20 Black Dog Breeds Worth Getting To Know Better

Black dogs have a unique charm, but they’re sadly overlooked in some instances. In fact, a 2002 study found that black dogs were less likely to be adopted from shelters. But these dark-haired beauties have a lot to offer, whether you’re looking for a snuggle buddy, playmate for your kids, or running partner.

Here are some popular black dog breeds that might be a good fit for you.

1. Rottweiler

Known for their robust build and loyal nature, Rottweilers have a striking black coat with distinctive tan markings. Originally bred to herd and look after livestock, Rotties are highly trainable and smart dogs that develop close bonds with their family members.

As with every breed, early socialization and training is important for Rottweiler puppies. And while their short, shiny black coat doesn’t need a lot of grooming, these black dogs do shed year-round.

2. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers come in three coat colors—black, brown, or yellow. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., and for good reason: Labs are beloved for their friendly, outgoing nature.

Known for their versatility, Labs are excellent family pets, service dogs, and hunting companions. This active breed needs plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy, and these dogs love swimming, running, and dock diving.

3. Newfoundland

Another water-loving dog breed, Newfoundlands are gentle giants with a thick, water-resistant double coat and partially webbed paws. This big black dog breed was originally bred to help fishermen recover heavy fishing nets—hence the long, heavy coat to keep them warm in the cold ocean water.

Newfoundlands do take up quite a bit of space, but their calm and patient demeanor makes them great companions for families with children.

4. Border Collie

The super-smart Border Collie is an energetic black-and-white dog that’s renowned for their herding abilities. Like many other herding dogs, Border Collies have exceptional problem-solving skills and are their happiest when they have a job to do. They excel in agility and obedience competitions.

5. Belgian Sheepdog

The beautiful Belgian Sheepdog, also known as the Groenendael, is a sleek and elegant breed with a striking long black coat. These dogs are loyal, smart, and highly trainable, making them excellent working dogs as well as devoted family companions.

While their long black coat will need regular weekly brushing, most of your quality bonding time should be spent exercising—their high activity levels mean they’ve got energy to burn!

6. Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers are small but sturdy dogs with a black wiry coat. Scottie dogs are known for their independent nature, but they’re also deeply loyal to their families. While relatively low-maintenance in terms of exercise, they have a coat that needs regular brushing and trimming to keep them looking sharp. Pet parents looking for a spirited companion will appreciate their feisty personality.

7. Schipperke

Curious and independent, Schipperke means “little captain” in Flemish—and this small black dog breed is up for the job. Originally bred to hunt rats and act as watchdogs on Belgian boats, Schipperkes are equal parts energetic and intelligent.

These dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation to be their happiest, but the time you spend playing games together will far outweigh any grooming needs. Despite their fluffy black coat, Schipperkes only need a weekly brushing to keep their coat in good shape.

8. Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers are tiny dogs with a big personality. Only weighing 7–10 pounds, the Affenpinscher has a shiny black coat that makes up most of their bulk. They are known as the “monkey dog,” thanks to their expressive face and playful nature, and Affenpinschers are lively and affectionate companions.

9. Flat-Coated Retriever

Flat-Coated Retrievers are friendly, energetic hunting dogs with a glossy black coat. Known for their joyful demeanor, Flat-Coated Retrievers are often described as “perpetual puppies” due to their playful nature.

Like other retrievers, these pups excel in activities such as retrieving and agility and make wonderful family pets. Their long coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangling and matting, especially after outdoor adventures.

10. Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is a large black dog breed with a dense coat that requires regular grooming. These enormous dogs are a relatively new breed and were first bred by the Russian military during the late 1940s and 1950s for working purposes.

It’s estimated that BRTs were bred from around 17 dog breeds, including the Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, and Rottweiler. Black Russian Terriers are loyal and affectionate with their families, and they’re their happiest with regular exercise and consistent training.

11. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs are curly-haired dogs considered to be “hypoallergenic,” with a coat that sheds very little. This makes them a popular choice for people with allergies.

Originally bred to help fishermen, these excellent swimmers are eager to please and make wonderful family pets. So wonderful, in fact, that they’ve reached celebrity status: Sunny and Bo Obama may be the most famous Portuguese Water Dogs in U.S. history, and lived with the first family in the White House throughout both of the 44th president’s two terms in office.

12. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are sleek, muscular dogs with a black and tan coat that exudes elegance and strength. Known for their intelligence and loyalty, Dobermans are often used as working dogs.

These highly trainable pups need plenty of regular exercise to keep their mind and body in peak condition. Despite their stoic appearance, Dobermans are affectionate with their people and make excellent four-legged family members.

13. Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinschers, known as “Min Pins” for short, are small, spirited dogs with a sleek black-and-tan coat. These energetic little dogs are known for having a larger-than-life personality.

While it may seem like they’re just big dogs in small bodies, Min Pins are actually not mini Doberman Pinschers. Breed historians instead trace their lineage back to 19th-century Germany, and believe Min Pins may be a cross between the Dachshund and the Italian Greyhound.

14. Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers are large dogs with a dense, wiry black coat. Originally bred for herding and guarding, these dogs are intelligent and loyal. They require regular grooming to maintain their coat and plenty of exercise to keep them mentally and physically fit.

15. Puli

The loyal Puli is known for their unique look—they have long, corded locks that come in black, silver, and white.

Their characteristic hairstyle begins to take shape when they’re around 8–10 months old, when their puppy hair starts to naturally clump into rope-like cords. Pet parents should plan to spend time each day caring for their Puli’s unique coat, paying special attention to dry them anytime their fur gets wet, since any moisture trapped between the dog’s cords can cause mildew and skin infections. 

16. Pomeranian

Small and fluffy Pomeranians are known for their lively personality and thick puff of a double coat. Despite their small stature, Poms are confident and outgoing, often acting like the big dog on the block even though they’re one of the smallest dog breeds (only 3–7 pounds).

Mostly hair and personality, Pomeranians need regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best.

17. Great Dane

A far cry from the Pomeranian, Great Danes are easily recognized by their towering height and gentle nature. As one of the biggest dog breeds, Great Danes can be 28–32 inches tall.

Their short, smooth coat comes in many colors, but a solid black Great Dane has a particularly majestic appearance. Despite their enormous size, Great Danes are very affectionate, calm, and gentle.

18. Black and Tan Coonhound

Like their name suggests, Black and Tan Coonhounds have a sleek black coat with tan markings. Bred for hunting, these athletic dogs are known for their keen sense of smell and endurance.

Outside with their hunting companions, Black and Tan Coonhounds have an extraordinary ability to track scent trails over long distances, helping their humans follow a trail for many miles. Like many other hound dog breeds, these dogs are friendly and loyal but can be very independent, so consistent training is important.

19. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are muscular pups with a silky-smooth short coat that’s often black, but also found in white, red, fawn, black and white, and other combinations. The loyal Staffie is a friendly, affectionate pup that craves love and attention. Playful and gentle, Staffies make wonderful family pets and are known for being especially patient with children, earning them the nickname “nanny dog.”

20. Poodle (Standard, Miniature, and Toy)

The official National Dog of France, the Poodle is one of the most versatile dog breeds and a popular choice for all types of families. There are actually three sizes of Poodles: the Standard, the Miniature, and the Toy.

While they may be considered “hypoallergenic” and shed less than most dogs, all three types of Poodles sport a curly coat that requires grooming to prevent mats and tangles.