Top 15 Black Dog Breeds: A-Z List of Black Dogs

There are very few colors more elegant on a dog than black. Black fur gives a sleek and shiny appearance. The color demands attention and gives off a regal appearance.

In ancient mythology black dogs were associated with the supernatural. Unfortunately, these myths can still affect their reputation. Many owners are sometimes turned off by their ‘spooky’ appearance.

However, many of these black dog breeds are some of the best company that you can keep. Some of the most loyal and loving dogs have a deep black coat.

If you are considering adopting a black-furred friend, then keep reading our top 15 best black dogs list below…

Best Black Dog Breeds

1. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is quite possibly one of the most famous black dogs. Black is one of its four primary fur colors, along with yellow, silver and chocolate.

While a black dog can look imposing, this one was born to be your very best friend.

Labradors are famous for being the classic family dog and are one of the friendliest breeds that you can adopt. They are so social and empathetic that they are almost human themselves. For this reason, Labs are the number one most popular pet dog in the United States.

Every single day is an exciting adventure for a Lab. Just about anything makes them happy and they will want to be involved in everything you do.

This dog will fit into any kind of family and their happy go lucky attitude will quickly capture the hearts of everyone in your house.

2. Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher is a toy breed that looks like a type of Doberman. Similar to a Doberman, a Miniature Pinscher needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep him happy.

Despite his small size, he will often act like a guard dog. Mini Pinschers have the tendency to answer the door for their owners, and keep an eye on whoever comes near the house.

But, instead of being a guard dog, this dog is actually meant to be a companion.

Affectionately called a ‘Min-Pin,’ these small black dogs make wonderful children’s companions with their playful and clownish personalities. Watching one run and jump will keep you and your family amused for hours!

Black is not the only color you will find on a Min-Pin, but it is one of the best.

3. Poodle

Poodles are known for being one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, but this means that they are very strong willed. Training one can be a bit of a chore, especially larger-sized Poodles!

You can get a Poodle in one of three sizes:

• Standard (over 15 inches tall).
• Miniature (under 15 inches tall).
• Toy (less than 10 inches tall).

Their intelligence also allows them to be incredibly empathetic towards their owners. Because of this they are a popular choice for an emotional support animal or therapy dog.

Poodles of any color and size are beloved family pets, and do just as well with single owners as they do with families of four. Toy Poodles make great puppies for children.

Black is one of the most elegant colors you can find on a Poodle’s curls. When groomed properly, a black Poodle will look like a royal pet. Their coat should be brushed at least twice a week and trimmed once every two months.

4. Labradoodle

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds, and a Poodle is one of the smartest. When crossed you get one of the most beloved Doodle breeds.

Labradoodles are a heartwarming hybrid that combines a Poodle’s intelligence with the Lab’s friendly and playful personality.

The result is a lovable playmate with the ability to learn just about anything. If you are lucky enough, your Labradoodle may even be a hypoallergenic dog.

Labradoodles have as much of a role as a family dog as any black dog on our list, but its intelligence makes it a perfect choice for a service dog. Its hypoallergenic fur also makes them a perfect friend for allergy sufferers.

5. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are the iconic guard dog breed. In popular culture, the sight of a Rottweiler scaring off an intruder is very common in movies and TV. They are often used as household guardians and police dogs.

In real life, these sleek looking black and tan dogs are anything but vicious. But if you are looking for a dog for the kids, a Rottweiler is not it. They were made to work, showing most of their affection through protection, not play.

6. Schnauzer

Schnauzers are known for their bearded face that makes them look like little men. It adds to the charm of this already very charming breed.

This friendly and intelligent black dog breed can adapt to just about any kind of home. They are a good choice for a family’s first pet dog. They also do well with indoor or outdoor lifestyles.

Schnauzers can come in three different sizes:

1. Giant
2. Standard
3. Miniature

They are part of the Terrier group, which makes them alert and protective in any size. All sizes can have a black coat, but the giant Schnauzer is more well known for its black curls.

7. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are very good guard dogs, but they are not the easiest breed to manage. A Doberman needs hours of exercise, stimulation, and socialization in order to be at its best.

Most guard dogs tend to be more unfriendly and aloof than other breeds, but the Doberman functions well as both a guardian and a family pet. They are generally very loving both inside and outside of the home.

Even though they can be up to 28 inches tall, these big black dogs tend to see themselves as giant puppies when not hard at work!

8. Great Dane

The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. They stand up to 32 inches tall and weigh as much as 170 pounds! Great Danes are very friendly, and often underestimate their size; a full grown Dane may try to climb in your lap, just like when it was a puppy.

Black is just one of the many colors that this powerful dog can be. Fawn is the most common, but grey, white and brown are other possible coat colors.

Adopting this breed is a big decision.

Taking care of a Great Dane is almost like caring for another person rather than a pet. People in small apartments should make a hard pass on this one.

Great Danes need as much daily exercise as a full grown human being, and plenty of space to let loose. It is also very expensive to feed and care for such a large dog. A Great Dane may cost as much as $1,200 a year to feed.

9. Newfoundland

The friendly, fluffy Newfie is another one of our favorite big black dogs. He stands up to 28 inches tall, and can weigh close to 150 pounds. In spite of their size, Newfoundlands keep their puppy playfulness throughout their lives. This means that they will need a lot of space to let out their energy.

Newfoundland dogs look like big teddy bears. These incredibly friendly dogs are ready to give their love to anybody willing to receive it.

A Newfoundland makes a great friend for a kid of any age, but young children should be closely supervised around any large dog.

10. Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a tiny black dog with a furry, moustachioed face. It is often called the monkey dog or the monkey terrier.

Affenpinschers were bred to be companions, they are very humanlike in looks and behavior. They make great house dogs and will get along well with everybody in the home, including cats and other dogs. They are a very good pick for novice owners, but some can be a little hard to housebreak.

11. Kerry Blue

The Kerry Blue is a large and powerful Terrier bred for work on the farm. This breed is used to being hard at work for most of the day. In a household environment, this does not change. They are smart and eager enough to be trained for small tasks around the house or yard.

Similar to other “blue” breeds such as the Blue German Shepherd, the Kerry is usually a dark gray or black in color.

This dog’s black fur comes in beautiful tight ringlets that do not shed. They must be brushed regularly to keep them from looking too shaggy.

12. Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a breed with very early origins. Its history goes as far back as ancient Rome, when it was known as the Italian Mastiff. The name Cane Corso literally means guard dog:

• Corsus is the Latin word for ‘guard’ or ‘bodyguard.’
• Cane (kah-nay) refers to the domestic dog’s genus name Canis.

Cane Corsos are guard dogs, through and through. Like most of the large black dogs on this list, their appearance alone is often enough to scare away a potential intruder.

They are not friendly dogs. Cane Corsos are fiercely protective of their families but will either push away or ignore everybody else. They are very territorial and should be kept away from small children and other pets. They are meant to guard a family and are often too much for a single owner to handle.

This breed will need very careful training to distinguish a threat from a friend or neighbor. Otherwise, they will unleash their booming bark at any unfamiliar person or sight.

If you have the experience to tame a more difficult breed, and want a large black dog, the Cane Corso may be one to consider. Just bear in mind that it is not the kind of dog to take out to the dog park and they are very expensive.

13. Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers, lovingly known as Scotties, are the classic bearded black dog breed. Standing at just ten inches tall, you might think that this breed is just a small dog. But Scotties have Terrier in their blood.

They are bred to be watchdogs and tend to be very good at it. This little dog has a very big voice. When a Scottie barks, you might be surprised by the deep bark that comes out.

14. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a strong, robust working dog with a wild mane of black curls. Its coat is not only beautiful, but water resistant too.

Porties love swimming, and traditionally used the water to cool off on a hot summer day in Portugal. In the warmer months, a lion cut will help make the heat much more bearable for this breed.

Portuguese Water Dogs prefer the attention of a family to just one person. They are at their happiest when they can show you what good workers they are.

15. Schipperke

The foxy Schipperke got its start at sea. They were used for pest control on ships and in dockyards. Its name means little captain in its country of origin, Belgium.

Black fur and big, beautiful eyes are the defining features of this breed.

While loyal, Schipperkes can be difficult to train because of their willful and strong personalities. You will need a lot of patience to be able to keep the ‘little captain’ in line.

These dogs are bold and bossy pets. They tend to act much bigger than their size, and often think they run the house. Obedience training is absolutely necessary to keep them from overstepping their boundaries.

You may find yourself owned by your Schipperke more often than not.

A-Z Summary List Of Black Dogs

In no time at all, one of these beautiful black dogs is sure to steal your heart! If you are looking to open your heart to a black dog, these are our top 15 breeds for you to consider:

Never let a black dog’s reputation get in the way of you adopting one. Color should never be the top priority when you consider adopting a dog. Instead, you should carefully understand his care needs and personality to make sure that you are choosing the right breed for you and your family.

Did you see a breed you fell in love with? Let us know in the comments.

If you did not manage to find a breed you love, why not check out our list of white dog breeds?!