Black-and-white coats appear in many forms: Dalmatian spots, a Boston Terrier’s tuxedo markings, Harlequin Great Dane patches, and the Landseer look in Newfoundlands. These ten breeds can have black-and-white coloring, but it is only one of the colors or patterns found in several of them.
Use this visual roundup to compare coat patterns, not to rank breeds or predict temperament. The American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles linked below describe the colors and coat details noted here.
1. Boston Terrier
Signature look: a compact tuxedo pattern.
The Boston Terrier is known for its stylish tuxedo look, and the AKC lists Black & White as one of its color combinations. The breed also comes in brindle-and-white and seal-and-white, so black and white is not every Boston Terrier’s coloring.
See the AKC Boston Terrier profile.
2. Great Dane
Signature look: the Harlequin black-and-white patchwork pattern.
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Harlequin is a striking patchwork of black on white. The AKC lists Harlequin and Mantle among the Great Dane’s colors and patterns, making this giant breed one of the most recognizable examples of high-contrast markings.
See the AKC Great Dane profile.
3. Shih Tzu
Signature look: a long coat that may be black and white.
The Shih Tzu’s coat comes in many colors, including Black & White. Its long coat gives the coloring room to show in different patterns, but black and white is only one possibility—not the breed’s defining or universal look.
4. Siberian Husky
Signature look: bold contrast on a thick-coated sled dog.
The AKC lists Black & White among the Siberian Husky’s color combinations. The breed was developed as a compact sled dog to pull light loads across frozen expanses, and it also appears in several other color combinations.
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See the AKC Siberian Husky profile.
5. Border Collie
Signature look: a classic black coat with white markings.
The AKC lists White & Black as a Border Collie color. The exact distribution of white and black varies, so individual dogs may have different-looking markings.
See the AKC Border Collie profile.
6. Newfoundland
Signature look: the Landseer black-and-white look.
The AKC describes the black-and-white Newfoundland coloring as the Landseer look and lists White & Black among the breed’s colors. Newfoundlands are very large: the AKC profile says males can reach 150 pounds and 28 inches at the shoulder. These are upper-end figures, not a description of every dog.
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See the AKC Newfoundland profile.
7. Dalmatian
Signature look: black spots on a white coat.
The Dalmatian’s distinctive spots make its black-and-white look different from patchwork or tuxedo markings. The AKC lists White & Black and describes the breed’s recognizable spots as black or liver.
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See the AKC Dalmatian profile.
8. Japanese Chin
Signature look: a silky, profuse coat in black and white.
The AKC lists both Black & White and White & Black for the Japanese Chin. Its silky, profuse coat gives this small companion breed a different appearance from the short-coated or spotted dogs on this list.
See the AKC Japanese Chin profile.
9. Beagle
Signature look: one possible black-and-white coloring in a color-variable hound.
The AKC lists Black & White among Beagle colors, along with several three-color combinations. Black and white is one possible look, not the only typical color pattern to expect.
10. English Cocker Spaniel
Signature look: a feathered sporting-dog coat that may be black and white.
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The AKC lists Black & White for the English Cocker Spaniel, a compact sporting dog whose medium-length coat comes in varied colors and patterns. The appearance of an individual dog depends on its particular coat coloring and markings.
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| Breed | Black-and-white look | Coat detail noted by the AKC |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Terrier | Tuxedo | Black & White is one of several combinations |
| Great Dane | Harlequin patchwork | Harlequin and Mantle are listed patterns |
| Shih Tzu | One of many possible colors | Long coat; many colors |
| Siberian Husky | Black & White combination | Thick coat |
| Border Collie | White & Black combination | Color combination varies |
| Newfoundland | Landseer look | White & Black coloring |
| Dalmatian | Spots on white | Spots may be black or liver |
| Japanese Chin | Black & White or White & Black | Silky, profuse coat |
| Beagle | One possible coloring | Also comes in several three-color combinations |
| English Cocker Spaniel | Black & White combination | Medium-length coat in varied colors and patterns |
FAQ
Are all ten breeds always black and white?
No. Black and white is one possible color or pattern for these breeds. Several also come in other colors and combinations, as their AKC profiles describe.
What is the difference between Harlequin and Landseer coloring?
Harlequin refers to the Great Dane’s black-and-white patchwork pattern. Landseer is the name used for the black-and-white look in Newfoundlands.
Which breed on this list has spots rather than patches?
The Dalmatian is known for spots on a white coat. The AKC describes its spots as black or liver.
Is black-and-white coloring unique to these ten breeds?
No. This is an editorial selection, not a complete list of breeds that can have black-and-white coats.
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The Bottom Line
Black-and-white dog breeds can look dramatically different: spots, tuxedo markings, patchwork, or long coats with contrasting colors. Treat coat color as an appearance feature, and consult the linked AKC profiles for each breed’s range of colors and coat details.
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