14 Best Black-and-Tan Dog Breeds
A black-and-tan color combination can be found on a variety of dog breeds. For some breeds, it’s their trademark coloring, with other coat appearances being much less common. And for other breeds, it’s simply one of several potential looks. Black-and-tan dog breeds come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and temperaments. Some of these breeds are athletic hunters while others are loyal protectors. Plus, some have short, smooth coats while others sport shaggier fur. What unites these dogs is their shared coloring.
Here are 14 dog breeds that can come with black-and-tan coats.
1. Black and Tan Coonhound
One of six coonhound breeds, black-and-tan coonhounds are outgoing and eager to make friends with anyone who comes around (including kids, strangers, and other dogs). Aside from hunting, they also have some other notable skills, including the ability to howl in a most impressive manner. Their coat sheds a moderate amount and requires a weekly brushing to remove loose fur and dirt.
2. German Shepherd
The German shepherd’s notable athleticism and intelligence make it an ideal pick as a service animal or law enforcement dog. German shepherds also make fantastic family pets if you can put up with their plentiful shedding. These dogs need brushing every few days to keep their coat free of mats. But their coat does stay pretty clean, so they typically only need baths once or twice a month.
3. Dachshund
The low-to-the-ground dachshund often comes with a black-and-tan coat. This popular dog breed is known for being energetic, lovable, and spunky. Their coat sheds a moderate amount. The shorthaired variety needs a weekly brushing while the dachshunds with a longer coat could use brushing every two to three days to remove tangles.
4. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a large and muscular black-and-tan dog breed with a sweet spirit that goes against its reputation as a tough dog. Kid-friendly and affectionate, Rotties can be found both in family homes and assisting law enforcement departments. These dogs are medium shedders and just require basic grooming. A weekly brushing, along with a bath once or twice a month, should suffice.
5. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman pinscher is a highly affectionate and loyal dog breed. It can be trained as a guard dog due to its protective nature, but overall it’s quite a gentle breed. The sleek Doberman coat is easy to groom and sheds at a moderate rate. A weekly brushing or even just rubbing the coat with a wet towel will keep it looking fresh.
6. Miniature Pinscher
Despite looking like a tiny Doberman, the miniature pinscher isn’t actually a descendant of the Dobie—its history actually precedes the Doberman. Miniature pinschers and Dobermans do, however, share their strength and athleticism, along with their black-and-tan coats. These little dogs tend to be low shedders and just require a weekly brushing.
7. Airedale Terrier
These wire-haired dogs are often called the King of Terriers, though their origin actually lies with working-class farmers and factory employees in northern England. A mix of several different breeds, Airedale terriers are highly intelligent and a little bit stubborn, with a big personality that often puts them at the center of attention. Airedales are moderate shedders and benefit from a weekly brushing to remove loose hair.
8. Jagdterrier
The Jagdterrier (pronounced “yack terrier”) shares the Airedale’s affinity for both work and play. Highly social and easy to train, this breed might not be well-known, but it is well-suited to life as a loving family pet. A weekly brushing and a bath once or twice a month are typically all this dog needs to look its best.
9. Australian Kelpie
Kelpies are sort of a mix in appearance and temperament between a border collie and an Australian cattle dog, though they tend to be smaller than both. Mild-mannered but full of energy, they love to run around and play and are usually eager to have a job to do. These dogs are not suited to a home where the owners lead a sedentary lifestyle. Their easy-care coats need a weekly brushing to remove dirt and loose fur.
10. Russian Toy
These tiny pups give chihuahuas a run for their money when it comes to size. Russian toys aren’t easy to find in the U.S. and weren’t much known outside of Russia until a few decades ago. These petite pups are low shedders. The shorthaired variety can do with a weekly brushing while the longhaired variety should be brushed every day or two to prevent mats.
11. English Toy Terrier
This small black-and-tan dog breed is known for its expert rat hunting skills, though it also will hunt practically any animal that’s smaller than it is. That means it’s not suitable for homes with small animals as pets. Still, this dog is very low-maintenance in the grooming department. Its smooth coat needs a weekly brushing or rubbing with a wet towel to remove dirt and loose fur.
12. Beauceron
The Beauceron is the largest of the French sheepdog breeds, and it has a long history of herding sheep and cattle in the French countryside. These dogs are affectionate, smart, and energetic, meaning they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They’re moderate shedders but tend to shed profusely in the spring and fall. A brushing once or twice a week should suffice for them.
13. Appenzeller Sennenhund
The Appenzeller Sennenhund comes straight from the Swiss Alps. It was bred for farm work, herding animals, pulling carts, and guarding property. Although these dogs are more tricolor than strictly black and tan, the dominant colors are black and tan. These dogs are high shedders and should be brushed regularly to capture loose fur before it ends up on your furniture and clothes.
14. Lancashire Heeler
Lancashire heelers are feisty and full of personality, despite their small size. Originally from the U.K., you won’t find them much in the U.S. They tend to be quite affectionate with their families, though they can be wary of strangers. These dogs are medium shedders, and their coats typically aren’t prone to matting. A weekly brushing and baths once or twice a month should be fine.
