15 Popular Brown Dog Breeds

By
Lauren Murphy
Lauren Murphy, Cat and Dog Expert for The Spruce Pets
Lauren Murphy
Lauren Murphy is a cat and dog expert and writer who is also a dedicated Humane Society volunteer. She has also been trained in animal behavior and is an experienced dog walker and pet sitter.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/03/21
Brown miniature dachshund standing on a tree stump in a forest

NORRIE3699 / Getty Images

From the famous Labrador retriever to the petite dachshund, there are lots of dog breeds that come in brown shades. Some of these breeds have long, fluffy hair while others have short, coarse fur. They range widely in size and shape, temperament, and activity level. What unites them is they all possess genes that produce brown coats.

Here are 15 of the most popular brown dog breeds.

Tip

There is much more to deciding which breed is right for you than just coat color. Learn about typical breed traits and then visit with the individual dog to make sure its characteristics will fit with your lifestyle.

  • 01 of 15

    Labrador Retriever

    A chocolate Lab with its tongue hanging out lying in the grass with a tennis ball

    Purple Collar Pet Photography / Getty Images

    Those who have a Labrador retriever know how amazing these pups are. Their goofy personalities, playful temperaments, and kind souls make them a popular choice for companion pets among families all around the world. Labs are big, bulky dogs who love to run, play, and especially swim. They are best suited to active family homes. They come in three solid coat colors including chocolate.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Sporting (AKC)

    Height: 22.5 to 24.5 inches (male); 21.5 to 23.5 inches (female)

    Weight: 65 to 80 pounds (male); 55 to 70 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Short, dense double coat; comes in black, chocolate, or yellow

    Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

  • 02 of 15

    American Staffordshire Terrier

    Headshot of an American Staffordshire terrier

    Melanie Florez-Kratunis / Getty Images

    American Staffordshire terriers, sometimes known as “Staffies” or “Am Staffs,” are generally affectionate goofballs despite their tough outward look. They are among breeds known generally as pit bulls. While careful introductions are sometimes needed with other pets, they are often unfailingly loyal dogs with lots of energy, making them good for an active family. Their short, stiff coat can come in a variety of brown shades.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Terrier (AKC)

    Height: 18 to 19 inches (male); 17 to 18 inches (female)

    Weight: 55 to 70 pounds (male); 40 to 55 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Short coat; comes in a variety of colors including black, brown, blue, fawn, red, and liver; brindle pattern and or white markings also possible

    Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

  • 03 of 15

    Dachshund

    A brown dachshund lying on a bed

    Teresa Lett / Getty Images

    If you’re looking for a small companion pooch, consider a dachshund. Also known as wiener dogs or doxies, dachshunds are sweet, loving pups in a tiny package. They’re longer than they are tall, but they make up for their lack of height with their bright personalities. Dachshunds are typically seen in shades of brown, though several other color combinations are possible as well.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Hound (AKC)

    Height: 8 to 9 inches (standard); 5 to 6 inches (miniature)

    Weight: 16 to 32 pounds (standard); up to 11 pounds (miniature)

    Coat and Color: Coat varieties include smooth (shorthaired), longhaired, and wire-haired; colors include (but not limited to) black, tan, fawn, beige, blue, chocolate, and red; various markings such as dapple, piebald, brindle, and sable

    Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

  • 04 of 15

    Poodle

    Brown standard poodle standing in the dunes in front of the sea

    Cavan Images / Getty Images

    The popular poodle comes in three different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Poodles are generally delightfully playful and affectionate dogs. And because of their fierce intelligence and athletic prowess, they are best suited to a home that can offer them ample physical and mental enrichment. Their curly coat does require a fair amount of grooming. And while white is a common color, poodles also can come in brown among other shades.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)

    Height: Standard: over 15 inches; miniature: 10 to 15 inches; toy: 10 inches and under

    Weight: Standard: 45 to 70 pounds; miniature: 15 to 18 pounds; toy: 5 to 9 pounds

    Coat and Color: Curly, dense single coat; one of many solid colors including but not limited to white, black, gray, brown, and apricot

    Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years

    Continue to 5 of 15 below.
  • 05 of 15

    Boxer

    A boxer dog lying in the grass and looking into the distance

    Westend61 / Getty Images

    Energetic and lovable, the boxer is a wonderful companion. Just make sure you have enough room and energy to exercise such an athletic and large pup. A boxer's coat is shiny and smooth, and it requires little grooming. A weekly brushing should suffice to remove loose fur. Boxers are commonly seen in shades of brown from tan to mahogany.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Height: 23 to 25 inches (male); 21.5 to 23.5 inches (female)

    Weight: 65 to 80 pounds (male); females about 15 pounds less than males

    Coat and Color: Short coat; fawn and brindle are standard colors; standard markings include a black mask, black mask with white markings, and white markings

    Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

  • 06 of 15

    Chihuahua

    Brown longhaired chihuahua sitting in a park

    Kurt Pas / Getty Images

    Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they make up for it in attitude. They are confident and affectionate, and they can be perfect companions for people who aren't able to exercise a large, athletic dog breed. Even so, chihuahuas still need regular walks or play sessions to stay happy and healthy. Both the long and short coat varieties don't require excessive grooming. They are often seen in tan but can be a deeper chocolate as well.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)

    Height: 5 to 8 inches

    Weight: Up to 6 pounds

    Coat and Color: Smooth (short) or long coat; comes in either solid or a combination of two colors; most common colors include black, tan, fawn, cream, white, blue, silver, chocolate, and red

    Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

  • 07 of 15

    Basset Hound

    A basset hound out in the woods

    James Heifner / EyeEm / Getty Images

    Basset hounds are known for being affectionate and mild-mannered, but you might have to work to achieve a solid recall as they can have a stubborn streak. Moreover, their long ears and skin folds are prone to infections, so regular cleaning is necessary. Although it is possible to see bassets in solid brown, this is not accepted in the American Kennel Club breed standard. A white-and-tan mix is the most common coat.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Hound (AKC)

    Height: Up to 15 inches

    Weight: 40 to 65 pounds

    Coat and Color: Short coat; color combinations of black/mahogany, white, brown/tan, red, and yellow

    Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years

  • 08 of 15

    Shiba Inu

    A Shiba Inu dog standing in the sand with its mouth open

    chendongshan / Getty Images

    The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed that was used in hunting. Eventually, the breed came to the United States where it steadily gained traction thanks to its intelligence and quiet nature. Shibas rarely bark. But that doesn't mean they are right for everyone, as they can be rather aloof and strong-willed. While they don't come in dark brown shades, they most commonly are seen in a shade of reddish tan.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)

    Height: 14.5 to 16.5 inches (male); 13.5 to 15.5 inches (female)

    Weight: Around 23 pounds (male); around 17 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Stiff and straight outer coat; soft and thick undercoat; three color types: red, black and sesame, black and tan

    Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years

    Continue to 9 of 15 below.
  • 09 of 15

    Australian Shepherd

    A brown Australian shepherd running in the grass

    MATTHEW PALMER / Getty Images

    Pure athleticism: That’s the best way to describe Australian shepherds, affectionately known as Aussies. These dogs are medium-size, but they need more exercise than most dog breeds. Aussies love working, whether it be herding sheep or zipping through agility courses. So they are ideal for active families or farmers who need a helping hand. Aussies can sport several different coat colors, including a beautiful reddish brown one.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Herding (AKC)

    Height: 20 to 23 inches (male); 18 to 21 inches (female)

    Weight: 50 to 65 pounds (male); 40 to 55 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Medium to long coat; comes in blue merle, red merle, black, or red; all colors may have white markings and/or tan (copper) points

    Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

  • 10 of 15

    Pomeranian

    A fluffy Pomeranian sitting in the sand

    Ekaterina Goncharova / Getty Images

    Pomeranians are adorable fur balls that can be amazing companions for the right person. These dogs aren't for everyone—they can be quite bossy—but they can make great pals with solid training and socialization. Pomeranians are quite recognizable because of their long, puffy coat that comes in a variety of colors, including brown. Their grooming regimen is, understandably, quite high maintenance.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Toy (AKC)

    Height: 6 to 7 inches

    Weight: 3 to 7 pounds

    Coat and Color: Long, double coat; comes in many colors including red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue

    Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

  • 11 of 15

    Great Dane

    Fawn Great Dane lying in the grass

    Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images

    If you’re in the market for an especially large dog, look no further. Towering Great Danes take the Guinness World Record for the world’s tallest dog. Despite their imposing size, Danes are generally friendly pups. They love to play, but perhaps as equally they love to laze around on the sofa (if there is room) with their humans. Their coat is fairly low-maintenance and is often seen in a lighter shade of brown.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Height: 30 to 32 inches (male); 28 to 30 inches (female)

    Weight: 140 to 175 pounds (male); 110 to 140 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Short coat; comes in brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches), or mantle (black and white)

    Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

  • 12 of 15

    Saint Bernard

    A big Saint Bernard dog lying in the grass

    Filip Micovic / Getty Images

    Another big, lumbering pup is the lovable Saint Bernard. The breed has a history of being search-and-rescue dogs and is still used in that field today. Saint Bernards are also lovable companions and loyal protectors of their favorite humans. Just be prepared to care for such large dogs (and their habit of excessive drooling). They need brushing at least weekly to prevent all their loose fur from getting everywhere. Their coat is often a brown shade with white.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working (AKC)

    Height: 28 to 30 inches (males); 26 to 28 inches (female)

    Weight: 140 to 180 pounds (male); 120 to 140 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Dense coat that may be short and smooth or long and silky; colors include white with red, brown, or brindle markings; black "mask" is typically seen

    Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years

    Continue to 13 of 15 below.
  • 13 of 15

    Collie

    A longhaired collie dog standing in a misty field


    关心 / Getty Images

    Many people know collies because the breed was used to depict one of the most iconic dogs on the television: Lassie. The breed is generally gentle and sweet but also alert, intelligent, and courageous. Collie coats come in rough and smooth varieties. Smooth coats are less likely to mat than rough coats, but they both still need regular brushing. The coats often come in rich shades of brown with white.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Herding (AKC)

    Height: 24 to 26 inches (male); 22 to 24 inches (female)

    Weight: 60 to 75 pounds (male); 50 to 65 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Rough variety: straight, harsh, abundant outercoat and soft undercoat; smooth variety: short, hard, dense, flat outercoat and soft undercoat; colors include sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, or white

    Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

  • 14 of 15

    Chow Chow

    Closeup of a chow chow face

    Iurii / Getty Images

    Chow chows are instantly recognizable because of their voluminous coat, lion-like appearance, and purple-black tongue. They are a low-key, independent, and fairly aloof dog, but they also can be incredibly loyal to their people. Their coat should be brushed at least twice a week to prevent mats, working all the way down to the undercoat. Chows come in varying shades of brown from a lighter cream to a darker cinnamon.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)

    Height: 17 to 20 inches

    Weight: 45 to 70 pounds

    Coat and Color: Rough or smooth coat; colors include black, blue, cinnamon, cream, or red

    Life Expectancy: 8 to 12 years

  • 15 of 15

    German Shepherd

    A German shepherd dog lying in the fall leaves

    Kristin Castenschiold / Getty Images

    German shepherds are often utilized as working dogs, especially in law enforcement and search-and-rescue. They are also well suited to be service dogs. They are intelligent, athletic, and unfailingly loyal. However, early and ongoing socialization and training are important for this powerful breed due to its strong guarding traits. A German shepherd's coat should be brushed weekly to remove loose fur. It can feature light to dark shades of brown.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Herding (AKC)

    Height: 24 to 26 inches (male); 22 to 24 inches (female)

    Weight: 65 to 90 pounds (male); 50 to 70 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Coarse, medium-length double coat; colors include black and tan, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, solid black, gray, and sable

    Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

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