15 Awesome Black and White Dog Breeds
Black and white dogs come in all sizes from miniature to large. The best depends on your lifestyle and personality preferences in a dog. If you’re in the market for a new pet to add to your family, here are 15 awesome black and white dog breeds and their unique characteristics to choose the most compatible for your family.
15. Dalmatian: The classic black and white dog
Dalmatians are white with black dots or patches, known for their energetic and friendly nature. They’re the classic black and white dogs, born all white, developing their black spots as they mature. The American Kennel Club explains that the Dalmatic is a “classic black and white,” athletic breed. It is medium size, growing to a height of 22 to 24 inches. The breed is known for incidences of deafness among some animals but is otherwise healthy with an outgoing personality and above-average intelligence.
You can teach a Dalmatian to do tricks because the breed is easy to train. Some Dalmatians are easy to house train, but early training is necessary as they can be stubborn. The Dalmatian originates in Croatia, in the Dalmatia region. Dalmatians are hunting dogs, but also make suitable house pets for families that enjoy outdoor activities. They require daily walking and playtime to burn off excess energy. they can run at speeds up to 37 mph and live an average lifespan between 10 to 13 years.
14. Japanese Chin: The best black and white lap dog
The Japanese Chin is an Asian breed prized as an attractive lap dog. They’re long-haired pups that require frequent grooming and brushing to prevent mats and knots in their long and silky hair. they’re adaptable to various environments and make exceptional pets for people who live in apartments or small homes. Their build is dainty and elegant.
They have playful personalities and love attention. Chins are easygoing dogs who sit quietly on your lap, but they’re also capable of climbing up steep grades and climbing on furniture in the home. A Japanese Chin is a companion dog that is happy when he can give and receive love and affection. The breed doesn’t shed much hair, so maintenance in the home is minimal, according to Dog Time.
13. Boston Terrier: Best little entertainer
Boston Terriers are characters. The small black and white dog looks like he’s wearing a tuxedo jacket. This bright and funny dog will keep you entertained with its adorable face and amusing antics. They’re bright dogs that love to play and snuggle with their owners. Boston Terriers have high energy levels, but a brisk walk and occasional play time are all they need to keep physically fit. The coat is short and low maintenance. They grow to an average size of 15 to 17 inches tall with weights between 12 to 25 pounds.
Males are larger than females and both sexes are good with children and other household pets. They’re adaptable to small, medium, or large living environments, and they thrive on attention from their human family. Boston Terriers are good companions because of their naturally entertaining personalities. They’re easy to housebreak and teach tricks, with a life expectancy between 11 to 13 years.
12. Border Collie: The dog that needs to have a job
Border Collies were bred for herding sheep and other livestock. It’s a skill that comes naturally to them from generations of active work on ranches. They’re good with children, but must be trained or they will herd the kids and may knock them down to keep them in line. The breed is known for its agility and high energy. The above-average intelligence means they must receive training early in puppyhood to curb their strong will. Border Collies are happiest if they have a job to do.
Herding stock is the specialty of this breed, but they’ll be happy if the family has established routines that include time to play games and walk the dog. They’re fun-loving dogs that need to know what everyone in the house is up to. You could characterize them as nosy, but they’re loyal and protective of their human families and they sound the alarm when a stranger gets too close. The long fur of a Border Collie needs brushing a few times a week, as they’re prolific shedders in the summer months.
11. Harlequin Great Dane: Black and white gentle giant
Harlequin Great Danes are visually stunning dogs with a white base coat with black dots that change shape and size as the dog ages. Their coat is one of the rarest because it is a genetic anomaly, but there are plenty of them around. The Happy Puppy Site describes the breed as a “gentle giant,” and it’s one of the largest dog breeds in the world, but they don’t know it. Great Danes would be lap dogs if allowed, but their size prevents it before they’re fully mature.
The standing height of a Great Dane is 28 to 32 inches with a weight from 110 in small females up to 175 pounds for mature males. The distinct Harlequin coloring of the coat is white with black patches and spots. As a breed, the Harlequin Great Dane is prone to deafness, and other “genetic hearing issues.” When socialized from puppyhood, the breed has a sweet temperament and enjoys spending time with the family, and doesn’t mind lying around. When a threat is nearby, the gentle giant is willing to protect his loved ones, but he’s more of a lover than a fighter. He’s slow to anger and eager to please.
10. Siberian Husky: Best sled dogs
Siberian Huskies are strong and muscular dogs who love to exercise and work. They’re bred to pull sleds across the frozen tundras in Alaska and Siberia. They love to play with other dogs or their human family members, and it’s essential to provide personal toys and chew bones, or these dogs will resort to chewing up anything they can find. The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog that grows to a maximum height of 24 inches and weighs up to 60 pounds.
They love to exercise and they’re built to pull heavy loads, but they’re just as content to lie around the house if you treat them to a daily brisk walk and play time outside. They have sweet personalities, although they strongly resemble wolves. A Siberian Husky makes a good house pet, but sheds prolifically and needs frequent brushing and grooming. Most are funny and entertaining because of their natural curiosity and willingness to investigate new things.
9. Portuguese Water Dog: The quiet working dog
Portuguese Water Dogs have a long history of working beside their human owners in fishing businesses and as couriers. They’re highly intelligent and were trained to help pull the load for work crews on boat projects. You can easily train members of this breed to work or to do tricks. They’re medium-sized dogs that grow to a height of 22 inches and a weight of 50 pounds at maturity.
Daily walks and a game of fetch keep them happy and conditioned, and grooming 2 to 3 times a week keeps their gorgeous coat looking elegant. Portuguese water dogs are quiet. Even the puppies seldom yap. They will let you know if there is a stranger nearby. The breed is best for active families because they love a good workout, but they can also lie quietly and enjoy your company.
8. Tibetan Terrier: Small hypoallergenic dog
Tibetan Terriers are small dogs that weigh up to 30 pounds at full maturity. The breed originated in China, in cold climates, where the fur grew thick to protect them from frigid temperatures. The long fur is elegant if it is groomed and cared for. Although they’re small in size, Tibetan Terriers have a big attitude and they’re stubborn. Training is necessary from early puppyhood to teach them who is in charge.
They’re highly intelligent and affectionate to family members, but the breed only likes to be around people it knows. The quiet Tibetan Terrier doesn’t bark much unless a stranger is near. They’re good at sounding the alarm. This is the best breed for people who like small black and white dogs, and who have allergies to pet dander because of the hypoallergenic quality of its fur.
7. Newfoundland: Large work dog that doesn’t like to be alone
Newfoundlands are “massive” in size, growing up to 150 pounds at maturity. They’re bred for heavy work, because of their strong musculature, but they’re also excellent hunters. Newfoundlands can inspire fear because of their appearance, but when left alone, they experience separation anxiety. The Spruce Pets explains that the Newfoundland breed requires ample space to run and exercise.
They’re energetic, independent, and friendly with a need to give and receive affection. This quiet breed only barks when they’re excited or if danger is near. Don’t leave a Newfoundland alone for long, or they’ll become anxious. Pet owners who work can leave them alone with companion dogs to ease the loneliness and stress.
6. Smooth Fox Terrier: The little gentleman
Smooth Fox terriers come in white with black, but can also have black and tan markings. They’re small dogs that don’t grow past 16 inches tall with a weight of up to 18 pounds. Most members of this breed have impeccable manners and are independent, but they are easy to train and are known for being easy to manage. Smooth Fox terriers are small, but they were originally bred to be hunting dogs because of their fearlessness. They’re wonderful companion dogs with a lifespan of up to 15 years.
5. Italian Greyhound: The racer and the chaser
Italian Greyhounds are a lean breed known for their high-stepping gait and value on the dog-racing track. They’re fast, although just 15 inches tall, and weigh only 14 pounds at maturity. They benefit from a sweater for winter weather due to their lean physique and vulnerability to the cold. The dogs love to cuddle with humans and other pets but also chase small animals. It’s in their nature, so training must begin at puppyhood to break them of the habit. Italian Greyhounds make exceptional family dogs and may live up to 15 years.
4. American Staffordshire Terrier: The smart people pleaser
The American Staffordshire Terrier breed is a highly-intelligent dog that is easy to train and loves to please its owners. The appearance is medium, with a height between 15 to 17 inches and a weight of up to 70 pounds. Its muscular build makes this dog capable and athletic. They love to participate in sports and games and require daily exercise. They look mean, but they’re capable of being sweet and loving house pets with socialization. American Staffordshire Terriers provide companionship for up to 16 years.
3. Canaan Dog: All-around champion of protection
The Canaan Dog breed originated in Israel as a working dog in charge of protecting livestock, the home, and the family. It’s a medium-sized breed that grows to a height between 19 to 24 inches weighing 35 to 55 pounds at maturity. Canaan Dogs are good family dogs if time is invested in training from early puppyhood, as it tends to be overly protective of family and property. It’s a good choice for hikers and runners who go solo, for protection purposes, but keep them on a heavy-duty leash as they’re mentally and physically strong.
2. Miniature Schnauzer: The gray chameleon that’s black and white
Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs that grow from 12 to 14 inches tall, weighing 11 to 20 pounds. Schnauzers appear to have gray coats that are black and white up close. Schnauzers have a salt and pepper color scheme that can appear gray, but it’s not.
The Mini Schnauzer is an adaptable breed for living in apartments or large homes. Give them daily exercise for good health, and to spend their extra energy. Training is easy when done early and socializes them from puppyhood. They’re affectionate companions for singles and families.
1. French Bulldog: Mini Bulldog with a big heart
French Bulldogs are tiny versions of full-size bulldogs that inspire fear because of their aggressive appearance. These little dogs seldom get over 30 pounds and are anxious to please their owners. They love to play with children and other pets, showing affection, with a playful nature. Its appearance is cute because of its miniature size. The breed is intelligent and has a big personality.
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- The Five Most Popular Black Dog Breeds
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- 10 Dog Breeds Similar To the Pug
