Do you have a black dog? If so, you might be wondering what to call him. Here are some ideas of names for black dogs that are perfect for your new pup!
This post may contain affiliate links which means we receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
What’s so special about black dogs?
Dogs of all colors are amazing, but there’s really something so glorious about black dogs and their sparkling coats. Just imagine a dog in the middle of a garden, with bright sunlight gleaming on its beautiful black coat. So magical!
If you are looking for a new furry family member, consider adopting a black dog. You won’t just gain a new pet and best friend, you can save a precious life!
Believe it or not, so many people are parents to these wonderful canines, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Their captivating coats mirror their powerful personalities!
Are black dogs less likely to get adopted?
Black dogs are often passed over for adoption, because of the myth that black dogs are unlucky or badly behaved. Many people are afraid of black dogs because of how they have been portrayed in TV and movies.
The answer is yes. Let’s admit it. Many people discriminate against dark-colored pets. All animals are beautiful and worthy to be loved, but some just don’t realize that. Just like their feline counterparts, black dogs struggle a lot at shelters. They are usually the last ones left and the first ones to be euthanized. This case is so prevalent that shelter staff members from all over even gave this form of discrimination a name – Black Dog Syndrome.
A study published in 2002 proved that black coats influence the adoption rates for dogs and cats negatively. Some say it’s because black dogs look scary compared to light-colored canines. Others don’t like them because they don’t look as lovely in photos and it’s hard to read their expressions.
For superstitious people, black dogs bring bad luck. These were stories from centuries ago but it still affects the minds of adopters when roaming shelters looking for new pets. They consider black as an evil color and that every black-colored living thing is a bad omen.
Black dogs don’t deserve this. Heartbreaking, but don’t worry! We can still do something about it. Let’s spread the word and encourage more and more people to appreciate and adopt black dogs.
Related Article: 25+ Cute Names for White Dogs
Names for Black Dogs
It can be fun to name your black fur dog based on its coat!
- Ash
- Banshee
- Bear
- Blackie
- Black Jack
- Charcoal
- Coco
- Colton
- Diablo
- Ebony
- Gypsy
- Inky
- Jet
- Jinx
- Licorice
- Midnight
- Notte
- Obsidian
- Ombra
- Onyx
- Padfoot (nickname given to Sirius Black)
- Panther
- Pepper
- Phantom
- Raven
- Salty
- Shadow
- Sheba
- Sirius (Black, from Harry Potter, but also the name of the Dog Star!)
- Smokey
- Stormy
- Tar
- Toto
- Twilight
- Vader
Black Dog Breeds
Many dog breeds produce exclusively-black dogs. If you want a black fur dog, look for mixes that include these breeds:
Black Russian Terrier
Known as the “Black Pearls of Russia, Black Russian Terriers are magnificent dark beauties. It is a relatively new breed known for its shiny black coats with tiny bits of gray. If you want your Blackie to become a show dog, a more meticulous grooming routine is required.
However, if you just want her to become a constant companion at home, regular bathing and brushing are enough. Comb her hair weekly with a high-quality dog brush. They don’t shed a lot, yet this routine is crucial to prevent matting.
Schipperke
Schipperkes are little black dogs born to do the most challenging tasks. This doesn’t mean they are super easy to train, though! They can be stubborn and too independent, so be prepared for thorough training sessions.
Aside from training and exercise, regular grooming is something you should focus on. During shedding season which happens once or twice a year, brush your Schipperke’s hair more frequently. This will help keep the amount of hair under control.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are not recommended for first-time dog owners, but if you can commit to their careful training requirements, caring for one would be the most fulfilling experience. Despite their huge size and continuous socialization needs, they are absolute sweethearts.
Since Rottweilers have short, black coats with tan markings, grooming is minimal. They are also moderate shedders, so weekly brushing is enough. Expect some extra fur in your furniture in the fall and spring, but that’s pretty much it!
Croatian Sheepdog
The Croatian Sheepdog, or Hrvatski Ovčar, is an ancient dog breed produced by the Croats as herding dogs. Don’t recognize them? They are low to medium-height dogs with fox-like legs and heads. Their base color is always black, with small patches of white color on their toes and chests.
Adopting a Croatian Sheepdog from the shelter? Make sure to give your new best friend a diet formulated for a medium-sized, high-energy dog. They tend to gain so much weight, so giving them balanced meals can keep them in perfect shape.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Move over Labrador and Golden Retrievers, there is a retriever superstar in town. And it’s sparkling black. Flat-Coated Retrievers were initially produced as a retriever both in water and on land. They have gorgeous coats that just usually come in black.
Flat-Coated Retrievers have water-resistant double coats specifically designed to protect them from all the harmful elements. If she gets dirty from playing outdoors, run a brush through her coat before coming back inside. This will help remove the debris and prevent mats from developing.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are striking, muscular canines typically kept as guard dogs. The most common Dobermans we see around come in black with a few tan markings, the most common color for this breed. Just looking at them screams nobility.
They may appear too elegant and confident, but they are actually low-maintenance pets. These dogs have short hair, so all you need to do is brush it weekly. For some owners, bath time is even scheduled once every two months. It all depends on your dogs’ activity level.
Other Dogs With Black Fur
These dog breeds produce various colors of fur, but also dogs that are all black:
Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are not the most popular dogs in town, but they are charismatic in their own ways. While they come in different colors like white and brown, black Porties are absolute favorites by many dog lovers.
Portuguese Water Dogs are excellent swimming, walking, and jogging companions. To keep yours happy and healthy, though, pay special attention to her coat after every challenging activity. Clean her fur after playing, and then brush her two to three times a week to keep her hair tangle-free.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a huge working breed with a straight, double coat. Do you know that males can reach 28 inches tall? They are like walking teddy bears. Despite its size, it’s a good-natured dog that enjoys lounging around the house. Having a yard for daily exercise and playtime is essential, though.
Thinking of adopting one? They are friendly dogs that would surely enjoy the company of anyone who chooses to spend time with them! However, they are known to drool a lot. They shed a lot, too. When it comes to caring for them, patience is, indeed, a virtue. But it’s all worth it. In return, you get lots of love and genuine friendship.
Labrador Retriever
Those people who say that black dogs look scary clearly haven’t met a black Labrador Retriever. Yellows and Chocolates are undeniably charming, but Black Labs are extra magnificent.
Produced for challenging sport, Labs are equipped with short, easy-to-care-for coats, tons of energy, and keen intelligence. Make grooming easier for you and your black Lab by making each grooming session a fun, positive experience filled with rewards and praise.
Scottish Terrier
A home with a Terrier is always a wonderful place. It becomes even more wonderful and more loving with a black one, like the Scottish Terrier. These short-legged wonder dogs are brilliant pets, but they can be too headstrong and self-supporting. They are possible to train but you need lots of patience.
Scottish Terriers don’t shed much. However, they still require thorough grooming. If your Scottish Terrier is not used to this process, it can be a stressful experience for her, and even for you. This may also be the case if you adopted one with a bad grooming experience with previous owners. Here’s a tip: start by using a gentle brush and learn more about different brushes for dogs!
Pug
Pugs are the ultimate house dogs. Due to their playful and friendly nature, many people choose them as their first pet! One of the best things about Pugs is that their wrinkled faces seem to bring about a range of human-like expressions. You would easily determine when they are happy, sad, or excited – even if yours has a black coat.
Do you know that a lot of pug owners choose to groom their pugs all by themselves at home? For them, that’s more practical. Start by reading Pug-specific grooming tips and choose tools that are not harsh on your dog’s black hair and skin.
Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is the biggest of the three Schnauzer breeds. It comes in two coat colors: pepper and salt, and solid black. Both are extraordinary but the black Giant Schnauzer no doubt delivers the most commanding appearance.
The Giant Schnauzers have dense, wiry, and hard outer coats. Under it is a smooth, soft undercoat. To maintain it well, brush your dog one to three times a week. Stripping or clipping is also a great idea to keep it looking neat and healthy.
Barbet
Barbet dogs were first bred way back in 16th century France. They were used to hunt waterfowl and retrieve other types of birds from bodies of water. They were the original water dogs of the land! In 1994, they were officially introduced in the United States. You can consider them as doggie newcomers, but it appears that they already received a century’s worth of love. In January 2020, the breed eventually became a member of the AKC Sporting Group.
Covered in long, curly hair, this breed needs a pet parent who is highly committed to maintaining its coat. Even non-shedding dogs need careful brushing and grooming. After walking, you even need to take time to check the coat for small leaves, twigs, and dirt. Thick dog hair may catch anything and everything that touches it!
How to Improve Your Dog’s Black Coat
If your black dog is looking a bit dull and dingy lately, it’s time to reassess your care routine. This means changing everything from your grooming methods to her diet.
Change your dog’s food for a healthier coat
Improperly balanced home-cooked meals and low-quality commercial dog food don’t provide enough nutrients for proper coat and skin maintenance. Make sure that her food contains all the essential fatty acids and other nutrients. Quality food is the key to that dark, sparkling glow!
Try coconut oil
Coconut oil may help improve your black dog’s coat. Try applying it to her skin and hair. It can make it smoother and shinier, and in time, less prone to damages. It’s all because of lauric acid, the fatty acid found in coconut oil. You can add a teaspoon of coconut oil to her food each day, too.
Brush your black dog regularly
Whether your black dog has long or short fur, you need to brush it every few days. Three times a week, if she has long, thick hair, and then once if she has short hair. Some breeds, though, require daily brushing. If she sheds a lot, purchase a de-shedding brush to ensure that her hair looks glossy black!
Bathe your black dog at least once a month
Ideally, black dogs should be bathed weekly, but you can stretch it to a month if your dog doesn’t do many outdoor activities. During bath time, don’t forget to use an organic shampoo and moisturizing conditioner. If you can, find dog products with vitamin E to prevent skin irritation.
Ask for your veterinarian’s advice
A veterinarian will be able to help you incorporate new grooming methods into your day-to-day routine. He or she can also run specific tests that can pinpoint and treat the root of the issue, just in case there are underlying health conditions. Even the smallest hair and skin issues shouldn’t be missed.