We think black dog breeds are the best. Whether tiny and mighty or big and bashful, a black dog is just beautiful. But did you know that black dogs are often the last to be adopted in shelters? There’s even a Black Dog Day celebrated every October to help get these pups with black coats adopted. 

Well we’re here to share the various  breeds of dogs with black coats and what makes them the perfect match for any family. 

Those shiny dark coats of fur make a dog’s eyes pop. Plus, black dog breeds don’t require as much grooming as light-colored pups since their coats are harder to stain. Choose the best pup for you with this guide on small, medium, and big black dog breeds. 

Small Black Dog Breeds

Scottish Terrier

Weight: 18-22 pounds

Height: 10 inches

Coat Type: Wiry, medium-length, double coat, light shedding

Lifespan: 12 years

Personality Traits: Confident, independent, watchful

With their long, hairy beards and confident personalities, these terriers are a true representation of a Scotsman. The breed does originate from Scotland, after all, and is considered the oldest indigenous dog breed in Britain. 

Don’t underestimate the small stature of Scottish Terriers – their natural hunting skills make them fantastic farm and working dogs. Scotties love to play and are nicknamed “diehard” because they won’t give up on a game of tug or fetch until you say it’s time to stop. These dogs don’t need a lot of space and can live happily in a small home or apartment as long as they are getting enough exercise. 

Scottish Terriers require a bit more grooming compared to other small black dog breeds. As with most terrier breeds, they have a double coat that should be hand-stripped or professionally groomed every month. 

Miniature Pinscher

Weight: 8-10 pounds

Height: 10-12.5 inches

Coat Type: Smooth, short-length, medium shedding 

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Personality Traits: Fearless, proud, fun

At first glance, you might mistake a Miniature Pinscher for a Chihuahua. Both breeds have a similar appearance with pointy ears, lean bodies, and stubby tails. Although these small black dog breeds look alike, their personalities are vastly different. 

Miniature Pinschers are very playful, friendly dogs. Their high energy and natural athleticism make them ideal walking, running, or hiking companions. The intelligent breed thrives on mental stimulation, making them easier to train than other small black dog breeds. 

Pug

Weight: 14-18 pounds

Height: 10-13 inches

Coat Type: Smooth, short coat, medium shedding 

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Personality Traits: Lovable, mischievous, lazy

Searching for small black dog breeds to be your couch companion? A Pug may be the right choice for you! These pups don’t need very much exercise and are fully content to have a lazy day with their human. Plus, their adorable wrinkly faces and sweet disposition are impossible not to cuddle. 

Pugs are one of the best small black dog breeds because of their quiet, affectionate nature. The breed isn’t yappy and will only bark to alert. Pugs are also great family dogs and tend to get along well with young children and other pups. 

Pomeranian

Weight: 3-7 pounds

Height: 6-7 inches

Coat Type: Long, double coat, low shedding 

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Personality Traits: Lively, playful, trainable 

City dwellers looking for small black dog breeds should definitely consider adopting a Pomeranian. With their little bodies, Pomeranians don’t need much space and can thrive in small homes or apartments. Most of these pups will weigh less than 7 pounds when they are fully grown, making them the perfect purse dog to tote around on errands. 

A fluffy, thick coat is the Pomeranian trademark look. They almost resemble little cotton balls! Be prepared to brush a Pom’s double coat frequently to prevent tangling and matting. Pomeranians are also prone to dental issues, so they need their teeth brushed regularly. 

Medium Dog Breeds

Portuguese Water Dog 

Weight: 35-60 pounds

Height: 17-23 inches

Coat Type: Low shedding, curly, wavy, long hair

Lifespan: 11-13 years 

Personality Traits: Adventurous, loyal, loving

Portuguese Water Dogs are indeed the jack of all trades in medium black dog breeds. These pups are naturally social, affectionate, and easy to train. Plus, their gorgeous curly black coats are irresistible cuddle material. 

The breed originated in Portugal where these dogs would help fishermen retrieve tackle or herd fish into nets. Back in the day, Portuguese Water Dogs would even deliver ship-to-shore messages. Needless to say, these pups are always up for an outdoor adventure–especially if it involves swimming. 

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Weight: 23-38 pounds

Height: 14-16 inches

Coat Type: Low shedding, smooth, short length

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Personality Traits: Highly trainable, affectionate, brave 

Don’t let the reputation of this breed fool you–Staffordshire Bull Terriers are one of the most gentle and loyal medium black dog breeds. Their muscular bodies might be intimidating, but Staffies are actually highly adaptable, easy to train, and good with young children. 

In the 19th century, Staffordshire Bull Terriers were often pitted against each other in dog fighting competitions. The breed developed a reputation for being dangerous after a history of being forced to dogfight. The reality is that Staffies are actually very well-behaved and loving when they are in a safe environment. As with any other breed, proper training and socialization will prevent aggressive behavior in Staffies. 

Puli

Weight: 25-35 pounds

Height: 16-17 inches

Coat Type: Low shedding, corded, long, double coat

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Personality Traits: Intelligent, relaxed, watchful

Out of all medium black dog breeds, Pulis have the most extraordinary coats. Their fur can be coated into tiny, weatherproof dreadlocks that make these pups appear to be made completely out of black rope. Their dark coats can also be brushed out for a more shaggy look. 

Pulis are incredibly athletic–even with all the fur weighing them down. They are nicknamed the “acrobat of the dog world” and do well in agility, herding, and other dog sports. Pulis are highly intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation through training, exercise, or work. 

Schnauzer

Weight: 30-50 pounds

Height: 17.5-19.5 inches

Coat Type: Low shedding, wiry, medium-length, double coat

Lifespan: 13-16 years

Personality Traits: Energetic, brave, lively

Schnauzers are a true family dog because they are great with kids, affectionate, and protective of their human family. These pups love to play and have a lot of energy to burn. Playing fetch or going on long hikes with the family are enjoyable activities for Schnauzers. 

If you’d rather have large black dog breeds, opt for the bigger Giant Schnauzer that can weigh anywhere from 55 to 110 pounds. Shoppers for small black dog breeds may also consider the 12 to 20-pound Miniature Schnauzer. 

Big Black Dog Breeds

Labrador Retriever

Weight: 55-80 pounds

Height: 21.5-24.5 inches

Coat Type: High shedding, short, double coat 

Lifespan: 11-13 years

Personality Traits: Athletic, sympathetic, goofy

Friendly, outgoing, social… and look at those beautiful dark coats! Labrador Retrievers aren’t just the most popular of all big black dog breeds–they have been the #1 dog breed in America for decades. 

Apart from shedding, there aren’t many downsides to adopting a Labrador Retriever. These pups can get along with humans of any age, other dogs, and even cats. Labs are also very sympathetic and sensitive to their pet parent’s emotions. You’ll often find Labrador Retrievers working as therapy or emotional support dogs since they can spot anxiety, fear, or sadness in humans. 

Newfoundland

Weight: 100-150 pounds

Height: 26-28 inches

Coat Type: Medium shedding, medium length, double coat 

Lifespan: 9-10 years

Personality Traits: Patient, loyal, quiet

Newfoundlands are probably exactly what you pictured when you thought of big black dog breeds. The breed is known for its fluffy, thick black coat paired with beautiful dark eyes. Weighing up to 150 pounds, Newfies may more closely resemble a baby black bear than a dog! 

These gentle giants are not as intimidating as their bear-like appearance. Newfies are famously well-behaved and sweet-natured. Their love of children and quiet personalities make Newfoundlands one of the most beloved big black dog breeds. 

Rottweiler

Weight: 80-135 pounds

Height: 22-27 inches

Coat Type: Medium shedding, smooth, short length

Lifespan: 9-10 years

Personality Traits: Protective, loving, attentive 

Rottweilers descend from Mastiffs who were family companions and watchdogs during the Roman Empire. The breed is loyal and affectionate–characteristics highly valued by Romans at the time and pet parents today. 

Perhaps the most talented of all big black dog breeds, Rotties are naturally skilled in cattle herding, hunting, police work, search and rescue, and guide dog work. These pups thrive around people and can get along with other dogs when properly socialized. Sporty pet parents can count on Rottweilers to join them on walks, hikes, runs, or swims. 

Great Dane

Weight: 110-175 pounds

Height: 28-32 inches

Coat Type: Medium shedding, smooth, short length 

Lifespan: 7-10 years

Personality Traits: Friendly, observant, gentle 

Looking for human-sized big black dog breeds? Great Danes may be the right fit for you. These dogs can weigh up to 175 pounds and stand 2.5 feet tall. The size of a Great Dane may seem daunting, but these pups are big softies that love kids and snuggle sessions with their pet parents. 

Great Danes thrive with daily walks or dedicated exercise time to burn their high energy levels. Since these pups are roughly the size of their pet parents, obedience training and socialization are highly recommended. It’s much harder to control a 150-pound Great Dane when they are leash-pulling on walks!