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Black and tan are a beautiful color combination on dogs. For some dog breeds, this is their signature coloring, while for others, it depends on their genetic inheritance. What’s more, black and tan dog breeds come in different sizes, temperaments, and more. Some are athletic, while others are more like couch potatoes! There are also black and tan dogs that have different types of fur coats, such as short & smooth or long, with a thick undercoat.
If you’re looking for a black and tan dog breed to adopt, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of black and tan dog breeds arranged by size. Our list includes small, medium, and large black and tan dog breeds. So, you’re sure to find the right dog to adopt!
Large Black & Tan Dog Breeds
Here’s our list of large dog breeds that are black and tan!
1. Beauceron
The Beauceron is a large dog breed that is black and tan. These dogs have a strong, muscular body, with a graceful appearance. These dogs are working dogs, bred for guarding and herding work.
The breed was originally bred in northern France, in the Beauce region. The oldest records for this dog breed date back to 1578, during the Renaissance. If you’ve ever wondered where part of the Doberman’s heritage comes from, it includes the Beauceron!
These dogs have a nickname in France, where they’re called Bas-Rouge. This translates into “red stockings,” which is an apt name for the breed. They have red on their feet and legs, making it look as if they’re wearing red stockings.
Beaucerons have a unique feature—they have double dewclaws. These beautiful black and tan dogs usually stand between 24 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 70 to 110 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. As we mentioned earlier, these are big dogs!
While these dogs are large, they’re also full of energy! They’re smart and versatile working dogs. They also make sensitive, dashing companions and protectors.
Beaucerons are not the best dogs for inexperienced pet parents. That’s because the dogs tend to be dominant. They will take over if allowed. A pet parent must be dedicated to regular training and socialization in order for these dogs to be happy, well-rounded companions.
What’s more, Beaucerons require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They love being outdoors and need daily exercise. They excel at guard work, agility training, carting, and much more.
2. Black & Tan Coonhound
The black and tan coonhound in another large dog breed. These dogs usually stand between 23 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 75 to 100 lbs. They have a life expectancy between 10 to 12 years.
This dog breed originated in the Ozark and Smoke Mountains. There they were used to hunt racoon, mountain lions, bears, deer, and more. Coonhounds are knowing for tracking down their prey and then barking up when they have their quarry up a tree. These dogs are famous for their highly sensitive noses and the ability to use their noses on a cold trail, even when the scent is very faint.
Black and tan coonhounds are strong, athletic dogs that can make great walking and jogging companions. They also enjoy daily walks, but make sure to include plenty of sniffing time. These dogs love to read the “newspaper” left by other dogs, humans, and animals! Once you’re back home, though, the coonhound wants nothing more than to lay down and sleep. He may even end up in your lap!
These dogs are very good with kids and love to play with them. Coonhounds also usually get along well with other dogs and even cats. They also make wonderful watchdogs and will alert you with a loud, deep bark if anything’s amiss.
While these are amazing dogs, pet parents must be ready for a dog that drools quite a bit. This can be a turnoff for some people, especially those who like to keep everything neat and clean. They also splash water around when drinking.
It’s essential to start training and socializing these dogs from a young age. And they need an experience pet parent who understands how to handle smart, stubborn, independent dogs!
3. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is another large black & tan dog breed. They originally came from Tibet, where they were used to guard cattle and property. They are still used in this role today; however, they’re also appreciated as show dogs and family companions!
Tibetan Mastiffs are between 2 to 2 ft 2 inches tall and weigh between 75 to 160 lbs. They have a life expectancy between 10 to 14 years.
These beautiful dogs have long coats and full tails. Along with their lovely looks, these dogs also tend to be loving, gentle, patient, and understanding. They’ve worked alongside humans for many centuries, making them very understanding of their pet parents’ ways.
These working dogs love to work hard, protect their families, and are fierce & loyal in these duties. They’re great watchdogs due to their size and the fact they were bred to guard cattle and their families.
Having said that, Tibet Mastiffs also tend to be independent. They don’t always respond to your cues. They will, however, want to be near you and bond. The dogs don’t always want to obey, especially if they believe they’re in the right, not you! The dogs can be stubborn and don’t always excel at obedience training.
The dogs are usually quiet; however, they will bark a lot if they are left outside at night. Another note about being outside is that you must have a dog-proof fence. Tibetan Mastiffs are masters at escaping. They can climb over or dig under fences when they want to get out! What’s more, these dogs should not be left outside unattended, as they can become territorial and aggressive. Remember, these are highly protective dogs!
Tibetan Mastiffs can be good with kids; however, they’re not well suited for families with young kids. They may mistake a child’s screaming, crying, running, yelling, and playing as aggression.
For these reasons, training and socialization are imperative for these dogs.
Medium Black and Tan Dog Breeds
Here’s our list of medium-sized black and tan dog breeds!
4. Shiba Inu
Why did we include the Shiba Inu dog breed on our list of black and tan dogs? Aren’t these dogs usually red? Yes, they are. However, some Shiba Inu can also be black, tan, and cream-colored! These dogs are not as common as their red siblings; however, they’re just as beautiful.
The Shiba Inu dog breed originally comes from Japan, where the breed was bred to flush out birds and small game. They were also used for hunting wild boar, so you know this is a courageous dog! This dog breed is one of six that’s native to Japan.
This dog breed has an interesting history. While they were prevalent before WWI, they were almost wiped out by the war. Most of the dogs didn’t live through the bombing raids, while others died of distemper. However, as luck would have it, the breed survived in remote areas. Once the war was over, the dogs were bred and became more numerous.
Shiba Inu usually stand between 13 to 17 inches tall and weigh between 17 to 23 lbs. They have a life expectancy between 12 to 16 years.
These beautiful dogs, especially those who are red, strongly resemble red foxes. They’re one of the smallest Spitz breeds in Japan. They’re well known for their upright, pointed ears, squinty eyes, and curly tail, along with their amazing colors of red, black & tan.
Shiba Inu are also well known for their fiery personalities! They are also good-natured and highly alert, making these dogs highly intelligent and strong-willed.
Because these dogs tend to be independent and stubborn, they’re not the best dogs for inexperienced pet parents. They thrive with a pet parent who understands how to properly train and socialize a strong-will, highly intelligent dog. This black & tan dog breed requires training and socialization from a young age.
Despite their independent and stubborn natures, Shiba Inu do make great family companions. They are loyal and devoted dogs to their people. They also get along well with kids, though the dogs must be trained and socialized first.
These dogs can be aggressive with other dogs and animals. Males usually challenge other intact males, especially if they are also intact. And because they do have a strong prey drive, they will run after small animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, or even cats. They’re also suspicious of strangers, which makes them a very good watchdogs.
Shiba Inu have a ton of energy and need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.
5. Airedale Terrier
Another medium-sized black & tan dog breed is the Airedale Terrier! These dogs are referred to as the “King of the Terriers” because they’re the largest of the terrier dog breeds. The breed originally came from the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, in England. There, the dogs were bred to catch otters and rats. Today, these dogs are sport dogs, as well as working dogs.
Airedale Terriers stand between 21 to 23 inches tall and weigh between 40 to 65 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.
These are dogs that love to work! They’re prepared to keep kids company or do just about any job you give them. They also excel at dog sports such as obedience & agility competitions and more.
Just like other terriers, the Airedale loves to dig, chase, and bark. Remember, they were bred to chase down rats, otters, and other animals. This means it was sometimes necessary for the dogs to dig up their prey. The dogs continue this digging habit today. So, you may want to make sure to keep your fur baby out of the garden!
Because they’re full of energy, Airedales make wonderful jogging and running companions. However, they’re just as happy with a daily walk and playtime.
Another important note about Airedale Terriers is that they can be quite stubborn and independent. These dogs are extremely intelligent and were bred to think for themselves. For this reason, the dogs have a tendency to not always listen to cues from their pet parents. This also makes them somewhat challenging to train, which means they’re not the best dogs for first-time pet parents.
Airedales also make wonderful guard dogs who work hard to protect their home and family. But rest assured, if these dogs know you are friends with someone, they will let that person onto the property and into your home without trouble.
This is a dog breed that’s very intelligent, athletic, and courageous. They make wonderful family companions with the right training and socialization.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSmall Black and Tan Dog Breeds
Now, here’s our list of small black and tan dog breeds!
7. Australian Silky Terrier
The Australian Silky Terrier, also called the Silky Terrier, is a small black and tan dog. These dogs are known for their elegant, silky fur of tan and black (with some blue). The dogs have a delicate look; however, they can be quite tough!
Silky Terriers are between 9 to 10 inches tall and weigh between 8 to 10 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Silky Terriers are similar to other terrier dog breeds in that they have the same temperament. A Silky Terrier can be scrappy, determined, and strong-willed! They also like to dig, bark, and chase. While the dogs can be tough, they also have another side to their personality. Silky Terriers are also extremely loyal and love nothing better than to be with their families. These dogs need to be with a family that’s home most of the time. They don’t do well left home alone for long periods. Otherwise, they can be destructive and mischievous.
These small dogs have a lot of energy! So, it’s necessary to take a Silky Terrier on a daily walk. They also require plenty of mental stimulation. While they are energetic, these small dogs do well in apartments and urban settings.
When properly trained and socialized, this dog breed can be very good with kids. However, the children should be taught how to properly interact and treat the dog.
If you’re looking for a small companion dog with lots of energy and personality, the Australian Silky Terrier may be the right dog breed for you!
8. Beagle
Finally, the lost black & tan dog on our list is the Beagle! These are small dogs that are very hardy and have a lot of energy! They make great companions for adults and kids, as the dogs love to have fun. However, they can also sometimes have a stubborn streak.
Beagles have a very strong sense of smell. They were originally bred as scent hounds to track small game, such as rabbits. They’re still used in this way today; however, most Beagles are now family companions.
Beagles are about 13 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 18 to 30 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
These dogs are extremely appealing. How could not fall for those dark, brown eyes and cute faces? These happy dogs are very friendly and affectionate. Because they aren’t very intimidating, this dog breed is often used as a working dog used to help track down illegal items and more.
Because Beagles are small, they make wonderful companions for people living in apartments. They just need to have a daily walk and playtime!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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