12 Popular Big Black Dog Breeds That You’ll Like

For some people, black means mystery and magic, and for others, it’s an elegant and prestigious color. But black also resembles strength and dominance. And it is the main reason behind the popularity of black dogs. The big black dog breeds have been playing as your most reliable and loving companion for centuries. From the Bernese Mountain Dog to the German Shepherd, the black crannies are always full of strength and intelligence. And many of them, like ‘Trakr’ and ‘Rin Tin Tin’, have created history with their heroic actions.

In some cases, large black dogs are aggressive. It is because they are strong and like to stay active. If they are left idle without work, they feel dispirited and sometimes express their dissatisfaction with rage and defiance. So it is essential to explore the big black dog breeds before you take one home. And go with the breed whose nature matches with how you like your furred friend to be. It is because those big and strong dogs are equally efficient before a cine-camera and a real-time challenge.

So you should bring a dog home only when you can do justice to its efficiency, especially if it is a large black dog. We have compiled a list of the best big black dog breeds, including their natural impulse and origin. So read out the article to know which dog breed is for you that you will like to befriend.

12 Best Big Black Dog Breeds

You are among those who think that the presence of a large black dog will enhance the majesty of your house. And now you are aware of the things to keep in mind while selecting your giant black friend. So here is the list of best big black dog breeds for you.

1. Black German Shepherd

Black German Shepherd
Image Source: germanshepherdcountry.com

This breed comes in typical black with mixed shade coloration that is the most familiar look of a German Shepherd. But they also come with 100 percent black coats. And it is due to the presence of a recessive gene that defines the coloration of the dog. Moreover, a 100 percent black German Shepherd may take birth to parents of standard color. It is also because they all carry the genes of black skin.

The German Shepherd is among the most popular dog breeds in the US. And they are present at multiple places; in the police force, the film studio, or your garden with your kids. This intelligent and easy-to-train dog is friendly enough to be a lovable family dog. But when they take charge of a guard, they tend to be a threat to the intruder.

This breed was produced as a working dog and needed plenty of exercises to stay healthy. These energetic dogs get a height of 22-26 inches and weigh between 50-90 lbs. The weight depends on the male and female dogs. The GSD has a life span of 10 to 14 years. They have a double coat with medium-length fur that needs regular brushing to avoid knots and tangles.

The downside of a GSD is its health issues. And most of the time, they are diagnosed with hip dysplasia and other joint problem. So it’s good if your puppy descends from working dogs instead of the show dogs where they jog around a ring. Also, they shed a lot during fall and spring.

2. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog
Image Source: purina.de

They are strong and energetic but love to mingle with people. Despite their immense size and strength, they are calm, friendly, and most importantly a devoted companion. The Bernese Mountain Dog goes well with kids and other pets in the family. This intelligent breed loves to be with humans and is an excellent family dog. Also, they are easy to train and ideal for new dog owners to adopt. The happiest time for these dogs is when they are with their owners. Whether on an adventure or resting on the couch.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is not technically black. There is a touch of white and brown on their face and the lower part of their body. But with 90 percent black coloration, you can consider them as black dogs. Originated from Bern, Switzerland, this gentle giant has expressive brown eyes. As a puppy, they resemble toy dogs with a silky long furred coat. They can get a height of 23–27.5 inches and weigh between 70–115 pounds.

See also  Yorkie Tail Docking Vs Undocked: Learn The Facts

This loyal and intelligent dog can pull ten times their weight. And for their cart pulling efficiency, they were popular farm dogs in Switzerland delivering dairy products to distant places. In addition, they are the excellent watchdog for their intimidating bark, strength, and intelligence.

This breed comes with moderate long far and needs regular grooming and exercise. One demerit of this dog breed is a short lifespan of 6 to 10 years. Also, they are prone to different health issues.

3. Black Russian Terrier

Black Russian Terrier
Image Source: akc.org

Finally, an all-black coat dog, the Black Russian Terrier, is among the best big black dog breeds. Affectionately called Blackie, this intelligent and energetic dog came for the Russian Military Force. And It is a rare breed in the United States. So if you want to own a large dog that is truly black and rarely seen, Blackie is your perfect selection.

Though produced as a military and police dog, this breed is pretty friendly and can be a good family dog. These dogs are highly courageous and intelligent that make them good protector of your home. Devoted to their family, Blackies are people-oriented and stay good to the children.

Being work dogs, the Black Russian Terrier needs a good amount of exercise to stay healthy. And the owner must know about dog training so that you can handle them with a firm hand when needed.

Blackies are the least shedding dogs, but they need regular haircuts. It is because their hair doesn’t fall and keeps growing. So it needs regular trimming to avoid knots and tangles that create discomfort for them. So before bringing Blckie to your home, you should think about the grooming expenditure for your dog. It is because professional groomers are pretty expensive to hire.

The Black Russian Terrier is a super-active and robust dog that likes adventure such as swimming, hiking, and running. They are loyal and obedient dogs with a life span of 10 to 12 years. This dog breed can weigh more than 100 lbs.

4. Great Dane

Great Dane
Image Source: pawtown.org

The tallest dog breed Great Dane comes in multiple colors, including black. And a grown-up dog weighing around 200lb doesn’t look fearful at all but look impressive. Also, Great Dane is not aggressive but pretty friendly to be a family dog. So we must include this humble black giant in our list of the best big black dog breeds.

Great Dane is the oldest dog breed to accompany the human. And they resemble the image of dogs in the 5000 years old Egyptian artifacts. This German-oriented dog is also known as the Appollo Of Dogs. Originally they were hunting dogs. But after going through many breeding experiments, they are now calm and friendly family dogs.

Great Danes have exceptional height, but they have a lean structure. And they surprisingly eat less food. Also, this breed is prone to many diseases that cut their short life span of 7 to 10 years.

5. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Image Source: tythedogguy.com

Popularly called Swissy, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed is a calm family dog and is pleasant to the children. They have a similarity with Bernese Mountain Dog. The main difference between the two is in their coats. Swissy has a short hair coat, and unlike Berner that sheds seasonally, Swissy sheds around the year.

Swissy also needs exercise but less than other large dog breeds. They enjoy the outdoor activities but also love to relax with family and play with children. Overall they are ideal family dogs that have a calm nature.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog weighs around 100 lb. So children accidentally may get hurt due to the heavy size of the dog. Otherwise, Swissy is a good playmate for the kids in your family.

Swissy came as a kart puller on the farms. And the natural impulse of cart pulling is still in their gene. It is the reason this dog breed likes to pull heavy things and does it as a sport.

Swissies are not tolerant of heat and are more comfortable in cold weather. So you need to keep in mind the climate of your location before adopting a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

See also  St Bernard Pit Mix: Size, Temperament & Breed Facts

6. Newfoundland

Newfoundland dog
Image Source: hellobark.com

It is a friendly and loyal family dog that comes in multiple colors, but black is the most common color for Newfoundlands. These are massive energetic dogs and have a record of pulling out a drowning man from the sea.

This people-oriented calm dog has a long hair coat, and they shed excessively. So the dog needs regular brushing. It will also keep your house clean of dog hair. They are not tolerant of heat and love to swim.

Newfoundland loves to eat and is prone to obesity. So they need regular exercise. This dog breed can weigh between 100 to 150lb. They love to be around the family, and loneliness affects them in the wrong way.

7. Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer
Image Source: akc.org

It is a powerful, intelligent, and massive dog that looks fearful. So it would be good not to adopt this dog if you have children below 12 years at your home. Otherwise, they are perfect black dogs for dog lovers that don’t shed much.

These super active dogs are happy when they have a challenging task to do. Also, they are good at protecting their owners, which is their favorite job. They need exercise and regular grooming to stay healthy.

8. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever
Image Source: britannica.com

This well-loved dog breed is also available in black color. They have been widely considered one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide.

These sweet and cuddly dogs require a lot of physical exercises daily, and you should at least take them for regular walks.

The first characteristic of this dog breed is its friendly and outgoing nature. Besides, they are highly cheerful and like to be the center of attraction in the family of their masters. Similarly, they can prove to be a great companion for children, and if you have small children, they are safe with this dog breed.

Labs are one of those beloved dogs which love to have fun with their owners. Besides, they are strong-spirited and are highly comfortable with strangers as well.

But to ensure that your labrador can socialize more with other dogs and strangers, it is advised that you begin training them from an early age. It is also important to base the training on positive reinforcement. 

9. Coonhounds

Image Source: dkk.dk

Coonhounds are one of the popular dog breeds available in black. This dog breed is known for its versatility and is extremely loyal. Besides, they can be one of the best hunting buddies, as they are laced with an acute sense of smell.

Interestingly, while coonhounds are one of the most effective dog breeds for hunting, they are quite relaxed and calm inside a house. However, their behavior almost changes when they are kept in a home.

About the appearance of this dog, the nostrils of this dog breed make them look just like a beagle.

While coonhounds are friendly dogs, they like to be with their masters. So, if you live a sedentary lifestyle or if your professional life doesn’t allow you to devote time to your dog, keeping a coonhound may not be the best idea.

10. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher
Image Source: britannica.com

Dobermans are one of the most well-known dog breeds in the world. While they are often believed to be aggressive, in reality, like any other dog breed, Dobermans are equally faithful and friendly dogs. In fact, according to pet experts, Dobermans are among the most intelligent dog breeds.

Dobermans are known for their physical traits. They are large, sleek, and have strong canines as well.

Dobermans are one of the bravest and most vigilant dog breeds, and they are among the best watchdogs. Hence, just like German Shepherds, they are often employed by police departments around the world. Besides, most Doberman owners use Dobermans to guard their homes.

It should be mentioned at this point that Dobermans need to be trained from an early age. One should ensure positive reinforcement while training them. A well-trained Doberman has much better social skills and is more tolerant towards other animals and strangers.

11. Poodle

Poodle
Image Source: k9ofmine.com

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds, easily recognized by their tuft of hair. In addition, they are considered one of the most clever canine breeds.

Poodles are quite a kind dog breed; they can get along with other dogs and their owners’ family members.

Originally, poodles were bred to retrieve objects in the water. As a result, they have hypoallergenic coats. They hardly ever shed this coat, and this coat saves the vital organs of these dogs from cold water.

See also  Kelpie X Labrador: Size, Temperament & Breed Facts

Although poodles may not look athletic, they are quite fast dogs. They are incredibly agile as well.

You might have noticed that poodles are extremely obedient and perform quite well in working tests. This is due to the reason that poodles have a strong desire to please others.

12. Belgian Sheepdog

Belgian Sheepdog
Image Source: kennelclubofbeverlyhills.org

Belgian sheepdog is one of the best options for you if you are looking for a herding dog. Belgian sheepdogs originally hail from Belgium. Belgium’s weather and natural terrain are suitable for livestock and dairy farming. These dogs were bred for this purpose only.

Belgian sheepdogs have a typical physical appearance, making them easy to identify. However, they have a usual fluff of hair around their neck and need frequent grooming.

This dog breed is extremely clever and loyal, and they enjoy working in fields. But, even if you don’t plan to raise them on a field, they require lots of exercises to help them stay in shape and enjoy a long life.

Belgian sheepdogs are quite an active dog breed and observant. In addition, they are incredibly social and love to be closely associated with their owners and their families. Besides, they are also quite friendly with children; if you have kids, they are a safe option.

Things To Know Before Bringing Home A Big Black Dog

When you decide to add a dog to your family, you need to care for many things. And if you select a large black dog breed, there are more things to consider. It is due to the energy and temperament of the dog that you have to handle.

When We talk about black dogs, there might be varieties in color. It is because some breeds have a darker shade or mixed shade while others have a lighter shade. Also, you will find dogs with a long furred coat or silky smooth skin having short fur. So you need to decide what kind of black dog you want at your home.

If you are new to the canine world, you need to collect information about their breeding process. It is because a particular breed might have a different color depending upon the dominating and recessive gene. So breeders often apply the artificial method to breed dogs of a specific color. And it leads to genetic problems in the dogs.

So it is also essential to study the parents of a puppy before you adopt her. Therefore we recommend selecting a puppy who has at least one of her parents having standard color.

It will help if you get a puppy from a well-known breeder who provides enough health testing to the parent dogs. It reduces the chance of having an inherited disease in the puppies. And you can avoid a shocking situation that may occur after your beloved dog is diagnosed with severe disease.

The owners of big dogs must have minimal experience in dog training. It is because you don’t know how much trained the dog is. And to fix the behavioral issues, you have to work on them continuously.

When you own a dog, it means you have a big responsibility to take care of your furred family member. And it includes both mental and physical care. It is because large dogs require more exercise and activities. So before adopting a big black dog, think once if you have enough time to spend with your dog.

Your family type and neighborhood matter a lot in the presence of a large dog at your home. First, there should be enough open space for your dog to exercise. And the second concern is, small kids may accidentally get hurt if a giant black dog roams around.

Conclusion

Big black dog breeds are famous around the world due to their majestic look and robust nature. They can become friendly family dogs with proper training. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best black big dog breeds. I hope it will help you to decide which big black dog is ideal for you.