When it comes to dog coats, there’s something undeniably striking about a sleek, shiny black coat. Whether it’s the mystery, elegance, or just the wow factor, black-coated dogs often steal the spotlight. Many dog lovers are head over heels for these inky beauties, swearing that no other coat color compares.
Interestingly, some shelters have noted that black dogs can be overlooked for adoption, though there’s no solid proof behind this so-called “black dog syndrome.” What is certain, however, is that black dogs are every bit as lovable, loyal, and downright majestic as any other.
So, if you’re someone who appreciates a bold and beautiful canine, you’re in for a treat. Let’s take a look at some of the most stunning and unforgettable big black dog breeds out there!
Big Black Dog Breeds
1. Great Dane
A Great Dane in any coat color is a majestic animal, but see one that is a solid black and you might just never look at another dog the same way. These huge dogs are called gentle giants for a reason. With their calm and gentle natures, they are very affectionate dogs.
The Great Dane is one of the tallest dog breeds around. While they are intelligent dogs, and love to please their humans, making them easier to train. Their short coats require regular brushing, but are otherwise fairly easy to manage.
Coupled with their sweet disposition and easy maintenance, Great Danes make for great family pets, if their size is not intimidating for you.
2. Newfoundland
Another gentle giant, the Newfoundland, lovingly known as the “Newfie,” is a big softie at heart. These affectionate family dogs are famous for their sweet, patient nature, which has even earned them the nickname “nanny dogs” for how well they get along with young children. It’s no surprise they rank among the friendliest dog breeds you can welcome into your home.
Initially bred to help fishermen pull in their nets and catch, the breed has a thick and water-resistant double coat. The coat length is long, and they also have partially webbed feet that help them swim better. This breed makes for good rescue dogs, especially in the water, due to their large lung capacity.
Their thick coats mean that they require regular grooming, think several times a week, and they tend to slobber as well. Their large ears also need hair trimmed to avoid debris and the risk of infection.
3. Black Russian Terrier
This is a large black dog breed that traces its striking looks back to the Giant Schnauzers. If you compared the two breeds, the terrier would be almost double the size of a Giant Schnauzer! They are muscular dogs, and their dense double coats require regular grooming, as well as trimming to maintain coat length.
The Black Russian Terrier is a calm breed, with an even temperament and is an intelligent dog. These dogs make for good family dogs, but can also perform well as working dogs, as they were initially bred for use by the Russian military for various purposes.
As pets, they will need experienced dog owners as they can be strong-willed and will require expertise to control them. The breed has moderate exercise needs and will require mental stimulation as well.
4. Cane Corso
Italian in origin, these are part of the Mastiff group. The Cane Corso was originally bred as a guard and hunting dog. They are classed as a large dog, with thickset, muscular bodies. Combine that with their deep, dark eyes, and the Corso can be an intimidatingly impressive dog!
The Corso has a short, coarse double coat with a soft undercoat. The breed tends to shed all year, and requires at least weekly brushing to maintain coat health. While they are a working breed, they are huge softies at heart and have an affectionate nature with their family members.
They are hugely loyal and can be trained as guard dogs to harness their protective instincts.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Of the truly black dogs on this list, the Doberman Pinscher is the embodiment of a military and police dog. These are athletic dogs with short and smooth coats and a muscular build that is both elegant and classy.
The breed has a high energy level and a strong protective instinct. Combined with their high intelligence and energy levels and you know why they are a popular choice for guard and rescue work. They are relatively low maintenance, with regular brushing enough to maintain their coat and manage shedding according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Their high energy means that they need to have at least 1-2 hours of exercise a day. As family pets, the Dobermans make for affectionate family pets with a playful energy. They are highly trainable and can be taught to socialize easily as pups.
6. Belgian Sheepdog
One of the true breeds that comes in a solid black, the beautiful Belgian Sheepdog is a herding dog. It is part of a group of Belgian working dogs, and is the only one that has a black, thick double coat. It makes for an elegant dog. As is usual for sheep dogs, the breed is highly intelligent and has high energy.
Often used for field work and guarding, this breed is loyal and hard working. They can be trained to perform multiple tasks, and can be trained to be great family dogs, although they will need to have mental and physical stimulation to be happy with family life.
These beautiful dogs require just weekly brushing and the occasional bath to maintain their long black coats. Their large ears also need cleaning.
7. Rottweiler
The bad boys of the black coated dogs list, these muscular dogs are often shown in media as barking and bloodthirsty guard dogs. Despite this, they are a popular dog breed for rescue and police work.
Originally bred as cattle dogs, the Rottweiler is a highly trainable and intelligent dog that does well as both a working and family dog.
Their black coats and rusty black markings make for an impressive-looking animal. They have a short and silky soft coat that requires regular brushing for maintenance. They tend to shed a lot all year long, according to PetMD.
As family pets, the Rottweiler does well. It is known to be very affectionate with its family and gets along with both other dogs and young children. They develop very close bonds with their entire families and make for good family dogs.
Conclusion
The dogs on this list are a mixed lot, with some working breeds that come in multiple colors, while some are hardcore black beauties with some color markings. All of these are majestic animals and make for great pets.
As responsible pet parents, we need to make sure that we give them consistent training. In case of the more intelligent breeds, it is important to make sure that young and affectionate pups get obedience training and socialization exposure.
Doing this will ensure that they make for loving family pets that are comfortable around other pets as well as strangers.
