At a quick glance, it’s easy to see why black and white dogs are so popular. The contrast of black and white tones across their coats gives them a distinct appearance that makes them stand out from the crowd.
Available in a range of shapes and sizes, there are various dog breeds that come in black and white. As a result, it’s easy enough to find a breed that suits your lifestyle. Whether you want a large family dog or a small companion dog for apartment life, there are black and white dogs that cater to all preferences!
Black and white dogs are guaranteed to impress in your photos while being easy to spot from afar. Their black and white coloring gives them a timeless appearance, showcasing class and elegance that many find appealing.
While we’d never encourage you to choose a dog based solely on its appearance, it’s hard to deny that there is something special about black and white dogs.
Choosing the Right Black and White Dog Breed
With so many black and white dogs to choose from, finding the right breed is not always easy. Many people simply choose a black and white dog based just on their appearance, which is never a good idea.
Simply choosing the cute black and white dog breed that you see may result in a poor matchup. For example, you could end up choosing a black and white that’s too active or a breed that’s not suitable for first-time owners.
Instead, consider thinking about your lifestyle, using this to guide you towards an appropriate breed. For example, if you want a small black and white dog with lower energy levels for an apartment, then a Boston Terrier is a good choice.
Perhaps you want a large and loving family dog that’s going to spend the day playing with kids? In this case, a Newfoundland or Great Dane are excellent options.
In any case, it always helps to think about some things before choosing a black and white dog breed! In doing so, you ensure that you adopt a breed that is best suited for your home life!
Interested in learning more about the different types of black and white dogs before you adopt? Then check out some of the best black and white dog breeds below!
14 Amazing Black and White Dog Breeds
Smooth Fox Terrier
The Smooth Fox Terrier is one of the more compact black and white dog breeds. A fully grown Fox Terrier typically weighs just 18lbs and measures below 16” in height, making them ideal for people looking for smaller black and white dogs.
While terriers have a reputation for being difficult to handle, especially for first-time owners, the Fox Terrier is more easy-going. Lively and energetic, the Fox Terrier retains a lot of independence, so doesn’t require constant attention.
Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is a beautiful long-haired terrier breed originating from Tibet, where they serve as loyal companions and watchdogs to the local monasteries.
Known for their beautiful long flowing black and white coats, these dogs are bred to navigate the tough mountainous landscapes of Tibet.
This has resulted in their unique snowshoe feet, which help them better navigate the challenging mountainous terrain. Despite their status as a watchdog, the Tibetan Terrie is also a fantastic companion dog, being loving and loyal.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small companion dog known for its luxurious long coats that come in various colors and patterns, including black and white. Many people compare the Japanese Chin to cats, mainly due to their reserved, if somewhat aloof personalities.
Their long hair coats and curly tails give them a regal appearance, which is unsurprising considering they were bred as pets for royalty. A compact breed, an adult Japanese Chin averages 11” in height, weighing around 11lbs.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is one of the most popular small dog breeds around. While the breed comes in various colors, they’re most recognized for their beautiful black and white coats.
As a terrier, they’re energetic and enjoy exploring their surroundings, while also displaying a friendly temperament.
Due to their popularity as companions, these black and white dogs adore being around other people and receiving plenty of attention. While energetic, their smaller size means they don’t require too much exercise, so are suitable for apartments.
Italian Greyhounds
The Italian Greyhound is a sighthound with a slender frame, displaying very little body fat. Their high-step gait gives them an air of elegance as they move, along with the ability to reach high speeds.
As a sighthound, the Italian Greyhound does retain a strong drive to chase smaller animals, so are best walked on leashes. That said, they are mostly friendly towards other animals, being generally welcoming to both people and pets.
An affectionate dog that loves cuddles and playing, their slight frame means they often require insulation during cold weather. This is the perfect chance to dress them up in an adorable sweater!
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is A black and white dog that loves spending time around water – sometimes too much time!
Bred for retrieving prey from the water, they adore splashing around, with their thick curly hair insulating them from the water.
These curly coats are often all black, but also available in a beautiful black and white. Their coats are often groomed in the back half, while the front half retains much of the lovely curls. As a retriever breed, the Portuguese Water Dog has lots of energy and needs plenty of outdoor time.
Border Collie
Perhaps one of the most recognizable black and white dogs, the Border Collie is known for its incredible intelligence. As a result, Border Collies love being put to work and following commands from their owner.
Because they’re bred as working dogs, mostly for herding, they do have high energy levels so need lots of exercise. Their intelligence means they also require lots of mental stimulation, otherwise they do become destructive.
Thankfully, their working nature means that Border Collies love being trained. They take well to obedience training, while also showing their intelligence through trick training. Make sure to invest the time to properly train a Border Collie to keep it mentally stimulated and well-disciplined.
Their herding nature is often displayed at home, where they’re seen herding pets and even small children! Border Collies have medium-length black and white coats, with unique patterns across their fur.
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier comes in various colors and patterns, including black and white. Affectionally known as AmStaffs, the breed has a stocky, muscular build with a large, rounded head and big circular eyes.
Despite misconceptions surrounding the breed, American Staffordshire Terriers are great companion pets. Smart and loyal, AmStaffs are very open to training, enjoying various types of mental and physical stimulation. However, some training experience is recommended to avoid any unwanted behaviors.
Although their average height is around 16”, an adult American Staffordshire Terrier weighs as much as 70lbs. This impressive weight-to-height ratio highlights just how muscular and powerful these black and white dogs are!
Dalmatian
Quite possibly the most famous black and white dog breed in the world, the Dalmatian is known for its eye-catching coat. Their pristine white coats are decorated with lots of black spots, giving them a distinct and adorable appearance.
Originally bred as guard dogs, Dalmatians are now popular companion pets, displaying a loyal and loving attitude. However, they are sometimes hesitant around new people, so socializing from an early age is recommended.
Not everyone realizes just how energetic dalmatians are – they require a lot of exercise to avoid various behavioral issues. Standing around 2ft and weighing up to 70lbs, Dalmatians are medium-sized dogs with an average lifespan of 13 years.
Akita
The Akita is a large dog breed with a thick double coat that comes in various colors, including black and white. Due to their fierce loyalty and strong drive to protect their family, Akitas are highly regarded as watchdogs.
A thick and robust breed, Akitas reach upwards of 130lbs, while reaching up to 30” in height. Unfortunately, they aren’t great around other pets, unless receiving lots of socializing from an early age.
A type of spitz breed, Akitas have large, broad heads with pointed ears and deep-set eyes. They’re known for their curled tails and reserved nature, often wary of people outside of their family.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds available in black and white. A black and white Great Dane’s pattern is known as harlequin, consisting of a white body covered with black patterns.
Because of their distinct black and white coloring, harlequin Great Dane’s coats resemble the same coats as cows!
Although large and seemingly intimidating, Great Danes are the definition of gentle giants. They love playing and being around people, showing a soft and gentle side around children. Training a Great Dane isn’t too challenging, providing you’re equipped to handle their huge size and weight!
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a huge working dog that has earned the reputation as an excellent family dog, being especially great around kids. A gentle temperament contrasts with their massive size and build, with Newfoundland a laid-back breed that enjoys the company of people.
Their double coats feature a coarse outer coat that comes in various colors, including black and white.
In fact, a black and white Newfoundland dog is known as a Landseer, in honor of artist Sir Edwin Landseer. The English painter helped popularize the black and white Newfoundland, depicting them in various paintings throughout his life.
Newfoundland dogs are open to training and have a gentle temperament, making them ideal family dogs, providing you can handle their incredible size!
Alaskan Malamute
As their name suggests, the Alaskan Malamute was bred to work the extreme arctic climates of Alaska. Their beautiful double coats help keep them warm in colder conditions while also keeping them cool when it’s hotter.
However, as they’re bred to live in the colder Alaskan climates, Malamutes typically benefit from living in cooler areas that aren’t too hot. Their coats require some upkeep too, with lots of brushing needed to keep their beautiful coats clean and healthy.
Available in various colors, including black and white, Malamutes reach upwards of 2 feet and weigh as much as 85lbs.
They have a reputation for being somewhat stubborn and aloof, although they are an intelligent breed open to training. However, a stern hand is needed to assert your authority as the leader of the pack, which is necessary for the Malamute’s pack mentality.
Siberian Husky
Often confused with the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian Husky is another working dog bred for harsh winter climates. As a sled dog, they have exceptional strength and durability, meaning they require a lot of daily physical stimulation.
Their gorgeous double coats help keep them warm in winter and cool in summer, but like the Malamute, it’s best that they don’t live in too hot a climate.
Available in a range of colors, black and white huskies are a popular choice, with their coats contrasting beautifully with their sharp blue eyes. Black and white huskies often have distinct facial markings, further adding to their appeal.
Known as expert escape artists, huskies require a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation to avoid behavioral issues. Also, make sure you have a large fence in your yard!
Because they’re often stubborn, training is difficult for first-time owners
Selecting Black and White Dog Breeds
As the list above shows, there are all kinds of awesome dog breeds available in beautiful black and white colors. There are black and white dogs in almost every shape and size, from compact breeds like the Fox Terrier to larger breeds like the massive Great Dane.
Black and white dogs come with varying temperaments, some great for active families and others suited to laid-back apartment life.
So, no matter what you want from a black and white dog, there are plenty of fantastic breeds available for adoption!