Every current or would-be dog owner has a puppy aesthetic they love, and for some, dogs with brown noses are the cutest. Thankfully, there are quite a few breeds to choose from that fit this description. Take a peek at the breeds on our list, and choose your dog according to size, personality, and physical traits.
You can adopt from a breeder, or you can make a life-changing decision to rescue a dog from a shelter. Whichever you choose, it’s important to make sure that your source is reputable. If possible, visit your puppy in person before you bring her home, and take the family along to make sure everyone gets along.
Ready to start shopping for dogs with brown noses? Here are the top dog breeds.
Before you scroll down this list of the dogs with brown noses, check out: Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone For 8 Hours! (2023) and 8 Funny Dog Breeds That Will Make Your Day! (2023).
1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is recognized by the American Kennel Club, and the dogs are typically bred as duck dogs. Now, that doesn’t mean you must be a hunter to enjoy the company of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. But you should be prepared to bring your pup outside for frequent walks and hikes.
Your Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a dog with a brown nose, and in most cases, your pup’s fur will be brown, too. The shade of his fur will range from light to dark, and in rare instances will be an ash color. If you’re considering adopting a Chessie, know that they do shed. You’ll need to brush your dog’s fur daily to help keep your home and clothing clean.
Your Chessie is a loving, loyal, and affectionate dog that’s good with kids and with seniors. They can grow up to 80 pounds, but you don’t have to worry about your dog bowling over your child. They’re gentle dogs when socialized properly and will fit right in with your family.
2. Chocolate Labrador Retriever
Next on our list of dogs with brown noses is the sweet Chocolate Lab. This dog is a fan favorite among those who want companion dogs and, in fact, they make wonderful service dogs. The breed is smart, easy to train, and quite loving, so seniors or others in need of a working dog will find a good match with the Chocolate Lab.
Like all Labradors, Chocolate Labs shed. Use a curry brush to help remove excess dead hair from your pup to help keep your space clean. While your dog may not need a full blowout, know that they shed in the spring and a trip to the groomer during this time certainly won’t hurt.
A dog that begins its life as a chubby, brown-nosed puppy will grow into an adult weighing around 80 pounds. Your dog will be around two feet tall at the shoulder. As she grows, bring your dog to the lake to improve her natural swimming abilities, or for a walk in the woods where she can explore her surroundings.
3. Poodle
Brown Poodles have brown noses! The Poodle can come in many different colors — a rainbow of dogs ranging from black to white, with gray, cream, and brown between. Some of these pups have black or pink noses, while most brown Poodles have little cocoa noses.
The Poodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds, making them super easy to train. They’re playful dogs when socialized correctly, but they know when to be serious and when to have fun. Your Poodle will be regal and alert by your side in public, but at home will be a relaxed companion that just wants love and attention.
Poodles are commonly mixed with other breeds, and the designer breeds that result may also carry genes for a brown nose. So many designer breeds exist. Schnoodles, Labradoodles, Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Aussiedoodles, and Bernedoodles are just a handful of the pups you’ll have to choose from when it’s time to choose a dog with a brown nose.
4. Dachshund
The Dachshund is another dog with a brown nose; in particular, those with brown fur will typically carry the gene for this coloration. Like other dogs on this list, the Dachshund comes in many different colors. They’re shedding dogs, and some will have long hair.
While the Dachshund is an independent dog, your dog will need a bit of firm guidance to stay out of trouble. They love to know that they have a reliable pack leader, but they don’t like to be shouted at. Patience is required to train these stubborn pups, but once they know the rules they’re likely to behave.
Dachshunds don’t need as much exercise as some dogs, but it’s a good idea to provide your dog with walks and other forms of stimulation. Smart little dogs tend to find their own entertainment if left to their own devices, and this entertainment may come in the form of chewing your furniture.
5. Puli
The Puli is an interesting breed, and not for everyone. Its brown hair resembles a rag mop, and grooming a Puli can be complicated if you want to retain the kinky-haired look of your dog. While a groomer can assist you with this, it’s a good idea to learn how to wash and dry your Puli’s hair at home, too.
Regardless of how you groom your Puli, we know you’re going to love this dog breed with a brown nose. They’re Hungarian; the breed dates back to at least 900 CE. The pups are large and have a unique appearance, but they’re silly little clowns at heart. Despite their sense of humor, the Puli knows when to quit joking around and behave.
Your Puli is extremely athletic. He can jump up to six feet — without a running start! Make sure your pup has plenty of fenced-in space to play in, and take your energetic dog for walks twice each day. Your dog may be a bit territorial, so be sure to keep him on a leash when you’re out and about.
6. Border Collie
The Border Collie is next on our list of dog breeds with brown noses. This breed is a very familiar one among American families, and they’re known for their sharp minds and strong work ethic. Of course, they were bred to herd sheep. But don’t be surprised if your Border Collie tries to keep your family in line, too. She can intimidate wary strangers with her stare, and you’ll need to establish yourself as the “boss!”
Border Collies are excellent companions, and they’re super eager to please. This makes training a breeze, and you can “control” your pup, with proper training, simply by waving your hands. Your dog will grow to be around 40 to 45 pounds and is the perfect mid-sized dog for families in smaller spaces.
Exercise your Border Collie for at least two hours each day. You can take your dog for walks or hikes, or let her roam in your yard or pasture. Remember that your Border Collie can easily clear a six-foot fence, so be sure you’ve got ample barriers between your pup’s space and the great wide open.
7. Chihuahua
Most of the dogs on our list are relatively large breeds with brown noses. If you’re looking for a tiny dog, though, you’ve got a great option: the Chihuahua! These little dogs are famously “happy,” but with proper training, your Chihuahua will be tame and quiet. Your dog will be your little buddy, eager to accompany you on trips or just to snuggle up with you in bed.
Despite their reputation for being lap dogs, Chihuahuas are fairly energetic little dogs. Take your pup for walks, swims, and short hikes and he’ll be happy to check out the world around him. That said, keep him leashed as he may be vulnerable to larger dogs with misbehaving owners.
Your Chihuahua will shed twice each year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Keep your pup brushed to minimize the hair in your home and on your clothes, and bring your dog to the groomer regularly. Those perky ears will need to be cleaned, and your dog’s nails will need a trim every so often, too.
8. Havanese
The Havanese is another small dog with a brown nose. The pups come in black, white, fawn, mahogany, and a few other colors, and they’re formally recognized by the American Kennel Club. Purebred Havanese can be shown or bred if they have the correct coloration and other characteristics.
Havanese pups are friendly and happy, and they’re quite social, too. With that said, plan to bring your dog along with you should you choose to go on a vacation. The dogs don’t like being separated from their humans and can be mischievous or even snappy if they’re brought to a kennel. Of course, this will vary from dog to dog.
These pups make great watchdogs — they don’t love strangers — but they sometimes think they’re bigger than they are. In other words, they may try to nip at unfamiliar humans. Train your dog to speak when necessary, but to have good manners when visitors come to your door.
9. Basset Hound
Everyone loves the Basset Hound. These sweet, wiggly, curious dogs are good with children, other dogs, and seniors. They’re quite possibly the perfect family dog for those seeking a smaller breed; the pups only require about an hour of exercise each day and will thrive in an apartment.
Keep in mind that your basset will be prone to grow a bit pudgy. Obesity in these dogs is not uncommon, so speak with your vet about the right combination of diet, exercise, and rest for your little pup. The dogs will also need mental stimulation. Providing your dog with treats and toys will prevent its natural curiosity from becoming mischievous.
Grooming your pup is easy peasy. You’ll need to brush him about once each week to remove dead hair. Bathe your dog every month or so, or as necessary. Remember: he’s low to the ground! Your pup will pick up leaves, burs, and dirt in his outdoor adventures. Eliminate these to prevent matting and tangling.
10. Pitbull
The last dog with a brown nose on our list is the Pitbull. These dogs come in a wide range of sizes. You’ll need to speak with your Pittie breeder about your dog’s anticipated size. A standard Pitbull will weigh around 60 pounds when grown. Your short, stocky dog can present quite an intimidating presence, but with the proper training, your pup can be a gentle soul, content to relax in a sunny spot near the window.
Pitbulls, unfortunately, have been bred for fighting and as bull bait in the past. This has caused the breed to harbor a rough reputation; many view the dogs as mean and unsuitable as pets. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! Establish yourself as the pack leader and socialize with your dog from an early age. You’ll be surprised at just how cuddly these dogs can be.
Pitbulls shed, but not excessively. You’ll need to use a curry brush or a pin brush on your dog every day or so to help keep dog hair from infiltrating your living space! Wash your dog every one or two months. Pitbulls aren’t naturally good swimmers, but they do love to splash around in the water. Bath time can be a fun bonding experience between you and your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dogs can have brown, black, or pink noses depending on their genetics.
The exact shade of a dog’s nose can shift from puppyhood to adulthood.
Snow nose is a condition in which a dog’s nose loses pigment, shifting the color from brown or black to pink. It is more likely to occur in cold climates or during the winter.
Conclusion for “Dogs with Brown Noses – Top Breeds”
Are you looking for a dog with a sweet little brown nose? Well, you have plenty of breeds to choose from! In this guide, we covered just a few of the top dogs with brown noses. Of course, nose color is genetic.
You can opt to adopt a dog with a characteristically brown nose, or just search your shelter for a dog with the trait! In either case, be sure to choose a reputable facility to ensure that you’re adopting a healthy dog that will be with you for years to come.
You can check out these other lists of dog breeds:
- 7 Best Barn Dog Breeds For Farms & Outdoors! (2023)
- 9 Best Dog Breeds That Don’t Smell or Shed! (2023)
- 11 Healthiest Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed! (2023)
Learn more about noses by watching “How Your Dog’s Nose Knows So Much | Deep Look” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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