have the low and long Dachshund. Doxies are sweet pooches in a compact package. They may either be long-haired or short-haired but often in chocolate brown or tan color.
As for their personality, they are curious and alert creatures. They tend to be quite protective of their owners, so early socialization is a must for these dogs.
Related Questions
Are Brown Dogs Common? Brown dogs are quite common, and they come in dark or light shades. They may also be mixed with other colors, including white, black, and spots or brindle patterns.
What Dog Breed Is Brown And Fluffy? There are a few fluffy brown dogs, including the Chow Chow, Leonberger, and Pomeranian. Other less common brown dog breeds with fluffy coats include the Collie and Saint Bernard.
What Breed Of Dog Has A Brown Nose? Brown-nosed dogs are not very common. Yet, we have a few of these brown-nosed canines, including the Poodle, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and the Dachshund.
