If you compare white breeds with black ones, you will notice that there are far fewer black small dogs than white ones. They are therefore comparatively rare.
There is also the so-called “black dog syndrome”. This phenomenon describes the fact that black dogs are the least likely to be adopted. [1]
Here you will find an overview of all black dog breeds, divided according to their size. Simply click on the respective image:
Below you will learn about all the small black dogs, their special features and what purposes they are best suited for.
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#1 Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a small black dog with a curious, adventurous nature. The four-legged friends belong to the smallest Pinscher species and shed very little. [2]
When fully grown, these dogs reach a size of 23 – 30 cm. This makes them ideal for apartment life. First owners get along very well with the little guys.
The four-legged friends are also known as “monkey terriers”. This name comes from their fur, which has a lot in common with the hair structure of monkeys.
The Affenpinscher was bred to keep rats away from the property. The four-legged friends cope very well with cold and heat. They are very friendly with strange dogs.
The four-legged friends are trusting towards the family. They love attention and activity. However, they have difficulty staying alone and often do not tolerate children.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends are very possessive of their toys. What they once gnawed on is theirs. And woe betide you if you even dare to touch her toy!
#2 American Bully
The American Bully is an intelligent, stubborn dog from the USA. The black, small dog breed has officially only been around for around 20 years. [3]
The four-legged friend was bred specifically for life as a domestic dog. There are four different sizes of this four-legged friend. The smallest version is approx. 43 cm high and weighs 40 kg.
The friendly dogs are very adaptable. They get along well with other dogs and are loyal to the family. You develop a strong bond with her.
Despite their small size, these dogs usually only live between 8 and 12 years. An American Bully is one of the rare breeds and can cost €2,000 – €5,000.
The muscular, strong animals are well suited as guard dogs. They only have a weak hunting instinct and need a lot of exercise. They shed little and are easy to train.
Fun fact: The rarity of this breed of dog is not due to its character or appearance – but rather to its price. Rare specimens of this breed are sometimes sold to enthusiasts for up to €250,000.
#3 American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is a very trainable four-legged friend. The small, black dog was bred as a bird hunting dog. Today he is more of a family dog. [4]
It makes it into the top 30 most popular dog breeds. The four-legged friend lives up to 14 years and is very trusting towards the family.
His floppy ears and the long fur on his legs are visually striking. The dog has no problems with the cold. On the other hand, he reacts very sensitively to criticism and requires intensive care.
Cocker Spaniels often suffer from ear infections and should be dried very well after swimming. They also tend to be nervous and bark constantly.
The four-legged friends are unsuitable as guard dogs. They are always friendly towards strangers. In addition, they are very good swimmers and are often used as film dogs.
Fun fact: Dog paws have to be soft on the bottom? None. These dogs have small slats on their paw pads that allow them to even run over ice without slipping.
#4 Cairn Terriers
The fearless Cairn Terrier is a small black dog from Scotland. The four-legged friend lives up to 17 years and is the 69th most popular dog breed. [5]
This self-confident dog is well suited as a guard dog. He barks a lot, has a strong hunting instinct and needs a lot of exercise. He is difficult to train.
The Cairn Terrier needs strict owners because he likes to test his limits. He is trusting towards his family and gets along well with children.
Strangers are no problem for him. Strange dogs are also tolerated. Nevertheless, this four-legged friend has a natural instinct to bark and dig.
The little four-legged friends only weigh 6 kg when fully grown. They get along well with heat and cold and only shed a moderate amount. They are well suited for apartments and first-time homeowners.
Fun fact: A: “My dog is left-handed!” B: “How do you know that?” A: “Well, he always runs with his left paw and always feels things with his left!”
#5 Chihuahuas
The Chihuahua is one of the most famous lap dogs in the world. The four-legged friend doesn't have the nickname “handbag dog” for nothing. When fully grown it only weighs 2-3 kg. [6]
The black, small dogs live up to 20 years and come in two types – short-haired and long-haired. Both types shed relatively little and freeze quickly.
The little four-legged friends are very sensitive due to their delicate nature. Keeping them with small children is not recommended as the children could injure the Chihuahuas.
The four-legged friends often react negatively towards other dogs. The Chihuahua doesn't like large crowds, traffic or crowded places.
In general, caution is advised as the mini dogs can become prey for birds of prey, strange dogs or wild dogs. Their size often triggers the hunting instinct of larger animals.
Fun fact: Some Chihuahuas are so small that they could fit not only in a handbag, but even in a jacket pocket. The smallest Chihuahua in the world made it into the Guinness Book of Records with a shoulder height of 9.5 cm.
#6 Dachshund
The Dachshund is a small, black dog breed from Germany. This former hunting dog's temperament is lively, curious and clever. He loves to dig and barks a lot. [7]
In total there are nine different types of Dachshunds. They all differ in size and fur texture. The dachshund is ideal as a family dog.
Its size makes it ideal for apartments and well suited for first-time homeowners. The four-legged friend only needs moderate exercise and has a strong hunting instinct.
He is also easy to train and sheds moderately. He is trusting towards his family. He loves children and is a great play partner. He looks at strangers skeptically.
The dachshund doesn't cope well with the cold. A coat helps here in winter. The little four-legged friend lives up to 16 years and is one of the 12th most popular dog breeds in the world.
Fun fact: Does it surprise you that the Dachshund is more commonly known as the “Sausage Dog” in English-speaking countries?
#7 German Hunting Terrier
The German Hunting Terrier is a small dog breed from Germany, the four-legged friend is usually black. It was bred to hunt above and below ground. [8]
The hunting terrier specialized in badgers, foxes, wild boars and raccoons. Even today, the four-legged friend still has a very strong hunting instinct and is difficult to train.
The sniffing nose weighs 8-9 kg when fully grown and is also suitable as a family dog. He is social, reliable and adaptable. The four-legged friend doesn't like loneliness.
Since he is very territorial, he is also well suited as a guard dog. The Jagdterrier gets along well with children. It is also very suitable for first-time owners or seniors.
Overall, he is an intelligent four-legged friend who is friendly and has no problem with hard work. He loves the attention of his owners and is a calm companion.
Fun fact: Dogs are always hungry and therefore like to weigh more? The opposite is the case with the German Hunting Terrier. This four-legged friend often suffers from being underweight.
#8 English Cocker Spaniel
The trusting English Cocker Spaniel is a four-legged friend with long floppy ears. The four-legged friend was originally bred for hunting. [9]
Today, the small, black dog breed is mainly kept as a family dog. The friendly spaniel is not suitable as a guard dog. He is highly trainable and barks a lot.
His personality is energetic and cheerful. He sheds mediocrely and needs a lot of exercise. It is well suited for keeping in the apartment and for beginners.
The four-legged friend doesn't get along well with loneliness. He loves children, dogs and even gets along very well with strangers. The English Cocker Spaniel often tends to be overweight.
Like all spaniels, this one is very sensitive when it comes to criticism. You should definitely take this into account in your upbringing and not be too strict.
Fun fact: English Cocker Spaniels are so trainable that you can easily teach them to grab a beer from the fridge. Try it out!
#9 English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel from England was originally bred to hunt birds. Because of his good nose, he was primarily used as a sniffer dog. [10]
It was particularly popular with lonely hunters. The small, black dog is one of the fastest of 28 spaniel species. In England he is one of the top 3 most popular dogs.
The four-legged friend lives up to 14 years and has endurance well into old age. He needs a lot of exercise and has a very strong hunting instinct. He barks moderately much.
The English Springer Spaniel gets along well with children or other pets. But you should get him used to it early on and socialize him well. It is suitable for first-time owners.
However, you shouldn't keep him in the apartment. This energetic four-legged friend needs a large garden and lots of exercise. He is usually friendly towards strangers.
Fun fact: Normally this four-legged friend is calm personified. However, if you leave him alone, he will often bridge his loneliness by barking constantly.
#10 Griffon Belge
This small black dog from Belgium is the so-called Griffon Belge. The four-legged friend has a vigilant, self-confident nature and a strong hunting instinct. [11]
He is often very impatient and selfish. He is only moderately trainable and barks a lot. It is suitable for keeping in apartments, but should not be left in inexperienced hands.
Because the Griffon Belge is a brachycephalic (“short-headed”) breed, it often suffers from breathing problems. He doesn't cope well with heat and cold.
The nervous four-legged friend reacts anxiously to strangers and barks a lot. The Griffon Belge is picky when it comes to eating and has difficulty staying alone.
This dog breed almost became extinct during the war. The four-legged friends reach 3 to 6 kg and need a lot of cuddles. They love attention…