Historically, black dogs have gotten a bad rep. They represented something supernatural or even demonic in folklore. They were also used as a symbol of darkness or depression. But that label is so undeserved for these pups, and finally, society is starting to catch up. Black dogs are starting to hold a special place in pop culture — from Taylor Swift’s song “The Black Dog” to the lovable black dog Sirius in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Black dogs represent something misunderstood, yet beautiful — and they will always hold a special place in our hearts!
In honor of National Black Dog Day on Oct. 1, we want to help reclaim the narrative about these beautiful dogs. So, we’ve rounded up 17 of the cutest black dogs on Instagram that will bring a little lightness, beauty, and pure joy to your feed. These are all good boys and good girls, and our hearts are swooning over them!
1. Schnootle

Schnootle is the cuddliest dog!
©Instagram/@shnootle.hound
This black Labrador named Schnootle (@shnootle.hound) is unbelievably sweet, always cuddling with his owner and following her around the house. His videos, sitting on his owner’s lap, even while she works, are so adorably cute. He doesn’t know that he’s huge! If you need some feel-good content on your feed, Schnootle’s videos will hit the spot.
2. Snoopy

We are obsessed with this cute fashionista doggie.
©Instagram/@snoopy_furever_
A dog who doubles as a model? Snoopy (@snoopy_furever_) is a little fashionista, and we are in love with her adorable account. This black dog is a Shihtzu Cross Cavoodle, and she always looks adorable in her cute clothes and stunning locations. Her long, silky hair and sweet poses are too precious.
3. Charlie

This German Shepherd loves being outside.
© Instagram/@charlie_theblackshepherd
Charlie (@charlie_theblackshepherd) is a black German shepherd who loves playing in the snow at his Canadian home with his brown German shepherd brother, Moose. He loves being outside, from watching snowflakes to diving in the pool, and being a good boy.
4. Quin & Widge

These black labs are experts at posing for photos.
©Instagram/@blackdogsadventuring
Two adorable Oregon-born dogs, Quin and Widge (@blackdogsadventuring), love going on adventures in the Pacific Northwest. These black Labs are so good at posing, they are nearly indistinguishable in photos by water, flowers, and forests. Their sweet faces and scenic backgrounds make this page worth following.
5. Coopy

Cooper is a black Labrador Boxer mix who always seems ready to smile.
©Instagram/@coopypatootie
Cooper, aka Coopy Patootie, aka Coopy, always seems to be smiling in pictures on his Instagram grid (@coopypatootie). In pictures of this black Labrador Boxer mix, you can find him chewing on things, grinning, and acting like a silly little goober all the time. How could you not take a million pictures when your dog is this cute?!
6. Bacon

Fashionista by day, sweet doggy by night!
©Instagram/@baconthedoggers
Bacon (@baconthedoggers) is spoiled, and he knows it! The black Schnauzer models adorable doggy fashion trends, like red plaid jackets, fuzzy orange sweater vests, and floral shirts. He is just so fluffy and cute, we would spoil him, too.
7. Thistle

Thistle’s happiness is contagious.
©Instagram/@thelifeof_thistle
This Spaniel named Thistle (@thelifeof_thistle) has traveled to 18 countries and counting — and he couldn’t be happier about it. The black pup loves to wag his tongue and smile for every photo, whether he’s sopping wet from playing in water, licking his lips for a tree, or relaxing in a field of wildflowers. His happiness and energy are contagious!
8. Guts

It’s impossible to be sad when going through Guts’ Instagram grid.
©Instagram/@gutstheshollie
This Shollie dog (a cross between German Shepherd and Border Collie) is named Guts (@gutstheshollie), and he’s so darn cute. The pup is only 8 months old, and he’s an energetic little smush who lives in Norway. Follow for adorable, tongue-wagging content.
9. Daphne

©Instagram/@dogdaysofdaphne
Exploring is Daphne’s middle name (probably).
According to Daphne’s (@dogdaysofdaphne) Instagram bio, she loves sniffing, chasing, sunbathing, hiking, napping, and exploring. And you can see her do it on her page! This page is full of sweet photos of the Lab mix and blog-like captions of her adventures from Daphne’s own perspective.
10. Lupin

A magical name for a magical dog.
© Instagram/@lupin.spoo.and.albus.too
Yes, he is named after a Harry Potter character, and we can’t help but love him even more for that! Lupin (@lupin.spoo.and.albus.too) is the cutest black poodle, who often plays with (and posts pictures of) other animal friends, including a cat named Albus and a cat named Minerva. Their photos are just as magical as the characters they’re named after.
11. Louis

©Instagram/@lekkeli
A pug with the cutest face.
Louis the pug (@lekkeli) has an impressively long tongue, an underbite, and a squishy face that we just want to squeeze! He can be found snuggling with stuffed animals, playing dress up, and frowning in that adorable way of his. Obsessed is an understatement when it comes to this pug.
12. Zelda

Zelda is a rescue dog who is thriving.
©Instagram/@zelda_the_grey
English Greyhounds are regal dogs bred for racing and hunting, which can often cause harsh conditions. Zelda was rescued from the Irish greyhound racing industry and now lives in Sweden — and you can tell she is thriving! This sweet black dog (@zelda_the_grey) loves swimming, hiking, and eating watermelon.
13. Lacken & Uisce

Portuguese Water Dogs are beyond precious.
© Instagram/@lackenanduisce_pwd
Lacken and Uisce (@lackenanduisce_pwd) are Portuguese Water Dogs (PWD), with the softest black fur. From exploring nature to playing with their puppies, we love seeing what these two get up to.
14. Millie

Millie sure knows how to pose pretty for a picture.
©Instagram/@theadventuresofmilliemoo
As a working Cocker Spaniel, Millie (@theadventuresofmilliemoo) has tons of energy. She lets it out chasing squirrels and going on walks with gorgeous scenic views. She is full of joy, and every picture is an instant serotonin boost.
15. Wilson & Hightop

Our new favorite duo: Dubbs and Hightop!
©Instagram/@wilsonthelabragoat
Another duo that is too cute for words! Wilson “Dubbs” and Hightop (@wilsonthelabragoat) are English Labradors who enjoy giving kisses, wiggling their butts, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. They have the happiest smiles on the beach and while swimming in the water.
16. Bolt

He’s so big and such a softy!
©Instagram/@bolt__the__great
Great Danes are some of the sweetest dogs around, and Bolt (@bolt__the__great) is clearly no exception. Just look at his adorable Instagram, walking with his owner, licking ice cream cones, and rolling in the grass. A picture of him jumping to catch falling leaves makes our hearts melt!
17. Presto

Presto is a tiny, fluffy Brussels Griffon.
©Instagram/@presto_the_griff
Presto (@presto_the_griff) is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-him doggies. That’s because he blends in so well with cute and fluffy stuffed animals! When he’s not playing hide and seek, the Brussels Griffon loves going on walks and cuddling up on his dog bed.