When you think of black and white dogs, a few breeds might come to mind first, but what other dogs classically show up in this monochromatic pattern? In this article, we will discuss breeds that are often black and white, along with basic information in case you’re looking for a new pal.
If you would love to have this color combination, you might just find your new best friend when you finish brushing up on facts.
The 10 Black and White Dog Breeds
1. Border Collie
The Border Collie is an exceptionally smart canine, often deemed the most intelligent of all the different breeds! This pup is traditionally black and white, though it can come in other colors like lilac and white and liver and white.
Personality
Border Collies are incredibly loyal dogs that faithfully stand by their owners. These dogs can understand broad concepts and are very emotionally intuitive creatures. While the Border Collie would work for growing families, they are herding dogs.
That means they might try to nip at the heels of small children. While they don’t aggressively mean this, it can scare certain kids, so you should consider this before you buy them. Also, these dogs require lots of space to stretch their legs.
They absolutely do best in homes with a large, securely fenced-in yard. Or, a home in the country with lots of space to run freely. These are certainly not apartment dogs and are likely much too energetic for less active individuals.
Exercise Needs
As we touched on a little bit above, these dogs are incredibly active and require 60 to 120 minutes of high-intensity exercise per day. You will need to fulfill their needs both mentally and physically. These dogs love having a job to do and enjoy exercising their brain as much as they do their bodies.
You’ll find that these dogs fare best when they have a job to do.
Training Capabilities
These dogs are highly skilled at agility and other forms of training. They tend to be very receptive and eager to please, making them exceptional candidates for both professional and at-home training techniques.
Health
Border Collies are generally a very healthy breed that have a decent lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, just like with any other breed, certain health conditions show up in Border Collies more than others.
These conditions include hip dysplasia, tooth pathology, obesity, and epilepsy.
2. Dalmatian
Dalmatians have been instantly recognizable for years due to their unique and very individual spotted pattern. Less commonly, you might see a liver-spotted or lilac-spotted Dalmatian, but the most common colors are black and white.
Personality
Dalmatians are lively, adventurous dogs that prefer a lot of activity in their day. If you want a jogging buddy or a dog you can take on adventures, this is certainly a breed to consider. While they can get along with other pets if they are properly socialized, Dalmatians might be a little more inclined to have an aversion to smaller pets, as they have a decently high prey drive.
Most are compatible with other canines, but some territorial tendencies have been noted. Because some Dalmatians might have special needs, they do best with experienced canine owners who have knowledge of the breed.
These dogs do not work for homes with very young children, older adults, or folks with disabilities, as they require quite a bit of work. Also, there are better candidates for apartment or city living than these dogs.
However, if you are capable of giving them an extensive amount of exercise, you can make it work.
Exercise Needs
Dalmatians prefer a life of high-intensity exercise. They require roughly 1 1/2 to 2 hours of daily exercise to stay happy, healthy, and fulfilled. They enjoy lots of fun activities like walks, jogs, fetch, and even more advanced exercises like agility training.
Training Capabilities
Dalmatians are capable of learning a variety of skills, but it can come with its challenges. First, Dalmatians can be a little stubborn and challenging for novice or inexperienced owners.
Also, since many Dalmatians are deaf, it might significantly impact the way you’re able to train them. If you’re up for the challenge, seeking a professional trainer can be a really great way to and give them the skill set that they require in life. It can help you learn how to handle them too!
Health
Dalmatians can suffer from a variety of health ailments. First and foremost, a large percentage of Dalmatians are either unilaterally or bilaterally deaf. Whether you select a reputable breeder or not, this issue crops up in the breed regardless of genetic testing.
Otherwise, Dalmatians can deal with several health issues affecting many other dog breeds. Some of these issues include epilepsy, urinary conditions, and hip dysplasia.
- More About Dalmatians: Male vs Female Dalmatians: What Are the Differences? (with Pictures)
3. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are adorable little dogs with big personalities. Classically, you see Boston Terriers in black and white, but they can also be brindle and white and seal in white.
Personality
Boston Terriers are cheerful, happy little pups that love attention from their owners! These dogs make fabulous shadow companions, accompanying families wherever they go. Because they are so attached, they might not be the best pups for folks who are gone often at work.
So if no one will be home with this dog for hours at a time, another breed may work better for you. These dogs tend to be extremely good with small children thanks to their demeanor and small size. They also make awesome candidates for apartment living.
Exercise Needs
Boston Terriers need moderate exercise, which means they would be happy with two brisk walks a day so they can get out and stretch their little legs.
Training Capabilities
Boston Terriers are known for being a little tricky to train. These dogs can have some difficulty with potty training, so being consistent is key for a successful relationship. These dogs are pretty obedient, but electing them for advanced training might take some convincing.
Health
Boston Terriers are brachycephalic dogs, meaning they have short muzzles and bulging eyes. This particular makeup can cause brachycephalic airway syndrome, making it challenging for these dogs to breathe. They can also suffer from glaucoma, luxating patella, and epilepsy.
4. Husky
Huskies can come in a broad spectrum of colors, which is one of the allures of the breed. Black and white is a very common Husky color combination, and many of these dogs sport lovely, penetrating blue eyes.
Personality
Huskies have big personalities. These dogs will keep you in stitches, making you laugh at every turn. But, there are more challenging aspects of a Husky’s personality, as these dogs are sometimes stubborn and can be escape artists.
Their love for adventure can sometimes get them into trouble. They do best in large yards with regular exercise or homes with lots of land. These loyal companions can work very well in various lifestyles, whether you have a growing family or are single.
However, due to their advanced exercise requirements, they work best with active folks without any restrictions.
Exercise Needs
Huskies will certainly require plenty of exercise. Having a secure space for them is even more important, as they are notorious for running off and having their own adventures.
This dog will happily accompany you on any adventure you’d like to go on, always ready for something new. These dogs are known for their predatory response, so they might chase smaller pets, like cats, chickens, and other prey animals.
Because of their prey drive and wanderlust potential, they require a very secure, tall, fenced-in yard where they cannot escape. Supervision is certainly advised, even if you think they are safe.
Training Capabilities
Huskies are highly trainable which is one of the reasons why they’re so sought after. But they can be a pretty big challenge for people who are not familiar with the breed as they can be stubborn and have a mind of their own.
It is important to develop a hierarchy with them so they know who’s the boss and they learn to take training seriously. Many people elect for professional help.
Health
Huskies were bred to be incredibly hardy dogs. They have very few health issues, but a lot of this depends on genetics and breeding. Some Huskies can be susceptible to hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and certain eye problems.
5. Landseer Dog
When you look at the Landseer dog, it might look quite familiar to you. That is because the Landseer is almost identical to its much more familiar counterpart, the Newfoundland. However, the Landseer is classically black and white, being an independent breed of Canada.
Personality
Like their Newfoundland cousins, these dogs are incredibly patient, affectionate, and loyal. They will fill your home with lots of love and slobbery kisses! If you don’t like an abundance of shed and saliva, this might not be the dog for you. However, these can make amazing companions for so many different lifestyles.
The Landseer is typically extremely patient, making them ideal candidates for growing families. Even though their size might make them somewhat incompatible with smaller children, they tend to be very aware of their surroundings and are usually very maternal or paternal to children.
Because of their size and inclination for the outdoors, they might not make the best companions for apartments or city living. However, this dog will love to roam around the perimeter if you have a suburban lifestyle or many acres in the country.
Exercise Needs
While the Landseer is large in size, they don’t require an extensive amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. On average, this breed requires 45 to 60 minutes of solid exercise per day.
You can let them run it out in a secured area as you wish. These dogs are quite satisfied with a number of activities as long as they get to cuddle up with you on the couch afterward.
Training Capabilities
Landseer dogs are extremely receptive to training. While they might be slightly challenging for a novice owner, they generally respond very well to commands and respect their owners. Most would consider these dogs moderately challenging in terms of training.
Health
Landseer dogs are typically healthy, but they are very prone to hip dysplasia and other joint disorders. Due to their giant size, it can significantly impact the overall structure of their bodies, making them wear down faster.
Because of this, they have a shorter lifespan than many other breeds, living roughly 7 to 10 years.
6. Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a peppy dog resembling other more common dogs like the Husky or Malamute. Like these dogs, this is a Spitz-type breed. They come in three different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.
Personality
The Alaskan Klee Kai is typically very loyal and devoted to their families. However, they are suspicious of strangers and require constant stimulation and socialization. Even though they don’t mesh very well with outsiders, this trait can make them a very good watchdog.
The Alaskan Klee Kai, no matter their size, requires an experienced owner to deal with the breed’s challenges. These dogs can be exceptional for the right families, but they do not do well in cities, small apartments, or with small children.
Exercise Needs
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a very energetic breed that requires frequent physical outlets. If you can’t exercise this dog daily, it’s certainly not the breed for you. These dogs require a very secure fenced-in area to run around as they are prone to wandering. This breed requires up to 2 hours of exercise every day.
Training Capabilities
The Alaskan Klee Kai is very eager to learn and highly trainable. Because they are so devoted to their humans, they are very receptive to commands. Due to the specific challenges involved with the breed, professional training is often a great way to create a well-socialized, mannerly dog.
Health
The Alaskan Klee Kai is said to be a very healthy breed. However, they can be prone to certain conditions, including luxating patella, thyroid conditions, liver shunts, and cataracts. Interestingly, Alaskan Klee Kai can keep their baby teeth, which may require surgery later.
7. Smooth Fox Terrier
The Smooth Fox Terrier was the first original terrier breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. These dogs are agile, muscular little dogs with big personalities. You will often see them in black and white, though they can also be tricolor and brown and white.
Personality
The Smooth Fox Terrier has a classic terrier personality. These dogs love to be on the go, being both incredibly intelligent and playful. They make lovely additions to many folks with active lifestyles.
This terrier breed is a bit of a boss. Adding a Smooth Fox Terrier might not be the best decision if you have other dogs that don’t tolerate bossiness very well. These dogs certainly love to rule the roost.
Because of their headstrong nature, they might also disagree with smaller children. These dogs typically work best with children who are roughly 6 and older. If you exercise this dog properly, they can work well in apartment spaces or city living.
They can get along very well with other canines, even though they might have a little power struggle.
Exercise Needs
These dogs very much enjoy the great outdoors and will utilize their skills in sniffing and tracking on daily walks. Since these dogs are adventurers at heart, it’s best that you have a contained space for them. If left unattended, these dogs will most certainly get into trouble due to their wanderlust.
Training Capabilities
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a highly trainable little dog that is receptive to positive reinforcement. Once you establish that you are the leader, they will follow suit and listen to your commands cheerfully.
These dogs are very toy and food-motivated, so they are easy to manipulate, making your job a little easier. The Smooth Fox Terrier is highly prey-driven and might not do best with smaller pets, even with extensive training.
Health
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a very healthy little breed that can live up to 15 years on average. They have a few health issues to mention, most of which are minor. These include progressive retinal atrophy, atopic dermatitis, abnormal detention, and myasthenia gravis.
- Related Read: 10 Oldest Dog Breeds (With Pictures)
8. Schnauzer
Schnauzers are terrier-style dogs that can come in many coat colors, but one of the primary choices are black and white. These dogs are available in miniature, standard, and giant sizes as well. They have high grooming needs but are otherwise low-maintenance dogs.
Personality
Schnauzers are dignified, friendly, spirited dogs that have a bountiful amount of energy. Personalities certainly differ depending on the size of the Schnauzer you get. Here is a little about each.
The Miniature Schnauzers are known for being a little yippee, constantly barking to alert of any changes happening around the home. These adventurous little pups are brilliant and obedient, making them great candidates for training.
Standard Schnauzers are typically very laid back and easygoing, making wonderful additions to various homes. They tend to be very patient and gentle, so they can be compatible with kiddos of all ages.
Giant Schnauzers are more of a workaholic than their smaller cousins. They are happiest when they have a job to do and take guard duties very seriously.
Exercise Needs
Schnauzers require a moderate amount of exercise. They will enjoy daily walks, playing backyard games, and running around with other canine companions. Miniature and Standard Schnauzers can work for apartments, permitting you to provide them with the correct outlets.
Training Capabilities
All Schnauzers are considered highly trainable, though they can be stubborn at times. Because they are so willing to please their owners, they are usually motivated by positive reinforcement and treats!
Health
Schnauzers can suffer from several different health ailments, particularly the miniature variety. Some of these health issues consist of allergies, diabetes, pancreatitis, and epilepsy.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a traditional black and white breed from Portugal. As the name implies, these are water dogs bred for assisting hunters with waterfowl. They can have both curly or wavy hair and be brown or white and brown as well.
Personality
Don’t get a Portuguese Water Dog unless you have a lot of time to spend with them! These dogs become incredibly attached to their owners and want to accompany you everywhere you go. They are not the type of dog that you should have locked in a kennel all day, as it can lead to pent-up energy, stress, and depression.
Exercise Needs
These dogs love nothing more than to see new sights and smell new smells! Outdoor lovers, these dogs will gladly explore any territory.
Training Capabilities
The Portuguese Water Dog is a highly trainable specimen that is very motivated to learn. They do very well with positive reinforcement training and are highly receptive to their owner’s demands. In fact, these dogs fare best when they have a job to do.
Health
The Portuguese Water Dog was designed to be a very durable pet. They have a few health issues, but some crop up in the breed more than others. These conditions include hip dysplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and Addison’s disease.
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The handsome, muscular Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often sporting a black and white coat. While they can also be several other colors, this might be the most common coat color of all.
Personality
Staffies tend to be incredibly loyal, affectionate, and doting members of the family. They will get along with just about anyone at any time. While they typically do very well with all people in the home, including some strangers, they do have quite a high prey drive.
Unless your Staffy is raised with cats or other small pets, they might look at these creatures as chew toys, not necessarily family members. Staffies get a bad rap because they look similar to the Pit Bull.
While these dogs might be related, they are very different as Staffies have been bred more suitably and sustainably.
Exercise Needs
Staffies are a couch potato kind of dog. While they absolutely love running around and playing, they prefer winding down with their humans, perfectly content to chill on the couch. On average, these dogs require around one hour of exercise per day.
Training Capabilities
Because the Staff is so eager to please, they are generally straightforward to train. Certain behaviors might be a little hard to conquer, but with enough patience, you can manage.
If this dog is somewhat slow to mature, you might have trouble getting their attention initially. But with the correct training practices, you’ll have a mannerly dog in no time.
Health
Staffies are usually pretty healthy, but they can be affected by skin allergies very frequently. They can also suffer from other conditions like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and luxating patella.
Conclusion
Now you know that there’s quite a bit of variety in black and white dogs. Some of these dogs are traditionally black and white, while it’s one of many colors in some other breeds. Each one of these dogs is different and unique.
Which of these black and white dogs caught your attention most?
Featured Image Credit: Lynda McFaul, Shutterstock
