We all have preferences. From the food we eat to the people we date, we have a strict set of likes and dislikes. It’s no different when it comes to our pets. As much as we want to choose the dog that has the best personality, you can’t help but to be more drawn to certain breeds.

If you love the sharp, classic look of a brown dog with short hair, you might wonder what dog breeds come in this color and hair type. Brown in the world of dog coat colors can be known as liver, chocolate, fawn and many other inventive names. In this article, we focused on dogs that have a dominant brown color and short hair breed standard. Let’s take a look at these fabulous pooches, and what to expect when you own one.

The 10 Brown Dog Breeds With Short Hair

1. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a dog of power and intelligence. They will impress you with their tireless desire to learn and matchless agility. These dogs are fantastic for people who love to be on the go. If you are the kind of person who absolutely loves teaching your dog new things, the Malinois will be a sponge for anything you’re willing to toss their way.

The Malinois needs to be heavily stimulated physically and mentally and is not for couch potatoes! If these dogs are left to their own devices, they will come up with things to entertain themselves, which can lead to a whirlwind of problems. Belgian Malinois that aren’t properly exercised can develop undesirable personality changes, destructiveness, restlessness, separation anxiety, or even aggression.

2. Boxer

The adorable squishy-faced Boxer that is no doubt beautiful, but sometimes spicy. These popular pups are known for being highly protective, dependable, and lovable. They only come in three different colors, officially, but they can range from golden to dark mahogany.

These dogs are very popular family dogs because they are athletic, highly trainable, and tend to have very good personalities. If a Boxer is well socialized, they tend to get along with strangers and other animals. However, if a Boxer has aggressive tendencies as a puppy, or isn’t carefully socialized, they can be hard to handle as adults.

3. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a dog that comes in various tones of brown. Some Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are more on the reddish-brown side while others are more diluted in color. These dogs are extremely beautiful, elegant, and useful.

They make amazing family companions, and acclimate well into different lifestyles. These dogs definitely love being outside, so if you live in an apartment or another smaller living space, you will need to ensure you’re giving them the appropriate amount of exercise.

These dogs will love playing in the water, so always make sure to take them on any waterside adventures. Because of their prey drive, they are often incompatible with smaller pets. If you have cats, these dogs should be raised alongside them to ensure compatibility.

4. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a canine that is very commonly some shade of brown, from nearly fawn to a red mahogany or chestnut. However, they can come in a few other coat colors as well. Although the image of a Chow Chow is usually one of a bundle of fluff with medium length hair there are smooth haired versions of the coat too. The Chow Chow puppy is arguably one of the cutest puppies to exist.

These fluffy little dogs look like baby bears in appearance, which can be misleading. These dogs, while they look like fluffy little teddy bears, are actually quite aloof and not the best with other animals and strangers. It can even take them quite a long time to warm up to people they see often. Chows are constantly on guard, waiting for someone to make the wrong move. If you are looking for a guard dog to protect your property, the Chow Chow will never disappoint.

These dogs take territory very seriously and have been known to be banned from several different apartment complexes or shared living spaces due to their reputation.

5. Dachshund

The Dachshund is an adorable, familiar little face that is otherwise known as the wiener dog. It’s no wonder they received this nickname, as they are in the shape of the all-American favorite frankfurter we all know.

These dogs are classically brown or sometimes black and tan. However, they also come in a variety of different colors these days. The Dachshund is known for being a very strong willed, interactive, and even challenging dog. Because of their independent and stubborn nature, they typically work best with experienced dog owners who are very familiar with their antics.

The Dachshund will have you in stitches watching them bounce around the house and tunnel through blankets. They certainly aren’t short on personality or comic relief.

6. German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is another hunting dog to add to the list. These dogs have a very interesting color combination. The dark on them is not necessarily referred to as brown, but rather liver. They also have dusty patches of gray all over their bodies. Each German Shorthaired Pointer is unique, touting a different coat of various patterns.

These dogs are extremely good with other dogs and children. They tend to be playful, intelligent, and obedient. These dogs are receptive to most styles of training, so always make sure to teach them all they can learn. These dogs can be easily distracted, so make sure you have something to keep them focused, such a tasty treat or their favorite toy.

7. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is among one of the most popular dog breeds of all time year after year. They are always in the top five on the AKC popularity list and that is for good reason! These dogs make the all-around perfect family pets.

These dogs aren’t all classically brown. However, they have very limited colors—black, yellow, or chocolate. These pups are very commonly brown and we think they are deserving of making the list. They are docile and excitable enough to run with the kids while being gentle and discerning enough to understand boundaries. They are very easy to train and eager to please. These traits make them ideal for family life.

Labs are hunting dogs. That means they have a natural prey instinct, which can make it complicated for them to live with smaller animals, including cats. However, they would love having another canine companion around.

8. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever might be a little bit of an enigma to some. After all, that’s a mouthful, and not a string of words you hear put together every day. This might be one of the rare retriever breeds, but one of the most fantastic for sure.

These dogs are notorious for being highly intelligent, patient, outgoing, and loving, even with strangers. These are the kind of dogs that never meet a stranger and approach life with a glass half full attitude.

These retrievers are highly athletic and they love splashing around in the water. These are great for people who love hunting or life outdoors. It’s an added bonus if you have acres where they can run and explore. These dogs make fantastic family dogs, permitting they have space for adequate exercise.

9. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very powerful, serious breed that isn’t for the faint of heart. These dogs are classically tan or fawn in color with a black around their ears and face. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a stunning specimen, but you better be very well-versed in canine caretaking before you take on this challenging dog.

These dogs are known for being extremely strong-willed, sensitive, and stubborn. Because of their high intelligence, they can outsmart you. They can also jump, dig, or otherwise Houdini their way out of just about anything.

Be prepared to have a strong enclosure, and be able to provide frequent exercise on a daily basis. They require a patient and firm hand very early. It is highly suggested that you socialize this dog from an early age to prevent any aggression or nervous tendencies.

10. Vizsla

Vizslas are absolutely lovely dogs. They have a stunning copper-colored coat that can vary in shade. These dogs are extremely distinct, one of the Hungarian pointer dog breeds that are lovely, agile, and intense.

Vizslas have a very high level of intelligence. Because of their extremely high awareness, they can be very challenging to keep sometimes. Vizslas are not the best selection for inexperienced owners. Don’t let this fool you though. Vizslas are highly adaptable and very affectionate dogs that attach very strongly to their pack members.

Vizslas require early socialization around a number of different people and circumstances. It is highly advisable to not get a Vizsla if you are disabled, elderly, or gone for long hours at a time. These dogs require constant stimulation and attention, in homes where they can get plenty of exercise and companionship.

Final Thoughts

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of brown dog breeds, it does have the most common ones that have short hair. If you just like the overall look of a brown dog with short hair, we have to agree that this color is quite special in its own right.

Of all 10 of these fascinating dogs, which one was your favorite?

Featured Image Credit: SubertT, Shutterstock