From the famous Chow Chow to the tiny Chihuahua, plenty of dog breeds come in brown color. If you are a dog lover, you are probably familiar with the fact that over 150 dog breeds are recognized in the United States, and around 75 are on the waiting list.
If you are not great at recognizing breeds, or you are just simply looking to adopt a brown dog, we are here to help you with the decision. We carefully reviewed them, included a picture of them for reference, and briefly explained their personality, temperament, training, and potential problems.
In this article, you will find if they are a fit for you and your family. We are sure that you will wish for at least one furry four-legged brown friend by the end of the article.
Our Top Large Brown Dog Breeds:
#1. Labrador Retriever
Have you ever met a dog that likes water more than Labradors? No wonder they are named “water dogs”. These puppies are one of America’s favorite dog breeds, and they are probably the most known brown dog breed. Besides making your home a more pleasant place, they are also used as service dogs and working dogs.
According to the American Kennel Club, they belong to the sporting group. Males weigh from 65 to 80 pounds, while females weigh from 55 to 70 pounds. They don’t get as large as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, so they are known as medium-sized dogs.
Consider finding them a hobby because a Labrador Retriever is a dog full of energy, has a playful and outgoing temperament, and has a kind heart. A good swim in the lake will definitely please their needs.
They have short, dense double coat, that comes in black, chocolate, or yellow color.
Since they are used as service dogs, Labradors are pretty intelligent and follow commands very well. If you are in doubt about getting one, don’t be because these puppies are outstanding family pets and watchdogs. Their pleasant and outgoing temperament will win your heart for sure.
#2. Great Dane
The Great Dane is one of the biggest and strongest dogs on our list, a massive and powerful breed. They originate from Germany, from the Middle Ages. The towering Great Dane is the world’s tallest dog recorded in the Guinness World Record.
Males can weigh up to 175 pounds, and females from 110 to 140 pounds. Their short coat comes in different shades of brown, with several other coat patterns.
The American Kennel Club classified them as working dogs. However, they can be great for your home because of their strong devotion to people. But, keep an eye on your kids. They can accidentally knock your kid because of their size.
Although Great Dane is a hardy dog, it does not require intensive workouts. Some days these big brown fluffy dogs can surprise you with their high energy level, but other days they can just lie on the sofa and cuddle with their humans.
#3. Newfoundland
Newfoundland pups are highly intelligent and strong; therefore, many people used this dog to pull carts as a working dog in the past. In North America, they are known as water rescue dogs due to their affinity for swimming. They can even withstand cold temperatures, and their webbed paws help in the swimming process.
Although Newfoundlands have various coat colors, chocolate brown is the most common. Their life span is known to be between 8 and 10 years.
Their devotion to the people, and sweet and loving disposition towards kids, make Newfoundlands make this “nanny dog” extremely famous. These puppies are very easy to train, especially with the proper positive reinforcement from a very early age.
#4. Chow Chow
Chow Chow is exceptionally loyal and devoted to the family, a very independent and relatively aloof dog.
Their unique coat comes from a light cream to a dark cinnamon color, and the grooming can be quite demanding since they need to be brushed at least twice a week.
You will instantly recognize them with their blue or purple-black tongues. Do not be afraid! They just have a lion-like appearance because of their voluminous coats.
According to the American Kennel Club, they belong to the non-sporting group of dogs, with an average weight from 45 to 75 pounds and a life expectancy from 8 to 12 years.
#5. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a hunting dog, and it is medium to large-sized. These brown creatures are the ideal hunting companion since they are both incredibly athletic and affectionate dogs, as well as an incredible snuggle partner at home.
They have different variations of colors-some of them come in a brown solid rich color, and others come in white color with brown spots. These puppies have a solid and muscular body with powerful legs and floppy ears that hang on the side.
Do not let your German Shorthaired Pointer get bored! Significantly, while they are still young, they can get quite destructive because they require a lot of activity. No matter the breed, make sure that your dog fits your lifestyle before getting one.
Early socialization and hanging out with other pets can help them adapt better to the environment because of their high energy levels. Therefore, you will have to put in a lot of effort and time while training them.
If you enjoy hiking, running, hunting, or camping, this dog can very quickly adapt to your lifestyle. These brown dogs are impressively intelligent and affectionate, and their lifespan is in the range from 10 to 12 years.
#5. English Mastiff
English Mastiffs are known as dark brown dogs. Because of their massive bodies, they are extremely large dogs and fully grown and can weigh up to 240 pounds. In terms of mass, they are the largest dogs.
These puppies have a variety of colors, from fawn or light cream color to dark brown. They have large square heads, and they drool a lot. They will make your home a better place from 6 to 10 years regarding their lifespan.
At first sight, they might seem aggressive and powerful, but they are actually very calm, obedient, affectionate and full of love towards the family. Keep in mind, before you get one English Mastiff, make sure you have enough space to provide a peaceful and comfortable life.
#6. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois incredibly reminds of the German Shepherd. Their brown fur varies from fawn to mahogany. These puppies are protective, athletic, and loyal. Their protective instinct works in an amazing way; therefore, that makes them excellent guard dogs, as well as working dogs.
These elegant brown dogs require a lot of intensive exercises. Like the breeds mentioned above: do not let them get bored. The Belgian Malinois will use its energy in the most unpredictable ways, from digging holes in the yard to having snacks from your sofa. Therefore, you will need to invest your time and fully commit in order to keep them entertained and busy.
#7. American Staffordshire Terrier
Generally known as Pit Bulls, “Staffies” or “Am Staffs”, American Staffordshire Terriers are fitting into the Terrier group according to the American Kennel Club.
Their coat is short, stiff, and comes in different brown shades, including other colors as well. They do not require extensive grooming or daily brushing since they are shorthaired.
Males can weigh up to 70 pounds, while females up to 55 pounds. Their strong look also comes from their muscular and stable body. Despite the looks, these brown dogs are highly devoted to their families, kids, and other pets with the proper early training and positive reinforcement.
The life expectancy of an American Staffordshire Terrier is from 12 to 16 years.
#8. Boxer
If you are not great at recognizing breeds, you will find most of the large-breed brachycephalic dogs very similar. Boxers are among the many brachycephalic breeds that are great companions, energetic and lovable dogs. Like most of the large breeds, you will need to provide them enough space so that they can fully enjoy their everyday activities.
These brown dogs have a smooth and shiny coat that does not require a lot of grooming. One brushing per week is completely enough for them. Their coat varies from shades of brown tan to mahogany.
They are classified in the working group of dogs from the American Kennel Club, and their life expectancy is from 10 to 12 years.
#8. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu belongs to the large brown dog breed, and it originates from Japan. It was used for hunting from ancient times, and after many years, it became a very popular companion dog in many households. The Shiba Inu comes mostly in light brown color.
Do not expect them to guard you because they rarely bark. Although, with the proper training, they get strongly devoted to their families and get along very well with other puppies.
Shiba Inu is classified as a non-sporting dog, and the life span varies from 13 to 16 years. They seem very large due to their long hair, but males actually weigh up to 23 pounds, while females are up to 17 pounds.
#9. English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel originates from England and comes in various amazing brown colors. Belongs to the gundogs, and it is classified as the smallest, that grows only up to 16 inches.
They are incredibly affectionate, loving, and loyal towards pet owners. These brown dogs will strongly bond with you, although they require plenty of care and exercise. If their training is adequately done early, they will click even with other pets.
In order for their brown coats to be shiny and good-looking, regular groomings will be needed.
#10. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are sometimes classified as working dogs, although they make great companion dogs. These brown dogs are also very used as service dogs due to their intelligence and loyalty.
Their athletic constitution requires many early and ongoing training in order to get better with the family and other dogs. These puppies are very strong and muscular; males can averagely weigh from 65 to 90 pounds, while females can weigh from 50 to 70 pounds.
Their coat comes in various shades of brown and demands weekly brushing to remove the loose fur.
German Shepherds have a life expectancy from 7 to 10 years, and they are even considered as one of the most intelligent breeds.
Our Top Small Brown Dog Breeds:
#1. Chihuahua
If you are looking for a small dog breed that you are willing to devote your life to, tiny Chihuahua pups are a great choice. Since the late 1990s, Chihuahuas are also known as the Taco Bell franchise’s mascot, which is still popular nowadays. No wonder they are classified in the toy group of dogs, according to the American Kennel Club, due to their super small size. Their weight is up to 6 pounds, and they are high up to 8 inches.
This breed is among the smallest of breeds in the world, but they make up for that in their attitude. Their temperament requires regular walks and play sessions to stay satisfied. However, this boisterous terrier-like dog can be a great companion for people who cannot handle large and athletic dog breeds.
Chihuahuas come in a short, long, or smooth coat that does not require excessive grooming. They come in solid coat colors, either solid brown, deeper chocolate or a combination of two colors.
According to their alert and assertive temperament, these puppies are instinctually protectors and easily note threats. They are able to thrive in apartments with less living space to get adequate comfort. To get the most desired results, train and socialize this tiny creature from a young age.
There isn’t an exact number, but some professionals claim that their life expectancy varies from 14 to 20 years. Anyway, these puppies will make your home a better place for a very long time. Despite their stubbornness, they are often friendly and strongly devoted to the dog owners.
#2. Pomeranian
Recognizable because of their puffy, long coat that comes mostly in brown color, Pomeranians are tiny furballs that can be an amazing companion. Classified as toys from the American Kennel Club, these pups can weigh from 3 to 7 pounds, and they rarely get more than a foot tall.
Make sure you are ready for this puppy since they can get quite bossy and stubborn. They are not for everyone; they require consistent training, daily groomings with high maintenance, and constant interaction. These adorable and affectionate city-dwellers are a great pet for a family that is willing to invest a lot of time and care.
Pomeranians also tend to form strong bonds with other dog breeds and will cooperate to accomplish something together.
If you are not great at recognizing breeds-their teddy bear face, pointy nose, little triangular ears, and variations of fluffy brown double coat make them extremely popular and impossible to mistake.
Averagely, from 12 to 16 years, these intelligent, playful, and lively pups can be great pals for you and your family.
#3. Affenpinscher
Originating from Germany, Affenpinschers were bred for rodent hunting. If you are a “Star Wars” fan, you are probably arguing whether Affenpinschers look more like Ewoks or Wookies. Besides being compared to the “Star Wars” characters, they are also known by their other name, the Monkey Terrier, due to their amusing behavior and distinct facial features.
Affenpinschers have a stout little body and a wiry brown coat.
These puppies are incredibly amusing and loyal. The lifespan varies from 11 to 14 years. This curious breed will often follow your step as you move, and when it wants to get attention, it will start acting like a clown.
#4. Maltese
Did you think Maltese only comes in white color? I suppose you might be wrong; the American Kennel Club approves more colors. Therefore, you can find a little brown Maltese dog with long or short hair that requires daily brushing and regular grooming. Despite their luscious coat, they do not have issues with hair since they are a low-shedding breed.
These pups have curly tails and floppy ears with a dark skin pigmentation around the face. Maltese may be a little snappy with children, but they can become the ideal pet for you and your family with the proper training. This toy breed with brown eyes and perfect desirable coats will definitely warm your heart.
The life expectancy of Maltese dogs varies from 12 to 15 years.
#5. Dachshund
Do the “hot dog” or the “Weiner dog” sound familiar to you? Many people recognize these brown dogs by these nicknames, given that they have long bodies and short legs. Originating from Germany and a fitting member of the hound group, these wiener dogs are sweet and loving and come in a small package.
Several combinations of colors are available, but the most common are brown, including shorthaired, longhaired, and wire-haired.
If you are looking for a small and adorable dog, this is a perfect choice. Standard-sized dogs weigh up to 32 pounds, and miniature ones weigh up to 11 pounds.
Their stubbornness manifests in digging holes and wandering around with their powerful nose. Training them could be challenging and a full-time job. These sweet brown dogs are playful and affectionate.
It is in their nature to be an excellent watchdog, and their vocal abilities while being in danger remind of a much larger dog. Their danger alarm system is developed on a very high level.
It is not always rainbows and butterflies with Dachshunds because their cuteness has its price. Health problems, such as slipped disks in their backs are typical for them due to their body shape. Keep this in mind and be prepared for the possible health issues before choosing this cute puppy. However, the life expectancy of these brown dogs is in a range from 12 to 16 years.
Training, socializing, and daily walks will keep them satisfied and healthy.
The Magic of Melanin
Eumelanin and pheomelanin are the two types of melanin that affect the coat color of the animals.
Brown and black coats are produced from eumelanin, and pale cream to deep red are made from pheomelanin.
Like people, the color of their coats also depends on their genes. The genes regulate the amount of melanin produced from the animal’s body. If the dog carries more genes for a brown coat, a smaller amount of eumelanin will be produced.
You may be wondering which gene is more dominant, whether the one for black or the one for brown dogs. In this case, the gene for black dogs is much stronger than the one for brown dogs. Even one black gene can suppress many brown genes.
On the other hand, black dogs carry a brown gene. So, if two black dogs have puppies, there might be one chocolate surprise!
FAQ:
Brown Dogs Summary
Besides our list, there are many dogs that possess brown coats. Regardless of their color, all dogs follow orders when adequately trained. Dogs can have difficulties while fitting into your lifestyle. Therefore, make sure you give your brown puppies firm and early training before it gets too late.
*photo by Wirestock – depositphotos