There are quite a few dog breeds that are black tan in color. But before you decide on one, you’ll want to learn a bit more about the many different types out there. So here are the basics of the top black and tan dog breeds.
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a German breed that is known around the world for its guarding ability. These large black and tan dogs were originally used to herd livestock and for pulling the carts of butchers to the market. Nowadays they are often employed as bodyguards, watchdogs, and police dogs but also make terrific family companions. The Rottweiler is easy to train although it does need a lot of socialization.
Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is an all-around bird hunting dog from Scotland. This breed is the biggest of all the setters. While the breed does take several years to mature into adulthood it is well-known for its loyal, loving, and affectionate personality. Because the breed only comes in this one coat color, Gordon Setters are also sometimes simply referred to as “black and tans.”
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a formidable yet sleek-looking breed from Germany. It is a large, lean, and elegant dog that was created to be both a companion and bodyguard. The Doberman is considered to be one of the most highly trainable canines as it is intelligent and very eager to please its master. At the same time, this is also a dog that needs an owner who is capable of being a strong leader.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the small black and tan dog breeds. Its coat also comes in a range of other colors too. This little dog originated in Mexico but is popular the world over. It is a companion that often forms a stronger bond with one person in particular.
And as a result can be a bit protective of “their,” person. Because it comes from a warm country the Chihuahua is not well-suited for the cold and may need special clothing such as doggie coats or sweaters in colder climates and seasons.
Hovawart
The Hovawart is a German dog that has a history dating back to the middle ages. This is a working breed that was created to guard both livestock and the home. It is also a dog that takes a bit more time to mature and grow out of the puppy stage than other breeds.
The Hovawart is a real family dog. And because it forms very close bonds with its family members it needs to be around them the majority of the time. It is not solely a black and tan dog, it may also be found in black or blonde.
German Shepherd
While this German breed started as a herding dog today it truly excels as a guard dog. It’s no wonder it’s the dog of choice for so many police and military units around the world. The German Shepherd is an easily-trained and obedient breed that is also affectionate with children. It has a dense and harsh coat that comes in various other colors including solid black and white.
English Bulldog
The wrinkly face, short snout, and under-bite of the English Bulldog make it one of the most recognizable dogs. However, most people don’t realize that it too is one of the black and tan dog breeds. That’s because this color combination is considered rare in English Bulldogs, and it’s actually considered “very undesirable,” according to UKC standard.
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a bird hunting dog that was developed in the United Kingdom. And it is considered to be the smallest sporting dog of them all. Because of its sweet and affectionate nature, it is a popular family dog especially for families with young children.
Fans of the Cocker Spaniel have many options to choose from when it comes to coat color since it comes in so many others. There are also two similar but distinct types of Cockers to pick from, the American and the English Cocker Spaniel.
Beauceron
The Beauceron is a French breed that was developed during the middle ages. It is used to guard and also herd sheep along with other types of livestock. Because of its naturally protective nature, it’s an impressive guardian and watchdog as well when it comes to its family and home. The Beauceron’s rough and dense coat can only be either black and tan or harlequin in color.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu has the reputation of being cat-like for its habit of licking its legs and feet to keep itself clean. It is both the smallest and the oldest of the nine official Japanese dog breeds. While it was created to be used as a hunting dog, today it is also an incredibly popular companion dog in its home country. Black and tan, black and sesame, cream, red, and sesame are all acceptable coat colors for the breed.
Black and Tan Coonhound
Developed from crossing the Bloodhound and English Foxhound, this large black and tan hound dog was created in the United States to hunt raccoons. The Black and Tan Coonhound has a reputation for being easy to train and getting along well with other canines and people.
It’s a dog that can live either indoors with the family or outside as long as it gets enough attention. As you could probably guess from its name, the breed is strictly black and tan in color.
Source: Steffen Heinz (Caronna) [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons
Saluki
Speed and elegance are two words that accurately describe the Saluki. It is a Middle Eastern sighthound that was originally used to hunt gazelles. And it is believed by many to be the oldest domesticated dog breed of them all.
Because of its hunting background, the breed does have a high prey drive and may dash after cats, birds, and other small animals. Therefore it should not be allowed off-leash in public spaces and will need a properly secured yard with room to run.
Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is a small black and tan dog breed from England. It was originally used for killing rats both for vermin control and for entertainment in the sport of rat-baiting. The Manchester Terrier is a high-energy breed that is very attached to its family. Because of this, it is known to develop separation anxiety. There is also an even smaller version of this breed known as the Toy Manchester Terrier.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is easily one of the most physically imposing large black and tan dog breeds. It is an ancient dog that has been used to guard livestock, monasteries, and property against both people and ferocious predators such as wolves and bears among several others.
As a powerful and true working livestock guardian it is not a dog recommended for an inexperienced or passive owner. This breed’s coat is considered to be odor-free and comes in a handful of colors.
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