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What is it about a “dark as night” dog that draws us in? Add in fluffiness, and well, that’s just a bonus! Some dog owners are drawn to the whitest of white dogs, while others prefer the coal-black, midnight look.
Some of the breeds below you’ll recognize instantly. But there are a few you may have never heard of. Each breed has a coat as dark as night. Some are going to shed quite a bit, and others, not so much. Below are 15 of our favorite dog breeds that wear black better than anyone.
Black Russian Terrier
Yes, this breed has a dense, double coat that is typically black, but it can also have some gray hairs (that’s okay, pups, we humans do, too)!
The Black Russian Terrier has a coarse and wavy black outer coat about two to six inches long, and its undercoat is soft and dense, keeping them insulated.
This breed also has human-like features – a full beard and mustache, and fur that falls over its eyes. Even with its double coat, the Black Russian Terrier is not a heavy shedder, so that’s good news if you’re not a fan of sweeping up constant black hair from your floors!
Bouvier des Flandres
Ooh la la! What a fancy dog breed name! The Bouvier des Flandres is an intelligent and loyal breed that craves human companionship.
It’s a herding dog from Flanders, Belgium and was originally used for general farm work, like sheep herding, cart pulling, and cattle droving. Today? They’re used as guard dogs, police dogs, and of course, as pets.
The Bouvier des Flandres has a double coat (rough and harsh outer coat and soft and dense undercoat) that comes in several colors – black, gray, fawn, brindle, and salt and pepper. It’s also another breed that features a distinctive beard and mustache and is considered non-shedding!
Tibetan Terrier
Affectionate and loving, this breed is of medium size and originated in Tibet, given its name by European travelers because it resembled other terrier breeds. Its beautiful double coat is wooly underneath with a long, fine topcoat.
While this breed’s coat comes in black, Tibetan Terriers can also be white, golden, cream, grey, and other mixes.
They need to be brushed to keep their hair from matting, so the longer their coat is, the more often you’ll need to brush them. Fun fact – their coats can also change colors through the course of their life!
Giant Schnauzer
With their dense, coarse coat, the Giant Schnauzer comes in three color varieties: pepper and salt, pure black with a black undercoat, and black and silver.
One look at them, and you can see they have a distinct beard and eyebrows, too, along with cropped ears and docked tails.
Aside from being a fluffy black pet, Giant Schnauzers are used as police and guard dogs, in search and rescue operations, and as therapy dogs. Given their loyal and courageous nature, it’s clear to see why!
Black Puli
Dreadlocks, anyone? Why, yes! The Puli is a small to medium breed known for its long, corded coat, and its tight curls appear similar to dreadlocks. Don’t confuse this breed for the much larger Komondor, even though their look is very similar. The Puli is usually black, however, less common coat colors are white, gray, or cream.
Because of the distinctive nature of their coats, Pulis need frequent grooming to keep their cords clean and neat. Even though their coats can become quite long, this breed is known to be a minimal shedder!
Belgian Sheepdog
What a stunning and fierce look this breed has! Belgian Sheepdogs are known for their long, black coats – even though their fur can have small patches of white. They have a medium-length, double coat with a dense undercoat, and the top layer of their coat is harsh.
Grooming-wise, they need regular brushing to prevent matting and are a moderate shedder. Look closely, and you’ll see a “fluff” around their neck, more often pronounced in males than females – looks a bit regal to us!
Newfoundland
Gah! Look at that face! Such a gentle giant. Known to be quiet, calm, and sweet-tempered, the Newfoundland is a large breed with a thick and glossy water-resistant coat, black being the most traditional color. It has a majestic appearance and keen protective instincts.
Grooming-wise, Newfoundlands should be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting, and they shed twice a year. With all that fluffy fur and personality to match, they’re bound to be charming cuddle bugs, for sure!
Black Standard Poodle
Poof, there it is! No doubt about it, the Poodle stands out in the realm of grace, sophistication, and beauty in the world of black fluffy dogs!
Their elegant, curly coats are deemed luxurious by many, but they’re also a hypoallergenic breed, meaning they’re a great choice for anyone suffering from allergies.
On top of that, they have a friendly and affectionate nature, which makes them excellent family pets. And their grooming styles? Stunning! They’d give any fashionable woman a run for her money!
Bernese Mountain Dog
Every time I see one of these, I’m reminded of a co-worker of mine and her dog Stewie. He was the biggest pile of fluff “you ever did see” and the most gentle of all souls! Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle demeanor and lush black fur, combined with tan and white markings.
They have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming, however, they are not hypoallergenic. That’s okay though! We think their gentle eyes and friendliness more than make up for it!
German Spitz
Well, look at that ball of fluff! Color-wise, the large German Spitz comes in white, black, or brown, while the toy and medium sizes come in white, black, brown, orange, grey, and other colors. The breed has a double coat and a feisty demeanor, making for a great watchdog!
The downside? They shed twice a year, and when they do, look out! Fur and more fur! Their thick coat requires regular grooming, and they need to be brushed every few days to prevent knots and matting.
If you ask me, these guys resemble the Pomeranian breed – fluffy and adorable and ready to squeeze!
Affenpinscher
Though many breeds on this list come in various colors, black is the most common coat color for the Affenpinscher, a small, terrier-like breed. Their coat is harsh and wiry, and they’re often called “monkey dogs” because of the black mask look on their face and their expressiveness. Interesting!
They do require regular brushing and trimming from time to time, but they don’t shed much, so that’s good. Affenpinschers stand about nine to 12 inches tall, weigh seven to 10 pounds, and are considered a hypoallergenic breed!
Chow Chow
Fun to say, isn’t it? Chow Chows are FLUFFY, FLUFFY! Their thick coats are admired by many, and they’re an old dog breed that dates back to Ancient China.
A Chow Chow’s coat can come in various colors, while black ones can have slight grey shading with a reddish tinge from exposure to the sun, and the coat of a puppy Chow Chow doesn’t shine like the adult coat because of different hair properties. Talk about the definition of “furry friend” though! So fluffy, indeed!
Schipperke
The Schipperke is a solid black dog, which is the dominant color for this breed, though other colors are possible. When they shed, their coat may develop a reddish cast, but nothing too overpowering.
They have a medium-length, double coat that requires weekly brushing to keep it free of tangles and dead hair. Schipperkes are also curious, intelligent dogs with a lot of energy!
Scottish Terrier
While not the “fluffiest” of all black dogs, we’re putting this breed on the list because of its striking and regal look! Black Scottish Terriers have a rich, velvety coat due to a genetic trait that produces a significant amount of pigmentation. They have a distinctive beard and eyebrows and might have lighter hairs on their chin or a few white hairs on their body.
Scottish Terriers require regular brushing and bathing to keep their coat healthy, and their fur needs to be clipped or hand-stripped every two or three months.
Portuguese Water Dog
Call this breed a curly-coated cutie! The Portuguese Water Dog has a thick, water-repellent coat that can be curly or wavy, and color-wise, they’re white, black, or sometimes, various shades of brown. Black is typically the most common coat color, with some dogs showing white markings on their chest, paws, or legs.
They have hair instead of fur, which means their hair keeps growing and occasionally falls out, much like human hair. This also means they can be good for people with allergies.
Friendly and enthusiastic, Portuguese Water Dogs are a playful breed, especially around water, and show love and loyalty to their human owners!
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