Black and white dog breeds are quite special with their striking color contrast and various coat patterns: from adorable spots to tuxedo-like markings.
Regardless of the reason, they seem to capture the hearts of many dog lovers.
Below, you can read about 11 of the most popular black and white mutts to learn why!
Small Black and White Dog Breeds
Some of the most popular small black and white doggos include the Japanese Chin, the French Bulldog, and the Tibetan Terrier, and they all have their unique personalities.
1. Japanese Chin
- Average Lifespan: 12–14 years
- Average Height: 8–10 in
- Average Weight: 3–15 lb
The Japanese Chin is the most adorable bread you’ll ever meet. They’re small, sprightly, and cat-like with a compact and toy-like body structure.
These companion dogs love cuddling up on the couch or in bed with you.
Note that they are great companion dogs since they thrive indoors and can be shy around new people but generally get along well if introduced to anyone properly.
2. Tibetan Terrier
- Average Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Average Height: 14–16 in
- Average Weight: 18–30 lb
Despite its name, the Tibetan Terrier does not belong to this famed group of dogs but is a unique breed with a small constitution originating from Tibet.
That is why they sport a very long, heavy black and white coat, which they developed over the centuries to protect against the harsh cold winters.
Fun fact: Tibetan Terriers have flat, broad feet with hair between their toes, which function as natural snowshoes since they are excellent for mountain climbing.
3. French Bulldog
- Average Lifespan: 10–14 years
- Average Height: 11–12 in
- Average Weight: 18–30 lb
Originally bred in Paris in the 19th century, this toy dog has become one of the most registered breeds in the West, from the United States all the way to Australia.
French Bulldogs make the perfect apartment pets since they‘re quiet, cuddly, and have short coats that are straightforward to groom and maintain.
Their coats typically come in black and white, so they are easy to identify from a distance, especially when their ears stand up straight (which they usually do).
What about that cute face shape? Hard not to fall head over heels when you see this pup.
Medium Black and White Dog Breeds
One size up, we have these wonderful black and white dog breeds: the border collie, the Boston terrier, the Dalmatian, and the Portuguese Water Dog. Let’s learn more about them!
4. Border Collie
- Average Lifespan: 10–17 years
- Average Height: 22–27 in
- Average Weight: 27–45 lb
As arguably the most intelligent dog breed in the world, Border Collies have an uncanny ability to process information quickly, making them perfect for exercises that require fast thinking. On the downside, they also need mental stimulation not to get bored.
Most often, they come with furry black and white double coats that can have smooth or curled hair, but still, there are Border Collies with all sorts of coat colors and patterns, from single-colored to red tri-colored ones with red, tan, and white patterns.
5. Boston Terrier
- Average Lifespan: 13–15 years
- Average Height: 16–17 in
- Average Weight: 15–25 lb
Also known as the “American Gentlemen” for their black and white tuxedo coats, Boston Terriers are very friendly, eager to please their owners, and easily trainable.
Their amicable nature makes them ideal for accommodating in an apartment building but be warned that they can be stubborn and impish at times, especially while growing up.
At least Boston Terriers have short, shiny coats that you only have to brush once weekly, and they are happy to oblige as they look at you with their big round eyes.
6. Dalmatian
- Average Lifespan: 10–13 years
- Average Height: 22–23 in
- Average Weight: 45–60 lb
You would definitely recognize a Dalmatian if and when you see one since the breed’s spotted white coat (with black or brown spots) is unmistakable.
Hailing from the Croatian region of Dalmatia, these muscular dogs originally worked as hunting and carriage dogs and were even used as firefighter assistants since they have a certain affinity for horses.
Interestingly, Dalmatian puppies are born spotless, and their spots appear within the first two weeks and continue to develop for the following 18 months.
Note: The Dalmatian Club of America offers a thorough insight into the breed’s history.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
- Average Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Average Height: 20–23 in
- Average Weight: 35–60 lb
Originally taught to herd fish for Portuguese fishermen and retrieve nets and tackle, these fluffy medium-sized dogs are a rather rare breed.
Their main appeal is the seemingly hypoallergenic single-layered coat that does not shed, which most often comes in black, but you may also find white, brown, and silver-tipped ones.
People-pleaser is an apt description for these dogs, as they are intelligent and friendly and would be ideal for households with pools or next to lakes.
Note: PWDs have become quite popular in recent years after President Obama’s family adopted two of them, named Bo and Sunny.
Big Black and White Dogs
Finally, we have several black and white gentle giants that will simply melt your heart: the Newfoundland, the Great Dane, the Alaskan Malamute, and the Bernese mountain dog.
8. Great Dane
- Average Lifespan: 8–10 years
- Average Height: 30–32 in
- Average Weight: 100–120 lb
As the biggest dog here and one of the tallest breeds anywhere, the Great Dane has an imposing build, which was useful for hunting large prey in the past.
Despite their impressive stature, Great Danes are quite harmless and gentle with humans, even children, pets, and other animals.
If you are looking to adopt this breed, you first have to ensure you have enough room to accommodate them and time to exercise.
Note: With enough love and care, your Great Dane will live up to 10 years.
9. Alaskan Malamute
- Average Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Average Height: 23–25 in
- Average Weight: 75–85 lb
You might mistake this arctic breed for the blue-eyed husky, and with good reason, since they share the same ancestry and have a very similar wolf-like appearance.
However, the Alaskan Malamute was originally bred as a very powerful work dog that can endure the harsh northern winters and haul freight.
That said, these highly intelligent and energetic dogs prefer the outdoors and require a lot of exercise and human companionship.
Fun fact: They are still used as sled dogs to this day.
| We also thoroughly outline the differences between the Alaskan Malamute and Huskies! |
10. Newfoundland
- Average Lifespan: 8–10 years
- Average Height: 26–28 in
- Average Weight: 100–150 lb
The Newfoundland is a massive breed that can weigh up to 150 pounds in adulthood.
So, to tame their tremendous strength, they need equally strong owners that can properly handle them, not because they grow unruly but because they are hard to stop and control when they feel excited and ready to share their love.
Originally bred as fishermen helpers, these Newfies are still excellent swimmers thanks to their muscular bodies, webbed paws, and thick double coats.
If you plan to give these furry giants a home, note that nothing except a large house and backyard will prove enough for their adventurous spirits.
11. Bernese Mountain Dog
- Average Lifespan: 6–8 years
- Average Height: 23–27 in
- Average Weight: 70–150 lb
The last entry on our list is the huge Bernese Mountain Dog hailing from the Swiss Alps.
While originally kept as farm dogs, these large herding dogs were also used to pull carts since they have wide and very strong, muscular wide backs.
Nowadays, they make excellent family pets as they are good-natured, confident, and calm dogs that feel at home on farms and in open spaces.
Note that if you are planning to get a gorgeous long-haired Bernese, you have to dedicate a fair chunk of your time to training and socializing it.
Key Takeaways
Hopefully, you’ve both had fun and learned something new about the unique and beautiful black and white dog breeds we chose for you. At the end of the day, if your family needs a playful and protective companion, any of these eleven pooches will make a great choice!
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