7 Dog Breeds With Black Skin

In this article you will know the answer to the query “7 Dog Breeds With Black Skin“.

Has your dog ever been shaved if it has black fur? Is its skin the same color as its coat? It might surprise you to learn that some dogs naturally have black skin.

Usually dogs without black skin develop them but sometimes dogs without black skin do as well. There is a possibility that you have Black Skin Disease which isnot as serious as you think.

But first lets see why some dogs have black skin.

Black Skin Is Natural In Dogs

It is important to remember that nearly all animals (yes including you) have cells that produce melanin the pigment that for all intents and purposes determines the color of their skin fur and eyes. Particularly for dogs there are two main pigments but we’ll only discuss eumelanin. 

It is by default black and it can be light or dark depending on whether your dog has enough Eumelanin in its genetics. So dogs with black skin and black fur are not unusual. 

So It’s Normal For Dogs With Black Fur To Have Black Skin?

I would say yes and no. You know that not all black-haired dogs have black skin since you have shaved your dog before. There isnot enough eumelanin in the skin of those with light skin. Basically this means the Eumelanin only reaches the fur.

In addition some dogs’ fur and skin may contain a mixture of dark and light pigments. Therefore do not assume that a dog with black fur will also have black skin. Some people do not have black skin and they are not naturally black. They suffer from Black Skin Disease.

What Is Black Skin Disease? Is It Dangerous?

 No first of all. In general Black Skin Disease isnot dangerous. There are some breeds in which it occurs naturally. It is more prevalent in males than females. In most cases Black Skin Disease does not harm your dog; it does not cause irritations or itching but it does raise concerns when you decide to breed your dog.

If your dog does have Black Skin Disease their hairs may be thin or cottony and they may also have bald patches which makes them more susceptible to sunburn and frostbite. Hyperpigmentation occurs as well which is why it is called Black Skin Disease. Its also important to remember that symptoms might not occur until after the child turns 2. Breeding dogs when they’re 1 year old will be tricky if you’re a breeder. 

What Causes Black Skin Disease?

The exact cause of this condition is unknown but generally allergies hormone imbalances obesity and genetics are believed to be to blame. Before you neuter your dog consider checking its bloodline for any history of Black Skin Disease.

To ensure that the black skin on your dog isnot caused by other illnesses it is always a good idea to check with your veterinarian. To make sure you are not dealing with something more malignant they use a variety of tests from physical examinations to blood tests and skin scrapings.

Can It Be Treated?

Actually no. To prevent suffering from heat and cold they must regrow their coats. You should spay or neuter your dog as soon as possible. After sterilization their coat will regrow because of the hormonal changes but this isnot a permanent solution.

It is possible to administer hormone therapy to your dog but do so at your own risk as the treatment includes a drug that can be toxic to their liver and increase aggression.

Melatonin can also be given to your dog as an oral supplement which can increase your dogs melanin production. However this product is not FDA-approved so you could end up causing more harm than good to your dog. 

Ideally you should consult a veterinarian. In order to facilitate the regrowth process they’ll prescribe various treatments.

Mexican Hairless Dog – Xoloitzcuintli

Xoloitzcuintli also known as Mexican Hairless has naturally dark or black skin. Therefore they are unlikely to get Black Skin Disease.

It really has to do with their environment. Due to the heat in Mexico it would simply make these dogs overheat if they had hair or fur so grooming isnot an issue.

If you are not active yourself you will need to start going for daily walks or playing in the park as these dogs are very active.

Its also important to keep an eye on what they eat since they require high-quality food and if they eat too many treats can easily become obese.

American Hairless Terrier

Black skin is another trait these dogs possess or are capable of having. Due to their hairlessness they are unlikely to contract Black Skin Disease.

Also they’re small about 12-16 inches long so if you live in an apartment you’ll love them!

You would not need to worry about grooming these dogs as they are either hairless or their coats are short.

To keep them happy they need moderate exercise. You need only spend a few minutes in the yard or go for a walk every day.

The Xoloitzcuintli is also prone to obesity so you’ll want to watch their diet.

Chinese Crested Dog

These small dogs are perfect for apartment dwellers.

Typically they have hair that looks fresh from the salon or like a stereotypical old Chinese man. Colors range from black to brown.

You should not overfeed these dogs because they are tiny and prone to obesity even though they require high-quality food.

Although it would not shed too much you might find some hairs on your furniture because of the mane.

Also these dogs enjoy short walks and a bit of play so they do not need a lot of exercises.

Shar Pei

Those who have seen a Shar Pei before will be able to identify it by its wrinkles. The coat of these animals is typically tan but they can also be black.

It is unlikely that they will develop Black Skin Disease if they do not have black skin under their coat. Be careful around these dogs because they are stubborn.

If you are feeding your dog high-quality food its okay to give him scraps once in a while but try to avoid giving him too many foods with high-fat content. The short hair they shed can cover furniture quite easily so be prepared. 

Exercise needs vary from person to person so keep an eye on their personalities and you’ll know what they’ll need.

Chow Chow

Chow Chows are one of those breeds that are known to get Black Skin Disease so choose wisely.

Watch their appearance even though their coats are black. A lot of playtimes or a daily walk is all these cute fluffy pups need even though they are active.

Although you do not need to be as strict with their diet as some other breeds many owners choose to feed them low-grain diets. Donot forget to check on them every now and then to make sure they do not have any food allergies. Due to their full manes these dogs shed a lot so be prepared to brush them 2-3 times a week.

Elkhounds

They can be called miniature wolves because of their resemblance to wolves. They have gray and black coats that make them look like wolves but they’re just over 20 inches tall. Be cautious when adopting one of these dogs as they are prone to Black Skin Disease.

You should be careful when walking them as they are very active and will follow their nose. If you do not pay attention they might just runoff. Furthermore they will eat nearly anything you put in front of them so be careful not to overfeed them.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are another breed susceptible to the disease. They come in a variety of colors and shapes including black. Fur literally doubles their size so they embody the whole “tiny body big personality” concept. 

When walking them make sure they are on a leash as they can slip through nearly anything. Despite their inquisitive nature they can be a nightmare at home so train them early on to obey. In addition ensure that they always have access to clean water and watch their diet.

Conclusion

If you are considering adopting a new dog or if you already have one make sure you know your dogs bloodline and whether or not they are susceptible to acquiring Black Skin Disease or if they are naturally dark-skinned. Make sure you have your dogs tested by your veterinarian in case your dog isnot carrying something more malignant.

The best thing to do for your dog if he has Black Skin Disease is to have him neutered or spayed since this will help him regrow his coat and prevent the diseases spread. Also read up on the condition. There may be nothing wrong with what you think is malignant and vice versa. You should be aware of all the warning signs so do not panic. If you ask around you can find plenty of experts who can assist.

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.