Black Dog: A Guide to Stunning Black-Coated Breeds 

Black dogs are famous for their stunning appearance, elegance, and charm. Black varieties of all the popular breeds of dogs are available, and a few breeds are black-haired only or mostly.  

Whether you require a small companion dog or a working dog, you will receive a black-coated dog, depending on your choice.  

Black Dogs That You Might Like to Have

This article will describe some black dog breeds, their traits, and why they are suitable pets.  

1. Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers are toys with a monkey face and a black, wiry, dense coat. They were first bred to groom stables and houses of rats.  

This is a spunky dog. Although the Affenpinscher is small, nothing scares it. It is active and very intelligent.  

The dog is near his pack but obstinate and reserved, so training is not best for a beginner. To maintain the typical appearance, they require daily brushing and grooming of the coarse, heavy coat.   

Group	Toy
Height	9 to 11.5 inches
Weight	7 to 10 pounds
Coat	Medium length, wiry and short
Color	Black and silver, black, black and tan, red with a black mask
Life Span	12 to 15 years
Temperament	Lively, friendly and fearless
Hypoallergenic	Yes
Origin	Germany

2. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are strong, muscular canines with black and tan coats. Though not black, their rust-red markings on a dark black coat make them the very essence of a “black dog.”  

Rottweilers are smart, strong, and affectionate working animals used for herding cattle and cart pulling.  

When properly trained and socialized, they are excellent guardian animals and family pets. Rottweilers need consistent, firm training and socialization at an early age to be well-behaved pets. 

Group	Working
Height	22 to 27 inches
Weight	80 to 135 pounds
Coat	Straight, coarse and medium length
Color	Black with tan marks
Life Span	9 to 10 years
Temperament	Aloof and gentle, calm, loyal, confident and protective
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Rome

3. Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian Sheepdog, or Groenendael, is a smooth, black herding breed with a silky, smooth coat.  

It’s a smart, sensitive, and quick-to-please dog that will ace obedience school and agility competition in the time it takes to blink.   

These are sheep herding breeds, so they are high-energy breeds that require a lot of exercise and stimulation.  

They have a soft black coat that needs daily brushing to avoid matting and tangling. They are protective and loyal and, if trained correctly, will make great family pets. 

Group	Herding
Height	22 – 26 inches
Weight	60 – 75 pounds
Coat	Thick double coat, a dense undercoat and a coarser outer coat
Color	Black
Life Span	13 – 14 years
Temperament	Loyal, alert, protective, active and intelligent
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Belgium

4. Newfoundland

Newfoundland’s are enormous, gentle giants with heavy, water-resistant, typically black coats.  

These massive dogs were originally bred as working animals by Canadian fishermen to assist in hauling in nets and pulling drowning people out of the water.    

They are big, good dogs, but they are nice, friendly, and wonderful with children. Their dense double coat sheds heavily, so they require daily grooming.  

Since they are such softies and lick excessively, they would make great family pets, therapy dogs, and water rescue dogs.    

Group	Working
Height	26 to 28 inches
Weight	100 to 150 pounds
Coat	Medium length with double coat
Color	Black, brown, white and black, gray
Life Span	9 to 10 years
Temperament	Loyal, gentle, sweet-tempered
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Canada

5. Flat-Coated Retriever

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a people-pleasing, friendly black dog quite similar in appearance to the Labrador but with more flowing, longer coats and longer hair.  

This previously game-retriever-bred animal is extremely intelligent, outgoing, and people-loving.  

Flat-coated retrievers enjoy playing games and having fun. They need too much exercise and head work or else they get bored.  

They have that high-shine, black gloss coat they must brush multiple times a day so trash isn’t accumulating in matted fur. 

Group	Sporting
Height	22 to 24.5 inches
Weight	60 to 70 pounds
Coat	Medium length and smooth coat
Color	Black and liver
Life Span	8 to 10 years
Temperament	Playful, energetic and affectionate
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	England

6. Black Russian Terrier

Black Russian Terriers are stocky, strong work dogs with thick black coats. Bred in Russia as a war and watchdog, the breed is smart, assertive, and protective.  

They are wonderful family companions but must be well-trained and socialized when they are young.  

They make wonderful watchdogs and are well-suited for an adult owner. Their high-maintenance coat requires daily brushing to avoid matting.   

Group	Working
Height	26 to 30 inches
Weight	80 to 130 pounds
Coat	Curly double coat, medium to long coat
Color	Black
Life Span	10 to 12 years
Temperament	Intelligent, calm, and courageous
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Russia

7. Standard Poodle 

Standard Poodle is a highly intelligent and versatile breed of dog found in many colors, including black.  

Because of their curly, low-shedding coat, Poodles are very trainable and do well in obedience and agility trials.  

Though they look high-brow, they are working breeds that need exercise every day. They require daily grooming to keep their curly coats healthy and prevent matting.  

Their trainability and eagerness to please place them in the top ten black dog breeds to train. 

Group	Non-sporting
Height	Upto 10 inches (toy), 10 to 15 (miniature), over 15 inches (standard)
Weight	40 to 70 pounds (standard), 10 to 15 pounds (miniature), 4 to 6 pounds (toy)
Coat	Long and curly
Color	Apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, cafe au lait, silver, beige or white
Life Span	10 to 18 years
Temperament	Affectionate, intelligent, and active
Hypoallergenic	Yes
Origin	Germany

8. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are a very popular breed of dog, and black is one of three accepted colors. They are gentle, people-oriented dogs.  

Originally bred as hunting and retrieving dogs, Labradors are highly trainable and intelligent. They make excellent family pets, therapy animals, and service dogs.   

Labradors need a lot of exercise and love to swim, run, and catch balls. They also have a curly, low-shedding, easy-to-care-for coat that sheds seasonally. 

Group	Gun dog
Height	21 to 24 inches
Weight	55 to 70 pounds
Coat	Short and smooth, weekly grooming needed
Color	Black, yellow, red, chocolate
Life Span	10 to 14 years
Temperament	Easy-going, affectionate, loyal
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Canada

9. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a curly-coated, medium dog found in black, among others.  

Portuguese water dogs were bred to work alongside fishermen. They are highly energetic, intelligent, and obsessed with water. To be content, they need to be physically and mentally exercised often.  

Due to their hypoallergenic coat, Portuguese water dogs are a good choice for people suffering from allergies.  

They require regular grooming to prevent matting. Portuguese Water Dogs are loyal, friendly, and love active families. 

Group	Working
Height	17 to 23 inches
Weight	35 to 60 pounds
Coat	Tightly curled and wavy
Color	Black, black and white, brown
Life Span	10 to 13 years
Temperament	Obedient, intelligent, brave, companionable, friendly
Hypoallergenic	Yes
Origin	Portugal

10. Schipperke 

Schipperke is a small, dark-colored fox-like dog with an energetic, fox-like temperament.  

One of the original watchdogs and vermin killers on Belgian vessels, Schipperke is confident, lively, and stubborn.  

The Schipperkes are extremely intelligent but obstinate, so they must be constantly trained. They possess a thick double coat that must be groomed regularly.  

Small in size, Schipperkes are big-dog attitude dogs and excellent watchdogs and companions.   

Group	Non-sporting
Height	10 to 13 inches
Weight	10 to 16 pounds
Coat	Straight, abundant, slightly harsh to touch
Color	Black, cream, ivory, gold, wheaten, red, white, blue, and chocolate
Life Span	12 to 14 years
Temperament	Faithful, curious, playful, fearless, agile, confident and independent
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Belgium

11. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is a sophisticated, muscular, intelligent black dog breed that is protective and loyal.  

Although they might be some other color, black is a striking variation. Since they were bred to protect and guard, Dobermans are easy to train, energetic, and very courageous.   

Their easy-to-maintain, short, and streamlined black coat requires little to no grooming and is very low maintenance.  

If properly trained and socialized, Dobermans are wonderful family pets and are extremely loyal to their masters. 

Group	Working
Height	24 to 28 inches
Weight	60 to 100 pounds
Coat	Short, smooth coat
Color	Black, red, blue, fawn with rust marks
Life Span	10 to 12 years
Temperament	Loyal, intelligent, protective, alert
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Germany

12. Giant Schnauzer

The giant schnauzer is a sturdy working dog with a wiry, hard black coat. Formerly used to drive cattle and guard the farm, the Giant Schnauzer is a highly intelligent, watchful, and protective animal.  

Ongoing training and early socialization are necessary for its balanced temperament. Giant Schnauzers are high-energy working dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.  

The bearded face and heavy coat need regular grooming to present them in a clean manner. 

Group	Working
Height	23.5 – 27.5 inches
Weight	55 – 95 pounds
Coat	Soft, dense and soft double coat
Color	Black, fawn, pepper and salt, Black and tan
Life Span	10 – 13 years
Temperament	Alert and affectionate
Hypoallergenic	Yes
Origin	Germany

13. Pug

Although Pugs exist in several different colors, the black Pug is a rare color with a glossy black coat.  

Black Pugs are small, affectionate pets with a good nature, playfulness, and affectionate inclination.  

They are ideally suited to a variety of lifestyles, ranging from apartment dwellers to large homes. The coat is simple to groom because it is short but sheds extensively.   

Pugs suffer from breathing difficulties due to having short faces, and their owners should monitor their temperature sensitivity and exercise. 

Group	Toy
Height	10 to 13 inches
Weight	14 t0 18 pounds
Coat	Short and smooth
Color	Black and fawn
Life Span	12 to 15 years
Temperament	Affectionate, playful, charming
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	China

14. Scottish Terrier (Scottie)

Scottish Terrier, or “Scottie,” is a wiry but strong black beard and wiry coat breed. This Scottish dog breed was originally bred to hunt vermin and are independent, strong-willed, and brave.  

Scotties need to be brushed regularly to avoid matting their thick coat. They are loyal and reserved around strangers but make great watchdogs.  

Scotties are well-suited to families who appreciate their feistiness and need moderate daily exercise. 

Group	Terrier
Height	10 inches
Weight	18 to 22 pounds
Coat	Wiry double coat, medium length
Color	Black, brindle, wheaten, black brindle, red brindle, silver brindle
Life Span	12 to 14 years
Temperament	Affectionate, fearless and alert
Hypoallergenic	Yes
Origin	Scotland

15. Puli

The Puli is an odd, black dog with a corded, dreadlocked coat.   

The Puli is an old work herding dog from Hungary. It is extremely energetic and athletic and needs to be physically exercised.  

Their dense coat keeps them warm on bad days but is sensitive to keep up so that it doesn’t mat.  

Pulis are intelligent and shine in obedience training and agility training. Though friendly and playful, they must be socialized and trained in their youth to channel their energy constructively. 

Group	Herding
Height	16 to 17 inches
Weight	25 to 35 pounds
Coat	Weather-resistant, dense
Color	Black, rusty black, white, gray
Life Span	10 to 15 years
Temperament	Intelligent, loving, sensitive, loyal, obedient, energetic
Hypoallergenic	Yes
Origin	Hungary

16. Great Dane

Great Danes are one of the biggest dog breeds, and the black Great Dane is a monster to intimidate.  

They are great gentle friends with a glossy black coat and affectionate, friendly nature. Massive in the frame, though they are, they are nonviolent and kind.    

Great Danes need an unthinkable amount of exercise and living room space to live well.  

They are short-haired and easy to groom, but they have some diseases, such as bloat and hip dysplasia. With care, they are loyal and gentle companions. 

Group	Working
Height	28 to 43 inches
Weight	99 to 200 pounds
Coat	Smooth and short coat
Color	Black, black and white, blue, brindle, fawn, harlequin, silver, merle
Life Span	6 to 8 years
Temperament	Calm, friendly, gentle, loving, even-tempered, proud, attentive
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Germany

17. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, more commonly known as “Staffy,” is a stocky, loving black dog breed that is characterized by strength and tenacity.    

Initially bred to be utilized for bullbaiting, staffies were subsequently maintained as domestic pet animals. They are affectionate, lively, and easy to train.  

Staffies need to be socialized and trained frequently in their initial days. As they are black and short-coated, they are easy to groom and only need brushing at intervals. Staffies are extremely loyal and become attached to the owner very early. 

Group	Terrier
Height	14 to 16 inches
Weight	24 to 38 pounds
Coat	Short and smooth
Color	Red, white, black, blue, fawn, brindle
Life Span	12 to 14 years
Temperament	Bold, fearless, affectionate, loyal
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	England

18. Pomeranian

Black Pomeranian is a little, spirited companion dog with a soft, fluffy fur double coat.  

Little but spirited and courageous, Pomeranians must be brushed regularly to avoid matting and shedding.  

Bright, eager to please, and great companions for someone who wants a little, spirited dog, Pomeranians are suspicious of strangers but loving to their masters.   

Group	Toy
Height	6 to 7 inches
Weight	3 to 7 pounds
Coat	Long double coat
Color	Black, red, orange, brown, blue, cream, sable
Life Span	12 to 16 years
Temperament	Bold, alert, affectionate, lively
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Poland and Germany

19. Border Collie

Border Collies are extremely intelligent and possess strong herding instincts, and the black-coated type is absolutely beautiful.  

They are sporting, high-energy dogs that work wonders in training and exercise. They are beautifully capable of obedience, agility, and herding trials.  

Border Collies need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be content. Their thick, medium-length coat needs frequent brushing to avoid matting.  

Because they are very energetic, they are ideally suited to energetic owners who can provide them with daily exercise and mental stimulation. 

Group	Herding
Height	18 to 22 inches
Weight	28 to 48 pounds
Coat	Smooth and rough, medium length with double coat
Color	Bicolor, tricolor, solid color, black, blue, merle, brindle, gold, lilac, red, sable
Life Span	10 to 17 years
Temperament	Energetic, intelligent, keen, athletic, loyal, alert, responsive
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Scotland

20. Chow Chow

Chow Chow is an ancient breed with a heavy, fluffy coat and lion-like temperament. Although they also exist in other colors, the black Chow Chow looks dramatic and regal.  

Chow Chows are aloof, loyal, and cold to strangers at times. They must be regularly groomed to maintain their thick coat.  

They are hard-headed and should be early-trained and socialized. Although they are naturally independent, they are extremely attached to their families. 

Group	Utility
Height	17 to 22 inches
Weight	40 to 70 pounds
Coat	Very thick coat, with heavy shedding
Color	Red, black, blue, cinnamon, cream
Life Span	10 to 15 years
Temperament	Independent, aloof, loyal, quiet
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	China

21. Greyhound

Black Greyhounds are slender, athletic black sporting dogs with speed. Despite their racing heritage, Greyhounds are gentle and friendly companions who prefer to live indoors.  

They possess a short, smooth coat that needs minimal grooming. Greyhounds are perfect companions for those seeking a quiet but sporting black dog.   

Group	Hound
Height	27 to 30 inches
Weight	60 to 80 pounds
Coat	Smooth and short
Color	Black, blue, red, fawn, white, brindle
Life Span	10 to 13 years
Temperament	Affectionate, athletic, quiet, gentle, intelligent, even-tempered
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Egypt

22. Miniature Pinscher (Min Pin)

A Miniature Pinscher is a lively little black dog with a smooth, glossy coat. They are active, alert, and highly forceful and, therefore, are good watchdogs. They are little but highly strung and very brave, and they need lots of play and exercise.   

Group	Toy
Height	10 to 12.5 inches
Weight	8 to 10 pounds
Coat	Shiny fur and short
Color	Stag red, solid red, black with rust markings, chocolate with rust markings
Life Span	12 to 16 years
Temperament	Playful, active, brave, protective, intelligent
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Germany

23. French Bulldog (Frenchie)

The black French Bulldog is a small, sturdy dog with a smooth, glossy coat. They are friendly, lively, and well-suited for apartment living.  

Frenchies are a wonderful breed with an irresistible charm that wins over everyone. They have short, easy-to-maintain coats but need frequent grooming.   

Group	Non-sporting
Height	11 to 13 inches
Weight	19 to 28 pounds
Coat	Smooth and short fur
Color	White, fawn, brindle, black
Life Span	10 to 12 years
Temperament	Friendly, loyal, playful, lively, affectionate, sociable
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	France

24. Cane Corso

The black Cane Corso is a big, powerful guard dog first bred to guard and protect. It is very smart and will need to be with an experienced owner who can socialize and train it well. It has a short, smooth coat that doesn’t need much grooming but requires a daily workout.   

Group	Working
Height	23.5 to 27.5 inches
Weight	80 to 120 pounds
Coat	Coarse and short
Color	Black, gray, fawn, red
Life Span	10 to 12 years
Temperament	Quiet, reserved, stable, calm, gentle, even-tempered
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Italy

25. Bernese Mountain Dog 

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, gentle dogs with a heavy, curly coat and black undercoats.  

They are friendly, loyal, and soft-natured giants. Due to their heavy coat, they should be groomed frequently, and they are suitable for cold climates.   

Group	Working
Height	23 to 27.5 inches
Weight	70 to 115 pounds
Coat	Medium length, thick double coat
Color	Black, rust, white, tan
Life Span	7 to 10 years
Temperament	Even-tempered, loyal and gentle
Hypoallergenic	No
Origin	Switzerland

Choosing the Right Black Dog 

Black dogs come in every shape and size, from the small toy breed Pomeranian to the giant working breeds Giant Schnauzer and Great Dane.  

Whether you desire a smart herding dog, a protective guard dog, or a cuddly companion, there is a black dog breed for you.  

Black dogs are low to high maintenance to groom, so grooming requirements should be considered when selecting a breed.    

Black dogs are sometimes passed over in shelters because of superstition and myth, but they are just as loving, loyal, and wonderful as any other-colored dog.  

If you consider bringing a black dog into your home, you’ll discover that such animals are blessed with beauty, brains, and friendship.