A black dog looks like a formidable warrior or an aggressive guard. This is only half true: many representatives of black breeds of dogs are really perfect for the role of a bodyguard; they fearlessly protect the owner and frighten the enemy. But at the same time, black dogs are friendly, gentle, kind and sociable. They love family, get along with other animals and get along with children. The breeds are distinguished by high intelligence and intelligence. In our article we have collected more than 15 popular large and small breeds of black dogs with descriptions and photographs.
- Schipperke (schipperke)
Groenendael
This gorgeous European Cattle Dog comes only in black or sometimes black and white, making it one of the unique black dog breeds. These hard-working Belgian Shepherds give 100 percent, whether they're playing or working.
The Groenendael is a very sensitive dog that is deeply attached to its people and does not cope well with loneliness. Its long and luxurious coat requires regular grooming. But will anyone complain? It's hard to resist such a cute face.
Moody
A very rare breed originally from Hungary. Considered a shepherd dog, it is very similar to its German and Belgian counterparts, only much smaller. It differs from other shepherd dogs in its coat - the Mudi has wavy hair from birth. Coat care is required to a minimum; this breed does not form mats. Despite their small size, Mudi are very brave and courageous dogs that will defend their owner and territory to the end.
This breed is not suitable for kennel keeping; such a shepherd dog, with its natural activity, needs space for games and physical activity. Only one owner is considered authority.
Schipperke
The only dog that only comes in black is the little Schipperke. She has a cute fox face, thick black fur, a curious disposition and a confident personality. Many Schipperkes are tailless, but fortunately more and more breeders are moving away from tail docking.
Fun fact "little captain" in Flemish , as it is a traditional Belgian barge dog that specializes in catching rats.
This chubby cutie is always ready to go! A super energetic playmate for children and other pets (yes, even cats!), the Schipperke has great courage and boundless curiosity, making positive reinforcement training a must. This friendly breed loves to spend time with people and learn new tricks.
Dachshund
Another born hunter is the short-legged dachshund, with an elongated body and a wedge-shaped muzzle. They come in several colors, one of which is black. It is considered a short-haired breed, but there are representatives with long hair.
Grooming is minimal; for smooth-haired representatives of the breed, it is enough to periodically wipe them with a damp towel. Has a willful character. Despite all its comical appearance, this dog will boldly protect its owner from strangers. A very smart, inquisitive dog, ideal for both hunting and keeping at home.
Black Russian Terrier
If this curly-haired cutie reminds you of a Giant Schnauzer, Newfoundland or Airedale Terrier, you're right. The Russian Terrier, specially bred in the 1930s from all of these breeds (and many more!), was created to patrol Russia's vast borders in the cold Siberian regions. As the name suggests, these guard dogs come in only one color and only one size: huge, up to 63.5 kg.
Brave, calm and confident, Black Russian Terriers are programmed to protect their owners. They are 100 percent devoted to their family and will literally follow their loved ones like a black shadow all day long.
Labrador Retriever
The adorable Labrador is one of the most popular dogs in the world. And it comes in black! Labrador Retrievers are kind and intelligent and are great with children. Their friendly nature makes them an excellent choice for those looking for a great family dog breed .
Fun fact : Labradors have topped the AKC (American Kennel Club) list of most popular dogs for 30 years!
Active and incredibly affectionate, Labradors have wonderful personalities, easily adapt to single or family life and fully justify their middle name “retrievers”, being first-class hunting companions.
Doberman
This breed of dog with a brutal image was bred by breeder Friedrich Dobermann in Germany by crossing Rottweiler, herding dogs, English Mastiff and Blue Great Dane. His goal was to create dogs that were:
- high alertness;
- characteristic qualities of a security guard;
- the ability to act as a companion in life.
Doberman
Subsequently, Otto Geller carried out work to reduce innate aggression. As a result, modern Dobermans have proven themselves to be excellent guards and police dogs, as well as loyal and reliable family companions.
Scottish Terrier
The mention of Scottish terriers conjures up the image of a lady with an umbrella walking with a small dog along the shore of a lake. Or is it just us? Well, in any case, the Scottish Terrier is one of the cutest in the black dog category! This is an extremely proud and stubborn little terrier with a hard, waterproof coat and a fiery temperament.
Interesting fact : Scottish Terriers lived in the White House with Franklin D. Roosevelt
Although you will have to brush the Scottish Terrier's rough coat regularly, he can be a great companion for those looking for a hypoallergenic breed . Although they are sometimes called "grumpy", Scottish Terriers are still loved for their balance of independence and loyalty.
Prague rat
An ancient Czech breed, another name is Ratliki. Rat dogs are recognized as the smallest smooth-haired dogs of European origin.
Colors – black, brown with rich tan, sand or red. The breed includes dogs with short and semi-long hair.
Rat dogs are lively, tireless dogs without serious flaws. They behave friendly with family members, and wary with strangers. A fragile pet is not left to play with a preschooler unattended. A child may accidentally injure a dog. The breed is recognized by kennel clubs in some countries, including Russia. FCI is still looking closely.
Bullets
These strange looking pets are one of the most unusual black dog breeds, but also one of the best. The bullet was originally bred to herd sheep on the cold Hungarian plains; the double coat with dreadlocks kept them warm and dry for centuries. Today, their herding instinct may extend to your children. Be careful!
Pulis are agile, loyal, and fast-learning pets that do best with active families . If you decide to get this breed, make sure you have enough time for training and grooming. Even though Bullets don't shed much, their dreadlocks require a lot of attention.
What to look for when choosing a breed
Dog breeds are divided into the following types:
- guards,
- decorative,
- shepherds,
- hunting
White husky, black, brown: all colors of the breed
The future owner must clearly understand for what purpose he wants to purchase a dog. It must fit into his lifestyle. Hardy hunting breeds are ideal for lovers of not only hunting, but also long walks in nature. For the purpose of protecting the territory, you need to choose the appropriate breed.
Older people may find it difficult to handle a large, overly active dog. For children, a medium-sized dog with a good-natured disposition is optimal. Children will treat a small dog like a toy, and this is dangerous for the pet’s health.
Important! Upbringing is more important than genetic breed qualities; it largely determines what a pet will be like as an adult.
Mestizos can also become faithful helpers and family friends. Purebred dogs are preferable because their behavior and character can be predicted.
German dog
Have you always wanted a pony but only have room for a dog? Well, the Black Great Dane may be the middle ground you never knew you needed! The Great Dane, up to 82 cm tall at the shoulders, towers above people when standing on its hind legs, and above almost any other dog when standing on all fours. Despite their enormous size, Great Danes are typically gentle and patient , making them excellent family dogs who bond closely with their people.
Fun fact : The Great Dane named Zeus, recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest dog in the world in 2012, measured 112 cm at the shoulders. His height when standing on his hind legs exceeded 213 cm !
Great Danes have a big appetite and a big heart; the only pity is that these huge hearts are predisposed to heart disease.
Distinctive features
Pedigree description of black shepherd dogs:
- General form. A fairly large dog of an elongated format with a strong body structure. Calm and balanced behavior. A distinctive feature is a creeping gait.
- Height and weight. The height of male dogs should not exceed 65 cm at the withers, weight no more than 40 kg. For females – 63 cm and 32 kg, respectively.
- Head. Proportional to the body, wedge-shaped. The width of the skull is ideally equal to the length. The eyes are dark brown, almond-shaped, and may sometimes appear slightly slanted. The ears are large, erect, and have dense cartilage.
- Muzzle. Strong, powerful jaws. Bite – scissors, 42 teeth. The jowls are dark in color, fit tightly to the jaw, but not dry. The length of the muzzle is equal to the length of the jaw. The nose pigment is only black. A small hump is acceptable.
- Neck. Strong, muscular, medium length, dewlap undesirable. Smoothly transitions into the line of the withers, the angle relative to the body is about 45 degrees.
- Frame. Sturdy, muscular, strong, without dampness. The back is moderately long, the loin is wide. The croup is long, slightly sloping (about 23 degrees relative to the horizon). The chest is moderately wide and deep (chest depth 45 - 47% of the height at the withers). Fortbreast is well expressed. The ribs are oval.
- Limbs. The shoulder blades and shoulders are the same length, the angle of articulation is no more than 110 degrees. The front legs are straight and parallel to each other when viewed from the front. The toes are tightly gathered into a ball; dewclaws are absent. The thighs and lower legs are visually the same length, the thigh is strong and muscular. The hock joints are strong, the metatarsus is vertical to the hock joint.
- Tail. The tail is saber-shaped, set low, never rising above the level of the back. The length of the tail should be below the hock but above the middle of the metatarsus.
- Wool and color. Black German Shepherds come in 2 variations: long-haired and short-haired. In both subspecies, any inclusions or markings of other colors are undesirable. The guard hair is of medium hardness, with a dense dense undercoat.
Cane Corso
"bodyguard dog" in Latin . They tend to be large, weighing over 45 kg, with large heads (and jaws!) and short, shiny coats that look great in black, one of the breed's six colors. Although Cane Corsos have natural protective instincts, they are also intelligent, loyal, and affectionate with their family.
This breed can be aggressive with strangers. The Cane Corso is said to be impervious to pain , even electric fences will not keep it out. For these reasons, it is one of the best guard dog breeds, although it is not suitable for beginners. Like all dogs, these beauties do best with training at an early age. Training is necessary to prevent the dog from “owning” its family.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the polar opposite of the Great Dane. They usually weigh no more than 2.7 kg. However, this small body is full of vital energy! They get along well with older people and cats. Their most recognizable feature is their bat ears and high-pitched, frequent bark.
Fun fact : The smallest dog in the world, Brandy, is a Chihuahua measuring just 15.2 cm from nose to tail.
Because of their tiny size, Chihuahuas are ideal apartment pets . They have a gentle, caring and very playful temperament. Chihuahuas are easy to train and easy to care for. It is well suited for novice owners.
Pomeranian Spitz
These active little dogs have a double coat and bushy tail, giving them the appearance of a barking puffball . These fox faces are cute in any color, but we love how smart and sassy Pomeranians come across in black. Pomeranians are definitely one of the cutest black dog breeds and love to be the center of attention (so they may not be the best dog for families with small children).
It's amazing how much energy and affection is contained in a three kilogram of fluffy furball. Unlike their larger cousin, the Siberian Husky, Pomeranians don't like the cold and won't mind being carried around in a cozy doggie bag with their cute little fox face poking out.
Pekingese
Pekingese are proud, moderately capricious and intellectually developed breeds. They are jealous and do not like to share their owner with anyone; they become very attached to him. But in general, this is a sociable dog that gets along well with all family members.
Pekingese weight is 4.5-5.5 kg, height is 18-23 cm, life expectancy is 12-15 years.
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Excellent for indoor living, this is not a breed that needs long walks and physical activity. Pekingese can run and frolic, but only according to their mood.
Poodle
The poodle comes in black color in all available sizes: miniature, miniature and standard . These curly-haired dogs are renowned for their intelligence, grace, and sometimes elaborate hairstyles. But behind the stylish haircut lies something more: an energetic and incredibly loyal dog.
Fun fact : In recent years, poodles have been in demand as the basis for many crossbreeds, such as the Cavapoo (a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle) and the Schnoodle (a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle). They can all have pure black fur!
All poodles are loving and very intelligent, you just have to decide on their size. For example, the standard is suitable for active people, miniature poodles get along well with children, miniature poodles are an excellent companion for entertaining and accompanying older people on daily walks.
Breeding lines
The incredible popularity of this extraordinary breed has led to the emergence of a large number of its subtypes in different countries, differing both in appearance and character traits.
Exhibition of West Germany (High Breeding Lines).
These dogs are closest to the standard. They are bred primarily for exhibitions.
Since the main attention during reproduction is paid to the exterior, and not to the development and preservation of working qualities, these animals have significant disadvantages - weak character and service qualities
Show dogs have a luxurious coat of predominantly saddle color with bright tan marks, but sometimes you can also find zone-colored specimens.
If we talk about ideals, then there are also opposites, for example, the dwarf German shepherd. You can read about it on our website.
The highly bred Sheepdog is good as a family member and friend, and can also be used to participate in sporting competitions. But, if you need a guard or a service dog, opt for another type of German shepherd (photos and names can be found in this article and on our website).
Working lines
These strong dogs (sometimes called service breeding), while less elegant than their show line counterparts, are much more similar to the very first representatives of the breed.
A working German Shepherd can come in a variety of coat types and colors. Zoned, black or black and tan - all colors of German shepherds are typical for these dogs; you can often find black and white colors.
The priority goal of breeding all working Europeans is service qualities.
German Shepherds of working breeding are instinctive in their behavior, they have a strong nervous system and a lot of energy. They are demanding of training and workload, aggressive, and temperamental. Working bred German Shepherd puppies are carefully selected for service and undergo multiple training courses. You can read more about German Shepherd puppies and pregnancy in our article.
Such dogs are most suitable for police, military, drug and explosive detection, they are excellent search and rescue dogs, and are also suitable for personal protection.
For a family living an active life, ready to devote attention and time to their pet, a working European will be an excellent companion, but do not expect calm, measured and phlegmatic behavior from her.
American line
American breeders focused on the appearance and speed of movement of dogs, leaving aside their working qualities. Shepherd dogs are taller, they have an elongated body with a narrow head, they have a somewhat angular shape. The saddle color (sometimes called suit) is common, but other standard colors are also found, as well as pure white.
American dogs are gentle in character, balanced and calm. They rarely show aggression and are highly trainable. However, there are such disadvantages of the breed as excessive emotionality and poor health and nervous system. These beauties will be good companions and loyal family members.
English line
In addition to the listed types, which are widespread, there are less popular varieties of German shepherds that arose as a result of mutation or selection. These are such subtypes as Panda, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog and Sarlouz Wulfhound, Kunming Shepherd and others.
Schnauzer
Schnauzers also come in three sizes (miniature, standard and giant), but all three are super cute in their “black coat”! These cuties are famous for their coarse fur, thick eyebrows and beards, which gives them a professorial appearance with a slight disapproving glance. However, their loving and caring nature belies their sullen faces. Schnauzers are sociable, energetic, intelligent and attentive; they will gladly accompany you on all your adventures.
This is a hypoallergenic dog breed . Schnauzers have a double coat: the bottom is soft and dense, and the top is hard. Daily brushing prevents clumps from forming, especially in their beards and paws. In addition, body hair should be “removed” at least twice a year. This will also help reduce the likelihood of allergies.
Rottweiler
According to the standard, this breed is not completely black; there are red areas on the chest and face of the animal. The Rottweiler's build is stocky and muscular. The breed was originally bred to transport small loads, but now this dog serves as a guard. He is very jealous of his territory and is wary of strangers.
Read Breeds of long-eared dogs - top 20 rating
The coat is very thick and short, requiring no special care. Due to their thick undercoat, they tolerate cold well. Dogs of this breed must be trained, and this should be done by professionals. An untrained Rottweiler can pose a threat even to its owners.
Greyhound
Despite their bizarre appearance (slim build with long heads and legs), greyhounds have a long and noble history. They are the fastest sprinters of all dogs, but as any greyhound owner will tell you, these good-natured and gentle hounds are better known as "70 km/h couch potatoes."
Fun fact : As athletic as they may seem, greyhounds are slackers who can sleep up to 18 hours a day!
The amazing ability to constantly snooze makes Greyhounds excellent apartment dogs, despite their impressive size and hunting instincts. Just let them run around the park a few times a week and they'll be happy to watch TV on the couch with you for hours. But don't count on them for long-distance hikes.
Newfoundland
If you want a real teddy bear, the black Newfoundland is for you. Incredibly fluffy and always cuddly, these gentle giants weigh 45-68 kg. They are wonderful companions for children and loyal working dogs who are happy to help at any time.
Newfoundlands are excellent swimmers , who are specially bred for water rescue work. Newfoundlands are strong enough to rescue a drowning person from rough waters - a useful skill if you live on an island like Newfoundland!
Pug
Who can resist a cute wrinkly pug? With its curled tail and smiling face, the pug is one of the most adorable black dog breeds. The diminutive and energetic pug traces its ancestry back to ancient China . Pugs are calm and docile dogs.
Fun fact : Black Pugs have less undercoat than their fawn counterparts, which results in less shedding.
Pugs will be happy to spend time alone, with canine friends, with children and the elderly. Their sociable nature makes them suitable pets for any life situation. When Pugs are confident that they are adored, they are full of charm and affection, and are ready to give their loved ones lots of hugs.
Swedish Lapphund
Outside the Swedish kingdom, the breed is almost unknown, although it dates back hundreds of years. The Lapland Spitz (the second name of this breed) is a small black shaggy dog with a cute face. But the appearance of this dog is deceptive; behind it lies the persistent northern character of a hunting and sled dog.
There are two types of Lapphunds - short-haired and long-haired. The last type is recognized as the most “correct” and ancient. The animal's coat is double and dense, with a thick undercoat, which is due to the harsh climatic conditions of northern Sweden. Even during rest, the Lapland Spitz carefully observes what is happening around, and at any moment, without hesitation, rushes to guard the territory and the owner.
Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever falls somewhere between the Labrador and the Golden Retriever. Its lush, straight coat is a gorgeous sable black color. Full of energy, these dogs love to play and swim for hours with their favorite people.
These beauties have an elongated head and a more graceful silhouette than their stocky counterparts. Owners of Flat-Coated Retrievers claim that these dogs never grow up , retaining their puppyish, mischievous energy into old age.
Giant Schnauzer
Not a particularly popular breed for private ownership, but a very good service dog, serving in the service of the police and search engines. He has an independent, stubborn character and immediately uses any weakness on the part of the owner to his advantage.
The breed is characterized by a black color, the wool is very hard, similar to wire. The undercoat is thick and dense, on the muzzle the hair is longer, looking like a lush mustache. The coarse, faded coat of Giant Schnauzers must be plucked periodically, and it is recommended to begin this procedure at 6 months of the pet’s life. A distinctive feature of the breed is the complete absence of the “dog” smell.
Affenpinscher
If you want a dog with a mustache and beard, you need an Affenpinscher. These charming, scruffy dogs, despite their small size, are quite daring and brave. It is worth noting that Affenpinschers are most often found in black color, so it is not for nothing that they are on our list. Less commonly, you can find Affenpinschers with red, beige, gray and black-beige colors.
Fun fact : The breed's German name translates to "monkey terrier ," and one look at this dog's Ewok-like face from Star Wars explains why they were named that way.
Affenpinschers are not only playful and full of mischievous charm, but they are also extremely intelligent. After training, these affectionate black dogs are ready for some nice cuddles.
Briefly about the main thing
- A black dog always looks impressive, mastito, and attractive.
- Wool does not leave visible problems on dark furniture and floors.
- In most breeds, the cover has water-repellent properties, which facilitates the task of careful care.
- When choosing a puppy, you need to document the purity of its pedigree line. This is a guarantee of mental stability and will help avoid problems with education. A thorough detailed inspection is required.
- It is advisable to consult a veterinarian regarding coat care.
- Each black dog has its own behavioral characteristics, which must be taken into account. You can ask breeders or experienced dog breeders about character traits, collect and study the information yourself.
Portuguese water dog
These smart curls rose to fame as "First Dogs" during the Obama presidency, but they're also loved by many less famous people! Friendly, loyal, and easy to train, the Portuguese Water Dog is one of the best black dog breeds for families.
This intelligent and sensitive dog also makes a terrific service dog and energetic training buddy. Their curly coat is waterproof and hypoallergenic , which is good since the Portuguese Water Dog loves to get a lot of exercise and will happily jump into the water whenever possible.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Black Neapolitan Mastiff will make a good family dog: affectionate, loyal and loving to the whole family. Originating from traditional Italian guard dogs , massive Mastiffs are surprisingly gentle and quite charming with their large, sad eyes and continuous wrinkles all over their bodies.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is not the best breed of black dog for an apartment: these giants can weigh up to 82 kg!
The Neapolitan Mastiff can be aloof; socialization and training at an early age will help correct this. However, we can't help you control his drooling - just keep a towel handy.
Dutch Shepherd
Originally from the Netherlands, this small, stocky herding dog is as smart as its cousin, the German Shepherd. However, the Dutch Shepherd is more likely to be born completely black. Once nearly extinct , the loyal Dutch Shepherd excels at herding and law enforcement duties. She is highly valued for her intelligence, devotion, activity and endurance.
The Dutch Shepherd shows 100% unconditional love for its human families and companions. The main thing is to make sure that your pet regularly trains for obedience, agility and scent.
How to choose?
In addition to the puppy’s appearance, it is also worth paying attention to its behavior and intelligence. Basic selection tests will help you with this:
Basic selection tests will help you with this:
Enter the enclosure with the mother and puppies - the mother should show alertness, but without obvious aggression. Squat down and attract the attention of the puppies - mark the most curious and daring ones. Watch the feeding process - which of the babies responded to the call the fastest and went to the bowls? Throw the ball - pay attention to those who joined the game and began to study the subject. Cowardice and timidity are disqualifying characteristics for the breed. Offer a new dog toy - show it on your outstretched palm
Celebrate those who showed courage and curiosity.
Signs of health and illness are also important. If puppies have festering eyes, ears, or bad breath, think about whether you should trust the breeder.
Be sure to check out the pedigree of your future pet. It is advisable to look not only at the mother and father, but also several generations ago.
Read more about the rules for choosing a German Shepherd puppy here.
