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How do you feel about big black dog breeds?
We’re curious because some people associate large black coated dogs with bad luck while others believe they are more aggressive than lighter coated pups.
We definitely don’t agree either way but do admit that black dog syndrome seems to be a thing. That’s what it’s called when black dogs are harder to adopt out of shelters than dogs with lighter coats.
It’s probably a combination of biases and the fact that they’re harder to photograph which doesn’t make for the best pictures.
TIP: Try to get good lighting anytime your take a pic of your dog like in the photo above. I like taking pics best under natural daylight (again see photo above).
That’s a bummer because there are so many beautiful big black dog breeds, both purebred ones and lovable mutts!
So in this blog post, we’ll talk about both, and we’ll start with 24 big black purebred dogs.
12 Big Black Fluffy Dog Breeds
Let’s start with a few big black fluffy dog breeds! These pups need regular grooming with specific tools to prevent their coats from matting, for example:
1. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are also known as Newfies and hail from Canada. They measure up to 28”, weigh up to 150 lbs and have a distinct fluffy double coat.
While many Newfies have a jet black coat, they also come in brown, gray and white & black.
This breed is fine with a moderate amount of exercise per day.
2. Portuguese Waterdog
Another big fluffy dog breed you’ve probably been familiar with ever since Obama was President is the Portuguese Waterdog.
As their name suggests, they’re originally from Portugal where they were bred for water work, including herding fish into nets, sailing along on fishing ships and rescuing people from the water.
Portuguese Waterdogs measure up to 23” and weigh up to 60 lbs.
While their coats also come in brown and white, black Portuguese Waterdogs are the most common color of the breed.
But regardless of the color, all coats are hypoallergenic which makes them great for people with dog allergies.
The Portuguese Waterdog is an active dog who needs lots of daily exercise.
3. Black Russian Terrier
Did you know that Black Russian Terriers are a mix of 17 breeds including Rottweilers, Airedale Terriers and Newfoundlands?
These pups were originally bred in Russia as military working dogs and are great at protecting their homes.
Black Russian Terriers measure up to 30”, weigh up to 130 lbs and have a thick double coat that blows twice per year.
While their most common coat color is black, they also come in blue, sable, black & tan and salt & pepper.
As many other Terriers, the Black Russian Terrier has a beard and mustache that requires regular grooming, just like their coat.
An active working dog, this terrier needs a decent amount of daily exercise to burn their energy.
4. Hovawart
Black Hovawarts look a lot like black Golden Retrievers, except they’re not Goldens but a working dog breed from Germany!
While Golden Retrievers come in 3 shades of gold (light, normal and dark), Hovawarts either have black, golden or black and tan coats.
They measure up to 28”, weigh up to 90 lbs and have a fluffy double coat.
Similar to Goldens, Hovawarts need a decent amount of daily exercise to thrive.
5. Flat Coated Retriever
Flat Coated Retrievers are also known as Wavy Coated Retrievers and originated in Great Britain where they were bred as hunting dogs.
Besides black, their medium length coats can also be liver and yellow.
Flat Coated Retrievers can measure up to 24.5” and weigh up to 70 lbs.
Due to its high energy, Flat Coated Retrievers require lots of daily exercise to stay physically and mentally balanced.
6. Belgian Sheepdog
Black Belgian Sheepdogs hail from Belgium where they were bred as herding and livestock guardian dogs.
They’re also known as Bouvier des Flandres, measure up to 26” and weigh up to 75 lbs.
Their thick double coats blow twice per year and while black is the most common coat color of the Belgian Sheepdog, they also come in black & white.
Like most herding breeds, the Belgian Sheepdog needs lots of daily exercise to thrive!
7. Afghan Hound
The regal looking Afghan Hounds come in a variety of coat colors including silver, white, blue, red, cream, and of course black!
They’re one of the oldest dog breeds and originate from the Afghanistan/Pakistan/India area where they were bred as hunting dogs and companion dogs.
They measure up to 27”, weigh up to 60 lbs and have a beautiful flowing coat that requires a lot of work to look its best!
Afghans are very active dogs who require lots of daily exercise.
8. Curly Coated Retriever
The Curly Coated Retriever originated in Great Britain where they were bred as water dogs.
Their curly black coat dries fast and is the most common color of this retriever, but it also comes in liver.
The Curly Coated Retriever measures up to 27” and weighs up to 95 lbs.
As a working dog bred that’s able to go all day, Curly Coated Retrievers have lots of energy that require a daily outlet.
9. (Standard) Labradoodle
Here’s another curly dog breed – the (Standard) Labradoodle!
We’re cheating a little here as this particular breed is a so-called designer hybrid mix (not a purebred) of Labradors and Poodles and was first crossed in Australia.
Depending on the size of the poodle that was bred, Labradoodles come in miniature size, medium size and standard size.
But regardless of their size, their curly coat is hypoallergenic and comes in black, brown, caramel and red.
Standard Labradoodles measure up to 25”, weigh up to 65 lbs and can make wonderful hypoallergenic service and therapy dogs.
They’re an active dog breed that needs lots of daily exercise!
10. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Bergamasco Sheepdogs have their origin in the Italian Alps where they were bred to herd and guard sheep.
Their coats are either black or gray and are very easy to maintain due to their mats as they don’t need any brushing!
They measure up to 23.5” and weigh up to 84 lbs.
Unlike other herding breeds, Bergamascos only need a moderate amount of daily exercise.
11. Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers originated in the German Alps where they were bred as cattle driving dogs who also protected their farms.
They have a wiry double coat that’s hypoallergenic with the most common coat color being black, but they also come in pepper & salt.
Just like Black Russian Terriers, their beards and mustaches need regular grooming to prevent matting.
Giant Schnauzers measure up to 27.5” and weigh up to 85 lbs.
These pups are very active and need lots of daily exercise!
12. German Shepherd
And of course we can’t forget about Rin Tin Tin, so last but certainly not least on our list of big black fluffy dog breeds is the German Shepherd!
As their name suggests, German Shepherds come from Germany where they were bred to herd sheep and be loving companion dogs.
GSDs come in a large variety of coat colors with black being more rare, but black German Shepherds do exist!
More common coat colors are black & tan, black & cream, black & red, black & silver, gray, sable, liver, blue, bi-color and also all white.
German Shepherds measure up to 26”, weigh up to 90 lbs and have a thick double coat that blows twice per year.
GSDs are very active dogs who need lots of daily exercise to thrive, both physically and mentally!
OK, now that we’ve covered 12 big black fluffy dog breeds, let’s continue with the opposite end of the spectrum and talk about 6 big black dog breeds that have short hair.
6 Big Black Dog Breeds Short Hair
While the following dog breeds have short coats that are easy to care for, they still need weekly brush downs with a dog grooming glove or a nylon bristle brush for dogs.
1. Great Dane
Let’s start with the largest pup on this list – the Great Dane who measures up to 32” and weighs up to an impressive 175 lbs!
Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes are not from Denmark but from Germany where they were bred as wild boar hunters for aristocracy.
Black Great Danes are a beautiful sight, but their short coats also come in fawn, blue, brindle, harlequin, merle, mantle, white and black & white.
Despite their large size, Great Danes do fine with an average amount of daily exercise!
2. Beauceron
Beaucerons are originally from France where they were bred as sheepdogs.
Their short, dense double coat is mostly black with a few tan markings, and also comes in black & rust, gray/black & tan and harlequin.
Beaucerons measure up to 27.5” and weigh up to 110 lbs.
Since this breed has a working background, they require lots of daily physical and mental stimulation!
3. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a molasses working dog with origins in Italy where they were first used as fearless military charging dogs in the Roman Empire.
Later, Cane Corsos pulled carts, guarded farms, and hunted wild boar.
They measure up to 27.5”, weigh up to 110 lbs and have a short double coat that sheds twice per year.
The Cane Corso coat can be all black, gray, fawn, red, black brindle, gray brindle as well as chestnut brindle.
These pups are very active and need lots of daily exercise!
4. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is the wrinkled cousin of the Cane Corso and even larger, measuring up to 31” and weighing up to 150 lbs.
They trace their origins back to Northern Italy where they were first used as war dogs and later as guard dogs on farms.
The Neapolitan Mastiff’s short coat is easy to maintain and comes in all black, blue, mahogany and tawny.
Neos do fine with moderate daily exercise but have a hard time in the heat.
5. Labrador Retriever
Of course we can’t forget about the Labrador Retriever, one of America’s favorite dog breeds that hails from Canada!
They were bred as duck retrieving water dogs who measure up to 24.5” and weigh up to 80 lbs.
Their short, water repellent coats are easy to maintain and come in solid black, chocolate and yellow.
Labs are very active dogs who need lots of daily exercise and make wonderful service dogs as well as therapy dogs!
Fun fact: Colby’s first guide dog puppy in training, Stetson, was an English black Labrador Retriever!
6. Greyhounds
Greyhounds are known as the fastest hunting dogs and have their origins in the Egyptian Desert.
They measure up to 30”, weigh up to 70 lbs and have short coats that can be all black, red, white, blue and blue fawn.
Additionally, Greyhound coats can be a variety of brindle colors such as black brindle, blue brindle, red brindle, white & blue brindle, white & black brindle as well as white & red brindle.
They’re fine with moderate daily exercise but their strong prey drive calls for supervision, especially around smaller pets.
Next up on our list of black big dog breeds are the ones with black and brown coats!
6 Big Black And Brown Dog Breeds
We’re cheating again. These breeds are not all black, they are black and brown or also sometimes called black and tan.
1. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler aka Rottie has its origins in Germany where it was bred to herd cattle, pull butcher’s carts and guard their properties.
Rottweilers measure up to 27”, weigh up to 135 lbs and have a coarse, short coat that’s easy to maintain.
They have beautiful, shiny coats that come in black & rust, black & tan and black & mahogany.
Since Rotties have a working background, they need a decent amount of physical exercise to keep them fit and from becoming overweight.
2. Bloodhounds
Bloodhounds have their origins in Great Britain and France where they were bred as man trailers.
Bloodhounds measure up to 27” and weigh up to 110 lbs.
Their short dense coat is easy to maintain and comes in black & tan, liver & tan as well as red.
Bloodhounds need moderate daily exercise and because of their powerful nose that constantly scans the ground, they need to be supervised closely to prevent them from wandering off.
3. Doberman Pinscher
Like so many other breeds on this list, the Doberman Pinscher has its origins in Germany where it was bred as an imposing protecting dog as well as a companion dog.
They measure up to 28”, weigh up to 100 lbs and have a short, glistening coat of black & rust, blue & rust, fawn & rust as well as red & rust that’s easy to maintain.
Dobermans are very active dogs who need lots of daily physical and mental exercise to thrive.
4. Black & Tan Coonhound
The Black & Tan Coonhound has very similar markings to the Rottweiler Coat.
But unlike the Rottie, the Black & Tan Coonhound hails from the USA where they were bred to hunt Racoons.
They measure up to 27”, weigh up to 110 lbs and have a short coat that’s easy to maintain.
These pups require an average amount of daily exercise but have a strong prey drive, so close supervision especially around smaller pets is necessary!
5. Huntaway Dog
Now this is a breed you may not have heard of yet: The Huntaway Dog, also known as the New Zealand Huntaway, is -you guessed it- from New Zealand!
That’s where they were originally bred as sheep-herding dogs with a loud bark.
Huntaways measure up to 26”, weigh up to 95 lbs and have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that usually comes in black & tan, but can also have some white and be brindle as well.
These pups have tons of energy which means they need lots of daily exercise.
6. Gordon Setter
Gordon Setters hail from Scotland where they were bred as game bird hunters for aristocracy.
Gordon Setters are mostly black with the addition of a few tan markings on their paws, belly and their mask, so they made the cut on our list of big black and brown dog breeds!
They measure up to 27”, weigh up to 80 lbs and have a double coat.
Gordons are very active dogs who need a daily outlet for all of their energy!
Bonus: Black And Tan Labrador Retriever
Did you know that there are black and tan Labrador Retrievers?
I didn’t until I started raising guide dog puppies and a black and tan guide pup named Egan joined our group. Here’s some more information on black and tan Labs.
3 Big Black Mixed Breed Dogs
1. Boxer Mixes
I’ll have to start with my previous pups Missy & Buzz. They were black littermates from a litter of 9 Boxer mix puppies from Boxer mom Jolene.
One of my friends had rescued her, didn’t realize she was pregnant and was then looking for homes for the 9 little ones.
What was interesting was that 2 of their siblings looked just like them, while the other 5 puppies were fawn colored, just like their Boxer mom.
Missy was the runt of the litter and only weighed 8 lbs when I adopted them at 8 weeks of age, while Buzz was one of the larger pups and weighed 10 lbs.
Missy ended up weighing around 50 lbs as an adult while Buzz outweighed her by about 25 lbs.
Both had white markings on their chest and when the sun hit them just right, you could see that they also had some brown in their coats.
DNA Tests For Mixed Breed Dogs
Just out of curiosity, I ended up doing a Dog DNA test by Wisdom Panel on them.
Other popular dog breed identification DNA tests are:
My guess was that they were Boxer-Lab mixes, but I wasn’t prepared at all for the result of the test – Boxer-Chow Chow mixes!
What?! I never saw any Chow Chow in them personally, except for their spotted tongues.
I don’t have a good picture of both of their tongues together, but you can sort of see Missy’s cute spotted tongue in this picture below where she’s “pre-washing” a glass of buttermilk I had.
Unfortunately, Missy was diagnosed with cancer just like her doggie mom, once at 3 years of age (or should I say youth?) and again at 6 years of age.
She had the first tumor removed along with a round of preventative chemo. Additionally, I switched her to a fresh, raw food diet after that to help strengthen her immune system.
It must have helped because Missy ended up living almost 3 years longer than predicted by her oncologist. That’s when she was re-diagnosed with cancer and at this time, it had spread.
But regardless, she still got her wings way too soon in 2018 and there’s not one day that I don’t think of my sweet little girl.
Missy was such a cutie and big lap dog who loved nothing more than to curl up on laps whenever possible. She also loved to eat, especially her raw dog food, swim and go for car rides.
Her big brother Buzz is still alive and lives with my ex-husband. Suffice to say I miss Buzz as much as I miss Missy and thankfully I get occasional pupdates from his Daddy.
2. German Shepherd Mixes
Back in my professional dog walking days, 2 of my dog walking clients were black German Shepherd Mixes, Max and Oakley.
Max(imus) was an 80 lb shelter pup who shared his home with 3 other rescues: Bella, Rebel and Rosie.
I’m not sure exactly what breed(s) he was mixed with, but to me he looked like a German Shepherd-Lab mix. He was a cuddle pup like my late girl Missy and loved getting butt scratches.
And then there was Miss Oakley!
She was a big black & brown German Shepherd-Rottweiler mix, at least that’s what her owners assumed and that’s what she looked like to me as well.
Oakley was a rescue pup who shared her home with a Samoyed named Bear. She must have weighed about the same as Max.
But unlike him, she was more aloof and liked having her space, especially as she got older and dementia started to set in.
Her “brother” Bear was the complete opposite and loved handing out kisses.
3. Labrador Retriever Mixes
Many of my dog walking clients were Black Lab mixes! There was Macy, Lucy, Bailey, Vinnie and so many others.
Macy was a black Lab mix who must have weighed around 60 lbs. She lived with Chester and Bella and was one of the ball craziest pups I’ve ever met, similar to my pup Buzz.
She kept wanting to play fetch even when her tongue couldn’t keep up with her fast breathing and I remember having to put the ball up and out of sight many, many times for her to calm down.
Lucy was also a black Lab mix and lived with 3 Beagles: Kismet, Sammie and Bogart.
Her owners assumed that she was a Lab-German Shepherd Mix and again, I’d have to agree. What do you think?
Lucy was almost as ball crazy as Macy and Buzz and also loved to lounge in the sun. She must have weighed around 60 lbs as well, just like Macy.
Next up is Miss Bailey!
When Bailey’s owners adopted her from the rescue, they were told that she was a Lab-Viszla mix.
I honestly didn’t see any Vizsla in her at all, but then again I also didn’t see the Chow Chow in my own pups, so hey, maybe she was part Viszla after all!
While Bailey enjoyed playing fetch every day, she was usually done after 10 or 15 minutes. So in that respect, she differed vastly from Macy, Buzz and Lucy.
She was also more petite and probably weighed around 50 lbs.
Last but not least I remember Vinnie who was also a black Lab mix!
He was just as ball crazy as Macy, Lucy and Buzz and also had a thing for fire pits…as in fire pits that had a live fire going in them.
He would try to stick his head in there and bite at the fire – totally crazy and not something I’ve ever seen any other dog attempt in the 9 years that I worked as a professional pet sitter!
I wonder what else Vinnie was mixed with as he had some LONG legs. Maybe Great Dane? Who knows!
But regardless of the DNA of my big black mixed breed dog clients, they were all sweethearts and had the most loving homes.
Their owners must not have been aware of the phenomenon of black dog syndrome when they adopted their rescues 😉
Bottom Line
We hope you enjoyed our list of big black dog breeds, including, big black mixed breeds pups fluffy black pups, as well as those with tan markings!
Just to recap, the biggest black dog breeds who are also known as giant black dog breeds are Newfoundlands, Great Danes and Black Russian Terriers.
The fluffiest big black dog breeds are also Newfoundlands along with Black Russian Terriers and Afghan Hounds.
As far as rare big black dog breeds, the Huntaway Dog from New Zealand qualifies along with the German Golden Retriever look alike Hovawart and the Italian Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Now it’s your turn – do you have a favorite big black dog breed?
Let us know in the comment section below!
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