Are you the type of person who wants to hold on to your most loved pup, wishing they could stay by your side forever? The bond we share with our dogs is irreplaceable, and we all hope that we can have them for as long as possible.
While all dogs are beautiful, small black dog breeds have a different kind of charm. They are elegant, mysterious, and full of love!
When it comes to longevity, small breeds generally live longer than the large dog breeds, often reaching lifespans of 12-16 years and sometimes even more.
Here are 7 adorable and resilient small black dog breeds that are known for their longevity:
Black Small Dog Breeds with a Long Lifespan
1. Cairn Terrier
Life Span: 13-15 years
Size: 9-10 inches tall, 13-14 pounds
The Cairn terrier is a hardy breed that is known for a bold personality and love for adventure. Originally bred for hunting vermin in Scotland, these dogs are full of energy. They are intelligent, confident, and independent. But that doesn’t mean they can’t form strong bonds with families! They actually adore their humans.
Their shaggy coats are often seen in black or dark brindle shades. Their wiry coat gives them a rough and tumble look, but they have an affectionate nature and love curling up next to their owner at the end of a long day.
WebMD states that with the right vaccinations, moderate exercise, and obedience training, the Cairn Terriers can enjoy long lives.
2. Brussels Griffon
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Size: 7-10 inches tall, 8-12 pounds
Brussels Griffons are unique and full of personality. And they are even more adorable in a black coat. They sometimes look like they are deep in thought, thanks to their human-like expressions. They are known for being affectionate, sensitive, and sometimes even a little bossy! They are perfect for someone who doesn’t mind a shadow following them from room to room.
Their black coats can be wiry or smooth. They make excellent indoor companions. They can sometimes be prone to breathing issues, especially in flat-faced varieties. Proper oral care is also important to prevent dental diseases.
Routine grooming, regular vet visits, and early socialization help them stay confident and healthy.
3. Poodle
Lifespan: 12–18 years
Size: Toy Poodle: Under 10 inches tall, 4–6 pounds, and Miniature Poodle: 10–15 inches tall, 10–15 pounds
The Poodles are largely famous for their fancy looks, but they are much more than that. With standard variety originally bred as a water hunting dog, toy and miniature varieties also take after their big brother in terms of intelligence and energetic nature.
Black coated poodles look especially striking. Their curly, hypoallergenic coats give them an elegant appearance. They excel at obedience and agility, and their eagerness to please makes them a favorite for first-time dog owners.
Poodles require mental stimulation and consistent companionship. They’re happiest in homes where they aren’t left alone for a long time. Routine grooming is a must to prevent matting, but many owners opt for shorter, low-maintenance trims. Keeping them active and healthy ensures their longevity.
4. Scottish Terrier
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Size: 10 inches tall, 18–22 pounds
The Scottish Terriers are known for their iconic beard and eyebrows. They are compact and dignified with a bold and independent personality. Scotties have a distinct look, especially when they sport their signature black coat.
As per AKC, despite their small size, they make excellent watch dogs as they are wary of strangers. It also means that they need proper training and socialization from an early age to manage those instincts. They may give off an aloof impression, but they are gentle and love spending time with their owners.
They may be low-shedding, but they need to be groomed regularly to maintain the wiry coat. With proper care, they are a long-living breed and can remain healthy and active well into the senior years.
5. Affenpinscher
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Size: 9-11 inches, 7-10 lbs
These black dog breeds not only look like monkeys, they behave like one too. The Affenpinscher or Monkey terriers can be a bit obstinate and mischievous, too, at times. Their curious nature means that they poke every small creature they see moving.
VCA states that they are good candidates for obedience and agility training, thanks to their intelligence. This means they are well capable of being stubborn, too, if training does not start early. Being patient and consistent is the key!
They tend to be healthy but may be prone to some bone and heart diseases. They live best with regular checkups, a high-quality diet, and lots of mental and physical stimulation.
6. Pomeranian
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Size: 6-7 inches tall, 3-7 pounds
Pomeranians are feisty and intelligent little fluffballs that have always been a popular dog breed associated with luxury and owned by the most high-profile celebs. It seems like they know their worth, hence they almost always have a strong sense of self. They are truly a small dog breed with a big personality.
Although black coated dogs are not rare, it is not commonly seen in poms. And when we see one, they are truly a sight of beauty. Proper training from an early age with positive reinforcement methods improves their personality.
Pomeranian.org explains that poms may be affected by some health challenges during their lives. Diseases such as patellar luxation and heart problems are common. It is important to give them nourishing food to maintain a healthy weight for their size and age. Overall, clean living and keeping them engaged in activities always work best for them.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Size: 12-14 inches tall, 11-20 lbs
Miniature Schnauzers are friendly, obedient, and very social. They make excellent watchdogs without being aggressive. Their outgoing personality and small size make them great family dogs, and they, too, love being part of the house!
Schnauzers do look best in their wiry black coat, but they come in black and silver and salt and pepper colors too. Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, although they sometimes get distracted due to their curious nature.
Schnauzers are mostly a sturdy and long-lived dog breed, but may sometimes face health issues such as cataracts and liver shunts. Routine eye and cardiac exams, in addition to proper dental care, are recommended by the American Kennel Club to ensure that these dogs live a quality life.
Conclusion
While choosing a dog, most of us hope for a lasting bond that can bring joy for years. The small black dog breeds we have highlighted above offer charm, companionship, and impressive lifespans with manageable care requirements.
If you are interested in exploring beyond these small dog breeds, some medium-sized dog breeds like the Australian cattle dog, Labrador retriever, and flat-coated retriever also come in charming black coats and are among the longest living dog breeds. Other dogs like the Newfoundlands are an example of large black dog breeds with thick double coats that make surprisingly gentle companions for elders and children alike.
In the end, the right dog for you is the one that fits your lifestyle and personality. And yes, we assure you that with black small dog breeds with a long life span, things will always go right!
