10 Black Dog Breeds: Big, Small & Fluffy (With Info & Pictures)

Every dog enthusiast has their likes or preferences. Some can’t resist certain breeds and sizes, while others are drawn to certain temperaments. But there’s just something special about the black hue in a dog!

Love them or fear them, black dogs are nothing short of extraordinary. The good thing is that there’s a black dog for everyone, whether you are looking for one that’s big or small, fluffy or short-haired, popular or rare.

Keep reading and discover some of the different types of black dog breeds and maybe even find the best black dog for your lifestyle.

The Top 10 Black Dog Breeds

1. Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher is a tiny, muscular dog with a joyful and lovable personality. Their nobility and fearless demeanor have earned these dogs the title “King of Toys” because they may be teeny tiny, but they pack tons of personalities.

This King of Toys is so dominating that one can take over your household if you give them a chance, so parents should be willing to be forgiving and wise pack leaders.

The Min Pin’s black hue isn’t solid black, though. Their coats contain a bit of tan/copper markings around the ears, mouth, eyebrows, and limbs.

2. Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers, fondly known as “Scotties,” are like any stereotypical terrier breed: smart, spirited, and robust. People regard them as “little diehards” due to their rugged disposition, as Scotties are tough, intelligent, determined, and always ready for action.

This small dog is also noble and very proud, with some owners describing them as “human-like.” Scottish Terriers may be a bit untrainable, but with a bit of patience and positive reinforcement, you’ll have the sweetest companion.

3. Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher is the variation of the Pinscher dog breed, according to the AKC. However, do not mistake these teeny-tiny pups with the Miniature Pinscher because, unlike Min Pins, Affenpinschers have a long and fluffy dark coat.

Affenpinschers are famous for their comical, strong, and bold personalities. They are small in stature, with an adorably pushed-in face. No wonder their name means “monkey terrier” in German.

4. Schipperke

The Schipperke is a Belgian native that acquired its name as a barge (or ship) pup decades ago. These dogs would help catch rats and guard supplies on ships, which would later give them the title “little captain dog.”

Today, Schipperkes are just incredible household companions and serve uniqueness, fun, confidence, and a lively temperament in abundance.

5. Black Russian Terrier

You can mistake a Black Russian Terrier for a Giant Schnauzer because they have a look-alike body outline with similarly long beards and mustaches.

The Black Russian Terrier is a working canine who would do everything to protect and guard a home or business and still be friendly enough to play with the family’s children.

Also known as Blackies or the “Black Pearls of Russia,” these terriers are people-oriented and devoted to their families, and they don’t shed much.

• See Also: 9 Russian Dog Breeds (with Pictures)

6. Black Norwegian Elkhound

Bred in Norway, a Black Norwegian Elkhound is a typical spitz-type canine and the smallest of the Elkhound dog breeds. This pup would help its townsmen take down some of the biggest and most challenging game, hunting big animals like bears and moose despite their relatively small sizes.

This large, black dog has a high dog IQ and agility thanks to their athleticism, qualities that make them superb watchdogs.

7. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is undoubtedly every dog fancier’s favorite black dog breed, regardless of their size. This dog is famously known as a workaholic with immeasurable strength and a great dog IQ.

These qualities make Rottweilers some of the most preferred guards and watchdogs for families, as no intruder will dare mess with them.

Surprisingly, Rottweilers are not always overly aggressive. They can be calm and loving canines as long as you socialize and train them adequately.

8. Black & Tan Coonhound

Here’s one of the darkest of America’s canine Aristocrats, with a bloodline that traces back to the American Foxhound and the colonial-era Virginia Foxhound.

Black & Tan Coonhounds have their noses on the ground, just like the Beagle dogs. Their prime scent-picking trait is why they are the most preferred highly-skilled trackers in the police force and rescue missions.

However, you should be ready to spend quality time together because they are social and people-oriented, and leaving them alone for longer will probably stress them out.

9. Belgian Sheepdog

This pup is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant herding breed from Belgium. The Belgian Sheepdog (or Groenendael in some countries) requires lots of activity and is fearlessly protective of its family.

There are four related Belgian shepherding breeds, including the Belgian Malinois, Laekenois, and Belgian Tervuren. However, the Sheepdog is the only one among the four that comes in an only-black color (recessive black).

Its glossy black coat is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a brush per week and occasional baths.

10. Puli

No other dog looks like a Puli except maybe a small Komondor. This dog breed is uniquely beautiful, with its shaggy coat that naturally forms dreadlocks in adults, making people call them “mop dogs.”

The Puli is a member of AKC’s herding group because they used to herd sheep in Hungary. These pups may look silly, but they are powerful and hide a deceivingly athletic and agile animal underneath their unique corded coat.

Their coat protected them from Hungary’s mean cold weather and armored them against flock predators like wolves.

Final Thoughts

Black dogs never go out of style, are easy to accessorize, and look cleaner for longer. Plus, they make the best snugglers on chilly nights thanks to their heat-absorbing coats. So, which of the black dogs is your favorite?

Featured Image Credit: icemanphotos, Shutterstock