Are you on the hunt for a small dog? Perhaps this is your first dog or you are looking to add to your pack.
Whatever situation you are in, this post will provide you with information on 11 small black and white dog breeds.
And in terms of “small”, dogs in my list range from the 8 inch tall and 6 lb weight of a Chihuahua to a 17 inch and 30 lb Tibetian Terrier.
Apart from that, the only criteria is that the coat must be black and white.
And before I go through these breeds one by one, I want to briefly discuss how dog’s coats are coloured.
Black and white dogs
Dogs come in every colour imaginable or, for dogs with more than one colour in their coats, in any combination of colours imaginable.
But funnily enough despite the great variety, there are only two pigments that decide the colour of a dog’s coat.
And I am presenting a very simplified view of what is quite a complicated subject.
Eumelanin (which is black) and phaeomelanin (which is red.)
For each pigment, the more melanin that is present results in a darker colour- think jet black like a Newfoundland dog or dark red like a Red Setter.
The amount of melanin in each pigment is affected by different genes.
And so eumelanin can appear as jet black or a blue or grey depending on a set of genes.
Phaeomelanin depending on genes can be presented as a fiery red or as a mild tan colour.
When no pigment is added to dog’s hair, it is white.
And so for the black and white dogs in my list, their coats are made of individual hairs that have a mixture of eumelanin (which haven’t been modified by any genes) and hair with no pigment in whatsoever.
And now that I have explained how dogs come to have a black and white coat, let me start going through my list.
Boston Terrier:
The Boston Terrier is an intelligent, gentle, and friendly little companion for anyone needing a bit of excitement in their day. Originally bred to be fighting dogs more than a century ago, the Boston Terrier is now characterized by their curiosity and kindness. They have a distinguishable ‘tuxedo’ coating consisting of black and white patches. These markings have given the Boston Terrier the cute nickname of the ‘American Gentleman.’
Although the Boston Terrier’s black and white ‘tuxedo’ markings are usually black and white, they can also be seal and white (seal referring to a brown colour). As well they can come in brindle and white (brindle referring to a spotted coat).
The Boston Terrier is the perfect city dog, as it is small and compact. They reach 15 – 17 inches in height and about 12 – 25 pounds in weight. You can expect this furry little companion to live about 11 – 13 years. Though small, these pups need plenty of exercise! Be sure to give them lots of time to play, and they will be your best of friends.
Boston Terriers are quite the well-recognized dog. They are even the mascot for Boston University’s sports teams!
Japanese Chin:
great with that long white hair ²
The Japanese Chin is a charming and loving lap dog characterized by its aristocratic behaviour. They were favourites among the Japanese royalty in ancient times. Their squashed faces, floppy ears, and silly behaviour make the Japanese Chin the perfect little companion. It is the ideal pet for the city, or indoors, as it only needs about 20 minutes of exercise per day.
Japanese Chins became popular when British breeders crossbred these dogs with the King Charles Spaniel. Although they mostly come in black and white colours, the Japanese Chin’s black can be swapped out for red, lemon, orange, sable, black and white with tan points, or even brindle.
The Japanese Chin is expected to be between 4 – 12 pounds and has a height of 8 – 11 inches. They are expected to live about 10 – 12 years.
Tibetan Terrier:
The Tibetan Terrier, also known as the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” has a long history of being a loyal and sensitive watchdog for ancient Buddhist monasteries. Today, these dogs are seen as very affectionate, sensitive, and too smart. It’s the perfect dog to teach tricks to!
This breed’s distinguishing feature is a beautiful shiny double coat that hangs long and flowy down their bodies. The Tibetan Terrier also has “show shoe” feet that they were bred to have to navigate the snowy, mountainous areas of Tibet. They are also very energetic and love walks, due to their origination as being mountain dogs.
Tibetan Terriers are among the smaller breeds of medium-sized dogs. They are expected to grow between 14 – 17 inches in height and weigh 18 – 30 pounds. Tibetan Terriers are also among the longest living dogs, with an average life expectancy of 15 – 16 years.
Miniature Bull Terrier:
The Miniature Bull Terrier is known for its comedic antics, smart and mischievous play style, and energetic nature. They are also fearlessly loyal to their owner and have the distinct fiery personality that all terrier possesses.
These robust dogs are almost precisely the same as their bigger cousin, the Bull Terrier. However, the mini will only stand about 10 – 14 inches tall compared to the Bull Terrier’s 22 inches. Miniature Bull Terriers will also weight from 18 – 28 pounds due to their muscular nature. They also have a life expectancy of 11 – 13 years.
Miniature Bull Terriers can come in many colours other than black and white. These colours include: full white, Tri-colour (black, white, brown), fawn and white, brindle and white, red and white, white and black brindle, and more! However, no matter the colour, a Miniature Bull Terrier will always have their distinctive gait, flat face and nose, and cute button eyes.
Alaskan Klee Kai:
The Alaskan Klee Kai earns the “Husky Lite” adorable name as they are almost precisely similar to their bigger cousin, except they come in a little package. Alaskan Klee Kai is known to be extremely energetic, vocal, and happy dogs. They are playful small dogs that are always on the go. Therefore, should you get one, they require a large fenced in yard for at least 20 – 40 minutes of exercise and playtime every day.
The Klee Kai was bred to be a companion sized dog of the Alaskan Husky throughout the 1970s and 1980s, so they are a relatively new dog breed. The Alaskan Klee Kai will range from 12 – 18 pounds in weight and 13 – 17 inches in height. They are also expected to live for around 15 years.
Though mostly coming in black and white colours, the Alaskan Klee Kai can also be white, gray and white, as well as red and white. So many cute colours to choose from!
Cocker Spaniel:
The Cocker Spaniel is known for its beautiful long and curly coat, adorable face, and bright personality. The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most loved dog breeds in the world. Originally bred to hunt woodcock, a bird, the Cocker Spaniel, is an old breed dating back to the 1700s. The breed’s popularity soared after WWII. This dog breed is so popular that it has been in many movies, such as Lady from Lady and the Tramp.
If their black and white coat does not satisfy you, Cocker Spaniels come in various colours. Such as black, blue roan, orange roan, black and tan, orange and white, liver roan, lemon and white, liver and white, tri-colour, and many, many more.
Cocker Spaniels, although small dogs, ranging from 14 – 15 inches in size and 20 – 30 pounds, are very playful and love to love to exercise. They are great companions for kids and even athletes; Cocker Spaniels will easily keep up with any exercise type.
The Cocker Spaniel’s life expectancy is 14 – 16 years.
Papillon:
this breed it’s name. ⁷
The Papillon is a tiny dog breed known for being friendly, happy, and upbeat. Its name, meaning butterfly in French, comes from its large wing-shaped ears. Papillons are dainty dogs, with long elegant coats that tangle less than other dog breeds. They love to sit in their owner’s lap as much as they love to exercise, so be sure to give them plenty of attention and walks.
Papillons are very adaptive dogs, however, do not be fooled by their delicate nature. Papillons can live in either city apartments or large country estates. They travel well due to their size and can fit into a carrier under an airplane seat. This way, you do not have to worry about your dog being stuck in the cargo hold.
As mentioned, the Papillon is a tiny dog breed, often classified as a lap dog. They will weigh between 9 – 10 pounds for both males and females and not exceed 10 inches in height. They have a life expectancy of 12 – 15 years.
Shih Tzu:
The Shih Tzu is a well-known lap dog breed distinguished by its long flowing coat that requires some serious grooming. If you put the time and effort into grooming this beautiful little breed, you will not be disappointed. This dog breed originated from Tibet back around the 7th century. They were given as gifts to Chinese emperors as companion dogs. Today, they bear the same resemblance and personality of their aristocratic ancestors.
These tiny little dogs will weigh between 9 – 16 pounds and have a total height of 8 – 11 inches. They have a life expectancy of 11 – 14 years.
Since they were bred to be a house companion, Shih Tzu’s are on the spectrum of needing a moderate amount of exercise. Try to let these dogs have about 20 minutes or less of exercise per day.
Rat Terrier:
met his match? ⁹
The Rat Terrier was bred by working-class British migrants to hunt what their name entails: rats. They were also bred for speed, so they are also excellent for hunting rabbits and squirrels.
Today, the Rat Terrier makes a lovable and friendly companion for anyone seeking a small dog. They are energetic due to their hunting nature, so be sure to give your Rat Terrier plenty of room to run and exercise.
With proper care and nutrition, the Rat Terrier should be 10 – 13 inches tall and 10 – 25 pounds in weight, with a life expectancy of 12 – 18 years.
Usually, having a black and white coat, the Rat Terrier can come in many different colours: white, tri-colour, white and chocolate, fawn and white, and blue and white.
Chihuahua:
The Chihuahua, one of the most popular lap dog breeds to ever exist, is a sassy dog breed with a huge personality. It originates as a national symbol of Mexico. You may remember the breed from movies such as Beverly Hills Chihuahua. The Chihuahua is a graceful, energetic dog, with a small round “apple-like” head being a breed hallmark.
These dogs are ideal city pets because of their size and ability to be transported. They will be within 5 – 8 inches in height, and not exceed 6 pounds. Their life expectancy is 14 – 16 years. However, their prominent personalities make them vocal and playful, so be sure to exercise them every day.
Chihuahuas can come in many different colours, and they are most popular in brown or tan. Other colours include black, white, fawn, cream, or gold.
Miniature Schnauzer:
The Miniature Schnauzer, the smallest of its cousin breeds, is a friendly, loyal, and smart dog that requires little training. Miniature Schnauzers are known best for their beautiful coats and long “beards” adorning their petite faces. They also have bushy eyebrows that give them almost human facial expressions. These dogs are very family-oriented and can even serve as a watchdog if needed. They require a moderate amount of exercise, so make sure they are not cooped up all day!
Miniature Schnauzers are expected to live 12 – 15 years. Still, they can exceed this lifespan as they generally do not have many health conditions. They are also likely to be 12 – 14 inches in height and 11 – 20 pounds in weight.
They can come in many different colours, such as black, white, salt and pepper, black and silver, and more. Generally, however, they come in black and white.
Photo Credits
⁰ Photo by roman pentin on Unsplash
¹ Photo by Richard Horne on Unsplash
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⁵ Photo by Andrea Arden on Flickr
⁶ Photo by Bex Foreman on Flickr
⁷ Photo by Tim Wilson on Flickr
⁸ Photo by Sebastian Kurpiel on Unsplash
