Top 7 Black Large Dog Breeds that Make Loyal Pals

When it comes to choosing the right dog breed, coat color is an important factor to consider along with size, temperament, and exercise needs. Dogs can have different coat colors and patterns ranging from all black to brown, white, harlequin, piebald, merle, and many more.

Black coat color symbolizes elegance and sophistication! While many dogs have black in their coats, entirely black dogs are rare.

When it comes to size, the dark-haired breeds can be large or small. Many pet parents love larger dogs because most of them make excellent guard dogs and loyal companions. Thinking of having a large black dog breed in your home?

Have a look at these 7 large black dog breeds that will melt your heart.

Black Large Dog Breeds

1. Newfoundland

Breed Profile

• Height: 26 to 28 inches

• Weight: 100 to 150 pounds

• Energy Level: Calm

• Temperament: Gentle and friendly

One of the biggest dog breeds, Newfoundland dogs are docile and friendly. The American Kennel Club describes them as sweet, patient, and devoted dogs. They have a water repellent, thick double coat that provides insulation against cold.

The fur is flat and coarse. It sheds year-round, but they usually “blow their coat” twice a year. During this season, the shedding is very heavy. The shiny black coat requires consistent care to remain healthy. Weekly brushing can help prevent matting and tangles.

Newfoundlands are affectionate dogs standing 28 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. They have moderate energy levels and do not require extensive exercise.

2. Black Russian Terrier

Breed Profile

• Height: 26 to 30 inches

• Weight: 80 to 130 pounds

• Energy Level: Active

• Temperament: Affectionate

One of the popular black dog breeds, Black Russian Terriers are immensely powerful and heavy-boned pooches standing around 30 inches tall and weighing up to 130 pounds. Oval-shaped chests, strong legs, and round feet are the distinguishing traits of these muscular dogs.

These majestic black coated dogs are known for their agility. Their water-resistant double coat can vary in length. The upper coat is thick and rough, whereas the undercoat is dense and soft. The coat gets longer on the legs and on the top of the head, where it can fall over the eyes without grooming.

Solid black, black and tan, blue, salt and pepper, and sable are the recognized coat colors. These working dogs are fearless, determined, and calm. Black Russian terriers have extensive grooming needs—they need regular brushing one to two times a week, according to WebMD.

3. Giant Schnauzer

Breed Profile

• Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches

• Weight: 55 to 85 pounds

• Energy Level: Active

• Temperament: Affectionate and playful

Alert, loyal, and determined, the Giant Schnauzer is a big black dog breed that makes a great family pet. Originally bred as working dogs, Giant Schnauzers have imposing structure and muscular bodies. They are called “giants” because they are bigger than standard and mini Schnauzers.

Due to their affectionate nature, intelligence, and high trainability, people started using them as guard dogs. Their thick coats are wiry and harsh to touch, but provide excellent insulation. These are the bearded dogs with the coarse double coat being dense and bushy around their heads.

According to PDSA, Giant Schnauzers need regular grooming and trimming to maintain their coats. These strong-minded dogs are well-suited for experienced dog owners. These high-energy dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day, including running, biking, hiking, and swimming.

4. Labrador Retriever

Breed Profile

• Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches

• Weight: 55 to 80 pounds

• Energy Level: Active

• Temperament: Friendly

Labrador retriever is a popular dog breed standing 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall and weighing between 55 to 80 pounds. These sporting dogs have a sturdy build, a wide head, and a tapered tail. Labs are large dogs with lots of energy.

They are used as military and police dogs due to their size and excellent sense of smell. The Labrador coat comes in yellow, black, and luscious chocolate hues. The double coat sheds a lot, and frequent brushing is required to manage shedding.

Do you know? Labs love water—their water repellent coat and otter tail helps them in swimming. These avid swimmers are frequently used for water rescue missions.

Labradors are great companions known for their friendliness. They form strong bonds with their families and get along well with neighbor dogs and humans.

5. Great Dane

Breed Profile

• Height: 28 to 32 inches

• Weight: 110 to 175 pounds

• Energy Level: Calm

• Temperament: Friendly

The “Apollo of dogs,” the Great Dane, is one of the tallest dog breeds among the working class. They were originally bred in Germany for hunting boars and guarding estates. Great Danes stand around 28 and 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 110 and 175 pounds.

Great Danes have a short coat that can vary in colors from black to harlequin (black and white patch pattern), merle, blue, and fawn. The coat does not shed much, but requires weekly brushing to help reduce shedding.

Do you know? The record-holder for the title “World’s tallest dog” is a Great Dane named Zeus who stood 41 inches tall.

Due to their large size and loving temperament, they are often referred to as the “world’s largest lapdogs.” Great Danes are not typically boisterous, but they are moderately playful and require ample space for play and exercise. Take your Great Dane for long walks at least twice a day for physical stimulation.

6. Rottweiler

Breed Profile

• Height: 22 to 27 inches

• Weight: 80 to 135 pounds

• Energy Level: Calm

• Temperament: Gentle and aloof

Rottweiler is a large dog breed with wide-set eyes, a broad head, and short fur. Rottweilers are very popular thanks to their high intelligence, high energy levels, and strong protective instincts. They can reach a height of 22 to 27 inches and can weigh around 80 to 135 pounds.

The American Kennel Club breed standard for a Rottweiler is a solid black base color with tan markings above the eyes, anywhere on the muzzle, cheeks, some parts of the throat and chest, legs, and the base of the tail.

Some Rotties can be all-black without the specific markings, but the AKC does not recognize them as a breed. Rottweilers have a medium-length coat that sheds a lot. Weekly or even daily brushing is required to maintain the coat.

7. Doberman Pinscher

Breed Profile

• Height: 24 to 28 inches

• Weight: 60 to 100 pounds

• Energy Level: Active

• Temperament: Loyal

Doberman Pinscher is another big dog breed belonging to the working group. Dobie is a highly intelligent dog known for its fearlessness and loyalty. It stands 24 to 28 inches tall and weighs around 60 to 100 pounds.

Dobermans have short and sleek black coats with rust markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, throat, chest, legs, and at the base of the tail. Their coat sheds moderately and requires consistent brushing to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny.

Just like Rottweilers, Dobermans can also be all-black. It occurs due to excessive pigmentation, a condition called melanism. These playful dogs have lots of energy and need plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.

Note: Many deep-chested large dog breeds are vulnerable to a life-threatening condition, Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) or bloat. If you ever notice any symptoms of GDV such as distended abdomen, drooling, stretching, anxiety, or inability to get comfortable in your dog, immediately take him to the vet!

Conclusion

Black large dogs are the epitome of sophistication and grace. These dogs are usually known for their intelligence and strong protective instincts. Do you want a canine companion that exudes class and is intensely loyal? Adopt a big black pup for your family!