Brown-and-white might be the most underrated dog coat — here are the 10 breeds that wear it best

You notice it at the dog park before you notice anything else: the warm, slightly handcrafted look of a dog in two tones. Not flashy like a brindle, not dramatic like a black-and-tan — just classically, almost old-fashioned beautiful.

The thing most breed lists miss is that “brown-and-white” isn't really a color. It's a category. The brown can be liver, chocolate, blenheim, mahogany, fawn, gold, or tan, and each breed wears its version differently. Once you start noticing, you can't stop.

These are the 10 we keep coming back to.

Basset Hound

When you think of a brown and white dog with floppy ears, you think of the Basset Hound. These iconic dogs were originally bred to be great small game hunters, and whilst some today still hunt, many also prefer to curl up on the couch and spend their days snoozing.

Basset Hounds are very relaxed dogs that get on well with children and other family members.

They’re a good brown and white dog for novice owners as their laid-back personalities make them easy to train. They can sometimes be a bit stubborn, especially if you’re trying to get them to go on a walk, so fun and strict training is necessary.

Basset Hounds are known to put on weight, so keep the treats to a minimum and get them moving as much as possible!

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russells are very high-energy pups that come in all different colors, including brown and white. Their bodies are predominantly white with tan or dark brown markings, often on their faces.

They’re very intelligent little dogs and love to learn new tricks or take part in training sessions.

They do have quite a high prey drive thanks to their hunting history so they’re not suitable for families with cats or other small pets.

If not socialized early on, they can also be a bit aggressive towards other dogs.

With an owner who is willing to put in the time to love and train a Jack Russell, they can be very adoring dogs that love to be part of an active family.

They need plenty of toys to play with, play sessions, and attention from their owners.

With that, you’ll have a loyal and active pup!

Lagotto Romagnolo

That's how Italians actually refer to them — not by breed, just by job. The Lagotto is the only dog in the world officially recognized as a truffle hunter, and you can see the work in the coat: dense, slightly oily curls that shrug off mud and pond water like a wax jacket.

The brown-and-white version is the most common — usually white with chestnut patches around the eyes and ears, sometimes solid roano-marrone with a white blaze on the chest. The curls are deceiving. They look teddy-bear-soft but the texture is closer to coarse wool, which is what makes the coat actually do its job.

What people get wrong: they assume Lagottos are calm because they're cute. They aren't. They're working dogs with a sharp nose and a need to use it. If you don't give a Lagotto something to find, it will find something on its own — usually your shoes, sometimes the contents of your bin.

English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are active dogs that were first bred to flush out game. They're a really popular dog breed for families because they're just so loving and affectionate!

Springers need a lot of exercise and engagement but shouldn't be allowed to wander off too far as they like to go hunting by themselves.

These dogs get on well with children if they're brought up with them from a young age. They also usually get on with other pets.

This unique breed has a double coat which has a wavy topcoat and a smooth, warm undercoat.

They can have feathering on their chest, ears, legs, and underbelly which makes them look like they have longer hair than they actually do.

Most English Springer Spaniels have white bodies with liver (a kind of dark reddish-brown) or black markings or are black or liver with white markings. They can also have a flecked coat.

Papillon

This toy breed is an affectionate, playful, and obedient little pup. They're also exceptionally cute (especially Papillon puppies).

Papillons have very bright personalities and are curious about anything!

They may look like tiny dogs but they won't be happy with a life on your lap or in a handbag.

They need lots of mental stimulation as well as a couple of short walks a day.

This breed has a straight, single, and very silky coat that is especially fluffy around the ears. Papillons are never a single color and it's easy to find a brown and white one. It's also common for them to be tricolored.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the 17th most popular dog breed in America – and it's easy to see why.

Not only are they very beautiful but they also combine the endearing personalities of toy breeds with the sporting ones of athletic Spaniels.

They're playful, affectionate, and good with both children and other animals. Some would say they're the ideal family dog!

This breed has a silky coat that's wavy and comes in many different colors. One color recognized by the American Kennel Club is blenheim, a deep chestnut color on a white body.

These white and brown dogs need regular brushing to keep their gorgeous coats looking as regal as their name suggests.

Saint Bernard

These big, drooly dogs are extremely affectionate and loyal to their families. As far as large dog breeds go, this breed is one of the best around children (as Beethoven proved) and is often called a nanny dog.

They are, however, very muscly dogs that have a lot of power, so they need an owner who has experience around large breeds and who won't be intimidated by their size. Saint Bernards are sweet-natured but their size can mean they're a hazard to themselves.

Despite being big dogs, these pooches only need a moderate amount of exercise. They're happy with one good walk a day and some time playing.

The AKC accepts 9 different coat colors of this breed, two of the combinations being brown and white and white and brown (depending on which is the more predominant color).

They can have either long or short coats and both require the same amount of grooming – a weekly brush is enough to keep them looking sleek and remove any dirt.

Shih Tzu

These little lion dogs (that's what Shih Tzu means!) are extremely cute, mischievous, curious, and very playful. They make fabulous family pets and get on well with children and other animals.

As far as dog breeds go, you couldn't get a more charming pup that's also a good choice for potential pup parents that live in apartments.

These dogs were first bred in China as an imperial dog breed, so they're used to lounging around palaces and don't need a huge backyard to play in. A couple of short walks and plenty of games of fetch and they'll be happy!

These dogs come in a number of different colors and quite a few shades of brown (liver, red, gold) and white.

They can have an iconically regal long-haired coat or have it clipped into a puppy cut. A long-haired coat requires daily brushing and weekly bathing to keep it looking neat – as you can imagine, such locks get easily matted and dirty!

Dalmatian

OK, so this might not be an obvious choice as most of us think of Dalmatians as black and white pups. But one of the cutest brown and white dogs with spots is a liver Dalmatian.

As well as brown spots, these pups also have brown noses, lighter colored eyes (sometimes even blue), and brown nails.

They're a recognized standard color and, just like black and white Dalmatians, are born white.

Dalmatians were originally used as coach dogs, which means they're hard-working and pretty easy to train. Because they were bred to keep up with coaches over long distances, you can imagine that these doggos need a lot of exercise.

They fit in best with a family that's very active and that can take them on runs, hikes, and trips to the park.

Chihuahua

These little, feisty dogs are known for having a personality much larger than their little legs. These dogs are very loyal, can be protective, and actually make great watchdogs (mainly because they forget how big they are and can be very yappy)!

They're also affectionate dogs that love to be the center of attention in any family. Chihuahuas do need positive, early socialization if they're to get on with other dogs and pets.

Chihuahuas come in many different colors and combinations, and they can have both long and short hair.

Some of the shades of brown and white they come in are tan, chocolate, fawn, gold, and red.

There are many breeds that come in brown and white and which may have markings of either color. Do you have a favorite from the list? Or can you think of any others?