I’ve lived with dogs of all shapes and sizes my entire life, and small black dog breeds are some of my favorites. They’re little balls of happiness that can adapt to any lifestyle. So which small black dog breed is best for you? Here are a few common options to help you find your ideal match.

Small black terrier dog in a lush green park, showcasing lively expression and distinctive features.
Small black dogs are some of the boldest personalities you’ll meet in a small package. I’ve personally witnessed how these little dogs can inject happiness into any household. Here are a few of the most popular breeds.

• Affenpinscher: Affenpinschers are small feisty dogs with a face resembling a monkey. They’re a bit of a diva and excellent watchdogs.

• Miniature Schnauzer: Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and bold dogs that are always up for an adventure. They have a wiry coat that doesn’t shed much but requires regular grooming.

• Schipperke: Schipperkes were originally bred as Belgian barge dogs, so they’re inquisitive and mischievous. They have a unique black coat that looks like a “cape” around their neck.

• Scottish Terrier: Scotties are a bit regal and independent. They’re known for their iconic shape and take-no-nonsense attitude.

• Pug (black): While you mostly see fawn Pugs, the black Pug is equally delightful. They’re affectionate, playful, and always want to be the center of attention.

Small dog breeds make up almost 40% of all dogs in Australia. These dogs are so popular for good reason. They’re a great size for apartments, eat less, and are much easier to transport. If you’re interested in a small mixed breed dog, you may discover even more interesting combinations of these personality traits.

Toy-Sized Black Dog Breeds

When it comes to small black dogs, these breeds are among the best. I’ve had the opportunity to train many of these little pups, and I’m always amazed by the big personalities that they possess.

• Toy Poodle: These dogs are intelligent, making them great candidates for obedience and agility training. They have a hypoallergenic coat, so plan to spend some time grooming them. However, they don’t shed much.

• Brussels Griffon: Flat-faced with big, soulful eyes, Griffons almost look like little humans. They’re sweet, affectionate, and they form strong attachments with their owners.

• Chihuahua (black variation): As the smallest breed of dog in the world, Chihuahuas are extremely loyal to their families. They’re spunky, confident, and they make surprisingly good guard dogs despite their small size.

• Yorkshire Terrier (black variation): While it’s less common to see a black Yorkie (most are tan or blue), they’re just as delightful. They’re bold, energetic, and they absolutely adore being pampered.

Keep in mind that just because a dog is small doesn’t mean it will have lower energy levels or fewer exercise requirements. Many small breeds have just as much energy as larger dogs. They might be tiny, but they pack plenty of spunk and affection.

Terrier-Type Small Black Dogs

Small black dog with shiny coat on wooden floor, grooming tools nearby.
Terriers are a unique group of dogs. I’ve encountered plenty of terriers throughout my career, and I always appreciate their feisty little personalities. Here are a few of the small black terrier breeds you can choose from:

• Cairn Terrier: Cairn Terriers are small, sturdy dogs that were initially bred for rooting out rodents. They’re alert, inquisitive, and always up for an adventure.
• Manchester Terrier: Manchesters are sleek, athletic terriers that are often described as the gentleman of the terrier family. They’re intelligent, loyal, and make great little watchdogs.
• Scottish Terrier: We mentioned the Scottie earlier, but they’re a great all-around breed. Their unique beard and eyebrows make them look quite regal, which matches their stubborn nature.
• Welsh Terrier: Many people mistake the Welsh Terrier for a miniature Airedale. They’re friendly and exuberant little dogs with a wiry black and tan coat that requires regular grooming.

Terriers in general are known for being feisty and independent, and the same is true for these small black terrier breeds. They’re not typically cuddly dogs, but they’ll certainly keep you entertained with their playful behavior.

Rare Small Black Dog Breeds

If you want something a little more interesting, consider these other small black dog breeds. They’re a bit more of a challenge to track down, but they’re equally wonderful.

• Portuguese Podengo Pequeno: These small agile hounds were originally bred to hunt rabbits. They’re fun, smart, and excellent small family dogs.
• Affenpinscher: We already mentioned them, but they’re small and rare, so they deserve another mention. You won’t find another dog quite like them with their monkey-face and self-assured temperament.
• Russian Toy (black variety): These small dogs were the darlings of nobility in Russia. They’re sweet, loyal, and a little shy around people they don’t know.
• Japanese Chin (black and white variety): While these dogs aren’t completely black, they’re too elegant not to include. They have the grooming habits of a cat and like to perch in high places.

Interestingly, black dog syndrome is the belief that black dogs might be adopted less frequently or later on than dogs of a lighter color, though there isn’t any scientific evidence to prove this notion. In my opinion, there’s no reason black dogs aren’t just as loving and deserving of a home as any other dog color.

Temperament and Personality Traits

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the temperament of small black dog breeds. Each breed (and each individual dog) has its own unique personality. Here’s a general overview:

BreedEnergy LevelAffection LevelTrainability
AffenpinscherHighModerateChallenging
Miniature SchnauzerHighHighEasy
SchipperkeHighModerateModerate
Scottish TerrierModerateModerateChallenging
Toy PoodleHighHighEasy

Keep in mind these are generalizations. A dog’s temperament is influenced by breeding, socialization, and the individual dog’s personality. For example, I’ve known of low-key Schipperkes and high-energy Scottish Terriers.

Most small black dog breeds are typically alert and excellent watchdogs. They often have a confident, spirited attitude despite their small size. Many are loving with their families, though they may be reserved around strangers.

Grooming and Care Requirements

Adorable small black dog breed lineup in a park: Affenpinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Schipperke, Scottish Terrier, Pug.
Taking care of a small black dog is about more than just walks and cuddles, though. Grooming requirements vary depending on the type of coat they have. Here’s how to maintain it:

  • Brush regularly: Most of the small black dogs will benefit from daily brushing. This helps distribute oils to make their coat shiny and reduces shedding.
  • Bathe as necessary: Black coats show dirt, so you’ll probably find yourself bathing your dog anytime they get dirty. Just be careful not to overdo it, as bathing them too often can dry out their skin.
  • Trim nails: Small dogs’ nails grow quickly, so make sure to check them regularly and trim as needed to prevent discomfort and potential health issues.
  • Clean their ears: Many small breeds are prone to ear infections, so check and clean their ears each week to prevent any issues.
  • Professional grooming: Breeds like Poodles and Schnauzers have coats that require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

One thing to keep in mind is that the sun can fade black coats. Depending on your dog’s breed, you might want to use dog-friendly sunscreen or simply avoid taking them outside during the sun’s peak hours.

Health Considerations for Small Black Dogs

While small black dogs are generally healthy and robust, there are a few health considerations to be aware of:

• Dental problems: Small dogs are predisposed to dental issues. It’s important to brush their teeth regularly and ensure they receive dental check-ups.
• Patellar luxation: This knee issue is prevalent in small dogs. Regular exercise and keeping your dog at a healthy weight can prevent this issue.
• Tracheal issues: Some small dogs, especially those with smashed faces, can develop tracheal problems.
• Eye issues: Certain breeds, particularly flat-faced breeds, may be prone to eye issues.

Regular visits to the vet can help ensure you catch and treat any of these issues early. Even if your dog appears healthy, don’t skip the yearly exams. As with anything else, it’s always easier to prevent an issue with your dog’s health than it is to treat it.

Closing Remarks

Small black dogs have a lot of charm to offer in small bodies. From the feisty Affenpinscher to the elegant Toy Poodle, these breeds make excellent pets for many people. Of course, each dog is an individual.

Their temperament will be the same whether they’re black, white, or any other color. With the right care, grooming, and affection, your small black dog will be happy and healthy. You have everything you need to select the ideal little black dog for your family.

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