25 Cute Dog Breeds If Black Is Your Color
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Research carried out by welfare organizations shows that black dogs are more difficult to rehouse than any other color. According to Slate, the phenomenon is known as black dog syndrome (BDS), and although the reasons for it are unclear, it may be because black dogs don’t stand out in kennels, so people tend to walk past them. And, of course, there are some negative connotations — most famously, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill described his depression as “The Black Dog.”
It’s time to change how the world views black dogs, so let’s start by celebrating some of the cutest black dog breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dog
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An adaptable working dog from the Swiss countryside, the Bernese Mountain Dog isn’t completely black, but the white and caramel on its snout, chest and paws makes it even more adorable.
Its calm, friendly disposition and intelligence makes it an appealing pet, and it more than deserves a place amongst all-black dog breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dog Summary
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Temperament: Good-Natured, Calm, Strong
Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
Weight: 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
Lancashire Heeler
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The Lancashire Heeler is a rare breed in the U.S. and not registered by the American Kennel Club. It’s more popular in its native U.K., where it was originally used to drive livestock to market and hunt rats and rabbits.
The breed is energetic and quick to learn, although it’s also known for a mischievous streak.
Lancashire Heeler Summary
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Temperament: Alert, Loyal, Playful
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: 13-15 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9-14 years
Gordon Setter
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The Gordon Setter is known for its glistening black and tan coat but possesses just as much substance as style.
This handsome Scottish breed is noble, lovable and more than capable of doing a hard day’s work.
Gordon Setter Summary
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Temperament: Affectionate, Bold, Confident
Height: 24-27 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
Weight: 55-80 pounds (male), 45-70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Schipperke
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A small breed that originated in Belgium, working as ratters and watchdogs on barges and ships, the Schipperke is charming and energetic.
It’s also a faithful companion and will follow its owner wherever they go.
Schipperke Summary
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Temperament: Alert, Confident, Curious
Height: 11-13 inches (male), 10-12 inches (female)
Weight: 10-16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Belgian Sheepdog
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The Belgian Sheepdog (aka the Groenendael) is the only Belgian shepherding breed (the others are the Belgian Malinois, the Belgian Laekenois and the Belgian Tervuren) that comes in pure black.
The breed has bags of energy, an unbeatable work ethic, and is low maintenance — the glossy black coat requires only weekly brushing.
Belgian Sheepdog Summary
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Temperament: Sensitive, Versatile, Vigilant
Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
Weight: 55-75 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Australian Kelpie
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If you want a black dog with boundless energy, the Australian Kelpie should be at the top of your list. (Just make sure you can keep up with them.)
This breed is easy to train, due to its strong work ethic and intelligence, but is best suited to an experienced dog owner.
Australian Kelpie Summary
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Temperament: Alert, Intelligent, Loyal
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 31-46 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Black Norwegian Elkhound
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The Black Norwegian Elkhound, which is rare outside the Nordic countries of Scandinavia, shouldn’t be underestimated.
Although it’s small, it’s a clever hunting dog, and its black coat makes it easier to recognize in the snow than its close cousin, the Grey Norwegian Elkhound.
Black Norwegian Elkhound Summary
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Temperament: Confident, Dependable, Friendly
Height: 20.5 inches (male), 19.5 inches (female)
Weight: 55 pounds (male), 48 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Portuguese Water Dog
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The “dog of the water” may have become famous in recent years for its presidential connection (the Obamas shared the White House with Bo the Portuguese Water Dog), but longtime fans of the breed know all about its best qualities.
For starters, it’s intelligent and active, and its calm, loving nature makes it a perfect family pet.
Portuguese Water Dog Summary
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Temperament: Affectionate, Adventurous, Athletic
Height: 20-23 inches (male), 17-21 inches (female)
Weight: 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Rottweiler
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For experienced dog owners who can invest time and energy in training and socializing, the Rottweiler is a truly rewarding pet.
An old German dog breed, it’s intelligent and confident and always protective of its human family.
Rottweiler Summary
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Temperament: Affectionate, Protective, Confident
Height: 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female)
Weight: 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Croatian Sheepdog
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The ancient Croatian Sheepdog can be traced back to 7th century B.C. when it was bred to be a hunting dog by the Croats. But it hasn’t changed in all those hundreds of years, and still sports the same wavy black coat — although be aware, it’s a shedder!
This breed needs lots of affection and human company to thrive.
Croatian Sheepdog Summary
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Temperament: Active, Alert, Loyal
Height: 16-20 inches
Weight: 29-44 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
Scottish Terrier
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The Scottish Terrier (affectionately known as the Scottie) comes in many colors, including gray, wheaten (sandy blonde) and brindle (stripes of various colors).
But its low-shedding, easy-care coat is arguably cutest in black.
Scottish Terrier Summary
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Temperament: Confident, Independent, Spirited
Height: 10 inches
Weight: 19-22 pounds (male), 18-21 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12 years
Black Labrador Retriever
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The Labrador Retriever, which comes in blonde and chocolate colors as well as black, has been the top-ranking American Kennel Club breed since 1991. It’s hard to imagine any other breed knocking it off the top spot, as it has so much to offer.
The Lab is easy to train, loves playtime and adores its human family.
Labrador Retriever Summary
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Temperament: Friendly, Active, Outgoing
Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Barbet
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The French Barbet, which has been around since the 16th century, tends to be found in its home country’s rural regions. Its curly black coat is its distinguishing feature, along with its “beard” and long curved tail.
Temperament-wise, the Barbet is loyal, obedient and joyful.
Barbet Summary
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Temperament: Cheerful, Loyal, Good-Natured
Height: 19-24.5 inches
Weight: 35-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Doberman Pinscher
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The Doberman Pinscher, which has only been around since the late 19th century, has a solid reputation for being a stellar guard dog and loyal companion.
If this is your top choice of dog, make sure you’re committed to challenging it both mentally and physically.
Doberman Pinscher Summary
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\Temperament: Loyal, fearless, alert
Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
Weight: 75-100 pounds (male), 60-90 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Mudi Dog
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Originally a herding dog from Hungary, the Mudi is so much more than that today.
Its natural agility and eagerness to learn means it performs well in sporting events, and its intelligent and sense of loyalty make it an excellent family pet.
Mudi Dog Summary
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Temperament: Active, Intelligent, Loyal
Height: 15-18.5 inches
Weight: 18-29 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Puli
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Another Hungarian breed, the Puli is recognizable for its long, shaggy, corded coat (it can be trimmed to make it low maintenance).
This herding dog has bags of energy, so it needs lots of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Puli Summary
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Temperament: Loyal, Smart, Energetic
Height: 17 inches (male), 16 inches (female)
Weight: 25-35 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Giant Schnauzer
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The Giant Schnauzer’s wiry coat comes in different colors, including all-black. Another distinguishing feature is its long legs, which need plenty of exercise.
If you can keep up with its energy levels, it’s a loving, loyal family pet that will enjoy being in a spacious home with older children.
Giant Schnauzer Summary
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Temperament: Alert, Loyal, Trainable
Height: 25.5-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-25.5 inches (female)
Weight: 60-85 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Smaland Hound
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If you’ve never heard of the Smaland Hound, you’re not alone. This breed originated in the 16th century and is believed to be the first scent hound from Sweden.
Today, it’s still a popular hunting dog in its home country and is known for its high energy levels and strong bonds with its owner. It’s not recognized by the American Kennel Club but was registered by the Swedish Kennel Club in 1921.
Smaland Hound Summary
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Temperament: Affectionate, Active, Loyal
Height: 16-20 inches
Weight: 33-44 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Pug
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One of the most popular breeds in the U.S., fawn-colored Pugs may be the most common variety, but they also come in all-black. This toy dog is above all a loving, loyal companion and has an endearing personality that makes everybody fall in love with them.
It’s no surprise that the Latin phrase multum in parvo, which means “a lot in a little,” is used for the breed standard.
Pug Summary
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Temperament: Curious, Charming, Happy
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Neapolitan Mastiff
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The Neapolitan Mastiff makes a big impact due to its size, its trademark wrinkles and its droopy lips. But this ancient Italian guard dog breed is softer than it might look.
It has an easygoing, lovable nature and, in a family setup, displays definite lap-dog behavior.
Neapolitan Mastiff Summary
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Temperament: Dignified, Loyal, Watchful
Height: 26-31 inches (male), 24-29 inches (female)
Weight: 150 pounds (male), 110 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-9 years
Newfoundland
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There’s a reason that the Newfoundland is known as the “gentle giant” of the dog world. The most famous Newfie is Nana from J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” who perfectly embodies the protective, caring qualities of the breed.
And their long hair is glorious — just be aware that it needs lots of attention to avoid matting.
Newfoundland Summary
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Temperament: Patient, Noble, Trusting
Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)
Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Affenpinscher
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One of the American Kennel Club’s toy breeds, the Affenpinscher (aka the “monkey terrier”) was originally bred to get rid of rats and other vermin.
If you bring an Affenpinscher into your life, expect a strong but charming nature. And as for that wiry black coat, be prepared to brush it regularly to avoid matting.
Affenpinscher Summary
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Temperament: Confident, Funny, Fearless
Height: 9-11.5 inches
Weight: 7-10 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Black Russian Terrier
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It may look a lot like the Giant Schnauzer (complete with beard and mustache), but the Black Russian Terrier is more than double the size.
This working group breed is best suited to an experienced dog owner who is up for the challenge of training a strong (and strong-willed) dog, as well as attending to its coarse black coat with twice-weekly brushing and frequent clipping.
Black Russian Terrier Summary
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Temperament: Calm, Intelligent, Powerful
Height: 27-30 inches (male), 26-29 inches (female)
Weight: 80-130 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Flat-Coated Retriever
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Part of the American Kennel Club sporting group, the Flat-Coated Retriever is often mistaken for a black version of the Golden Retriever, but it’s actually an entirely different breed. Obviously, the Flat-Coated Retriever doesn’t have the Goldie’s natural wave, and it’s also more active, meaning it needs more exercise.
Black is the most common color for this breed, but it also comes in liver (chocolate brown).
Flat-Coated Retriever Summary
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Temperament: Cheerful, Good-Humored, Optimistic
Height: 23-24.5 inches (male), 22-23.5 inches (female)
Weight: 60-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Great Dane
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The Great Dane more than lives up to its name — in more ways than one. For starters, it stands 30-inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds.
But its personality is its real selling point — calm, friendly and reliable, this breed gives the Newfie a run for its money when it comes to being a child’s companion. It can cope with the rough play of little ones and does so with a mild, patient nature.
Great Dane Summary
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Temperament: Friendly, Reliable, Patient
Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years