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There’s something about big black and white dogs that just makes them so darn cute. Perhaps it’s their bold coloring, or maybe it’s the fact that they’re just so darn cuddly. Whatever the reason, these dog breeds are sure to make a statement!
In this post, we’ll be taking a look at 15 of the most popular big black and white dog breeds. We’ll also include photos of each one so you can get a good idea of what they look like. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
15 Different Big Black And White Dogs
1) Landseer
The Landseer is a large, elite breed of dog that was once used extensively for hunting and tracking and is known for its black and white coat. Today, however, the Landseer is primarily a companion animal.
The breed is named after Sir Edwin Landseer, an English painter who popularized the breed in his artwork. The Landseer is a descendant of the St. John’s Water Dog, which was brought to England from Newfoundland in the 1800s.
The breed quickly gained popularity due to its intelligence, loyalty, and friendly temperament. However, the Landseer began to decline in popularity after World War II, as families increasingly turned to smaller breeds.
In recent years, however, the Landseer has been making a comeback as more people appreciate its unique qualities. They’re now recognized by both the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club.
2) Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large and powerful dog breed with a proud and regal bearing. Initially bred for hauling heavy loads across vast distances of frozen tundra, these dogs are now prized for their loyalty, companionship, and trainability.
Though they share many similarities with other Arctic breeds, such as the Siberian Husky, the Malamute is a distinctive breed with a long and fascinating history. The Alaskan Malamute’s ancestors were brought to Alaska by the Inuit people centuries ago.
These dogs were bred for their strength, endurance, and ability to withstand extreme cold. They were used for transportation, hunting, and sledding and played an essential role in the survival of the Inuit people. Over time, the Malamute became firmly established in Alaska, where it remains a popular breed to this day.
Though they were once used exclusively for work, the Alaskan Malamute is now a popular companion animal. They are known for their loving nature and impressive intelligence and are easily trained to perform tricks and obey commands. With proper socialization and training, they make excellent family pets.
3) Great Dane
The Great Dane is a large and powerful dog breed with a long and noble history. Native to Germany, the Great Dane was originally known as the Deutsche Dogge or German Mastiff.
The breed was developed in the 1500s by crossing local mastiff-type dogs with English Greyhounds, resulting in a taller and sleeker dog than the typical mastiff. Great Danes were initially bred for hunting large game such as boar and deer, but they quickly became popular companions for nobility and royalty.
Over the centuries, the Great Dane has been depicted in works of art by some of the most famous painters, including Rembrandt and Rubens. Today, the Great Dane is best known as a gentle giant, and their size and stature make them one of the most popular breeds in the world.
While they are no longer used for hunting, Great Danes continue to be cherished members of many families. In order to get a black and white Great Dane, they need to have what’s called a harlequin coat type.
4) Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a unique breed of dog that originated in the region of Dalmatia, which is located in Croatia. The first recorded mention of the Dalmatian was in a 17th-century painting, but the breed was likely around long before that.
Unlike other breeds of dogs, Dalmatians are born with pure white fur. Once they reach adulthood, they begin to develop spots, which can be black, brown, blue, or orange.
Dalmatians are energetic and playful dogs that make great companions. They are also very intelligent and easily trained. Dalmatians were originally bred as working dogs, and they excelled at tasks such as herding and guarding.
Today, they are still used in various jobs but are more popular as family pets. So whether you are looking for a working dog or a loyal friend, a Dalmatian may be a great choice for you.
5) Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, shaggy breed of dog that originated in England. The breed was developed to serve as a sheep and cattle herder, and it is still used for these purposes today.
The Old English Sheepdog is a muscular and athletic breed known for its loyalty and intelligence. The breed typically stands between 20 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 60 and 80 pounds.
The coat of the Old English Sheepdog is long and dense, with a thick undercoat that helps to protect the dog from cold weather. Their coat can be any shade of black, blue, or gray and is often covered in white markings.
The Old English Sheepdog is an active breed that requires regular exercise. The breed is also known for its independent nature, which can make training difficult.
However, the Old English Sheepdog can be trained to perform various tasks with patience and consistency. Overall, the Old English Sheepdog is a versatile breed that makes an excellent companion for active families.
6) Newfoundland Dog
The Newfoundland Dog is a large, powerful breed renowned for its sweet disposition and loyalty. Originally from the island of Newfoundland, this breed has a long and rich history.
The first recorded mention of the Newfoundland Dog dates back to 1775 when Colonel William Feilding wrote about “large black dogs with long hair” that were used by the fishermen of Newfoundland.
In the early 19th century, the breed was further developed by British settlers who added Newfoundlands to their pack of working dogs. These dogs were used for a variety of tasks, including hauling goods and fetching fallen fishermen from the sea.
The Newfoundland Dog’s reputation as a fearless rescuer was further cemented during the Great London Smog of 1952 when several Newfoundlands helped to guide firefighters through the dense fog.
Today, the Newfoundland Dog is a beloved family pet and companion animal. Thanks to their gentle nature and working dog pedigree, they excel at a variety of activities, including agility, obedience, and tracking.
While they may not be called upon to rescue anyone from a burning building these days, they still have a reputation as one of the most reliable and trustworthy breeds around.
7) Bernese Mountain Dog
If you’re looking for a big, friendly black and white dog to add to your family, you may consider a Bernese Mountain Dog. Here’s what you need to know about this popular breed.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are native to the Swiss Alps, originally bred as working dogs. They’re a large, sturdy breed with a long, thick coat of black and white fur with accents of brown (some call it tan or rust).
They were used for tasks such as herding cattle and pulling carts, and they quickly became known for their strength and endurance. In the 19th century, the breed began to gain popularity in other parts of Europe, and they eventually made their way to the United States.
Today, Bernese Mountain Dogs are still prized for their gentle nature and trainability, and they make excellent family pets. If you’re thinking about adding a Bernese Mountain Dog to your home, be prepared to give them plenty of exercise and space to run.
8) Borzoi
The Borzoi is a Russian hunting dog breed with a black and white coat, a pure white coat, or a pure black coat. They can also have a pure tan coat or a tan and white coat.
It is also known as the Russian Wolfhound. The breed was developed in the 17th century to hunt wolves, and it is believed that it was created by crossbreeding some of the local hounds with Irish Wolfhounds.
The resulting breed was large and powerful, with a long, narrow head and a strong jaw. They were also very fast, which made them well-suited for hunting wild game. The Borzoi remained popular among Russian nobility until the early 20th century, when they began to decline in popularity.
However, they regained some prominence during World War II, when they were used as working dogs by the Soviet military. Today, the Borzoi is primarily kept as a companion animal, although some are still used for hunting.
9) Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound is a breed of dog that was developed in the United States. The breed is a cross between the English Foxhound and the American Blue Gascon hound.
The resulting breed was used for hunting raccoons and opossums. The Bluetick Coonhound is known for its distinctive coat, which is blue-grey-white in color with black spots (giving the appearance of ticks).
The Bluetick is an energetic and determined dog known for its powerful hunting instincts. Today, the breed remains a popular choice for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Thanks to its friendly disposition and loyal nature, the Bluetick Coonhound also makes a great family pet.
10) Wetterhoun
The Wetterhoun is a Dutch dog breed initially used to hunt otters. The breed gets its name from the wetland region of Friesland, where it was developed.
The first records of the Wetterhoun date back to the 17th century and the breed was officially recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club in 1934. The Wetterhoun is a large breed, with males reaching up to 26 inches at the shoulder and females up to 24 inches.
The breed has a distinctively shaggy coat, which is usually black or brown with white markings. The Wetterhoun is an intelligent and independent breed known for being an excellent swimmer.
Today, the Wetterhoun is still used for hunting but is also becoming increasingly popular as a companion dog.
11) American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is a stocky, muscular dog with a short coat in many colors, including black and white.
They are considered to be medium to large breeds. The average American Bulldog weighs between 50 and 65 pounds. They are known for their strength and determination.
American Bulldogs were originally bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting. However, they are now considered gentle, loving, and loyal dogs. They are excellent with children and make great family pets. American Bulldogs require moderate exercise and do well in both rural and urban environments.
They are versatile dogs that excel at many activities, including obedience, agility, tracking, and weight-pulling. American Bulldogs are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are also very athletic and have a lot of energy.
12) Pointer
The Pointer is a dog breed that has been around for centuries. Although the breed’s exact origins are unknown, it is believed that the Pointer was developed in England in the 1600s.
The breed was initially used for hunting, and its name comes from its ability to point out game birds to hunters. Over time, the Pointer became a popular companion dog, and today it is known for its friendly and gentle personality.
The Pointer is a medium-sized breed with a strong, muscular build. The breed’s coat is short and dense and comes in various colors, including black and white (or solid white/black), brown, and orange.
The Pointer is an energetic breed that requires daily exercise. When properly trained and socialized, the Pointer makes an excellent family pet.
13) Saluki
The Saluki is a dog breed with a long and storied history. Originally from the Middle East Fertile Crescent region, the Saluki is one of the oldest breeds of domesticated dogs.
The first recorded mention of the breed dates back to around 7000 BC, and artwork from ancient Egypt depicts Salukis as being treasured companions of royalty. In more recent history, the breed was brought to Europe by Crusaders, becoming a favorite of British nobility.
Today, the Saluki is still revered as a noble breed and prized for its graceful appearance and loyal nature. One of this breed’s most distinct coat colors is black and white; their top half is black, and their bottom half is white.
While the breed is not as well-known as some others, those who are familiar with the Saluki often speak of it in glowing terms.
14) Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a large, powerful black and white dog breed with a long and distinguished history. Native to the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain and France, the Pyrenean Mastiff was initially bred to guard sheep against predators such as wolves and bears.
However, the breed has also been used as a working dog on various farms and estates in recent centuries.
Thanks to their size, strength, and fearless nature, Pyrenean Mastiffs make excellent protectors. However, they are also known for being calm, gentle, and even-tempered, making them great companions as well as watchdogs.
Today, Pyrenean Mastiffs are still prized for their guarding abilities and can make loyal, loving additions to any family.
15) Cao de Gado Transmontano
The Cao de Gado Transmontano is a large working dog from Portugal that has either a white and black coat or a white and brown coat. Also known as the Transmontano Mastiff, this breed was used for guarding property and livestock and as a hunting dog.
The Cao de Gado Transmontano is thought to be descended from the now-extinct Alentejo Mastiff, which was brought to Portugal by the Romans. The breed nearly disappeared in the early 20th century but was revived in the 1970s by a few dedicated breeders.
Today, the Cao de Gado Transmontano is still relatively rare but is gaining popularity as a companion and guard dog. This breed is loyal and protective but can also be reserved with strangers. Cao de Gado Transmontanos need plenty of exercise and do best in a home with a large yard or access to open space.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, 15 of the most popular large black and white dog breeds. While some of these breeds are more well-known than others, they all make excellent companion animals. So if you’re looking for a loyal and loving friend, any one of these breeds would be a great choice.
Other posts you might find interesting:
15 Big Fluffy Long Haired Black Dog Breeds (W/ Pictures)
15 Big White Long Haired Dogs (With Pictures!)
11 Dog Breeds With Black Muzzles (With Pictures!)
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