Dogs are generally one of the most popular and cherished animals humans use as pets. Also, dogs can fit into many functional characteristics like becoming a guide and a watchdog. They usually come in varying sizes and colors. Their variety results from the number of breeds as while some are miniature-sized, others can be huge and intimidating.
Pups can be loyal, friendly, curious, protective, and adorable creatures. Some dog enthusiasts prefer certain breeds based on their size, color, or temperament. Breeds like black puppies are unique, but people hardly even notice. They vary in size and character.
If you are into black dogs, you’re sure to get a black canine that fits the description of the type of pups you love. Here, you’ll discover some facts about black dogs’ breed, their types, and why we think they’re the best.
Ten Most Popular Black Dogs Breeds
There are different Breeds of black dogs. However, we’ve chosen ten of the most popular amongst them. We ranked them in no particular order.
1. Rottweiler
This breed is a popular dog breed among experienced dog owners and individuals who are outdoor enthusiasts. The Rottweiler is known as a courageous breed that is protective and territorial. This makes them a great addition to security or as a watchdog.
The Rottie is gentle and affectionate. They are also loyal to their masters and their master’s family. In the same way, they can come up as aggressive and hostile to unfamiliar faces, including animals. However, proper training and socialization from when they’re puppies can turn them into gentle socialized puppies that you’ll love.
Their life span is between 8-11years. They weigh between 79 and 134 pounds, with their height ranging from 22 to 28 inches. As a result of Rottie’s strong-willed behavior, dog experts usually recommend them to individuals with extensive experience handling dogs. Individuals like this usually have strong leadership.
2. Scottish Terrier
Originating from Scotland, as their name implies, Scottie, as people fondly call them, makes for extraordinary pets. They are typically small and sturdily built with a thick wiry black overcoat.
They are known for their assured, quick, and playful temperament but can also get feisty and act tough. While they can be a challenge to train, they make an adorable addition to your family as pets.
Scottish Terriers have a lifespan of 12 years, and they weigh between 18 and 22 pounds. Also, they have a small height of 10 inches.
3. Schipperke
The Schipperke is another shiny black beauty, and it is a curious, energetic, and playful puppy. They get along harmoniously with humans, including children. They are not a picky breed as they can also get along with other pets you may have in your house, like cats.
Due to their high energy and active temperament, Schipperke requires regular exercise. In the same way, they can be strong-willed and mischievous. Don’t be surprised when you see them chasing after other small outdoor animals.
They weigh between 14-and 20 pounds for grown Schipperke and have an average lifespan of 15years. Also, their height is 14 inches on average. Like most dog breeds, they require enforced training to socialize properly. An open fenced-in space is an ideal environment for the Schipperke.
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is perhaps the most popular dog breed. Admittedly, it comes in various colors, including different shades of yellow and chocolate, but the black Lab is arguably the most majestic.
They are obedient, loyal, and playful dogs. This kind of breed is versatile because it can fit in as a companion dog or can be a hunting dog. You can also train them for rescue, therapy, or even sports.
They are intelligent and can withstand unfavorable conditions like extreme weather, forest hunting, and rescue missions.
Their height ranges between 18 and 23 inches, and they weigh about 75 pounds on average. Also, their life span is known to be between 12 and 14 years.
5. Pug
Originating from China, Pugs are sociable and meek companion dogs. They are not aggressive and are suitable for families where children are around. Pugs are fond of children, and their small frame makes them a perfect match to play with kids.
Pugs can be sensitive to the mood of their owners and act accordingly. They can make efforts to cheer up sad owners.
If you’re looking for a pet companion that rarely leaves your side, then pugs are the dogs to get. This is due to their nature of following their owners around. This has earned them the name ‘shadows.’
Pugs’ life span is between 12 and 15 years, weighing around 14-18 pounds. Their height is around 10-11 inches.
6. Belgian Sheepdog
Also known as the Belgian Shepherd or Goenendal, this black canine is a herder breed dog. This means that you can use it to herd flocks of cattle or sheep. The herder trait makes them alert and protective of their owners and, as such, makes them a great candidate for a watchdog.
The Belgian Shepherd is also an affectionate and lovely dog. They can fit in exceptionally as family dogs. Also, they require regular exercise to match their energy level and keep them from being destructive due to boredom. A fenced yard would be ideal for them to use their energy and stimulate their mental alertness.
They are a good addition to your home, even if you are a novice dog owner. Their weight is between 60-and 70 pounds, and they have a life span of 10-12 years. Also, they are 22-26 inches tall
7. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher has an athletic frame with a high energy level, making them an excellent addition to police military work and dog sports.
As a result of their intelligence and sensitivity, they are easy to train. In the same way, they can be playful, and their playful tendency makes them even more adorable. They are family-friendly. Dobermans can also be wonderful guard pups and companions.
Dobies may appear fierce and aggressive from afar, but in reality, they are a big dose of affectionate and friendly puppies. Their life span is around 10-13 years, they weigh between 60-80 pounds, and their height is about 24-28 inches tall.
8. Poodle
Donning their luxuriously curly and regal-looking coats, Poodles are one of the most intelligent and obedient dog breeds. They have playful, adventurous tendencies and are generally enthusiastic about outdoor activities like swimming, running, and retrieving.
They get along finely with children and familiar faces. However, they take time to warm up to strangers. Regardless, they’re loyal, intelligent, trainable as well as sweet. You may only need to groom their curly coat every three weeks properly.
They have a height of between 10 and 12 inches and weigh 50-70 pounds, depending on the kind of poodle. Their lifespan is, on average, 14 years.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
This dog breed is a working dog and originally thrives in water as it served fishing crews in herding fishes to nets and retrieving lost gears. However, they also make for great pets. Their curly coat and webbed feet, which helps them swim effortlessly, are divine and adorable.
Their breed has a mouthful name, and so people lovingly call these pups Porties. People who own these pups describe them as friendly, intelligent, and fun-loving. Since they still possess their swimming instinct, they’ll welcome a swim in a swimming pool or a beach. Also, they should be exercised in other ways to prevent them from destroying things when they’re bored.
They are versatile and can help in therapy work, waterworks, and tracking jobs. Once you properly train them, you’d be amazed at how much they can do. Their fun-loving, loyal and affectionate nature makes them a good fit for the family. Plus, they’re simply adorable.
They live for about 10 to 14 years, weigh between 35 to 60 pounds, and have an average height of one foot 9 inches tall.
10. Gordon Setter
This big black beauty of a dog is the biggest breed of all Setters. They are muscular and active black dogs who are intelligent, gentle, and obedient. With their wobbling energy, Gordons need regular exercise. A fenced yard where they can run will be helpful.
Also, they need positive reinforcement training to get them to obey commands and prevent them from being dominant, willful, and disobedient.
Gordons are fearless and alert. This makes them fit in well as watchdogs. They can also be protective of their owners and children. In the same way, they are known to be vocal and tend to bark or howl.
Barking could mean anything from liking or disliking something. They weigh about 40-80 pounds, have an average height of about 2 feet, and can live up to 10-12 years.
Fluffy Black Dogs Breed
A good number of black puppies have fluffy and silky coats. If you’re looking for black dogs to snuggle or cuddle, they’re available in their numbers. Below, we’re going to highlight some of the fleecy black canines. They include:
Braid
While they are a rare breed, Braids are popular and fantastic dogs. Originating from the northern part of France, the Braid is a herding dog adorned with a fuzzy black coat. That covers its face and makes it seem unable to see.
However, the Braid is hardworking and is known to organize farm fields independently. It is also known to be protective of its owners. Its high intelligence level makes them a good fit for watchdogs.
In the same way, it also does well as a family dog. You’ll need to exercise regularly, or it may turn unruly and restless. Also, we recommend proper reinforcement training as it can be challenging for novice dog owners to handle.
Regardless, their flock of hair makes them a perfect match if you’re looking for fluffy black dogs to snuggle onto on cold days.
Affenpinscher
This is a small toy breed canine primarily available in black and originated from Germany. Another name for Affenpinscher is Monkey Terrier. Monkey Terriers are wonderful family pets. Physically, Affenpinscher is a small black dog breed.
They can be cute little creatures with downy furs and friendly, mildly energetic, and confident. They are great lap dogs. You should consider an Affenpinscher if you’re looking for a small, friendly dog with fluffy coats.
Black Russian Terrier
The black Russian Terrier looks like a canine covered in black cotton material with its woolly double coat.
Black Russian Terriers can serve in the police and the military despite their wooly coat due to their firm and courageous, protective tendencies. Also, their thick fur allows them to work in chilling weather conditions.
They are generally larger than the giant schnauzer and can be surprisingly agile for their size.
Bouvier des Flandres
This dog is known for its wooly thick black coat covering its entire body, protecting from harsh chilly weather.
The name is a French name that translates to ‘cow herder from Flander.’ Originating from the Northern region of France and Belgium. People breed the Bouvier to serve the role of herding cows and other farm animals.
They can be adopted as family dogs and serve as companions and watchdogs.
Due to their overbearing coat, it may not be an ideal dog for those who don’t have time to grow their coats.
Notable mentions of fluffy black dogs include Newfoundland, Giant Schnauzer, Chow Chow dog, and Bergamasco sheepdog.
Big Black Dog Breeds
Are you looking for big black puppies to take as a pet, a guide dog, or a watchdog? You are in the right place as we’ve compiled some notable ones for you. They include:
Neapolitan Mastiff
Known for their wrinkled face, Mastino, as they’re also known, are giant lap dogs. This is because, with their massive size, they still want to sit on their owners’ laps and be cuddled.
Coupled with their giant size and loose skin, Mastino can be scary to people unfamiliar with it. However, they’re affectionate, gentle, and sensitive.
They also tend to drool and can be somewhat challenging to train for novice owners due to their massive size and need for daily exercise. They’re great family dogs and can cling to their owners and family unit.
In the same way, they are playful puppies and can get along with older children but be mindful of their association with little kids as they can harmlessly maneuver and knock over kids with their enormous size.
They weigh over 200 pounds and have a lifespan of 8-10 years.
Newfoundland
As people fondly call them, Newfie is a large working dog known for its relaxed and docile nature combined with sheer strength. They typically show no sign of aggression, and their sweet nature gets them the nickname of “gentle giants.”
While they’re great family dogs and generally playful, they can lean on kids unintentionally with their giant size. Newfies need daily exercise to avoid getting bored and being destructive.
They are wary yet can be friendly around strangers who pose no threat. These gentle giants can tolerate chilly weather conditions due to their thick coats.
However, they need regular grooming of their coat to avoid the discomfort that may arise from their thick black coat.
Notable mentions of giant black dog breeds include the black Pitbull, Border Collie, Standard Poodle, Afghan Hound, Australian Kelpie, Labradoodle, etc.
Which Black Dog Breed is the Best
Maybe you have finally decided to get a pup, and you’re confused about which dog out of the different adorable puppies to choose. It would help if you asked yourself which pup is the best suited for you. Some dogs may be the best for someone and not good enough for you.
Before getting a dog, ensure that you want to get one before buying or adopting one. Also, consider the cost and commitment that comes with dog ownership. If you’ve checked all the boxes, we’ll give you some insights into choosing the best dog for you.
Size
Dogs come in varying sizes, and as such, size is a crucial factor to consider when you want to get a dog. If you prefer big dogs, find out if you have enough space to accommodate them, this will help narrow your search for a dog.
Activity Level
As you already know, different dogs have varying degrees of energy levels, and this directly affects their activity level. You can use breed to determine a puppy’s activity level.
Likewise, while every doggy needs some form of exercise, some need them more often than others. Because of this, consider your schedule and pattern of life.
Find out whether you can cope with a particular dog’s activity level. For instance, if you’re the type that doesn’t fancy outdoor activities and walking. Getting a dog like the Rottweiler may not be a good idea. The Rottweiler is a working dog and needs regular exercise, or they may become bored and turn unruly.
If you can’t cope with a high-energy dog, you can opt for the lower energy that requires less activity.
Physical Maintenance
Dog appearance requires different degrees of care to maintain. While all pups need primary care like grooming and bathing, some dogs require more.
Because of this, consider the nature of the grooming and bathing and how compatible it is with you. For instance, some dogs shed a lot more than others. So, you may want to prepare to clean up their shedding regularly if you decide to get them.
Also, dogs like the Neapolitan Mastiff drool a lot. You may want to find out if you can overlook their drooling and focus on their more attractive traits.
Other Adorable Black Dog Breeds
We have looked at some of the most popular dog breeds that are solid black. Now, here are other adorable black dog breeds we have not mentioned;
- Flat-Coated Retriever
- Curly Coated Retriever
- Black and Tan Coonhound
Temperament
Some dogs tend to exhibit an aggressive temperament. If you are security conscious, you may want to go for the dominant, courageous, and confident dogs.
However, if all you need is an adorable cutie dog that you can play with, you can choose those with a predominantly affectionate temperament.
FAQs
Why are Black Dogs Not Popular
While black dogs can be equally affectionate, loyal, and adorable as other color breeds. They tend to be unpopular among a specific group of people.
One of the reasons is the black dog syndrome or the big black dog syndrome. This is where people overlook black puppies for adoption or purchase in favor of other light-colored dogs. While it is considered an urban legend for some people, animal shelters have reported that this syndrome is a reality that affects black cats too.
Another reason is that people often perceive big black dogs to represent evil, aggressive, and intimidating. You can blame this on films and TV shows that portray the black puppies as demons or a symbol of evil.
Also, the black color of these dogs often masks their personalities and the adorable expression on their faces. This sometimes makes them appear unattractive to take in as pets or guard dogs.
However, black dogs are sweet puppies who need people to give love and allow them to thrive by adopting them or purchasing them. They can be a great source of joy when you get them as your pet or companion.
Are There Black Skinned Dogs
Of course, some dogs have black skin. Dogs like the Schipperke, black German Shepherd, Scottish Terrier, Labrador Retriever, and so on are known to have black skins.
This natural reason for black skin in dogs is due to the presence of melanin in their skin. However, some are a result of hyperpigmentation on the skin. This means that there is an excessive abundance of melanin in their skin.
Also, black skin disease can cause a dog’s skin to be black. This is not entirely harmful to your dog. Note that not all dogs with black coats or fur have black skin.
Why Black Dogs Are The Best
- Black dogs are one of the best dog breeds you should consider getting. This is because:
- They’re loyal. Black dogs are some of the most dedicated canine breeds known to man—little wonder why some of them make excellent watchdogs.
- They’re always ready to help. Black dogs like the Rottweiler are great service dogs. They also show up bravely when you want to use them for rescue missions.
- They’re protective. Most of these black beauties are active, sensitive, and energetic. This makes them fit into the protective role seamlessly. Black canines like Giant Schnauzers, Cane Corso, Dobermans, and Labs are known for their protective capabilities.
- They’re suitable for families. Black canines like Pugs and Scottish Terriers are family-friendly with their sensitive and affectionate temperaments. In the same way, they are playful and get along well with children.
- They’re cute and lovely. Black puppies and adult dogs are majestic, adorable, and appealing with their shiny black fur. Little wonder why President Obama and his family chose to adopt two Portuguese water dogs named Bo and Sunny
Conclusion
There are many black dog breeds that you can adopt that fit into the description of your perfect dog. Do proper research about any particular dog you may wish to get. Regardless of their color, all dogs adhere to instructions when adequately trained. Ensure you give your black puppies firm training to enjoy their companionship.
*photo by Wirestock – depositphotos