Dogs of all sizes, colors, and ages are pretty great, but it's possible you have your heart set on a brown dog for your family. Fortunately for you, lots of dogs have brown in their coats in some shape or form, but there aren't many breeds that are actually brown all over. To help you on your search, we've rounded up some of the cutest brown dog breeds you'll find out there, including small dogs, big dogs, and breeds of all shades, from chocolate brown Labrador Retrievers to reddish-brown Vizslas to golden brown Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
What are the benefits of having a brown dog, you ask? While white dog breeds are undeniably cute, they tend to require a lot more maintenance than brown dogs to keep their coat clean. And as a bonus, brown breeds are most likely to be the dogs who look like teddy bears, whether they're dogs with lots of fur or short-haired pups. Ready to take home a new puppy? Read on for all the most popular brown dog breeds, including everything from big, fluffy Chow Chows to tiny Dachshunds. Here's hoping you find yourself a new furry best friend!
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America’s most popular dog breed is best known for having a stellar work ethic, and these pups are often employed as retrievers for hunters, guide dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. Luckily, Labrador Retrievers love just as hard as they work, and they tend to show endless devotion and affection to their owners. They come in three distinct colors, one of which is chocolate brown.
Coat and color: Short, dense double coat; comes in black, chocolate, or yellow
Height and weight: 23 inches and 65 to 80 pounds (male); 22 inches and 55 to 70 pounds (female)
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The Newfoundland is truly a gentle giant of a dog, though this big, strong breed was originally bred by Canadian fisherman to pull nets and haul wood. Despite its massive size (this dog usually weights at least 100 pounds, ranking it among the world's biggest dogs), this breed is just as well known for its sweet nature. They're very trainable, very affectionate, and — of course — very, very fluffy.
Coat and color: Straight double coat; comes in black, brown, or gray
Height and weight: 28 inches and 130 to 150 pounds (male); 26 inches and 100 to 120 pounds (female)
Affectionally known as Chessies, this breed was born when a Newfoundland was crossed with a retriever, creating a breed that excelled at duck retrieving in the Chesapeake Bay (hence the name). These bright, energetic sporting dogs aren't quite as outgoing as other retrievers, but they're eager to please and affectionate with their families.
Coat and color: Wiry or wavy coat; comes in brown, sedge, or tan
Height and weight: 23 to 26 inches and 65 to 80 pounds (male); 21 to 24 inches and 55 to 70 pounds (female)
With roots in ancient China, the dignified Chow Chow is best known for the mane-like ruff of fur around its head and shoulders, which is often a reddish-brown color. Between that and its small rounded ears, the Chow Chow looks just like a sweet little teddy bear (though, as it stands as high as 20 inches at the shoulder, this dog certainly isn't small).
Coat and color: Rough or smooth double coat; colors include black, blue, cinnamon, cream, or red
Height and weight: 17 to 20 inches and 45 to 70 pounds
With their pointed snouts, floppy ears, and trademark long and low-slung bodies, Dachshunds are one of the most recognizable dog breeds out there. Some have long hair and some have short, but almost all of these German-native dogs share the same playful, peppy personality and incredibly kid-friendly tendencies. Most also come in shades of brown, though it's possible to see other coat varieties as well.
Coat and color: Coat varieties include smooth, longhaired, and wire-haired; colors include black, tan, fawn, beige, blue, chocolate, and red
Height and weight: 8 to 9 inches and 16 to 32 pounds (standard); 5 to 6 inches and up to 11 pounds (miniature)
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The Lagotto Romagnolo is best known as Italy's truffle hunting dog whose well-trained nose can root out truffles. Despite being a rugged worker and extremely playful, the Lagotto is also undemanding and affectionate, with beautiful curls that you won't be able to resist. In fact, this breed's trademark curls feel more like human hair than fur.
Coat and color: Curly double coat; colors include brown, orange, sable, and white
Height and weight: 17 to 19 inches inches and 28.5 to 35 pounds (male); 16 to 18 inches and 24 to 31 pounds (female)
The German Shepherd is one of the best all-purpose working dogs and, as the name implies, this breed originated in the late 1800s in Germany by crossing various herding breeds. Ever since these dogs were introduced in the United States by soldiers returning home from World War I, they've earned a reputation as high-strung but easily trainable pals who are confident, whip-smart, and affectionate with just about anyone.
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
Height and weight: 24 to 26 inches and 65 to 90 pounds (male); 22 to 24 inches and 50 to 70 pounds (female)
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Vizslas were originally bred by Magyar warriors with agility and stamina in mind, so these reddish-brown pups are nothing if not athletic. With their lean, muscular bodies, Vizslas make for ideal jogging or biking companions. They also love nothing more than to be in the company of others, and they'll show their appreciation with lots of kisses and cuddles.
Coat and color: Smooth, short coat; comes in golden rust
Height and weight: 22 to 24 inches and 55 to 60 pounds (male); 21 to 23 inches and 44 to 55 pounds (female)
Around since ancient times and established in Western Europe about a thousand years ago, the Bloodhound is an inquisitive, independent dog with a very distinct trait: its long, floppy ears. The rumors are also true about Bloodhounds becoming relentless and stubborn when they catch a scent, but otherwise, these pups tend to be docile, easygoing, and friendly with all creatures.
Coat and color: Smooth, short coat; comes in black and tan, liver and tan, and red
Height and weight: 25 to 27 inches and 90 to 110 pounds (male); 23 to 25 inches and 80 to 100 pounds (female)
This unique pup originated in southern Africa and resulted as a cross between a Khoikhoi dog and various European breeds brought by Dutch colonists. Dignified and incredibly affectionate, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is vigilant and adaptable, and they like to have plenty of stimulation to keep them feeling occupied and useful.
Coat and color: Smooth, short coat; comes in light wheaton and red wheaton
Height and weight: 25 to 27 inches and 85 pounds (male); 24 to 26 inches and 70 pounds (female)
Also known as the Dogue de Bordeaux or Bordeaux Mastiff, the French Mastiff was relatively unknown outside of France (where it's believed to have been around since ancient times ) until the 1989 release of Turner & Hooch. Since then, French Mastiffs have solidified their reputation as watchful, easy-to-train pups who are loyal, courageous, and — above all — affectionate.
Coat and color: Smooth, short coat; comes in fawn, mahogany, or red
Height and weight: 23 to 27 inches and at least 110 pounds (male); 23 to 26 inches and at least 99 pounds (female)
This happy-go-lucky dog is believed to have originated as a bird hunting breed in Spain, and in modern times, has diverged into two varieties: American and English. Both varieties, however, are known as gentle, intelligent animals who are adaptable, friendly, and great with everyone from small kids to other dogs, though they tend to have lots of energy.
Coat and color: Long, silky double coat; comes in black, brown, red, silver, tan, and many other combinations of those colors
Height and weight: 14.5 to 15.5 inches and 25 to 30 pounds (male); 13.5 to 14.5 inches and 20 to 25 pounds (female)
Silly and mischievous, Boxers (who can be traced back to ancient war dogs of the Assyrian empire) may appear to have worried expressions, but the only thing they really worry about is showing you as much love as they can. And though this breed tends to be wary around strangers, it's only because they're so protective of their beloved family members, with whom they're very affectionate.
Coat and color: Short coat; comes in fawn or brindle with black and/or white markings
Height and weight: 23 to 25 inches and 65 to 80 pounds (male); 21.5 to 23.5 inches and 50 to 75 pounds (female)
The Leonberger is a mix of Newfoundland, a longhaired Saint Bernard, and Great Pyrenees, which means that this German breed is enormous, mischievous, and full of energy. Don't be intimidated by this giant breed's size, however, as early socialization and proper training allows Leos to become playful and loyal family dogs.
Coat and color: Long double coat; comes in red, sandy, or yellow with black face markings
Height and weight: 28 to 31.5 inches and 110 to 170 pounds (male); 25.5 to 29.5 inches and 90 to 140 pounds (female)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This royal breed (which was revived in the 1920s to replicate 17th-century toy spaniels) is just as dignified as its name suggests. Although small and well-behaved, you'll find the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is full of verve and athleticism. These pups are always down to horse around with kids and shower you with kisses, as long as you show your furry friend plenty of affection in return.
Coat and color: Wavy, silky coat; comes in black and tan, black and white, or ruby
Height and weight: 12 to 13 inches and 13 to 18 pounds
Corinne Sullivan
Contributing Writer
Corinne Sullivan is a digital writer and editor who covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, holidays and more.
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