10 Most Popular Black Dog Breeds: Fully Black Stunning Coats

10 Most Popular Black Dog Breeds: Fully Black Stunning Coats
Photo by Yama Zsuzsanna Márkus / Pixabay

Black dog breeds come in a variety of sizes and provide a bunch of impressions at first sight: many appear to be royal and elegant, while others appear to be adventurous or aggressive.

Speaking of aggressive, many black dogs are considered less attractive and dangerous, reason not to be adopted and to be euthanized instead.

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Speaking of aggression, many black dogs are considered less attractive and dangerous, reason not to be adopted and to be euthanized instead. You'll find more details about black dogs and aggressivity in a related article.

For many pet owners, black dogs are rare beauties. In reality, genetics determine whether a breed will be all black colored or partial black colored. Some dog breeds have a dominant black gene, while others have a latent black gene, while others have both.

I think that all dogs are wonderful, regardless of their color. Also, black dogs have a certain charm that makes them highly appealing and elegant. The black color is usually linked with strength, leadership, and authority, but most importantly, grace.

From small dog breeds, to medium and large, the following black dogs will steal your heart.

Table of contents:

    Large black dog breeds:

  1. Great Dane
  2. Cane Corso
  3. Newfoundland
  4. Medium black dog breeds:

  5. Labrador Retriever
  6. Black German Shepherd
  7. Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael
  8. Poodle
  9. Small black dog breeds:

  10. Pomeranian
  11. Scottish Terrier
  12. Miniature Schnauzer

Large black dog breeds

1. Great Dane

Gentle Great Dane
Photo by Keenan Barber / Unsplash

This black giant is a german dog breed, also called "gentle giant" is very affectionate, devoted, and enjoys being around its family, often trying to cuddle and be a lap dog.

Did you know that besides this full black color, Great Dane comes with 9 different colors of coat recognized by AKC? The Great Dane's different coat colors are: black, black and white, white (rare color), blue, fawn, brindle, mantle, merle, harlequin.

Pure black Great Danes are not as common or as easy to find as the other colors.

The black Great Dane is usually born when two black Great Danes are mated. However, black with black can also born the blue Great Dane if one or both parents have the "blue gene". Many people wish for a pure black giant dog, but actually this color is rare and the majority black Great Danes are born with some white fur on the body, commonly on the chest and toes.

Why is pure black coat preferred on Great Dane? Because the black shines and glistens, revealing every muscle in the giant dog. The black sheen has been shown to reflect light and give the impression that the dog is extremely muscular.

Throughout history, Great Dane has been used to hunt enormous and dangerous game such as wolves, wild boars, and even bears. They are now docile family pets who have lost all traces of their hunting instinct. They also get along with other dogs and pets.

Grate Danes running
Photo by mtajmr / Pixabay
  • Lifespan of a Great Dane: 8–10 years, with some living only 6-7 years, and a lucky few reaching the age of 12
  • Weight:
    • female: 110 - 140 lbs
    • male: 140 - 175 lbs
  • Height:
    • female: 28 - 30 inches
    • male: 30 - 32 inches

2. Cane Corso

Black Cane Corso
Photo by Lucie Malouin / Pixabay

With origin from Italy, the Cane Corso was bred to guard properties and hunt huge animals, and at first appearance, this muscular and protective dog appears threatening. Cane Corso, on the other hand, is a loyal and loving breed who is committed to his human group once you get to know him. The Cane Corso is an excellent family dog because of these mentioned qualities.

The coat of the Cane Corso is short and rigid, with a little undercoat which makes it waterproof. It comes in a variety of colors, including black, gray, red, and fawn, and may or may not have a brindle pattern.

Are black Cane Corso rare? The most common color of Cane Corsos is black. According to studies, two black parents will create a litter in which over 70% of the pups will be black. Black is also a famous color.
All Black Cane Corso
Photo by cely_ / Pixabay
  • Lifespan of a Cane Corso: 10–12 years
  • Weight:
    • female: 88.2 lbs - 110.2 lbs
    • male: 99.2 lbs - 121.3 lbs
  • Height:
    • female: 23.5 - 26 inches
    • male: 25 - 27.5 inches

3. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a large working dog with heavy bones and a dignified temperament. The Newfie is a well-known good companion who has earned a notoriety as a gentle and vigilant "nanny dog" for children.

Newfoundland Black Puppy
Photo by inside4 / Pixabay

Beside its beautiful black coat, the sweet Newfoundland comes in some other varieties such gray, brown, and a black-and-white.

The most significant quality is its pleasant disposition. The Newf's good nature is seen in their affection towards children. Newfs are trusting and trainable, and they react well to gentle guidance. These gentle giants are among the world's largest dogs.

Newfoundland adult
Photo by u_ckzzrkur / Pixabay
  • Lifespan of a Newfoundland: 8–10 years
  • Weight:
    • female: 100 - 120 lbs
    • male: 130 - 150 lbs
  • Height:
    • female: 26 inches
    • male: 28 inches

Medium black dog breeds

4. Labrador Retriever

Black Labrador Retriever
Photo by Brett Jordan / Unsplash

Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds, due to their outstanding personality and devotion for people and other animals. Aside from these positive characteristics, Labs deserve to be at the top of the list because of their intelligence.

Black Labs are known for being lively, pleasant, and devoted. They form deep bonds with their families, but they also like making new friends. A black Labrador's lifespan is 12 years, and with the appropriate food, exercise, and a fair dose of luck, your dog could live even longer.

What is the most common color of Labrador Retrievers? The most common color of Labrador is black, due to the way their color genes are inherited. Black Labradors are popular as hunting dogs, but they also make excellent pets, friends, and agility dogs.

Labradors comes in three main colors: black, yellow, brown (chocolate) and white, but there are some rare coat colors of red, silver and white:

This handsome dog is a british breed, but predominant in United States due to its relaxed and gentle temperament that makes them great companions for families with children, elders. They are also used as service dogs.

  • Lifespan of a Labrador Retriever: 10–12 years
  • Weight:
    • female: 55 - 70 lbs
    • male: 65 - 80 lbs
  • Height:
    • female: 21.5 - 23.5 inches
    • male: 22.5 - 24.5 inches

5. Black German Shepherd

Black German Shepherd under the snow
Photo by Anna Dudkova / Unsplash

German Shepherds (GSD) are German dog breeds that, with proper training and socialization, can be extremely gentle friends and family protectors. Due to their calm nature and caring behavior, they are considered great home pups.

Being medium to large-sized breed, GSD is perfect for active families, and its intelligence and protective nature make it an excellent choice for families with youngsters (as long as the dog is properly trained).

Its colors are pretty variated (15 to be more accurate), but the common ones are:

  • black
  • black and tan
  • black and silver
  • brown
  • gray
  • blue
  • sable
  • red and black

The black German Shepherd is a pure dog breed that is distinguished by its 100% black coat. Black German Shepherds are quite rare, and as a result, their prices are substantially higher. You should anticipate to give between $700 and $2000 for a black Shepherd puppy.

Because black is a hereditary trait, both parents must have it to produce a solid black puppy. Owners of solid lack dogs are incredibly proud of their dog's color, which many refer to as "rare" because a solid black dog is not always possible to make.

Solid black puppies are born with no tan on their bodies and are entirely black. Small areas of white (on the breast or on the paws) may be present at birth, but they will fade as the puppy grows.

How rare are black German Shepherds? The black German Shepherds are extremely rare. In fact, only about 6.8% of GS puppies are born black, according to statistics.
Black German Shepherd play
Photo by Yama Zsuzsanna Márkus / Pixabay

Since German Shepherds are such smart dogs, they form the majority of police dogs around the world. They are an intelligent dog breed that can quickly understand what you want them to perform.

  • Lifespan of a German Shepherd: 9–13 years
  • Weight:
    • female: 55 to 70 lbs
    • male: 75 - 90 lbs
  • Height:
    • female: 22–24 inches
    • male: 24–26 inches

6. Belgian Sheepdog - Groenendael

Black Belgian Sheepdog
Photo by Pierre Bamin / Unsplash

The Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael, in Europe) is a natural defensive and territorial breed, but when properly socialized, they can do well with kids and make ideal family pets as long as their exercise requirements are fulfilled.

Belgian Sheepdogs are watchful, loyal, and protective. They're also quite affectionate and sensitive, making them good family companions. They do, however, require a lot of activity and cerebral stimulation to remain happy.

The Belgian Shepherd dog is the only breed in the world that comes in 4 varieties:

  • the long-haired black Groenendael
  • the long-haired fawn, red or grey Tervueren
  • the short-coated red, fawn or grey Malinois
  • the rarer rough-coated reddish fawn Laekenois

The Groenendael is solid black or black with a bit of white between the pads of the feet, on the tips of the hind toes, or a small patch or strip on the forechest.

Is Groenendael only black colored? Yes, the Groenendael is solid black or black with a little patch or strip of white between the footpads, on the points of the back toes, or on the forechest.
Belgian Sheepdog in snow
Photo by Ute Becker / Pixabay
  • Lifespan of a Belgian Shepherd: 10 – 14 years
  • Weight:
    • female: 60 - 70 lbs
    • male: 65 - 75 lbs
  • Height:
    • female: 22–24 inches
    • male: 24–26 inches

7. Poodle

Black Poodle chewing ball
Photo by Jake Oates / Unsplash

Poodle is also on the top of the most popular dog breeds due to its intelligence, loyalty, energy and sense of humor.

As I've mentioned in some of my articles, Poodles are one-person-dog which means that they choose only one favorite person as owner. There are many reasons why to have a Poodle as a companion dog, but one of them is that it is a great friend to have in your life, especially that its among the most healthy dogs and longevive dog breeds.

When left alone for lengthy periods of time, due to their friendly nature and devotion to their owners, they can become destructive or experience severe separation anxiety (well known at Poodles. These cute curled dogs prefer to be near you all the time and will act out by whining, barking, or tearing up if left alone for too long.

Poodles comes in four sizes: Toy, Miniature, Medium and Standard and lots of colors: white, cream, brown, black with varieties of these.

Black Poodles have a curled coat that is less allergenic to persons who are allergic to pets. Although no dog breed is completely allergy-free, poodles are less likely to cause difficulties.

To keep your four-legged friends' coats and skin in good shape, it's indicated to brush them daily and bathe them on a regular basis.

Are black Poodles rare? Not really. Actually, the most popular colors of a Poodle are black and white. 

Because of the high demand for black poodles, many breeders have specialized in producing just black poodles. Black toy poodles, according to some owners, are healthier and easier to train than other varieties. This differentiation could be due to excellent breeding lines and purebred parents as opposed to mixed breed varieties.

A black standard poodle hopping in the grass
Photo by Kieran Wood / Unsplash
  • Lifespan of a Belgian Shepherd: 12 - 18 years
  • Depending on their size varieties:
    Standard: 20 - 23 inches tall & 45 - 80 lbs in weight
    Medium: 18 - 32 inches tall & 33 - 42 lbs in weight
    Miniature: 11 - 15 inches tall & 14 - 18 lbs in weight
    Toy: 8 - 10 inches tall & 6 - 9 lbs in weight

Small black dog breeds

8. Pomeranian

Back Pom Aura in Snow.
Photo by Pearl Lynn / Unsplash

The small Pomeranian has been prefered as an ideal companion by both royal and common people.  The Pom has become one of the most popular toy breeds in the world due to its beautiful coat, charming, foxy appearance, and energetic nature.

The Pomeranian is a small dog breed with a dominating big-dog personality and it weighs no more than 6 pounds. The voluminous double coat, with its frill reaching across the chest and shoulders, is present in nearly two dozen colors, as well as a variety of patterns and markings, but is most usually seen in orange or red.

Pomeranians are attentive and clever dogs that are easy to train and make excellent watchdogs and cheerful pets for families with kids.

It can be difficult to know which color is ideal when there are so many to choose from.There are 17 recognized (by AKC) coat colors and patterns.


The black Pomeranian has a black undercoat and black guard hairs. To avoid a reddish tinge appearing on the coat, black Poms should be kept out of direct sunshine.

How rare is a black Pomeranian? All black Pomeranians are NOT one of the rare Pomeranian colors. Although, not a rare Pomeranian, a black Pom dog is not as common or popular as the orange Pomeranians and sable Pomeranians. Black Poms still have many fans who would not own or even show another colored Pomeranian

  • Lifespan of a Pomeranian: 12 – 16 years
  • Weight: 3 - 7 lbs
  • Height: 7 - 12 inches

9. Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier black puppy
Photo by Obsidain Photography / Pixabay

Scottish Terriers are frequently described as a large dog trapped inside a small dog's body. They do not require as much attention from their owners as other dogs. They are lovely home pets for individuals who enjoy their somewhat odd personalities and can provide gentle but firm treatment.

Scotties, like most terrier breeds, are extremely intelligent. However, they can be quite self-reliant and even disdainful when it comes to training. One of the qualities that Scottish breeders sought in a great terrier was the ability to work things out for itself.

While most people think of Scottish Terriers as black, they can also be grey, steel, brindle, or wheaten.

Are all Scotties black? Black is a common Scottie color, but all-white coats in the breed are unknown. ... But white markings, says the breed's official standard, are permissible “only on the chest and chin and that to a slight extent only.”
Black Scottie in the grass
Photo by Obsidain Photography from Pixabay
  • Lifespan of a Scottish Terrier: 12 – 15 years
  • Weight: 3 - 7 lbs
  • Height: 7 - 12 inches
  • The Scottish Terrier is a small, short-legged dog with a strong, compact body.
    • Average height: 10 inches.
    • A male's weight ranges from 19 to 22 pounds, whereas a female's weight ranges from 18 to 21 pounds.

10. Miniature Schnauzer

Mini Schnauzer in the livingroom
Photo by Katja Rooke / Unsplash

The Miniature Schnauzer, the smallest and most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, is a healthy, long-lived, and hypoallergenic companion. Mini Schnauzers are hypoallergenic, due to their lack of shedding.

With an enthusiastic disposition, friendly and charming Mini Schnauzer is ideal as a family dog.

Miniature Schnauzers are smaller versions of their larger counterparts, Standard Schnauzers. Minis has a beautiful, human-like appearance thanks to his shaggy beard and eyebrows.

Salt and pepper, black and silver, and pure black are the three color patterns present on the rough, wiry coat.

The Black Miniature Schnauzer is a lively, sociable, and trainable companion that is tiny into an apartment yet tough enough to protect acre farm. They get along with other animals as well as children. Black  Schnauzers are tough little fellows who love to play hard. They make excellent watchdogs since they are home and family orientated.

Black Schnauzers have solid black hair from birth. Most black schnauzer hair will fade to a dark gray as they age, just as human hair. 
Black Puppy Schnauzer jumping
Photo by MARIOLA GROBELSKA / Unsplash
  • Lifespan of a Mini Schnauzer: 12 – 14 years
  • Weight: 11 - 20 lbs
  • Height: 12 - 14 inches
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Note: All black dogs must be kept out of the sun throughout the summer. They can overheat and possibly die if left in the sun for too long without water due to their black coat.

Hope you enjoyed this article! Love and paws until the next one! 🐾

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the best names for black dogs?

You can find some of the best black dog names getting inspired by food, nature, celebrities or even Greek mythologies by your pup's looking, size or personality. Some examples: Muffin, Panthere, Blacky, Forrest, Rock, Zeus.

What breed of dog is pure black?

The Belgian sheepdog is the only one from the Belgian shepherding breeds that solely comes in black.

Are black Labradors expensive? How much do Labradors cost to buy?

The cost of a Labrador puppy varies from breeder to breeder from location to location. As a general guideline, expect to pay between $800 and $1200 in the United States.