13 Big Fluffy Dog Breeds That Are All Black

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Back in the old days, black dogs were less likely to be adopted because people believed that they carry bad energy, misfortunate, or were even bad omens. In fact, this phenomenon was called the Black Dog Syndrome (BDS).

But this superstitious belief has been put aside because scientific studies have shown that it is the recessive genes in their genetic pool that are responsible for their coat color.

In these modern days, black dogs have their own place in the human heart.

Plus, there are people who adore big fluffy dogs with black hair and coats. They represent elegance, boldness, and are definitely huggable like any other fluffy dog.

That being said, these are thirteen big fluffy dog breeds that are all black:

Table of Contents

1. Briard

The Briard is an ancient French breed of herding dog that is large in size.

They were first recognized by American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1928 but their origin can be traced back to the 8th century. The male dogs generally stand between 24 and 27 inches, while female dogs are between 22 and 25 inches.

They have a thick wavy coat in three major base colors: black, brown, and tawny. This breed requires a lot of attention because they are hyperactive, highly sociable, and playful. But they are also intelligent, loyal, trainable, and blend well with children, making them good family dogs.

Briards need daily grooming due to their thick hair and coat that tangles easily. Also, they are generally healthy but annual vet visits are always recommended to be proactive about medical issues.

2. Belgian Sheepdog

a black Belgian Sheepdog tongue sticking out

Belgian Sheepdogs are a herding group that is known for being double-coated. They were first developed in Belgium in the late 1800s.

Four varieties exist within this group, which are the Laekenois, Malinois, Tervuren, and the Belgian Sheepdogs, which are also called the Groenendael.

Their double-layer coat consists of a hard outer coat and dense undercoat. Throughout history, Belgian Sheepdogs have been used for many purposes such as cattle herding, guarding, and messenger dogs during war.

Nowadays, they are known as a versatile dog breed that is highly trainable. This large-sized dog generally stands between 22 to 26 inches.

They have a medium-length coat that generally comes in solid black color. But in some cases, they also come in other colors like fawn, cream, and brindle.

Belgian Sheepdogs are loyal, energetic, intelligent, and love human interaction. They are also quite outdoorsy and get along well with children.

3. Giant Schnauzer

a black Giant Schnauzer resting at the middle of a soccer field

This dog breed originated in Germany and considered the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds. The Giant Schnauzer was developed by German farmers who wanted a big strong dog for herding purposes.

The farmers created this breed by mixing large “Bear Schnauzers” with some herding breeds like the black Great Dane, Bouvier des Flandres, and Standard Schnauzer. This dog stands tall between 25 to 27 inches.

They have naturally floppy ears and thick shaggy coats. They can be found as solid base colors like black, or in multi-colored salt and pepper. Giant Schnauzers are energetic, intelligent, loyal, and playful dogs.

They are easy to train and need a lot of attention from their owners. If they don’t get enough exercise and mental stimulation, they might turn anxious and do something on their own.

Anyone who doesn’t like to groom dogs shouldn’t adopt this breed because they require frequent grooming, at least twice a week.

4. Bergamasco Sheepdog

big black Bergamasco Sheepdog running on the snow

Bergamasco Sheepdogs originated in the Alpine town of Bergamo in Milan, Italy. They are also known as the Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, Bergamese Shepherds, and the Bergamese Shepherd Dogs.

They were developed and raised for cattle herding but in these modern days, they are more versatile and are often kept as house pets too. Bergamasco Sheepdogs are unique due to their thick matted coat.

This coat varies in different base colors like black, silver, white, and fawn. With their large and sturdy body, they make great companions and talented show dogs.

Aside from their versatility in learning new skills, they are extremely outgoing and friendly with children or people around them. This might come as a surprise but unlike other dogs with a thick fluffy coat, Bergamasco Sheepdogs don’t need much grooming.

This is because of their unique three-layered coats called ‘dog’, ‘goat’ and ‘wool hair’ that needs only a one-time maintenance process when they reach six years old.

5. Newfoundland Dog

a black Newfoundland Dog with a santa hat sitting near the Christmas tree

Like their name, the Newfoundland dogs were first developed on the coast of Newfoundland. But their origin is unclear.

Some people believe that they descend from the Great Pyrenees and French boarhounds. But as their population grew larger, they evolved and became what they are today.

These large and heavy-boned dogs possess a sturdy frame that gives them a strong and athletic look.

They generally stand between 26 to 28 inches, with thick, straight double coats that are in base colors like black, brown, and gray.

They also have a large head with small ears that lie close to the head. The Newfoundlands are well-known for their friendly, warm, and docile temperament.

Although they don’t mind living inside the house, regular exercise and outdoor activities are needed to keep them happy, energetic, and healthy.

6. Black Russian Terrier

a Black Russian Terrier sitting near lavender flowers at a park

This dog breed was first developed in Moscow after World War II for police work and military purposes. Breeders of this dog started to cross a Giant Schnauzer with other breeds like the Rottweiler, Airedale, and the Moscow retriever. As a result, this breed was born.

Black Russian Terriers are large, well-built dogs, with distinctive thick double coats. They generally stand between 26 and 30 inches, which is taller than many other big dog breeds.

Their outer coat is waterproof and weatherproof while their undercoat insulates their body from cold and harsh weather.

These coats are generally in black color and regular brushing is needed to prevent any tangles. Black Russian Terriers are protective, calm, and loyal to their owners.

They are also sharp, intelligent, and quick to learn new skills. Due to their protective nature, early socialization is always a must to prevent them from being too hostile with people when they grow up.

7. Flat-Coated Retriever

a Flat-Coated Retriever soaking its feet in the water

Flat-Coated Retrievers were developed for retrieving purposes in bird shooting games and fishing activities to retrieve the downed animals. They were originally named the ‘Wavy-Coated Retriever’ but later changed to ‘Flat-Coated Retriever’ to closely reflect their appearance.

Flat-Coated Retrievers possess a medium-length thick coat that is black or liver-colored. Frequent grooming is required to keep their coat healthy, shiny, and free from any tangles. They stand between 23 to 25 inches and weigh between 60 to 80 pounds.

Also, their legs and tails are well feathered. Flat-Coated Retrievers make great family dogs due to their warm, friendly, loyal, and playful attitude.

They get along well with children and anyone around them. Generally, they can live up to 10 years, provided that they receive enough care and regular health checks.

8. Chow Chow Dog

a black Chow Chow Dog standing outside the house

At a glance, this breed resembles a cute fluffy bear but they are actually the most ancient Chinese dog breed. Chow Chows were mainly used as hunting and tracking dogs of birds for the Chinese nobles and emperors.

Then, their population declined before they began being kept by the monasteries. In the late 1800s, they were finally imported to England and the United States.

Chow Chows are strong, sturdy, with a compact body frame that gives them the agility to hunt and run fast.

They have a lion-like ruff around their head and shoulders, a blue-black tongue, a stiff-legged gait, a scowling expression, and almond-shaped eyes.

Their thick double coats come in different colors like black, brown, silver, cinnamon, and cream.

Due to their fierce and protective nature, they can be quite hostile and aggressive with strangers.

So, early socialization and training are needed to keep them calm and friendly with people. Also, regular brushing is needed to keep their coat healthy and soft.

9. Bouvier des Flandres

a Bouvier Des Flandres dog standing on a pavement under the sun

Bouvier des Flandres (which means cow herder from Flanders) originated in the Flanders region of Belgium and Northern France. They were first bred to serve the purpose of herding cattle and farm animals.

Nowadays, they are versatile dogs that serve as family dogs, guide dogs for the blind, companion dogs, and even in the police force.

Bouviers possess a rough, shaggy outercoat and dense undercoat that protects them from cold and harsh weather. Generally, they come in different solid colors like black, gray, brindle, and fawn.

Some thick, medium-length hairs that resemble a mustache may also be found on their muzzle. They have muscular legs and (usually) docked tails.

With their intelligent, calm, and protective nature, they make great companion dogs.

This breed might not be a suitable choice for people who don’t have time to groom their dogs. This is because Bouviers require frequent grooming to keep their shaggy coat healthy and shiny.

10. Newfypoo

The Newfypoo was developed by crossing two different breeds: the Newfoundland and the Standard Poodle.

Although these mixed breed dogs aren’t accepted by the standard of any kennel clubs, they are recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry and the Dog Registry of America.

The Newfypoos generally stand between 20 and 28 inches and can weigh up to 150 pounds. They have a large body frame, a strong gait, and long ears.

They also have a thick, curly coat that looks oily. But their coat doesn’t shed easily.

They do need regular brushing to keep their coat healthy. Although they could come in different colors, the three most common colors of this mix are black, brown, and gray.

With their sweet, calm, affectionate, and intelligent personality, Newfypoos make great family dogs.

11. Portuguese Water Dog

This dog breed was originally developed to be a fishermen’s helper in herding fish into nets and retrieving fishing gear. Their origin is still unclear but some people believe that they originated in Central Asia around 700 BC.

Also known as the Cao de Agua (dog of the water), they are good swimmers and love water activities.

The Portuguese Water Dog can be recognized by their double coats; one is curly while the other is wavy. These coats vary in colors of black, brown, and white.

They also have webbed feet, which make them unique compared to other dog breeds.

Due to their friendly, affectionate, and outgoing personality, they need regular attention from people to keep them happy. There is no doubt that this breed would certainly make a loyal companion for humans.

12. Gordon Setter

a black Gordon Setter sitting in the green field outdoors

The origin of Gordon Setter dogs can be traced back to 1620 in Great Britain. They were initially developed for hunting purposes.

There are three types of Setter breeds; the English Setter, the Irish Setter, and the Gordon Setter, which is the largest of the three. In 1892, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Gordon Setter.

Gordon Setters generally stand between 24 and 27 inches with a sturdy frame and muscular legs. They possess a distinctive thick, silky black coat separated by tan markings around the muzzle and legs.

Weekly grooming is needed to prevent any matting and irregular growth of hair. This breed possesses a caring, loyal, and affectionate temperament towards its owners and families.

On the other hand, due to their protective and sensitive nature, they might bark when meeting strangers or anyone they don’t know. So, regular socialization is needed to train them from getting too hostile.

13. Tibetan Mastiff

a black Tibetan Mastiff sitting comfortably on a cut log in the woods

The Tibetan Mastiff originated in Central Asia centuries ago but their exact history is still unclear. They were mainly used in hunting activities and guarding livestock.

In 1847, they were brought to the United Kingdom before finally making their way to the United States in the 1950s.

In 2006, this breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club. Tibetan Mastiffs are large, tall, and project a majestic look through their thick, fluffy mane.

They stand between 24 and 26 inches and possess double coats that consist of a thick, wooly undercoat and coarse outer hair. These coats come in common colors like black, tan, and brown.

Unlike other double-coated breeds, they don’t require much grooming other than regular brushing to keep their coats healthy.

Although they are intelligent and easy to train, Tibetan Mastiffs can be quite stubborn and suspicious toward strangers. Early and regular socialization is needed to keep them grounded and friendly.

Final Thoughts

Above all, no matter what breed they are, all of these dogs possess their own charm and qualities. As with any other dog, what shapes their personalities is the way they are being trained, and the love they receive from their owners. But their fluffiness and adorable look certainly come as additional bonuses.