Black Dog Guide 21 Most Popular Black Dogs

Black dogs have been perceived as the worst omens of death throughout history. Or so Professor Trelawney wants you to believe. For all you know, Sirius Black is in his Animagus form. A little fun fact is that a black German Shepherd and a Deerhound inspired Sirius Black’s Animagus.

The color black stands out for its elegance and timeless appeal. Everyone at some point in their life has wanted to adopt a black dog, to name it Lucifer, Shadow, Nyx, Night, Rhysand, Sirius, or Onyx.

Dogs come in many shapes, sizes, temperaments, and nature, each having unique qualities that appeal to different people. Whether you are an avid dog enthusiast or looking to adopt or buy, here is a list of 21 black dog breeds and their characteristics to help you determine if they would be a perfect fit for your family.

Best and Most Popular Black Dogs

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in the US for the past three decades. This beloved dog is friendly, intelligent, trainable, playful and affectionate. It is a member of the Sporting Group of the American Kennel Club.

It is a medium to large size breed where the male dogs typically stand between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall, while the female dogs are slightly shorter at 21.5 to 23.5 inches. The male black lab dog weighs around 55 to 80 pounds, and the female black lab weighs around 55 to 70 pounds.

Labs love to splash around in the water and swim and need a lot of physical exercise. This black lab dog has a short, dense, and water-resistant coat and comes in three colors: yellow or golden, black, and chocolate.

Black lab dogs shed a lot, so brush them down to reduce the hair lying around the house. With a lifespan ranging from 10 to 12 years or, in some cases, 14 years, Labradors make wonderful family pets.

2. German Shepherds

These majestic-looking black dogs look like they could kill you in one bite, and they most definitely can, but they won’t unless provoked. This is one of the most disciplined blacky dog breeds out there and is often used in the military, police, and other protective services for their intelligence, loyalty, discipline, and strength. Contrary to popular belief, they are patient, affectionate, and gentle.

As the name suggests, German Shepherds hail from Germany. These black dogs are medium to large, with the male being 24 to 26 inches tall and the female being 22 to 24 inches tall. Males weigh between 60 and 90 pounds, and females weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.

German Shepherds have a distinctive double coat of medium length, usually black and tan, with a muscled body and large pointed ears. They belong to the Herding group. These black dogs make good family pets and have 9 to 13 years of life expectancy.

3. Poodle

Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Toy poodles can be up to 10 inches tall, miniatures can reach 10 to 15 inches, and standard poodles can grow up to 15 to 22 inches. Similarly, toy poodles weigh around 4 to 6 pounds, miniatures around 10 to 15 pounds, and standard around 45 to 70 pounds. Both Germany and France claim to have bred the poodle.

Poodles have a curly, sheeplike coat and fur that can get long, so they need frequent haircuts. These black dogs are hypoallergenic, and they don’t even shed. Poodles come in around 30 colors: white, apricot, silver, cream, gray, brown, and even blue.

Black poodles are quite common and are gorgeous. Poodles are highly intelligent, obedient, athletic, lively, and affectionate. Poodles belong to the nonsporting group and have a life expectancy of 10 to 18 years.

4. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are ferocious members of the Working group. These black dogs are known for their strength and loyalty and are descendants of ancient Roman cattle dogs. They are used as security, guard, search, rescue, and service dogs. Male rottweilers are 24 to 27 inches tall and weigh 95 to 135 pounds; female rottweilers are 22 to 25 inches tall and weigh 80 to 100 pounds.

They have a short, dense, and straight, shiny double coat, predominantly black, with well-defined rust, tan, or mahogany markings. The topcoat is bristled and thick, and the undercoat insulates.

They are large, muscular dogs that are courageous and confident. They can be aggressive when the situation demands them to be but are quite gentle, calm, and affectionate with their families. They live around 8 to 10 years.

5. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland belongs to the Working group and is cherished for its gentle nature and usefulness in water and on land. The Canadian fishermen used Newfies for their water rescue abilities in icy water. Their thick, water-resistant double coat provides insulation and buoyancy. They also have webbed feet and a strong muscular body.

They also used to work on land, pulling carts and guarding properties. Males are typically 28 inches tall and weigh 130 to 150 pounds; females are 26 inches tall and weigh 100 to 120 pounds. Despite their large size, they are gentle, calm, and loving, with a life expectancy of 9 to 10 years. The most common color is black, but they also come in brown, gray, and black and white.

6. Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers, charming members of the Toy group, are known for their lively and loving personalities. These black dogs are 9 to 11.5 inches tall and weigh around 7 to 10 pounds. They’re known as Monkey Terriers for their pushed-in face and wiry and shaggy coat that comes in gray, silver, red, tan, beige, and, most commonly, black.

Affenpinscher is a German name, and Affenpinschers were bred to hunt vermin. They are hypoallergenic and are also great with kids. These pups are charming, gentle, and entertaining. They live around 12 to 15 years.

7. Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian sheepdogs are also known as Groenendael. This blacky dog hails from Belgium. They have thick, glossy, double coats with extra fur around their collar and breeches. They are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh around 45 to 75 pounds.

Belgian sheepdogs belong to the Herding group. They’re workaholics with high levels of energy and intelligence. They’re affectionate, trainable, and make loving pets. These medium black dogs have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

8. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher, a dynamic member of the Working Group, is famous for its intelligence and versatility. Male and female dogs are about 26 to 28 inches and 24 to 26 inches tall, respectively, and weigh around 75 to 100 pounds and 60 to 90 pounds, respectively.

Dobermans have a sleek, short, and smooth coat. This blacky dog is great with children, protective, loyal, affectionate and fearless. These black dogs live around 10 to 12 years.

9. Great Dane

The Great Dane is a member of the Working group. The males are 30 to 34 inches tall and weigh 140 to 175 pounds, while the females are 28 to 32 inches tall and weigh 110 to 140 pounds. Great Danes originate from Germany and have glossy, short, dense coats and cropped ears.

They mostly come in solid colors, with black being the most common. Despite their large size, these dogs are majestic, regal, and poised. These black dogs are known for their patience, adaptability, friendliness, and affection towards their families and live around 7 to 10 years.

10. Flat Coated Retriever

The Peter Pan of dogs, the Flat Coated Retriever, originated in England. They belong to the Sporting group. They have a dense, flat-lying, medium-length double coat that protects them from the cold. Males are typically 23 to 24.5 inches tall, and females are 22 to 23.5 inches tall.

They weigh around 65 to 70 pounds. They are energetic and loving dogs who require a lot of exercise and are gentle, affectionate, and loving. This blacky dog has a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. They also come in Brown or Liver, but black is the most common.

11. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese water dog is an adept swimmer, and this blacky dog breed was bred in Portugal to help fishermen collect fishnets, communicate between ships, and gather fish in nets. They belong to the Working group. They are hard-working, intelligent, loyal, and obedient, with excellent work ethics. They have curly or wavy water-resistant coats, and they are hypoallergenic.

They come in colors like white, brown, black, or a combination. The males are usually 20 to 23 inches tall and weigh 42 to 60 pounds, whereas the females are 17 to 21 inches tall and weigh 35 to 50 pounds. These hard-working and good-natured black dogs live for 10 to 14 years.

12. Scottish Terriers

Scottish Terriers are energetic, persistent, and affectionate blacky dogs. They belong to the terrier group and are known for their exquisite appearance and aggressive personality. They are about 10 inches tall; the males weigh between 19 and 22 pounds, and the females weigh between 18 and 22 pounds.

They have a dense, wiry coat that comes in wheaten, brindle, or solid black, which is the most common. They were originally bred in Scotland for hunting foxes and badgers. These black dogs live around 12 to 14 years.

13. Schipperke

Schipperkes belongs to the Non Sporting group and is curious and energetic. They were used as ratters and watchdogs on barges and ships in Belgium. The meaning of the name in Flemish is Little Captain.

These black dogs are 11 to 13 inches tall with a compact yet sturdy frame and weigh around 10 to 16 pounds. They have a dense, straight, harsh coat that is usually solid black but can also be found in cream, ivory, wheaten, gold, red, white, blue, and chocolate. They live between 12 to 16 years.

14. Giant Schnauzer

Member of the Working group, Giant Schnauzers are intelligent and energetic blacky dogs. The males and the females are 25.5 to 27.5 inches and 23.5 to 25.5 inches tall, respectively, and weigh between 85 to 90 pounds and 65 to 70 pounds, respectively.

They have a medium-length, wiry double coat, usually solid black or salt and pepper. These black dogs were bred to serve in the military, drive cattle, and serve as police dogs. This is a very intelligent and affectionate breed. They live for 12 to 15 years and make great family pets.

15. Cane Corso

Cane Corso is one of the most loyal breeds that look intimidating and formidable, are affectionate and gentle, and live 9 to 12 years. They have one of the strongest bite force and are often used as watchdogs.

The males are 25 to 27.5 inches tall and weigh between 90 to 120 pounds, and the females are 23.5 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 80 to 110 pounds. This blacky dog belongs to the Working group. Cane Corso has a short and coarse coat that comes in many colors, but solid black is the most striking.

16. Black Russian Terrier

Adding a beard and a mustache to a Giant Schnauzer will give you a Black Russian Terrier. This blacky dog belonged to the Working group and was bred in Russia to guard and protect.

Males are 27 to 30 inches tall and weigh between 110 to 130 pounds, and females are 26 to 29 inches tall and weigh 80 to 110 pounds. They have a thick double coat with a coarse outer layer that is solid black. These black dogs are known for their versatility and loyalty, lasting 10 to 12 years.

17. Puli

Dreadlocks on a dog look gorgeous, and Pulis is amazing at pulling off this hairstyle. They have a strong, corded coat that protects them from harsh weather conditions. Their coat also protects them from predators like wolves. They are usually black but can also be found in gray or white.

They originated in Hungary and were used for sheep herding. These medium-sized black dogs weigh between 25 to 35 pounds and are 16 to 17 inches tall. They are active and alert dogs that need loads of exercise and have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.

18. Afghan Hound

Afghan hounds are an ancient breed bred in Afghanistan as hunting dogs. They are known as Tazi Spay or Sag-e-Tazi in their homeland. They are dignified and reserved around strangers but can be affectionate and playful with their families.

They have long, flowing, silky, dense, and sleek coats in solid black. Some other coat colors are white, cream, silver, blue, and red. They are 25 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 50 to 60 pounds. They belong to the Hound group and have a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

19. Gordon Setter

The Gordon Setter is a Sporting group member and a skillful hunter and tracker. They’re confident and bold on the outside and total love bugs on the inside. They are 25 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 45 to 80 pounds. They have a double coat with a silky and sleek top layer.

They are usually black with distinct tan markings. You can also find them in brown and fawn. They are great family pets and even single owners who are outgoing and enjoy being outdoors. These black dogs have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

20. Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinschers are members of the Toy group known for their bold, energetic, confident, and outgoing personalities. They are rather small, standing between 10 to 12.5 inches and weighing 8 to 12 pounds, but despite their size, they are known as the King Of Toys.

This black dog breed is a mix of Italian Greyhounds. German Pinschers and Dachshunds. They have a short, smooth coat in blue, tan, rust, chocolate, and red colors. Stag red, fawn, and black. They have a long lifespan of 12 to 16 years.

21. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are intimidating dogs that hail from China. They have a blue or purplish black tongue and a thick double coat that can be rough or smooth. They come in colors like cream, blue, red, cinnamon, and black. Chow Chows belong to the Non Sporting group.

They are calm and aloof, intelligent, obedient, and trainable. They are also quite affectionate with their families. They are 17 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 45 to 70 pounds. They live around 8 to 12 years and are good companions.

Black Dog Breeds to Avoid

Discrimination against dogs due to their coat color is not a good thing and should not be done. You may need to avoid certain black dogs due to personal health issues or lifestyle. Here is a list of things that will be problematic for adopting certain breeds.

1. Allergies

You should avoid Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds if you have allergies. These black dogs shed a lot and can trigger your sinus dust allergy, and may even carry little bugs that may worsen your condition.

2. Low Activity

Avoid Poodles, Retrievers, and Terriers if you are not very active, as these breeds are high on energy and need loads of exercise to stay healthy and happy. You will have to accompany them, play with them, take them out for walks and playtime. If you cannot manage a lot of activity for health reasons, work, or just a personal preference, go with dogs that also prefer low activity, like pugs.

3. Limited Space

Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, and Labradors need loads of space to move around. They are big black dogs and are rather active and energetic. They cannot thrive in small apartments or lack outdoor space. You can go for black dogs like chihuahuas if you have limited space.

4. Low Maintenance

Poodles, Afghan Hounds, and Pulis are black dogs with elaborate, complex coats. Regular upkeep and maintenance are important to keep their coats clean and manageable. If you cannot handle high-maintenance dogs, do not go with these blacky dogs; instead, go with dogs with short, low-maintenance coats.

Conclusion

These 21 black dogs present various sizes, temperaments, uses, origins, and coats, but they all are united by how beautiful they look in their elegant black color. Whether you are attracted to the intelligence of a Poodle, the loyalty of a Rottweiler, the discipline of a German Shepherd, or the playful nature of a Flat-coated Retriever, there is a black dog breed for every lifestyle and preference.

Black dogs are often overlooked in shelters, but it is very clear that these beauties are great family pets, gentle, affectionate, playful, and most of them are total lovebugs. While certain things like allergies, activity levels, and space need to be considered before adopting a black dog, discriminating against dogs due to the color of their coat is wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Black Dogs More Prone to Health Issues?

There is no evidence to suggest that the color of the dog’s coat affects its health. A dog’s health mostly depends upon the breed, genetics, and overall care and maintenance of the dog. Black dogs are as healthy as dogs of any other coat color.

Are Black Dogs More Aggressive than Dogs of Other Colors?

Aggression in dogs is a trait connected to the breed of the black dog. Rottweilers, Chihuahuas, and Pomeranians are often considered aggressive dogs, irrespective of the color of their coats. The color of the coat does not influence the temperament of the dog.

Do Black Dogs Feel More Hot When Compared to Dogs of Other Colors?

The color of a dog’s coat does not affect the dog’s ability to tolerate heat or how hot the dog feels. Breed, size, place of origin, and other factors influence a dog’s heat tolerance capacity more.

Do Black Dogs Shed More than Other Colored Dogs?

Shedding depends on the dog’s breed rather than the dog’s color. The fur or hair of black dogs is just more easily visible. However, some dogs may shed more than others, regardless of their coat color.

Do Black Dogs Need a Different Diet than Dogs of Other Colors?

The color of its coat does not determine a dog’s nutritional needs. The appropriate diet for every dog depends on factors like age, size, and health conditions. The amount of exercise a dog gets also determines the amount of food it needs.