Black and tan is arguably one of the most impressive coat colors a dog can have. And quite a few breeds can be found in this eye-catching color. However, not everyone is looking for a large or even medium-sized pet. So here are some of the top small black and tan breeds you’ll want to learn more about when you’d prefer a little pooch.
Miniature Pinscher
Despite its obvious small size, the Miniature Pinscher has the attitude and confidence of a much larger dog. In fact because of its black and tan coat, name, and similar physical characteristics it is often mistakenly believed to be a miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher.
However this is not the case, the Miniature Pinscher is a breed all its own. And while it may not be a guardian like the Doberman, the Minpin does make an incredibly effective watchdog.
Chihuahua
For anyone who would like to own a tiny dog, it doesn’t get much smaller than the Chihuahua. This charming little companion breed has a distinct apple-shaped head and sharp-pointed muzzle. It comes in a range of coat colors including black and tan. The coat may also be short or long in length. It’s a Mexican dog breed and is actually named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Elegant would be an excellent way to describe the appearance of this small black and tan dog breed. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a loving dog that wants nothing more than to cuddle with its owner and family members. And that’s because it was created to be a lap dog for English royalty.
One of the interesting facts about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is that they also functioned to attract fleas. Since fleas carried the bubonic plague, this helped to prevent the owners themselves from being bitten and infected. The breed’s coat comes in four color varieties with one of them of course being black and tan.
Dachshund
The hot dog-like Dachshund is long and low to the ground. And for a little pooch, its bark is surprisingly loud. This feature helped hunters to locate the dog when it was hunting vermin in underground burrows, which it was it was created.
The Dachshund is an intelligent dog and like many smart and independent-thinking canines, it is considered to be one of the more stubborn dog breeds. In addition to black and tan, it comes in a variety of colors and patterns along with two sizes: standard and miniature.
Toy Terrier
The Toy Terrier is a companion dog that is quite rare. It was created by crossing the smallest of the Manchester Terriers. This extra small black and tan dog breed is actually one of the littlest canines in the world. True to its terrier blood, and despite it being a tiny lap dog, the Toy Terrier can be a savage when it comes to mice.
German Hunting Terrier
Also known as the Jagd Terrier which means “hunt terrier,” in German, this is an incredible little hunting breed. It is an all-around hunting dog that is used to hunt animals as large as wild boar. The German Hunting Terrier is one of only a few terriers that remained a working breed.
This is truly a big dog in a small dog’s body. And because it is bred to work and has an intense drive it is not a dog for everyone. Black and tan is the preferred coat color of the breed.
Tibetan Spaniel
For anyone who is looking for a small black and tan dog that can also function as an alert watchdog, the Tibetan Spaniel could be it. That’s because this Tibetan breed was actually used to watch over monasteries in its home country, alerting the monks to any danger.
The breed’s neck has the unique characteristic of being covered in longer hair which gives it an appearance similar to having a lion’s mane. The Tibetan Terrier is not exclusively black and tan, its silky coat comes in all colors and mixtures of colors.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie is easily one of the most popular small black and tan dog breeds. Its long straight and silky coat is not only attractive but considered to be hypoallergenic as well. The Yorkshire Terrier is a lovable companion that will do well in apartments and smaller homes. The breed standard allows for four accepted colors: black and tan, black and gold, blue and tan, and blue and gold.
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