8 Playful Black Dog Tattoo Designs With Meanings

Dark fur, sparkly eyes, floppy ears, and an excited tail, need we say more?!

Reviewed by Rodrigo Casco, Professional Tattoo and Body Piercing Artist Rodrigo Casco Rodrigo CascoProfessional Tattoo and Body Piercing Artist facebook_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon
Written by Pahul Nanra, BA (English Hons) Pahul Nanra BA (English Hons) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Fact-checked by Manjari Uppal, MSc Manjari Uppal MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

Sometime ago there were trending videos of black dogs just being adorable. This trend made black dog tattoos so popular, and rightfully so. Afterall, how can you look at an adorable doggo with black fur and sparkly eyes and not fall in love! So, if you are a dog person, this is the perfect place to be. Black dog tattoos are one of the most favorite among pet lovers. While all dogs make wonderful companions, there’s something so stunning about dogs with black fur (we’re looking at you, Sirius Black). The black fur immediately makes their dewy eyes pop, no matter the color of the pupils. And, let’s not even get to the adorableness of their floppy ears. If all of this sparks joy in you and you’ve been thinking of getting a black dog tattoo, all you have to do is read on!

Meaning Of Black Dog Tattoos

The black dog tattoo symbolizes protection and guardianship. A dog is often seen as a companion or guide through difficult times. Some believe the tattoo represents overcoming challenges or a tribute to a beloved pet. In folklore, the black dog can embody both positive and negative traits. It can range from luck and fortune to omens of death or the supernatural.

In modern days people get black dog tattoos that resemble pets that have or have had. They can be inked using various art styles and carry a very deep sentimental value.

8 Mysterious Black Dog Tattoo Designs

If you are interested in getting a black dog tattoo and would like to know what it means, we have some tattoos to inspire you. Read on!

1. Black Dog Tattoo

A traditional black tattoo on the forearm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

This tattoo is of a black dog that is inked on the forearm. The tattoo uses light and shade to bring life to the tattoo. The calm expression on the dog makes it a very soothing tattoo to have. The tattoo has a semi-realistic appeal that makes the art look very eye-catching. You can add a splash of watercolor to give a stark contrast to the tattoo and make the design look even more interesting.

2. Traditional Black Dog Tattoo

A traditional black tattoo on the forearm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

If traditional tattoos are what you like, then this design will surely impress you. The tattoo is of an adorable dog bust on the forearm. Under the tattoo is a beautiful frame collar. This can be a great tattoo to remember a furry pet who has passed away. The black color and white highlights make this tattoo very realistic looking.

3. Black Dog Tattoo Design

A silhouette of a dog bust on the forearm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Silhouette tattoos are always interesting. This tattoo is of a side profile of a dog bust. It uses a negative inking technique to highlight the ears and eyes. The color black uniform color makes it perfect for all skin tones. You can have this tattoo inked on your forearm. If you want you can also add your dog’s name under the tattoo.

4. Minimalist Black Dog Tattoo

Minimalistic black dog tattoo on the wrist
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

If silhouette tattoos are your thing you will surely dig this wrist tattoo. Placed on your inner wrist the tattoo features a black dog. The simplicity of the tattoo is what draws people towards it. The placement of the tattoo is very easy to flaunt. This can be a great conversation starter for you.

5. Silhouette Black Dog Tattoo

A seated dog on the forearm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Just one look at the tattoo and you know you want it. This tattoo says the words “Who is the good boy? – I am”. The silhouette of the tattoo is very unique and the seated position of the dog fits your forearm perfectly. If you have a dog and want to dedicate the tattoo to them, you can add their birthdate or name under it.

6. Black Dog Portrait Tattoo

A black dog portrait tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Portrait tattoos are perfect for those who have an adorable dog. This realistic tattoo of a black dog bust sits on your forearm beautifully. The light and shade of the design make the tattoo look very realistic. You can scale the tattoo up and have it placed on your upper back as well. Make sure you get this tattoo inked by a seasoned artist only.

7. Black Scottie Dog Tattoo

Scottish terrier tattoo on a woman’s wrist
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Scottish terriers are perfect for those who like small dogs. This tattoo is made using black ink and white highlights. The tattoo uses thin lines to form the furs that look very realistic. The cute silhouette of the dog can make anyone go ‘awwww’. You can also add a collar to the tattoo or a name under the tattoo to make it look personalized.

8. Black Dog Back Tattoo

A black dog tattoo on the back
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

This silhouette tattoo is of a black dog on the upper back. The tattoo is compact and fits the spine perfectly. The simple black ink makes it suitable for all skin tones. You can easily scale the tattoo and place it on any part of the body. The interesting silhouette of the tattoo makes it even more eye-catching.

There is no end to how creative you can get with your black dog tattoo. The best part about these tattoos is, you can use different art styles for this. From realistic to minimalist, you can choose anything that connects to you the most. Some people even get black dog tattoos to dedicate to a dog they have. The more you look at designs the better idea you will have of what design you want.

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Rodrigo Casco
Rodrigo CascoProfessional Tattoo and Body Piercing Artist
Rodrigo Casco is an Argentine tattoo artist. He has 21 years of experience designing tattoos. He has done tattooing by hand as well as created his own tattoo machines. He has won multiple awards and stood first in national and international tattoo conventions, is a judge at events, and also gives many seminars.

Read full bio of Rodrigo Casco
Pahul Nanra
Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

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Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Manjari Uppal
Manjari Uppal Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience in writing across different niches, including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has since honed her craft to perfection.

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