The unfortunate truth is that big black dogs have the hardest time finding homes. Many people think they look scary or aggressive, and it’s hard to take a good picture of a black dog. They also tend to hide in the shadows when they’re stuck in a shelter.
We’d like to combat the stigma that big black dog breeds face and tell you all the fantastic traits they feature. That’s why we’ve put together this list; hopefully, we can inspire you to add a big black dog to your family, whether you adopt from a shelter or rescue or bring home a puppy!
Black Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in the United States for nearly three decades. While Labs also come in yellow or chocolate colors, we think the Black Lab is one of the best family pets around. These energetic dogs love to join their family for any adventure, and they adore children. Labs have goofy personalities, and most live for the game of fetch.
Bernese Mountain Dog
While the Bernese Mountain Dog is technically tricolor, we included the breed on our list since black is the predominant color. Also known as Berners, this breed loves having a job to do. Initially developed in Switzerland as farm dogs, they have lots of stamina and need plenty of exercise. Sadly, the Bernese is prone to a variety of health issues, including cancer, and is one of the shortest-living dog breeds.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers may look scary, but they’re intelligent and highly trainable, making them great family pets. In fact, they’re one of the most popular military dogs. These dogs need lots of exercise to keep them happy. A Doberman might be a great choice of dog if you live in a sketchy neighborhood – nobody is likely to bother you when walking a Doberman!
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a close cousin to the Bernese Mountain Dog. They were also bred to be farm dogs, but Swissies have short hair as opposed to the fluffy fur of a Berner. That short hair can shed more than you might expect, though.
Swissies are a bit healthier than Berners and tend to have longer lifespans. They’re also somewhat mellower, and while they still need a fair amount of exercise, their exercise requirements are slightly lower than what other large breed dogs need.
Portuguese Water Dog
Bred to help fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog is an athlete that would swim all day if you let it. Porties aren’t happy sitting around the home. Give them enough exercise, though, and they make an excellent addition to any family. While they can also be found in brown, white, or parti colors, the most famous Portuguese Water Dogs – former President Barack Obama’s dogs Bo and Sunny – are black.
Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier, a relatively new breed in the United States, was bred to be a police and military dog and is very smart and easy to train. Their fluffy hair needs regular brushing and frequent grooming to prevent painful mats from forming. This breed does best with experienced dog owners to avoid growing up to become Black Russian “Terrors.” They need a lot of positive reinforcement training from a very young age.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Also referred to as the Neo, the Neapolitan Mastiff looks a bit like a giant melting Pit Bull. They come in other colors, too, but we love the look of black Neos. The Neapolitan Mastiff tends to see itself as a 200-pound lap dog, and they can be very clumsy, so they may accidentally injure small children. They also tend to drool a lot. If you can handle that, they make excellent family pets.
Gordon Setter
If you’re looking for a hunting dog that will blend into the shadows, look no farther than the Gordon Setter. This breed was developed in Scotland nearly 200 years ago. These dogs are happiest outside alongside their favorite person, especially if birds are involved. Gordon Setters are the largest of the setters and can weigh up to 80 pounds.
Giant Schnauzer
Are you looking for a big black dog that doesn’t shed very much? You might be interested in the Giant Schnauzer. Their wiry fur needs brushed at least once a week, but it sheds less than most of the other breeds on this list. Giant Schnauzers love adults, but they don’t always get along with kids and aren’t the smartest, easiest to train dogs.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso was born to guard property and hunt wild boar, so they’re large and fearless. When they are well-trained and socialized, they can be great family dogs, but they aren’t a good breed for first-time dog owners. They like to have something to keep them busy and need plenty of exercise. A bored Cane Corso can become destructive.
Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)
Also known as the Groenendael, the Belgian Sheepdog is one of four herding breeds to come from Belgium. They have long, thick, fluffy black fur, which sets them apart from the other Belgian herding dogs. Like all herding dogs, they have a ton of energy and need lots of exercise and attention to keep them happy.
Great Dane
While Great Danes come in a variety of colors, there’s little more striking than a tall black Great Dane. These dogs are friendly, mellow, and eat less than some dogs of a similar size. Sadly, they are prone to a variety of health problems, especially bloat, a condition where the stomach fills with air and may rotate on its axis, cutting off blood supply to the intestines. As a result, few Great Danes reach the age of 10.
Black and Tan Coonhound
Cousin to the Bloodhound, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a mellow dog that will follow its nose for miles if you let it. These dogs love their family and don’t do well left alone for long periods. They are highly trainable and are the happiest spending all day with their family, whether or not they’re tracking raccoons or people, too.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Do you love the personality of retrievers, but don’t enjoy the popularity of Goldens and Labs? If you want a dog that won’t have several look-alikes at the local dog park, the Flat-Coated Retriever might be right for you. Their fur is lower maintenance than that of a Golden, and they are typically a little smaller. They have tons of energy and need lots of exercise to keep them happy.
Rottweiler
While the Rottweiler can be trained to be an imposing guard dog, they aren’t inherently aggressive as long as they are properly socialized from a young age. These dogs can make excellent family pets with enough training and exercise. Rotties are prone to obesity, so be careful not to overfeed them.
Border Collie
These energetic dogs can be found in other colors, but are most often recognized as black or black and white. They may try to herd your kids, but they wouldn’t intentionally hurt them. Border Collies need plenty of intense exercise. They’re the smartest dog breed, too, so they like to stay busy. If you don’t give them a job to do, they’ll create one, but you may not like what they decide!
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is the ultimate nanny dog. Nana, the dog in Peter Pan, was a Newfoundland. These large dogs need somewhat less exercise than many of the other dogs on our list, but they shed and drool quite a bit, so they aren’t right for every home. While they aren’t the cleanest dogs, they are one of the friendliest breeds you’ll find.
Black German Shepherd
When you think of a German Shepherd, you probably think of a tan dog with a black saddle. However, German Shepherds can be entirely black. These dogs live to work and are easily trainable as long as you give them plenty of exercise. They are prone to a lot of hip, back, and joint problems, though, so if you get one from a breeder, do your research to find one who’s working on eliminating some of those problems from their line.
Standard Poodle
While Poodles come in a variety of sizes and colors, the Black Standard Poodle deserves a spot on our list. Poodles are the second-most-intelligent dog breed and are eager to learn. They have plenty of energy, and their curly coats need lots of brushing and regular clipping. They don’t need that fancy show cut – you can keep a Poodle in a short kennel clip if you prefer.
Labradoodle
While Labradoodles aren’t a pure breed, we’re giving them a place of honor on our list as an example of a big, shaggy black dog. Labradoodles tend to be larger than either Labrador Retrievers or Standard Poodles, and they tend to have goofy, fun-loving personalities. Since they’re such a popular hybrid, there are many unscrupulous breeders out there, so if you want a puppy, try to find a breeder who does health testing on their dogs before they breed them.
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