23 Lovable Black Dog Breeds That Make Great Pets
Updated: Apr. 25, 2024
Black dogs come in all shapes and sizes—and beyond their striking coloring they have one thing in common: they're all utterly adorable
In praise of black dog breeds
Out of all the many dog breeds that exist in the world, black dogs have a special place in our hearts. These cuties tend to have soulful brown eyes and cute little black noses—and who can resist a pink tongue lolling out of a sweet black doggo’s mouth after a run in the park?
But those black beauties didn’t develop their rich color by happenstance. Humans bred them that way for a reason. “Dogs developed physical characteristics for the purpose that breed was asked to perform,” says Jerry Klein, DVM, chief veterinarian with the American Kennel Club (AKC). “Sometimes the purpose of color was to blend in and sometimes it was to stand out.”
For black dogs, it was a little of both. “If you have a guard dog protecting your house at night, you’d want them to be darker in color so they can sneak around in the shadows and not alert the robber before he gets his teeth in him,” says Dayna Dreger, senior staff scientist with the Dog Genome Project. “And with flock guardian dogs, it might depend on the color of the livestock they were guarding. You might want that dog to blend in with the flock so they can keep a sneaky eye out for the predators or you might want them to stand out, so you can tell the dog the sheep apart from a distance.”
Because the gene that produces black coats in dogs is a dominant one, black dogs are fairly common around the world, and there are black-colored options among many of the most popular dog breeds.
Is black-dog syndrome a real thing?
Actually, it’s not. Which is good news! For decades, “black-dog syndrome” had been used to describe a scenario at animal shelters in which black dogs were allegedly being passed over in favor of lighter-colored dogs at pet shelters. However, a recent study showed that coat color seems to play no role in adoption rates or a dog’s length of stay in a shelter. (Age and breed were more determinative factors. )
Reader’s Digest talked to a panel of experts about some of the most popular breeds of black dogs —and what you need to know if you’re thinking of bringing one home.
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Belgian sheepdog
This gorgeous continental herder comes almost exclusively in black (there are also occasionally black-and-white pups) making it one of the ultimate black dog breeds. Belgians —sometimes called Groenendaels after a village in their native Belgium—are the workaholics of the dog world. They live to give 100 percent of their effort whether they’re playing or working. And they expect plenty of attention in return. (That glossy coat won’t brush itself!) “They crave human companionship,” says Brandi Munden, vice president of communications for the AKC. But with a face this cute, why would anyone ever leave them alone?
Black Russian terrier
If this furry fellow reminds you of a giant schnauzer, a Newfoundland or an Airedale terrier, you’d be correct. Specially bred in the 1930s from all of those breeds (and more!), the black Russian was created as a guard dog, meant to patrol the massive Russian steppe during the frigid Siberian night. As the name suggests, they only come in one coat color, and only in one size: huge. Black Russians can weigh up to 140 pounds. Just know that they can be a little standoffish til you get to know them. “Bred to guard and protect, they are naturally aloof with strangers,” says Munden.
Schipperke
The only other dog that only comes in black, the little Skip has a sweet, foxy little face, a thick black coat and a curious and confident personality. The name means “little captain” in Flemish, as they were the traditional rat-catching barge dog of Belgium. “Schipperkes are small dogs built for hard work,” says Munden. “They’re curious lively and mischievous.” Traditionally Skips had their tails docked, but as attitudes about tail-docking have evolved, more breeders are leaving their dogs’ tails natural; some fully-tailed skips have become AKC champions.
Labrador retriever
The lovable Labrador has long been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. And they come in black. “Labs are active, friendly and outgoing,” says Munden. They’re also super friendly, making them a great black dog breed for families with kids.
Scottish terrier
The Scottie conjures up images of umbrellas, shortbread and walks beside the loch. Just us? Well, either way, Scotties are some of the cutest in the black dog breed category! “Scotties are independent, confident companions,’ says Munden. They are also extremely dignified and stubborn little terriers, with wiry, weather-proof coats, high spirits and a feisty temperament.
Great Dane
Have you always wanted a pony, but only have room for a dog? Well, a black Great Dane might be the happy medium you never knew you wanted! Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, Danes are one of the biggest dog breeds, towering over humans when standing on their hind legs, and pretty much every other dog when they’re on four feet. Fortunately they have big hearts to go with those oversized bodies. “They’re gentle giants,” says Munden. “They’re patient with kids and they’re people pleasers.’
Chihuahua
The polar opposite to the Great Dane when it comes to black dogs, the Chihuahua usually weighs no more than 6 pounds. However, they have a lot of spunk in that little body! “They have big-dog attitude,” says Munden. With their round heads and big ears and coming in short or long coats, Chihuahuas make wonderful (and portable!) companions.
Poodle
Toy, miniature, or standard, the poodle comes in black in all sizes. These curly pooches are known for their smarts, grace, and sometimes ornate hairstyles. But behind the haircut lurks a loyal, playful and athletic black dog breed. Poodles have been the basis for many crossbreeds, such as Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles spaniel x poodle) and schnoodles (schnauzer x poodle), all of which may be found with a black coat.
Schnauzer
Schnauzers also come in three sizes (miniature, standard and giant) and all three are extra-cute with a black coat! “It’s all about personal preference,” says Elaine Ostrander, Ph.D., founder of the Dog Genome Project, a study of canine genetics and genomics at the National Human Genome Research Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health. These cuties are known for their coarse coats and bushy eyebrows and beards, giving them a distinctly professorial look of slight disapproval. However, their loving and protective natures belie their grumpy little faces. Schnauzers are energetic and intelligent and can keep up with you on all your adventures.
Pomeranian
These active little guys have double coats and heavily plumed tails, giving them that recognizable puffball look. Those foxy little faces are cute in any color, but we love the way these smart, feisty dogs look with a black coat. Poms are definitely one of the cutest black dog breeds and love to be the center of attention. “They are inquisitive, lively and bold,” says Munden. “And they can master tricks and games easily.”
Cane Corso
These big Italian fellows can trace their lineage back to ancient Roman times, and the breed name —pronounced kah-nay kor-so—is derived from the Latin for “bodyguard dog.” They tend to be large, weighing over 100 pounds, with big, mastiff-like heads (and jowls) and short, glossy coats that look lovely in black, one of the breed’s six colors. While they do have protective natures, “they are also intelligent, intensely loyal to their families and confident,” says Munden. Like all dogs, these lovelies do best with proper training from an early age.
Newfoundland
If you want a real-life teddy bear, the Newfoundland is the pooch for you among black dog breeds. Extremely furry and always sweet, these gentle giants are great with kids and they’re also incredible swimmers bred to perform water rescues. “Their job was to jump into the water and save people,” says veteran dog show judge Patricia Craige Trotter. Which could be useful if you live on an island such as Newfoundland!
Cocker spaniel
Cocker spaniels are gentle and loving, good with humans of every age. They are wonderful family pets, known for their big melty eyes and having the world’s softest ears. The American Kennel Club recognizes both the English Cocker Spaniel, which is slightly larger, less-coated and with a long muzzle and head; and the Cocker Spaniel (called American Cocker Spaniel elsewhere), which is divided into three color varieties, one of which is…black! These medium-sized pooches were originally bred for gamebird hunting —they’re the AKC’s smallest sporting spaniel, says Munden — but they make excellent (and silky) household companions.
Greyhound
These sleek hounds are one of the fastest sprinters in the dog world —”those long legs go really fast,” says Ostrander—but as any greyhound owner will tell you, these sweet-tempered and gentle pups are better known as 45mph couch potatoes. They seriously sleep about 18 hours a day, which is more than some cats! This amazing snoozing ability means they aren’t off-limits to apartment dwellers, despite their size. Just let them sprint it out a few times a week, and they’ll be happy to binge-watch Netflix on the couch with you for hours.
French bulldog
Frenchies have been voted America’s favorite dog in the AKC’s annual for several years in a row. You probably know Frenchies as that dog you can’t pass by on the street—you have to stop and pet them! These cuties are one of the sweetest dog breeds, and some may even look black. But here’s a secret; they’re not supposed to be black. But some are actually brindles with so much black striping on them they look black, but have tiny stripes of lighter color hidden somewhere on them. No matter, the Frenchies don’t care what color they are. They’re friendly and relaxed, with big bat ears that are endlessly endearing. Their smooth coats and adorable wrinkles compliment their fun-loving natures.
Staffordshire bull terrier
These dogs can look intimidating to some, but the muscular Staffies tend to be fun-loving and friendly. As with every dog, it’s important that they are socialized and properly trained from puppyhood, but a glossy black Staffie can make a loving and loyal family companion. “They are playful companions,” says Munden.
Pug
Who can resist a sweet, wrinkly pug? With their curly tails and smiling jowls, the pug makes one of the most adorable black dogs. Compact and portable, the pug traces its lineage back to ancient China. Pugs are easy-going and flexible, happy solo or with pooch pals, with kids or seniors. Their sociable natures make them good for all living situations. “Pugs live to love and be loved,” says Munden.
Flat-coated retriever
Lying somewhere between the Labrador and golden retrievers is the flat-coated retriever, whose lush flat-lying coat comes in a gorgeous sable black. Full of energy, these dogs love to play fetch and swim for hours with their favorite humans. Unlike other retrievers, these beauties have fairly narrow heads. They also have a sleeker silhouette than their chunkier cousins. “Flat-coats are among the happiest of all breeds,” says Munden. “They retain a puppy-like personality well into older age.”
Puli
These distinctive-looking dogs are one of the most unusual black dog breeds, but also one of the best. Bred to look after sheep on the chilly Hungarian plains, the double dreadlocked coat these pooches rock kept them warm and dry for centuries. “The idea behind that thick coat is that it’s protecting them from whatever critter they might be guarding their flock against, protecting them from the underbrush cutting up their skin and protecting them from the rain,” says Dreger. “But it probably didn’t look all groomed like it does in the dog shows today. It would have been all matted.”
Affenpinscher
If you want a dog with a mustache, you want an Affenpinscher. Their German name translates to “monkey terrier,” and one look at the Ewok-like little face of this pooch makes it clear where they got their name. These adorably scruffy little guys may be small, but they are feisty and adventurous. “The Affenpinscher is fearless, funny and curious,” says Munden. While they do come in other colors, Affenpinschers are most commonly found with a black coat.
Portuguese water dog
These smart cookies are famous for being the First Dogs during President Obama’s two terms, but they’re beloved by many less illustrious humans too. Friendly, loyal and easy to train, the sweet Portie is one of the best black dog breeds for families. Their curly coat is waterproof and hypoallergenic, which is good as the Portie enjoys plenty of vigorous exercise and will likely leap into water wherever they find it. “Their job was to jump into the water and bring the fishing nets back to their masters,’ says Trotter.
Neapolitan mastiff
If you can embrace the jowls (and the drool), the personality of the Neapolitan mastiff is a winner: Affectionate, loyal, and loving of all the family. Descending from traditional Italian guard dogs, the massive Neos are surprisingly gentle and even adorable with their big sad eyes and all-over wrinkles. “This powerful guardian is wary of strangers but sweet and steady with loved ones,” says Munden. They may not be the best black dog breed for your apartment, though: these pooches can weigh up to 180 pounds.
German shepherd
Although they are often black with tan points, a pure black German shepherd dog is one of our favorite black dog breeds. Often used as service, police, and military dogs because of their intelligence, loyalty, and strength, “the German shepherd is one of the finest all-purpose workers,” says Munden. But they also make wonderfully gentle family pets. German shepherds are known for a certain dignity and nobility of character, with a thick coat and large ears.
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Chloë Nannestad tapped her experience as a researcher and journalist with 10-plus years of experience, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. For this piece, we relied on reputable primary sources, including a historian specializing in the history of dogs in China and a veterinarian, as well as our writer’s personal experience. We verified all facts and data and backed them with credible sourcing, and we will revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Jerry Klein, DVM, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club; email interview, Jan. 31 2024
- Dayna Dreger, PhD, senior staff scientist at the Dog Genome Project; phone interview, Jan. 29 2024
- Animal Welfare: “Investigating the role of coat colour, age, sex, and breed on outcomes for dogs at two animal shelters in the United States”
- Brandi Munden, vice president of communications for the American Kennel Club; email interview, Jan. 31 2024
- Elaine A. Ostrander, PhD., founder of the Dog Genome Project, a study of canine genetics and genomics at the National Human Genome Research Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health; phone interview, Jan. 29 2024
- Patricia Craige Trotter, AKC-licensed dog show judge and author of Born to Win, Breed to Succeed; phone interview, Jan. 31 2024
Originally Published: March 21, 2024
