“Black and white can transform a scene into something magical.” – Rob Sheppard
There is an inexplicable charm to black and white dog breeds, and thankfully in the kingdom of dogs, there are a variety of B&W dogs that come in different sizes, coats, and temperaments.
Even if you are fond of calico or tri- colored dogs, it’s impossible for a devoted dog person not to fall for the B&W canines that we have listed in this article.
Let’s see if our claim stands up.
Black And White Dog Breeds
1. Dalmatian
There is no doubt that Dalmatians are one of the most exquisite dogs around. Dals are popular because of their unique white coat sprinkled with black spots.
Originating from the historical region Dalmatia of present-day Croatia, these dogs are thought to be the progeny of certain breeds of pointers and spotted Great Danes.
When Dalmatians are born, their coat is plain white, and within ten days, their first spots start to appear. However, they are in lighter shades in the beginning. The spots continue to develop until the puppy is around 18 months old. After the dog is fully developed, the size of the spots grows, usually to 2 – 6 cm, giving them their signature look.
These dogs can have short and long coats, though long-haired Dalmatians are rare. An interesting fact about Dalmatians is that the breed rose to extreme popularity after the movie Dalmatian 101.
2. Border Collie
Ranking 1st in the list of most intelligent dog breeds and 35th most popular dog breeds in the US, Border Collies are bi-colored black and white coated dogs. Developed in the conducive environment of a border country between Scotland and England, these dogs fall in the herding dog group. Their leadership qualities and smart moves make them one of the best herders in the dog world.
As they are smart, meaning that they are highly trainable, these dogs have excelled at several performance activities, such as sheepherding, agility, obedience, flyball, freestyle, Frisbee, and dog-dancing. Border Collies can also be easily trained to do search and rescue work.
Their remarkable instincts, high trainability, and desire to please their owners often put them at the top of the list of serious competitors in dog competitions. Before bringing a Border Collie home, you should know that they are not hypoallergenic—they are medium shedders.
3. Smooth Fox Terrier
Known as the ‘gentleman of the terrier world,’ Smooth Fox Terriers are lively, spunky, and gay terriers with a devil-may-care attitude.
Developed especially for Britain’s traditional foxhunts, these dogs stand out because of their unique V-shaped, flat, and moderately narrow-headed skull that gradually decreases in width to the eyes.
Though the exact origin of the Smooth Fox Terrier is still unknown, it’s believed that the breed entered the show ring during the mid-19th century. Initially, the breed was confused with Wire Fox Terrier, and therefore, they weren’t given a distinction. Later on, in 1885, the American Kennel Club recognized them as a separate breed.
Talking about the characteristics of the Smooth Fox Terriers, they are highly energetic dogs like most other types of terriers. They enjoy doing exercise as much as they can if given enough space. When they don’t get ample exercise daily, they may develop behavioral issues.
4. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a super adorable toy companion having an itsy-bitsy snout, punch face and silky, lustrous, and profuse coat that comes in two colors. These dogs belong to the list of one of the most innocent black and white dog breeds.
Thanks to their quiet demeanor and fastidious and independent nature, Japanese Chins are described as a distinctly ‘feline’ breed. Though they are independent, they love to be around their favorite human all the time. They thrive on the affection and company of their people. These dogs do well in apartments and easily adapt to any living situation.
This beautiful black and white dog breed has a very interesting yet complicated history. While most believe that the Japanese Chin breed originated in China, it is reported that the Chinese Emperor gave a pair of these sweethearts to the Japanese Emperor.
Decades later, in the 1600s, Portuguese sailors presented Princess Catherine of Braganza with these dogs as a gift, after which they became popular in Europe. In 1853, Admiral Commodore Perry gifted Queen Victoria a pair of Chin after he came back from his voyage to Japan. In the aftermath of the First World War and the Japanese earthquakes, the numbers of Japanese Chin dropped dramatically.
5. Boston Terrier
‘The American Gentleman’ is ranked as the 21st most popular dog breed in the US. Boston Terriers are one of the best small watchdogs as well.
These dogs are recognized by their short face, domed head, tuxedo jacket-patterned coat, compact body, and round eyes.
The best thing about these black and white dogs is that though they are devoted buddies that prefer company, they don’t get separation anxiety even if they are home alone for four to eight hours. This quality makes them best for dog lovers with busy schedules. However, the owner has to house train them; else if they haven’t learned to hold their bladder, it may lead to certain messy situations.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
Cao de Agua or Portuguese Water Dogs are curly-haired goofballs that have served fishermen for decades. Their water-resistance coat and strong limbs allow them to wade through water as easily as ducks do.
An interesting thing about these black and white dogs is the way early farmers groomed their hair. The Portie can be groomed in two styles:
a. The Retriever Clip
An inch of length is clipped or trimmed off the coat over the entire body.
b. The Lion Clip
In this style, the coat on the hindquarters, mid-body, and muzzle is clipped down to the skin.
7. American Staffordshire Terrier
Weighing around 50 to 70 lbs. and standing tall between 18 to 19 inches, American Staffordshire Terriers (AmStaffs) are the real bros. Always standing by their owner’s side, they are never afraid of an opponent of any size. AmStaffs make excellent guard dogs and can be protective of their owner. However, they don’t lose their cool and become aggressive unless they are provoked or they perceive that some potential danger is approaching their loving owners. They have an amazing bite force of 250 to 300 PSI, which they rarely unleash.
Don Campbell, president of the American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Victoria, says “the breed is not human-aggressive. It’s a very people-orientated breed. If it’s a well-bred American Staffordshire terrier it’s so out of character. It’s a dog I trust. They’re loyal dogs, they’re very people-orientated dogs. They just want to please people.”
8. Akita
Among the list of black and white dog breeds, Akitas are one of the most dangerous ones. The Akita Inu has a scissor-like jaw that makes it bite extremely powerful, and no one can open his jaw until the dog decides to let go by himself. Adding to this strong grip, they have a huge size which makes them potentially dangerous dogs.
Though they are often said to be aggressive, they are cuddly and pretty loyal to their owners and those who mean the most to them.
Currently, there are no pure White and Black Akita coats available, but there often have coats with silver and black overlays. You might find a black and white variety in Akita mixes like Shepkita. They are also one of the most expensive dog breeds.
9. Alaskan Malamute
People are often seen asking why Alaskan Malamutes are dangerous? Actually, they are high-energy dogs that were developed for cold and harsh environments and were utilized for sled-pulling. Now, when people try to keep these good-looking black and white dogs in apartments, they get really bored and try to release their energy through scratching, barking, and chewing things. So you should only bring an Alaskan Malamute home if you have a fenced yard, wherein your pup can jump and play around. Besides that, you will have to take your Alaskan Malamute out for walks and exercise him daily for around two hours.
On average, they require a minimum of two hours of vigorous physical activity or exercise every day. To make up for this you can take your pup on long walks with you and if you are a hiking enthusiast, you can take them along.
9. Siberian Husky
Honestly, whenever there is a discussion about the best black and white dog breeds, it’s impossible that you don’t hear the name Siberian Huskies.
Other than their black and white fur, what adds to their beauty is their eye color. Either they have blue and brown eyes, or they can have two different eye colors. Research shows the following percentages regarding the eye color of huskies.
| Husky Eye Color | Percentage |
| Blue | 40% |
| Brown | 40% |
| Green | 5% |
| Bi-eyed | 10% |
| Parti | 5% |
10. Harlequin Great Dane
Harlequin Great Dane is not a separate dog breed. It is just a color pattern seen on Great Danes. This pattern appears because of the complex interaction of the Merle and Harlequin genes on black pigment. Because of this crossing, the coat of the Great Dane displays a pattern of irregular black spots on a white background. This pattern gives them a unique appearance, making them quite rare. This is why they are costly, with their prices ranging between $1000 to upwards of $2500.
11. Old English Sheepdog
Developed as a drover’s companion that has the strength to bear the climate of the English countryside, the Old English Sheepdog (OES) stands at the position of 72nd most popular dog breed in the US.
Old English Sheepdogs have a dense double coat that makes them instantly recognizable but makes them heavy shedders as well. Therefore, grooming them can be a little hectic as your OES will require daily brushing to remove dead hair, tangles, and mats. Also, they have the habit of drooling, so much so that the coat around their mouths turns yellow. So, if you have pet allergies, look away from the Old English Sheepdog. You may want to check out hypoallergenic dog breeds.
12. Tibetan Terrier
Their enchanting long hair can fetch prices of more than $2000, a price that does justice to their cost. Even though these dogs have profuse coats, Tibetan Terriers do not shed fur as the Old English Sheepdogs do. Rather, they lose hair in a similar way to humans. They are considered one of the medium-sized family dogs that don’t shed.
Tibetan Terriers are huge fur balls having a history that goes back centuries and are long associated with the Buddhist monasteries.
These saint dogs are gentle and loving towards everyone. But, they do get aggressive when teased and provoked. If you are nice to them, they’d let you cuddle with them and run your fingers through their fur.
13. Black And White Pomeranian
There are seven identified alleles or genes that determine a dog’s coat color and patterning. Pomeranians come in a diverse variety of color coats including black and white. Due to the many different factors and hidden genes, it can be hard to predict the Pomeranian dog’s color.
While bringing home a black and white Pomeranian puppy, you should keep in mind that they tend to change color as they age. The coat colors could darken or lighten up and the patterns may also change in size and appearance.
14. Black and White Puli
The Puli is an ancient dog breed believed to have existed 6,000 years ago or more.
These dogs have a profuse, weather-resistant coat that blankets all parts of their body. The outer coat is curly, wavy, and soft—but not silky and satiny. Their undercoat is cozy and wooly.
As the dog grows, its hair will form cords that clump together easily if allowed to develop naturally. These cords are thick and vary in length. The coats are either flat or round. Their curly-haired coat makes them one of the curly-haired dog breeds.
When the Puli reaches his adult age, the coat becomes quite long, almost reaching to the ground, making them look a bit unusual. This is the reason that they are often listed as one of the weird-looking dog breed.
However before you bring them home, know that with such a profuse coat, there’d be a lot of grooming and cleaning required.
15. Borzoi
Hailing from Russia, Borzoi is a Russian dog breed, and are often called Russian wolfhounds. They were officially recognized as a separate dog breed by the AKC in 189. Standing tall at 26 to 32 inches and weighing only 55 to 105 pounds, Borzoi is categorized as a tall skinny dog breed. Their skinny physique allows them to run at an astonishing speed of 30 to 40 mph.
Like most sighthounds, the Borzoi breed is very sensitive, making them good family dogs but not good protection dogs. They are lovely and affectionate towards their loving owners, without being overbearing toward strangers. Though they are alert, sharp, and focused, do remember that they were bred for hunting and chasing, not for protection. The best thing about this dog is its self-cleaning habit. That makes this breed an easygoing breed that doesn’t require high maintenance.
16. Australian Cattle Dog
Talking about the black and white dog breeds, the Australian Cattle Dogs are not exactly black and white; rather, there are markings on their coat that give them a monochromatic look. The texture of their coat is smooth, having a double coat with a short, dense undercoat. Also, their outer coat is water-resistant.
But their exquisitely patterned black and white coat is not their only trait. Instead, what got them to the position of the 55th most popular dog breed in the US is their agility, strength, power, and endurance.
17. French Bulldog
Standing at the position of 4th most popular dog in the US, French Bulldog or Bouledogue français is the companion and non-sporting dog that love to goof around the house all the time. Because of its small size and laziness, this dog has become the apple-of-the-eye for apartment dwellers having busy schedules. Because of their soaring popularity, they are often crossbred with other dog breeds to create interesting mixes like Bullypit.
A funny rumor about Frenchies is that these little fellas fart often. However, that’s not a funny thing, it can be a red signal of stomach disorder or bloating. This happens when there is an abrupt change in their diet that leads to indigestion. This may also happen when they eat something they shouldn’t have, or they gulp down food too quickly, taking air in their stomach. To prevent such issues, you need to give him a diet that is vet-approved and specifically designed for French Bulldogs.
18. Chihuahua
Small but feisty. Chihuahuas are one of the most popular small dog breeds. There are plenty of best things about Chihuahuas. They are goofy, tiny, adorable, spunky, and possessive. Interestingly, though these dogs are tiny, they rank 5th on the list of the most aggressive dogs.
They are highly energetic and naughty dogs and if not properly socialized and disciplined at a young age, they may develop into mean Chihuahuas, getting on the nerves of their owners. Despite their tendency of becoming mean, they are loved by dog lovers. This is the reason that they are mixed with other dog breeds to create interesting Chihuahua mixes like Chion, Bo-Chi, ShiChi, ChiPit, etc.
Though the black and white color of Chihuahuas isn’t recognized as a standard color by the AKC, they are still accepted.
If you want to adopt a Chihuahua, buy them some toys to chew and enjoy the beauty of their black and white coats while they are biting their toys.
19. Pointer Dog
Having a similar appearance to that of Dalmatian dogs, Pointer dogs are by far the most exquisitely patterned black and white dogs. Their sheen coat has white color as a base with several black spots. The ears of these dogs are black, whereas there are several black patches of varying sizes that cover their whole bodies.
They capture the attention of dog lovers not only because of their looks but also their speed, muscular buildup, and strength.
The only problem with this breed is that as they are bred to be independent and follow their own instincts; so, they can be a bit hard to train when they are adults. Therefore, adopt a Pointer when he is a puppy and train him for obedience and socialization as soon as possible.
20. Rat Terrier
Developed for farming and hunting, Rat Terriers have an average height of 10 to 18 inches and a weight of 10 to 25 lbs.
The unique thing about these black and white dogs is their ears—V-shaped, moderately pointed at the tip, erected or semi-erected.
Talking about their adaptability, these dogs make good family dogs. They are incredibly perceptive and can quickly identify any change in their master’s moods.
21. Papillon
Also known as Paps, Papillons are cute and charming black and white dogs having ears like that of a butterfly with open wings.
These dogs have a fine, satiny, flowing, straight coat that is not prone to matting and tangling and thus needs to be combed and brushed regularly. However, if you want to avoid brushing, give them a short haircut. That said, we won’t recommend you to completely shave Paps as it will make your dog vulnerable to external weather conditions, parasites, viruses, dust accumulation, dandruff, etc.
22. Shih Tzu
Luckily, the divas of the dog world come in black and white coats.
Having a lifespan of 10 to 16 years, Shih Tzus are hypoallergenic dogs with dense, long coats. They are titled as ‘divas’ because of their silky hair and their regal demeanor.
Standing at the position of the 20th most popular dog breed in the world, Shih Tzus are all-rounders in the category of companion dogs. They have moderate energy levels and are congenial towards other pets and people. They are not noisy buddies and can easily live in an apartment.
23. English Setter
Categorized as the sporting dog, English Setters have a black and white spotted furry coat, which makes them a good replacement for long-haired Dalmatians. They have a flat coat that feathers around their tummy, neck, and tail.
These dogs are expensive and may cost you more than $1000. The reason behind such a hefty price tag is their rarity. Secondly, they are high in demand because of their merle coats. And thirdly, they are smart sporting dogs and perform their duty in the best way possible.
What Breeds of Dog are Black and White?
There is a variety of black and white dog breeds available in different sizes. Check out the following tables to know more.
Small Black and White Dog Breeds
| Breed | Height (Inches) |
| Bolognese Dog | 11–12 |
| Spanish Water Dog | 17–20 |
| Coton de Tulear | 10–12 |
| French Bulldog | 11–13 |
| Japanese Chin | 8–11 |
| Tibetan Terrier | 14–15 |
| Cardigan Welsh Corgi | 10–13 |
| Rat Terrier | 13–18 |
| Alaskan Klee Kai | 15-17 |
| Papillon | 8–11 |
| Shih Tzu | 8–11 |
| Smooth Fox Terrier | 14–16 |
| Boston Terrier | 15–17 |
| Chihuahua | 6–10 |
Medium Black and White Dog Breeds
| Breed | Height |
| Ariegeois | 20–23 |
| Bearded Collie | 21–22 |
| Border Collie | 19–22 |
| Canan Dog | 20–24 |
| Australian Cattle Dog | 18–20 |
| English Springer Spaniel | 19–22 |
| Dalmatian | 23–24 |
| Portuguese Water Dog | 20–22 |
What Are the Big Black and White Dogs?
| Breed | Height |
| Akita | 24 to 28 |
| Alaskan Malamute | 24–26 |
| Alaskan Husky | 24–26 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 25–28 |
| Borzoi | 25–28 |
| Pointer Dog | 24–27.6 |
| Newfoundland Dog | 27–29 |
| French White and Black Hound | 26–28 |
Hypoallergenic Black and White Dog Breeds
If you have pet allergies but you cannot live without a black and white dog in your house, you should check out the following dog breeds that shed very little, making them a good option for people with allergies.
- Bolognese dog
- Spanish Water Dog
- Coton de Tulear
- Tibetan Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Portuguese Water Dog
Black And White Dog Names
Deciding to bring home a black and white dog could be exciting but finding a suitable name could be challenging. To get you started on your search for a name for your black and white dog, we have listed some names below:
| Patches | Oreo | Harlequin | Panda |
| Freckles | Coco | Eve | Zebra |
| Speck | Fig | Harley | Penguin |
| Pepper | Choco | Dusk | Bear |
| Checkers | Nori | Domino | Badger |
| Sprinkles | Coffee | Ash | Orca |