There are several breeds of dog that have a coat pattern that is black, white and tan. The most well known breed with this coloration is the Rottweiler. However, there are other breeds that also display these colors in their coat. In this article, we will explore the different breeds that have black, white and tan fur and look at their history and characteristics.
The Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is perhaps the most recognizable breed that has a black, white and tan coat. They originated as drover dogs in the town of Rottweil, Germany. Their job was to protect livestock and pull carts filled with butchered meat to markets.
The Rottweiler has a large, powerful build with a dense, short, double coat. The base color is black with rust to mahogany markings on the cheeks, muzzle, chest, legs and under the tail. There are white markings on the chest and feet. An ideal Rottweiler will have a clearly defined black saddle and the white should not cover over 10% of the body.
Rottweilers were almost driven to extinction in the 19th century, but made a comeback as police dogs and working dogs on cattle drives. They eventually gained popularity as family companion dogs and guard dogs.
Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is a spirited and energetic small terrier breed. Unlike the Rottweiler, the Manchester has a short, smooth, shiny black coat with rich tan markings on the legs, chest and muzzle. There is also typically a small white patch on the chest.
The Manchester Terrier originated in the city of Manchester in England in the 19th century. They were bred from the Black and Tan Terrier, an extinct dog breed, and the Whippet. The original purpose of the breed was rat killing.
Today, the Manchester Terrier excels as both a companion and a performance dog in obedience, agility and conformation showing. Their boundless energy makes them an active house pet.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a powerful, athletic breed best known for their use as guard dogs and police dogs. The Doberman has a short, slick coat that is black, dark red or blue with sharply defined rust colored markings on the face, body and tail.
This highly intelligent breed originated in Apolda, Germany in the late 19th century. A tax collector named Louis Dobermann developed the Doberman by crossing several breeds including the Rottweiler, Manchester Terrier, Greyhound and German Pinscher. His goal was to create an alert, obedient and protective personal guard dog.
Today’s Doberman Pinschers excel as police and military working dogs. Their trainability, loyalty and athleticism also makes them exceptional family guardians and companions.
German Pinscher
The German Pinscher is a medium-sized breed that closely resembles a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher. They have a short, dense coat that is most often black and tan.
Sometimes referred to as the Standard Schnauzer, the German Pinscher originated as an all-purpose farm dog in Germany. Their rat-catching skills were prized by farmers. Breeding among various German terriers and Schnauzers led to the development of the Pinscher breed in the 1800s.
Active and energetic, the German Pinscher excels at dog sports and work. They make lively companion dogs but their protective nature and wariness of strangers means consistent training and socialization is essential.
Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is a spunky, fearless small dog breed with an appearance quite similar to a tiny Doberman Pinscher. Their coat is short and sleek, with colors ranging from black and rust to chocolate and tan.
Hailing from Germany, the Miniature Pinscher is an old breed thought to be a cross between the German Pinscher and Italian Greyhound. They were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms and estates.
Despite their diminutive size, Miniature Pinschers have larger than life personalities and make excellent watch dogs. They thrive when given lots of attention and activity to occupy their quick minds.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher, also known as the Monkey Terrier, is a comical toy breed with shaggier black, gray and beige fur. Their coat is longer on the head giving them a distinctive monkey-like expression.
Originating in Germany, the Affenpinscher was bred to rid kitchens, granaries and stables of rodents. Their agility and tenacity made them quite skilled as ratters. At home, they were favored family companions.
Fun-loving and feisty, Affenpinschers remain devoted indoor pets. Despite their small size, they are bold watchdogs. Consistent training is needed to curb their sometimes aggressive tendencies.
Smaller Breeds
In addition to the breeds already described, several other small dog breeds can occasionally have black, white and tan coat patterning. These include:
Chihuahua
The tiny Chihuahua comes in virtually every color and pattern imaginable. While fawn and solid black are the most common, some have black, tan and white markings.
Toy Fox Terrier
Most Toy Fox Terriers are white with black and tan markings reminiscent of both foxes and Dobermans. Their short, smooth coat sheds little.
Schipperke
The small Schipperke, or Belgian barge dog, often has patches of black and tan against their signature black coat. White markings on the chin and chest are common.
Cairn Terrier
The plucky Cairn Terrier commonly has a black or brindled coat with tan points above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest and legs. White feet are also typical.
Border Terrier
Border Terriers are usually reddish, wheaten or tan with black and/or grizzle markings. Occasionally they will have black saddles and tan legs similar to a Rottweiler.
| Breed | Size | Coat | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rottweiler | Large | Short, dense, double coat | Germany |
| Manchester Terrier | Small-medium | Short, smooth, glossy | England |
| Doberman Pinscher | Large | Short, slick | Germany |
| German Pinscher | Medium | Short, dense | Germany |
| Miniature Pinscher | Small | Short, sleek | Germany |
| Affenpinscher | Small | Shaggy, rough | Germany |
Origins of Black and Tan Coat Markings
The black saddle and tan point coloration seen in the Rottweiler and other breeds originated as a stealth adaptation in wild canids like wolves. The black dorsal stripe provided camouflage against the dark forest understory while the light tan points blend in with sand and grasses.
This black and tan pattern remains common in modern dog breeds that continue to work outdoors herding livestock and hunting prey. The contrast between the black saddle and lighter extremities provides an instantly recognizable silhouette from a distance.
Genetics Behind Black and Tan Fur
In dogs, there are two genetic loci that determine whether a dog will have black and tan coat markings. These two genes work together to produce the classic black saddle and tan legs.
The first is the agouti locus. The dominant A allele at this locus restricts the black coloration to a saddle pattern over the back. The second is the black and tan locus, which contains variants that control the placement of tan markings.
Any breed with the Ay allele at the agouti locus and the black and tan allele (bt) will display tan points on the muzzle, legs and chest. Different variants of the bt allele influence the exact location and spread of tan markings.
Purebreds Versus Mixes
While purebred dogs provide the archetype examples of black and tan coats, mixed breed dogs also frequently inherit this expressive coloration.
In mixes derived from purebreds with black and tan coats, the puppies have a strong chance of inheriting the saddle and tan points. Certain breed crosses nearly guarantee this patterning in the offspring.
Some examples include:
- Rottweiler + Doberman
- Rottweiler + German Shepherd
- Doberman + German Shepherd
- Rottweiler + Labrador Retriever
Even in mixed breeds from parents without black and tan coats, hidden recessive genes may serendipitously combine to produce a beautifully marked black, tan and white dog.
Health Considerations
No health issues directly link to black and tan coat colors. However, certain breeds prone to this patterning are susceptible to genetic conditions.
For example, Rottweilers are predisposed to health problems such as:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
Reputable breeders screen their breeding dogs for any known heritable conditions. Mixes from unknown parentage may inherit some of these conditions as well.
Grooming Tips for Black and Tan Coats
Grooming a black and tan coated dog is relatively straightforward:
- Use a rubber grooming glove weekly to remove loose hair.
- Bathe monthly or when dirty using a moisturizing dog shampoo.
- Trim nails regularly to avoid cracks and breakage.
- Brush teeth often with dog-safe toothpaste.
- Check and clean ears periodically for waxy buildup and debris.
- Use a flea and tick prevention product to repel parasites.
The short, dense coats of most black and tan breeds require minimal regular upkeep to stay looking sharp.
Fun Facts About Black and Tan Dogs
- The iconic Rottweiler breed nearly became extinct in the 19th century with only one female left for breeding.
- The smallest dog breed with black and tan markings is the Chihuahua.
- Black and tan Terriers were originally called “Manchester Terriers” because they originated in Manchester, England.
- In dog shows, Dobermans are shown with cropped ears and docked tails in North America but regulations are changing in other countries.
- The German Pinscher is sometimes playfully nicknamed the “middle” Doberman because its size falls between the standard and mini.
Famous Black and Tan Dogs
Some of the most beloved dogs from movies, TV, comics and real life sports have sported the classic black and tan look:
- Rin Tin Tin – Star of movies in the 1920s.
- Bullet – Roy Rogers’ devoted German Shepherd sidekick.
- Ace the Bat-Hound – Batman’s crime-fighting canine companion.
- Bamse – A heroic Saint Bernard that served in World War II.
- Rocco – Real-life police K9 known for his amazing arrest and find record.
Finding Your Own Black and Tan Dog
If you are seeking a black, white and tan furred companion, consider adopting or purchasing from these sources:
- Breed-specific rescues for Rottweilers, Dobes, Manchester Terriers, etc.
- All breed rescues.
- Reputable local breeders after health testing of parents.
- Pet stores sourcing pups only from responsible breeders.
Avoid backyard breeders and pet stores selling puppy mill dogs of questionable backgrounds.
With a healthy, socialized dog, the dashing black and tan coat markings are just the icing on the cake of a wonderful canine companion!
Conclusion
Whether appearing in purebreds purposefully developed to showcase the dramatic coloration or in mixed breed dogs by genetic happenstance, black, white and tan coats offer a bold, eye-catching palette. This pattern provides instant breed recognition in renowned dogs like the Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher. It also affords anonymity for historic working dogs that relied on the camouflage of the black and tan markings for stealthy hunting. With striking good looks combined with the symbolism of courage and loyalty tied to many black and tan breeds, it is easy to see why dog lovers continue to be drawn to this archetypal canine design.
