15 Dog Breeds Known For Their Solid Black Coats

Some dogs come wrapped in spots, swirls, or a rainbow of colors. Then there are the ones that keep it simple with black. Their dark fur can be sleek, shaggy, curly, or thick, and each one pulls it off in its own way. So, here are 15 dog breeds known for their solid black coats—each with a personality to match their striking style.

Flat-Coated Retriever

Draped in long, feathery black coats, Flat-Coats earned the nickname “Peter Pan” of dogs for their joyful energy. Developed in 19th-century England, they were prized by gamekeepers for retrieving. Plus, that silky sheen comes naturally, just brush weekly and watch admirers stop you in the park.

Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)

The Groenendael is one of four varieties of the Belgian Sheepdog, and it’s the only one exclusively black. With a flowing, long double coat, this dog carries a naturally regal look. The black fur also enhances their alert expression and long, elegant body lines, especially around the mane-like chest. 

Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers are formidable working dogs wrapped in a coarse, weather-resistant black coat. Originally developed in the Bavarian Alps to drive cattle, their coat was bred to endure cold conditions. Unlike the soft fur of some breeds, Schnauzer coats feel dense, requiring regular stripping.

Schipperke

Born aboard Belgian barges, the Schipperke’s jet-black double coat once struck fear in river rats. Weighing under 16 pounds, these fox-faced watchdogs pack boldness into compact frames. Moreover, their fur thickens in winter, giving a regal ruff around the neck. 

Newfoundland (Black)

With origins tied to the icy waters of Canada, these dogs were bred to haul nets. Their massive frames are blanketed in thick, water-repellent coats that shine deepest in black. This coat also helps insulate the dog in frigid conditions.

Cane Corso (Black Variant)

Guarding Roman estates since antiquity, black Cane Corsos blend brawn with beauty. Their muscles ripple beneath short, close coats that highlight the sculptural physique. Though black isn’t their only color, it’s the one that adds a mythic edge.

Scottish Terrier

Don’t let the little legs fool you. Scottish Terriers—also known as “Diehard” Terriers—once hunted foxes in the Scottish Highlands. It is the wiry topcoat and soft undercoat that creates a texture that resists tangles while offering warmth and structure. 

Affenpinscher

Monkey-faced charmers in pitch-black coats, Affenpinschers have German roots. Though toy-sized, their coarse fur stands spiky, echoing their bold personality. Recognized by AKC in 1936, they’re proof that attitude, not size, defines presence. 

Puli (Black Corded Coat)

This Hungarian herding breed develops natural cords—tight wool-like strands—that begin forming in puppyhood. While the breed comes in a few colors, black remains the most iconic. The cords also serve as armor against harsh climates and predators, and they keep the dog surprisingly agile. 

Neapolitan Mastiff (Black Variant)

The black Neapolitan Mastiff looks like it walked straight out of ancient myth. Its loose skin and folds help deflect bites and give the dog its legendary look. Though gray and blue are common, black adds an extra layer of mystery.

Black Russian Terrier

This breed was intentionally bred in mid-20th century Russia by crossing several large working breeds, including the Giant Schnauzer and Rottweiler. The result? A brave, intelligent guardian cloaked in dense black fur that protects against freezing temperatures.

Portuguese Water Dog (Black Variant)

Once the right-hand companion of Portuguese fishermen, this curly-coated breed excels in water tasks. The black version of the Portuguese Water Dog is especially striking, with tight curls that form dense, poodle-like fur all over the body. 

Black Labrador Retriever

Loved for their loyalty, these dogs first gained AKC recognition in 1917. Sporting dense, water-resistant coats, they excel in hunting and family roles. Moreover, their coats rarely tangle and require only moderate grooming, making them practical breeds. 

Black German Shepherd

Introduced officially in 1899, German Shepherds sometimes come cloaked in rare, all-black coats. Unlike standard sable ones, black Shepherds stand out with their glossy armor and intense gaze. Interestingly, these dogs were bred in late 19th-century Germany for herding.

American Cocker Spaniel (Solid Black Variant)

Among the most glamorously groomed dogs, the solid black American Cocker Spaniel has a coat that flows like liquid velvet. These dogs were developed from English Cocker Spaniels but refined in the U.S. for more showy features, including longer ears and fluffier coats.