Dogs come in a variety of breeds, colors, and sizes. Brown dog breeds are among the most popular with owners. You can probably picture several brown dog breeds right now. You may have owned one or two in the past. Of course, their popularity isn’t all about their fur color. Check out this list of ten popular brown dog breeds, and learn about the qualities that make them beloved household members.
#10: Chow Chow

The chow chow is reserved around strangers but is an affectionate and loyal family companion.
©iStock.com/Ivan Marjanovic
Chow chows are large, stocky dogs weighing up to 70 pounds. However, they are no more than 20 inches tall, measuring from paw to shoulder. They can be reserved around strangers and other dogs, but they are affectionate and loyal when it comes to family. Anyone considering a chow chow should keep its grooming requirements in mind. Chows have a double coat that needs regular brushing to ensure the dog’s skin and fur remain healthy.
#9: Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are confident and good-natured pets, but they require plenty of mental stimulation.
©iStock.com/Kurt Pas
The Shiba Inu is a muscular, small to medium-sized dog reaching 16.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 23 pounds. They are confident, good-natured, adaptable, and very affectionate with family. Shiba Inus are also very alert and will bark if an unfamiliar person is on the property. Potential owners should keep in mind that these bright dogs need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them busy and happy.
#8: Pomeranian

Pomeranians are strong-willed and confident, but they are also loving and loyal to their owners.
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The Pomeranian is a toy breed, only reaching 7 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 3 to 7 pounds. Out of all of the brown dog breeds on this list, the Pomeranian may be the bossiest, despite its small size. These dogs are known to be strong-willed and confident, but they are also loving, playful, and loyal to their owners. They are great dogs for someone who lives in an apartment, because Pomeranians don’t need a lot of space or a great deal of exercise to stay healthy.
#7: Great Dane

Great Danes have a gentle, sweet temperament.
©iStock.com/Jesus Manuel Souto Blanco
While there are several large breeds on this list, the Great Dane is the largest. As adults, they can weigh from 100 to 120 pounds and reach 32 inches at the shoulder. Anyone who is thinking about getting a Great Dane should ensure they have the time and space for such a large dog. These dogs need about 40 minutes of exercise each day and should have enough space to move freely, both indoors and outdoors. Though they may seem a little intimidating at first, Great Danes are friendly dogs with gentle, sweet temperaments.
#6: Boxer

Boxers are loyal, intelligent dogs that are good with children.
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Boxers are medium to large dogs weighing from 50 to 80 pounds and growing up to 24 inches tall at their withers. Despite their size, boxers are fast and love to play. Loyalty, high energy, intelligence, and a loving nature all combine to make them a favorite with owners who have the space for a larger dog. Boxers are also good with children, and they are protective of their families.
#5: Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are energetic dogs that are great with children, but they have a strong work drive.
©iStock.com/Brad Covington
Australian shepherds were originally bred to herd livestock, but they can make great pets, even for families who don’t live on a farm. They are medium-sized dogs weighing between 40 to 65 pounds and growing as tall as 22 inches at the shoulder. Australian shepherds are highly intelligent with a strong work drive, so it’s best if they have some kind of job to do. These energetic dogs are good with children, and they are trainable and eager to please.
#4: Standard Dachshund

Dachshunds are very curious, prompting comparisons with house cats.
©iStock.com/vizland
Dachshund owners love their wiener dogs for a variety of reasons. One is this dog’s sense of curiosity. Dachshunds want to be involved in every activity going on in a household. Their endless curiosity has prompted comparisons with house cats. They are small canines, only reaching 9 inches at the shoulder and weighing 16 to 32 pounds. Dachshunds are affectionate, sweet, and loving with their owners, but they also tend to be very vocal.
#3: Standard Poodle

Poodles are very active and exceptionally intelligent.
©iStock.com/Laura Fay
Poodle owners appreciate this breed’s intelligence, affection, and trainability. Poodles make house-breaking and obedience training a breeze. Poodles are also playful, active, and good with children, so they are great dogs for people with big backyards or those who love to take walks to the park. Standard poodles are medium to large-sized dogs that can reach over 15 inches at the shoulder and weigh as much as 70 pounds.
#2: German Shepherd

German shepherds are affectionate dogs that are very protective of their families.
©iStock.com/Barb
The German shepherd is one of the most recognizable of the brown dog breeds. These dogs are protective of their owners, so many people choose them as watchdogs. They are also known for their intelligence, adaptability, and trainability, which is why the police and the military often use German shepherds. They are big, muscular dogs weighing from 75 to 95 pounds and standing 26 inches tall at the shoulder. These affectionate dogs love spending time with their owners, and they are also great with children.
#1: Chocolate Labrador Retriever

Chocolate Labs are one of the most popular dog breeds due to their friendly and outgoing personalities.
©iStock.com/Anna Pozzi
Labradors remain among the most popular dog breeds, consistently ranking near the top of most lists. They are well known for their friendly, affectionate natures and outgoing personalities. These dogs are open with strangers and great with children and other dogs. They are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise, but they are also very trainable and eager to please. Labrador retrievers are medium to large-sized dogs, weighing up to 80 pounds and reaching 24.5 inches at their withers.
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