How Doggone Adorable! 25 Paw-some Black Dog Breeds To Adopt
Pet lovers, have you ever heard of "black dog syndrome?" It's a phenomenon observed in animal shelters and rescue organizations where black dog breeds are reportedly less likely to be adopted compared to lighter-colored dogs. If that totally breaks your heart, then you know you're a real dog lover.
All doggos deserve to be adopted and loved fur-ever, no matter their coat. If you're thinking of adopting a gorgeous black dog, check out 25 of the most adorable black dogs, including large breeds and small breeds.
25 Popular Black Dog Breeds
Schipperkes (or Shippies) are a small, energetic breed known for their distinctive fox-like face. They have a thick, double coat that is usually black, although chocolate and cream varieties exist.
JezevecStendencíLouhovatČaj, CC 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons/Photoscape
1. Schipperke (Shippie)
Height: Males: 11 to 13 inches / Females: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: Males: 12 to 16 pounds / Females: 12 to 15 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Schipperkes only come in black, and, boy, are they cuties. With Pomeranian-esque (or even fox-like) faces, these rat-catching dogs originate from Belgium and are lovingly called "Shippies."
This breed is known for its thick, double coat, which is straight and somewhat harsh in texture. As you can imagine by the picture above, Schipperkes require regular grooming to manage shedding, especially during seasonal changes when they "blow coat."
2. Belgian Sheepdog
Height: Males: 24 to 26 inches / Females: 22 to 24 inches
Weight: Males: 55 to 75 pounds / Females: 40 to 60 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Sheepdogs are usually on the larger side, but if you're specifically looking for a large black dog, you'll love the Belgian. After all, this breed only comes in black (sometimes with a few white speckles peppered throughout their coat).
They are intelligent worker dogs, so they require lots of exercise, socialization, and stimulation. Given that environment, they are intensely loyal and affectionate. In fact, those characteristics are also what make Belgian Sheepdogs excellent therapy dogs.
Related: Teddy Bear Dog Breeds
3. Labrador Retriever
Height: Males: 22.5 to 24.5 inches / Females: 21.5 to 23.5 inches
Weight: Males: 65 to 80 pounds / Females: 55 to 70 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Who doesn't love a Lab?! One of the friendliest, happiest, and most loving dog breeds there are, Labrador Retrievers are one of the top breeds in the U.S. Labs are known for their outgoing and gentle nature. They are patient with children and friendly with strangers and other pets.
While Labs can come in several different-colored coats, including chocolate and blonde, black Labs are also an option—an adorable one to boot!
Rottweilers have a dodgy reputation in some quarters, but as long as they're socialized at a young age they'll integrate in a family just fine. I mean, look at this goofball!
4. Rottweiler
Height: Males: 24 to 27 inches / Females: 22 to 25 inches
Weight: Males: 95 to 135 pounds / Females: 80 to 100 pounds
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years, though females tend to live about 2 years longer than males
Rottweilers are known for their loyalty to their families and can be very protective, making them excellent guard dogs. And despite their reputation in some circles for being a "scary dog," as long as they're socialized from a young age, Rottweilers will develop into well-rounded pets.
Rotts typically have a solid black short double coat with well-defined tan markings located on the cheeks, above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, legs, and beneath the tail. The outer coat is straight, coarse, and dense, while the undercoat is softer and provides insulation.
5. French Bulldog (Frenchie)
Height: Males and Females: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: Males: 16 to 28 pounds / Females: 16 to 24 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Frenchies are known for their playful and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike. They are not known to bark excessively, but may grunt, snore, or snort due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure.
French Bulldogs come in so many different colors—even a very light, subtle lavender—but the black ones, in our humble opinion, are extra cute. Frenchies are a bit slobbery and have almost alien-like ears, but that's also what makes them so adorable.
6. Border Collie
Height: Males: 19 to 22 inches / Females: 18 to 21 inches
Weight: Males: 30 to 55 pounds / Females: 27 to 42 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and energetic breed, originally developed for herding sheep in the hilly border region between England and Scotland. Like other working dogs (see: Belgian Sheepdog), they require owners willing to provide exercise and mental stimulation. Given that,
Borders are commonly seen in black and white, but can also be solid, bicolor, tricolor, red, blue, and lilac. Rough-coated Border Collies require more frequent grooming (at least weekly), while smooth-coated ones may need less frequent brushing.
Related: Girl Dog Names
Black Chihuahuas may have solid black coats or combinations with tan, white, or other colors. This Chihuahua, for example, has a beautiful rust woven throughout her fur.
7. Chihuahua
Height: Males: 5 to 9 inches / Females: 4 to 7 inches
Weight: Males and Females: 2 to 6 pounds
Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
Chihuahuas are known for their strong attachment to their paw-rents and often form a close bond with one person. They are affectionate and enjoy being close to their humans. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are known for their fearless nature. They can be quite vocal and protective, making them good watchdogs.
All Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they're not always the same quintessential tan color. Many Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes are black. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas require minimal grooming, while the longhaired breeds need regular brushing to prevent matting.
Related: 15 Adorably Small White Dogs To Adopt
8. Scottish Terrier
Height: Males and Females: 10 inches
Weight: Males: 19 to 22 pounds / Females: 18 to 21 pounds
Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
Affectionately called "Scotties," the Scottish Terrier's origins go back centuries. There's a reason for that; they are charming, loyal companions that thrive on human interaction. While known to be a little stubborn, they make delightful, proud pets.
The Scottie is definitely one of the more iconic black dog breeds, though they also come in brindle (a mix of black and brown), wheaten (ranging from straw to nearly white), and dark gray. Their outer coat is medium-length, with longer hair on the beard, legs, and lower body, often referred to as the "skirt."
9. Doberman Pinscher
Height: Males: 26 to 28 inches / Females: 24 to 26 inches
Weight: Males: 75 to 100 pounds / Females: 60 to 90 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
The Doberman Pinscher is a versatile, loyal, and intelligent breed that thrives in active households. With the right training, socialization, and care they can be an excellent family pet and reliable guardian. Their strong bond with their owners and protective nature make them a popular choice for those seeking a devoted companion.
By far the most common Doberman color is black, but you'll see red, blue, and fawn Pinschers, often with rust-colored markings. The breed has a short, smooth coat that's pretty easy to maintain. Regular brushing manages their shedding and keeps the coat healthy.
While some Pomeranians are pure black, this cutie pie is a striking combination of black and orange. Their fur gives them a fluffy appearance, contributing to their fox-like look.
10. Pomeranian (Pom)
Height: Males and Females: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: Males: 6.1 to 11.4 pounds / Females: 4.6 to 7.3 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Don't you just love Pomeranians? Known as Poms or Pommies by their affectionate owners, these pups may be tiny, but they pack a punch. These dogs tend to have a habit of barking at nothing—and also, everything—but nobody loves as a Pom does.
Pomeranians have a double coat consisting of a dense, soft undercoat and a long, straight outer coat. Their coats can be a bit much to take care of, with twice a week brushings recommended. While the orange Pom is the signature color of the breed, black Pomeranians ae totally cute, like little black foxes.
11. Standard Poodle
Height: Males and Females: 18 to 24 inches
Weight: Males: 45 to 70 pounds / Females: 45 to 60 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
There are a few different subcategories (and therefore, sizes) of Poodle, but we can all agree there's nothing more regal than a black Poodle—whether it's a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle. And if you don't want to go full Poodle, there are plenty of hybrid breeds to choose from: Yorkipoo, Cavapoo, Doodles, etc.
Obviously, the appeal of a black Poodle is that he or she looks like Baa Baa Black Sheep. Their coat is dense, curly, and has a glossy sheen that beautifully catches the light. This texture is typical of Poodles and contributes to their hypoallergenic qualities, as they shed minimally.
12. Pug
Height: Males and Females: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: Males and Females: 14 to 18 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
If you're a Pug-lover already, then you know they're a total vibe, and if you adopt this sweet and tiny breed into your family, the cuddles will never end. They have a playful disposition and their charming antics are often hilarious. This is why they're one of the most popular breeds on Instagram.
When you think of Pugs, it's likely you think of their usual apricot or fawn shades. But some Pugs are black, too! Their short coat is relatively low-maintenance, requiring weekly brushing to manage shedding and keep the coat healthy. Regular cleaning of their facial wrinkles is also important to prevent skin infections.
Known for their loving nature, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (or Staffy) is often called a "nanny dog" due to its gentle disposition with children.
13. Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy)
Height: Males and Females: 14 to 16 inches
Weight: Males: 29 to 37 pounds / Females: 24 to 34 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
AmStaffs or Staffies have very loyal and friendly personalities and enjoy cuddling with their humans. Intelligent, but stubborn, Staffordshire Bull Terriers need consistent exercise and socialization. Once trained, they're so good with children, they're often called "nanny dogs."
Staffies come in all kinds of colors, including red, fawn, black, blue (gray), brindle, white, and many combinations with white. However, black Staffordshire Terriers have an unmistakable glossy sheen to their coats. Very easy to groom, weekly brushing should be sufficient.
14. American Cocker Spaniel
Height: Males: 13.5 to 15.5 inches / Females: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: Males: 20 to 30 pounds / Females: 20 to 25 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
We could've gone with either the American or English Cocker Spaniel, but the American breed is more popular. If you've ever seen their so-cute-it-hurts faces—especially as puppies—you'll understand why they're so popular. Cockers can be clingy and barky, but they're smart and easy to train.
The American Cocker is also more likely to be black. English Cockers are usually roan-colored (speckled with white throughout), whereas American Cockers run the gamut from the classic "buff" color (light cream to golden) to red, chocolate, silver, and black, as well as roan-colored and parti-colored.
15. Cane Corso
Height: Males: 23 to 27 inches / Females: 23 to 25 inches
Weight: Males: 99 to 110 pounds / Females: 88 to 99 pounds
Lifespan: 9 to 12 years
Cane Corsos have roots tracing back to ancient Rome! These are powerful, intelligent dogs that require dedicated training and socialization. They can make excellent family companions and guardians when properly raised and cared for, but their size and strong personality make them better suited to experienced dog owners.
Cane Corsos come in a variety of colors, including black, fawn, brindle, red, and various combinations with white markings. And because of their short, dense coat, outside of bathing them, grooming a Cane Corso is almost a non-issue.
Chow Chows require regular grooming to maintain their thick coats and prevent matting. Brushing is recommended at least once a week, with more frequent grooming during shedding seasons—or during show season like this Chow!
16. Chow Chow
Height: Males: 24 to 28 inches / Females: 23 to 26 inches
Weight: Males: 99 to 110 pounds / Females: 88 to 99 pounds
Lifespan: 9 to 12 years
Chow Chows are unique dogs with a regal appearance and a strong personality. They require dedicated training, socialization, and grooming to thrive. So, while they may not be the best fit for first-time dog owners due to their independent streak, they can be loyal and protective companions for veteran dog owners.
Chow Chows have a dense double coat that can be either rough or smooth, with a thick mane around the head and neck. They require regular grooming to maintain their thick coats and prevent matting. Brushing is recommended at least once a week, with more frequent grooming during shedding seasons.
17. Affenpinscher
Height: Males and Females: 9 to 11.5 inches
Weight: Males and Females: 7 to 10 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Affenpinschers are charming, small dogs with distinctive monkey-like facial features. So much so, that in France the breed is nicknamed "monkey dog" or the even more colorful "diablotin moustachu" (mustached little devil). They combine a terrier-like temperament with a playful, affectionate nature, making them entertaining companions for the right families.
Affenpinschers come in numerous colors, including black and tan, black and silver, gray, red, and belge (a mix of black and reddish-brown). However, solid black is the most prevalent color and is often favored in breed standards. It is recommended to brush the coat at least twice a week and to trim it every couple of months to keep it looking neat.
18. Puli
Height: Males and Females: 16 to 17 inches
Weight: Males and Females: 25 to 35 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
The Puli is known for its unique appearance, with a dense, weather-resistant coat that can grow so long that it reaches the ground. According to lore, the dog was brought west to Hungary by the Cuman people, a Turkic-speaking group from Western China fleeing the Mongols in the mid-13th century.
Like many dogs raised to herd sheep, the Puli is an intelligent, playful breed requiring a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They also require an attentive groomer, a labor-intensive process that requires patience and dedication. Regular grooming not only keeps their corded coat healthy and beautiful, but also contributes to their overall well-being.
Portuguese Water Dogs were originally used to herd fish into nets, so they are athletic dogs who love to engage in physical activity, especially swimming.
19. Portuguese Water Dog
Height: Males: 20 to 23 inches / Females: 17 to 21 inches
Weight: Males: 42 to 60 pounds / Females: 35 to 50 pounds
Lifespan: 11 to 13 years
Portuguese Water Dogs were originally used to herd fish into nets and retrieve broken nets and tackle that fell overboard. Suffice to say, these are active dogs that thrive in environments where they can engage in physical activities, especially swimming.
These friendly dogs are typically seen in black, brown, and white, or combinations of these with white patches. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting, with brushing recommended at least a few times a week. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is also advised.
20. Black Russian Terrier
Height: Males: 26 to 30 inches / Females: 26 to 29 inches
Weight: Males: 80 to 130 pounds / Females: 80 to 130 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Black Russian Terriers were created by crossing several breeds, including the Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, Rottweiler, and Newfoundland. They are big dogs who were bred to patrol and protect, so they make amazing guard dogs. Of course, this is also why they're probably not ideal for novice dog owners.
Black Russian Terriers are impressive, intelligent dogs that require dedicated training, socialization, and care. That includes their dense black coat, a coarse, slightly wavy double coat which requires regular brushing to prevent matting. In fact, professional grooming is recommended every 4-6 weeks.
21. Schnauzer
Height: Males and Females: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: Males and Females: 11 to 20 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Schnauzers are versatile dogs known for their distinctive appearance and loyal nature. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive as family companions, which means they're probably best suited for experienced dog owners who can provide firm, consistent training.
Black Schnauzers are born cute, but they're made all the cuter by the appearance of "eyebrows" and "beards." Of course, the cuteness is partly the result of brushing them 2-3 times a week and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
The Newfoundland dog originated on the island of Newfoundland, in the easternmost province of Canada. Given that history, this breed loves being in and around water.
22. Newfoundland
Height: Males: 26 to 28 inches / Females: 24 to 26 inches
Weight: Males: 130 to 150 pounds / Females: 100 to 120 pounds
Lifespan: 9 to 12 years
The Newfoundland dog is named after the easternmost Canadian province—also the birthplace of the Labrador Retriever! Given those origins, it's not surprising that the Newfoundland is an active, athletic breed that thrives in the water. They're large dogs with kind dispositions and they've been bred as strong swimmers.