What are pure dog breeds
100+ Purebred Dog Breeds Complete List from A to Z (With Pictures)
Although hybrid dogs can be healthy, fun companions, sometimes you want a purebred dog. If so, youre in exactly the right place. From hunting dogs to lap dogs, youll be amazed at the diversity of breeds!
There are over 100 purebred breeds of dogs, from the tiny Papillon to the massive Mastiff. To help you find your new favorite purebred dogs, weve gathered this extensive list of 148 dog breeds and pictures. Scroll down to see all of the best purebred dog breeds from around the world:
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with A:
1. Affenpinscher
We start our purebred dog list with the Affenpinscher, an adorable, brave little dog with a playful personality.
2. Afghan Hound
Noble and somewhat aloof, the Afghan Hound was originally a hunting dog in Afghanistan. This is one of the worlds most ancient purebred dogs.
3. Airedale Terrier
With wooly coats and outgoing, active temperaments, Airedale Terriers can be very fun family pets.
4. Akbash
The Akbash is a protective livestock guardian that originated in Turkey. This large dog is fiercely loyal, smart, and brave.
5. Akita Inu
The Japanese Akita, also known as an Akita Inu, is a loyal, popular dog breed with plenty of strength and stamina.
6. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are strong sled dogs that can handle very cold temperatures. Be warned: this working dog needs a lot of activity!
7. American Bulldog
American Bulldogs are sweet, friendly dogs that can be good with kids with the right socialization.
8. American Dingo (Carolina Dog)
The American Dingo, also called the Carolina Dog, is Americas only wild dog. Though they can be kept as pets, these dogs are very independent and less likely to bond strongly with humans.
9. American English Coonhound
The American English Coonhound is the fastest Coonhound and an excellent hunting dog.
10. American Eskimo Dog
Dont let the name fool you: American Eskimo Dogs arent from Alaska. These smart, fluffy dogs were bred from the German Spitz breed. The name was changed after the First World War.
11. American Foxhound
American Foxhounds are even-tempered family dogs and skilled hunting dogs.
12. American Hairless Terrier
Out of all of the purebred dogs on this list, the American Hairless Terrier is one of the most unique. This small dog does well in apartments and has a playful personality.
13. American Leopard Hound
The American Leopard Hound has beautiful coloring and is a tough hunting dog with plenty of stamina. Make sure you schedule in plenty of exercise time with this breed!
14. American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is known as a tough guard dog but can also be great with kids. This strong breed comes from the British Isles.
15. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is smart and highly trainable. These dogs can be loving family pets with the right training, exercise, and socialization.
16. American Water Spaniel
As their name suggests, American Water Spaniels are gundogs that do especially well in water. Youll find retriever and spaniel traits in this hardworking dog.
17. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Anatolian Shepherds are smart, independent dogs that have been around for thousands of years. These territorial dogs are strong and confident.
18. Appenzeller Sennenhunde
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is one of the less common Swiss Mountain Dogs. This hardy herding dog is smart and protective.
19. Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a herding dog from the Australian Outback. This tough dog has endless energy and plenty of stamina.
20. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are devoted herding dogs most often associated with cowboys. These athletic dogs do well at all kinds of canine competitions, including flyball and agility.
21. Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are feisty, entertaining little dogs with bossy personalities. They also do well in apartments.
22. Azawakh
Azawakh dogs are an uncommon African Greyhound. Originally wild game hunters, these lean, strong dogs can run up to 40 miles per hour.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with B:
23. Barbet
The Barbet has only fairly recently been recognized as a breed, but its a sweet, lovable French water dog with a curly coat.
24. Basenji
The Basenji is one of the few dog breeds that doesnt bark at all. This African dog is elegant, cat-like, and stubborn.
25. Basset Fauve de Bretagne
A hunting dog from France, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a brave, loyal companion with a stubborn streak.
26. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are well-known family dogs with distinctive long faces. This friendly purebred dog was originally bred for hunting.
27. Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a German tracking dog with a calm, companionable temperament.
28. Beagle
Beagles are sweet, friendly dogs that adapt well to children, making them popular family dogs. Youll also find a range of beloved Beagle mixed breed dogs!
29. Bearded Collie
Active, smart, and watchful, Bearded Collies are herding dogs from Scotland.
30. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier famously resembles a lamb, but this breed has more to offer than looks! Theyre also stubborn, loyal, and very active.
31. Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois has a distinctive wiry coat and a stubborn, devoted temperament. You might also see this breed being called the Belgian Shepherd.
32. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a confident, smart herding dog with high exercise needs.
33. Belgian Sheepdog
The Groenendael Belgian Sheepdog is an interesting-looking dog with a unique black coat. Active, alert, and devoted, this dog can be a great pet.
34. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is one of the most instantly recognizable dogs in the world. Covered in dreadlocks, this medium-sized herding dog is gentle and friendly.
35. Berger Picard
Independent, charming, and athletic, the Berger Picard is an unusual hunting dog with pointed ears.
36. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a huge Swiss breed weighing up to 125 pounds. This breed is surprisingly gentle, calm, and friendly.
37. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are popular little dogs because they shed very little and offer curious, smart personalities.
38. Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a smart, loyal hunting dog with a black and brown coat. This strong breed has boundless stamina!
39. Black Mouth Cur
The Black Mouth Cur is a friendly, devoted family pet with an affectionate temperament. Make sure you offer this active breed plenty of activity!
40. Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terriers are large black dogs with athletic, confident demeanors. This breed started out as a military working dog.
41. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are best known for their tracking skills, but you can also expect good-natured, outgoing family dogs.
42. Blue Lacy
Texas state dog, the Blue Lacy, is an energetic, smart herding dog.
43. Bluetick Coonhound
Friendly, fast, and noisy, the Bluetick Coonhound is a relentless hunting dog with a beautiful coat.
44. Boerboel
A South African guard dog, the Boerboel is a strong, territorial mastiff with a calm and loyal temperament.
45. Bohemian Shepherd
The Bohemian Shepherd, sometimes called the Chodsky Pes, is a Czech breed that dates back to 1325. This friendly, devoted dog can be a great family pet.
46. Bolognese
The Bolognese started life as a lap dog for Italian nobility, and it shows in this loving but needy breed.
47. Border Collie
Herding dogs from the border of Scotland and England, Border Collies are watchful, smart dogs that do well with lots of exercise.
48. Border Terrier
Border Terriers are small, hardworking British dogs with wiry coats and otter-like heads. These dogs have a lot of stamina but are also affectionate and good-natured.
49. Borzoi
The noble, slender Borzoi is a fast runner and Russian wolf hunter. This purebred dog is also sweet and laidback.
50. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are fun-loving little dogs with even tempers and a mischievous streak.
51. Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is an active, stubborn family dog with a cheerful, brave personality.
52. Boxer
Boxers are playful, affectionate, and alert dogs. This breed dates all the way back to 2000 BC!
53. Boykin Spaniel
Boykin Spaniels are bird-hunting dogs first bred in South Carolina. These dogs can handle water and are affectionate family pets.
54. Bracco Italiano
If the Bracco Italiano looks familiar, youve probably seen it in a museum. This brown and white hunting dog was often featured in classical paintings and is smart and athletic.
55. Briard
This long-haired dog is named after Brie cheese! The Briard is a fearless French dog with a loyal, protective temperament.
56. Brittany
Brittany dogs are smart, fun-loving dogs that dont have tails. These excellent gundogs are fast and agile.
57. Broholmer
The Broholmer is a sturdy guard dog from Denmark. Friendly but protective, this is a large dog breed.
58. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is an adorable little dog with a playful personality. This breed does well in apartments and loves to spend time with owners.
59. Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are some of the most instantly recognizable purebred dog breeds, with long faces and short, white coats. These dogs were once used in bullfights but are now sweet, friendly companions.
60. Bulldog
Bulldogs are some of the most recognizable dogs in the world. Theyre friendly, calm, and confident, making for great family pets.
61. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a brave, even-tempered guard dog with a distinctive square jaw. This dog breed is both loyal and strong.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with C:
62. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier starred as Toto in The Wizard of Oz and is a fun, playful small dog from Scotland.
63. Canaan Dog
One of Israels national symbols, Canaan dogs are smart, independent dogs that have worked as messengers, herders, and guard dogs.
64. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso dog is a large, even-tempered dog that needs consistent training. Gentle, loyal, and generally family-friendly, this dog can be a great pet.
65. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are loyal, active dogs from Wales. These distinctively shaped dogs are related to Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
66. Catahoula Leopard Dog
This purebred is instantly recognizable because of its highly unusual coloring. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a smart, responsive hunting dog.
67. Caucasian Mountain Dog
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, sometimes called the Caucasian Mountain Dog, is a massive livestock guarding dog originally bred in the mountains. These dogs are intensely protective and loyal.
68. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly, beautiful dog breed popular with families. Be prepared for a so-called velcro dog!
69. Central Asian Shepherd Dog
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed that can handle very cold temperatures. This large dog is territorial and confident.
70. Cesky Terrier
The smart, family-friendly Cesky Terrier is a curious, fun pet thats great with children.
71. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a very athletic dog with an energetic, loving personality. This breed has a waterproof coat and loves to swim!
72. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be tiny dogs, but they offer a lot of personality. Weighing up to 6 pounds, the Chihuahua is a funny, mischievous pet.
73. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested has one of the most unique coats of any purebred dog. This dog is loving and friendly but doesnt do as well with kids.
74. Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei started life as a hunter and fighter, using its loose skin to shake off predators and fellow dogs. These days, the Shar-Pei is best known for its sweet, wrinkled face.
75. Chinook
The Chinook is a smart, strong dog with a laid-back personality.
76. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are adorable big dogs that look a little bit like lions. Noble, loyal, and above all distinctive, these dogs are unusual pets.
77. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are sporting dogs that excel at hunting, retrieving, and tracking. You can find American and English types of Cocker Spaniels, along with a great range of mixed-breed dogs.
78. Collie
Collies are affectionate Scottish herding dogs with agility and tracking skills. This breed was one of Queen Victorias favorite dogs.
79. Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear dogs are adorable, fluffy little pets that originally came from Morocco.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with D:
80. Dachshund
Long, low Dachshunds started out as hunting dogs particularly skilled at catching burrowing game. These days, theyre popular companions and family pets.
81. Dalmatian
If youve ever seen the movie 101 Dalmatians, youre familiar with this spotted breed! Dalmatians once protected firetrucks and horse carriages.
82. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a strong, smart guard with a watchful temperament. Youll need to be serious about training, but these dogs can be great companions.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with E:
83. English Setter
The English Setter was originally a bird-hunting dog, but these days youre more likely to see them keeping their owners and families company.
84. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are friendly, active dogs that can be fun family pets.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with F:
85. Finnish Lapphund
Popular in Finland but virtually unknown elsewhere, the Finnish Lapphund is a strong, even-tempered breed.
86. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are cute, stylish little dogs with pointed ears and playful, fun personalities.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with G:
87. German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog, sometimes called the GSD, often works with police and military departments. This breed is also an alert, loyal family dog.
88. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are smart, patient, and friendly, so its easy to see why theyre popular with families.
89. Great Dane
Great Danes are gentle giants that started life as wild boar hunters.
90. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are big, hardy dogs that can withstand cold temperatures and pull heavy loads. Youll need a lot of space to keep these large dogs happy!
91. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a famously fast, athletic racing breed with a long, lean body.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with H:
92. Havanese
Originally from Cuba, the Havanese is a people-oriented little dog that hates to be left alone.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with I:
93. Ibizan Hound
Ibizan Hounds are agile, deer-like hunting dogs with gentle, watchful temperaments.
94. Irish Setter
Irish Setters have beautiful red coats and endless athletic skills. These gundogs are champions in everything from retrieving and pointing to agility and obedience.
95. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are smart and fairly eager to please, with sweet, patient temperaments.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with J:
96. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers were bred to hunt foxes, rats, and mice, but theyre more commonly found in tracking and agility canine competitions these days.
97. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin breed is thousands of years old and was originally bred as a lap dog for nobility. This affectionate, companionable dog has a noble, elegant bearing.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with K:
98. Kerry Blue Terrier
Originally from Ireland, the Kerry Blue Terrier was bred for hunting vermin but also excels at agility and other competitions.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with L:
99. Labrador Retriever
As their name suggests, Labrador Retrievers are excellent retrieving dogs. Their friendly, loyal personalities have also made them some of the worlds most popular pets.
100. Lhasa Apso
Small, beautiful, and independent, the Lhasa Apso once guarded Tibetan monks.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with M:
101. Maltese
The Maltese dog breed is friendly, happy, and athletic, with a beautiful white coat.
102. Mountain Cur
Mountain Cur dogs are athletic, smart guard dogs and companions.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with N:
103. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs may be huge, but theyre also calm, even-tempered guard dogs.
104. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are often called nanny dogs because theyre so patient with children. These sweet dogs are gentle, dedicated, and large.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with O:
105. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog has a beautiful fluffy coat and a good-natured temperament. This sheep-like dog was bred to herd sheep!
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with P:
106. Papillon
Papillons have butterfly-shaped ears, which accounts for their name, meaning butterfly in French. Active and fun-loving, these dogs can be good companion pets.
107. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a small Chinese dog originally bred for companionship. These dogs are smart, brave, and determined.
108. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a smart little dog most famously owned by Englands Queen Elizabeth. This breed wassurprisinglyoriginally a herding dog!
109. Pharaoh Hound
Pharaoh Hounds come from the island nation of Malta, where they traditionally hunt rabbits. These unusual-looking dogs are sleek, lithe, and noble.
110. Pomeranian
Pomeranians may be small, but they have a lot to offer in personality! These dogs do well as lap dogs and companions but arent recommended for families with children. They are little dogs with big personalities.
111. Poodle
Poodles are famous for being smart and hypoallergenic. Great for families with allergies, this breed is often combined with other breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.
112. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog started out as a fishermans dog, but these days the breed is commonly found as a family companion.
113. Pug
Pugs are cheerful, friendly family pets with wrinkled faces. These playful dogs have a stubborn side, so they can be a little hard to train.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with R:
114. Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is a graceful, athletic hunting dog originally bred for hunting raccoons.
115. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are African dogs originally bred for hunting and guarding livestock. This powerful breed is sometimes called the African Lion Dog.
116. Rottweiler
Dating back to the Roman Empire, Rottweilers are tough, brave guard dogs.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with S:
117. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards hail from the mountains of Switzerland. This breed traditionally works as a rescue and guard dog but can also be a great family companion.
118. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a sighthound originally bred for deer hunting. This lanky, shaggy dog has a gentle, polite temperament.
119. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs sport weatherproof double coats that protect them from the harsh weather in Northern Scotland. These little herding dogs are smart and independent.
120. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are strong-willed, confident, and outgoing, and with the right training and socialization, they can be good family dogs. This breed comes from Japan and originally hunted small game.
121. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate dog with a stubborn side. One of the worlds best-known small dog breeds, the Shih Tzu is also a popular parent breed for hybrids.
122. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are strong dogs bred to pull sleds across the Siberian tundra. This powerful breed can be difficult to train and needs quite a bit of exercise.
123. Silky Terrier
Silky Terriers have triangular ears, perky tails, and long, silky coats. Theyre friendly, spunky little dogs with curious, bold personalities.
124. Skye Terrier
Skye Terriers come from Scotlands Isle of Skye, where they typically hunt foxes and badgers.
125. Sloughi
The Sloughi is a long, lean sighthound bred for fox, gazelle, and jackal hunting. This watchful breed comes from Morocco and excels as a watchdog and guard dog.
126. Small Munsterlander Pointer
The Small Munsterlander Pointer is a happy, affectionate hunting dog from Germany. This breed is equally skilled on land and water!
127. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is an agile hunting and tracking dog with a stubborn streak. This playful dog can be a fun family pet!
128. Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Mastiffs have been guarding livestock for thousands of years. These large, powerful dogs have calm, watchful temperaments.
129. Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is an ancient breed from Italy. This vocal, alert watchdog is a smart companion.
130. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers were originally bred for fighting but are also great with kids. Hardy, loyal, and smart, these dogs are great family pets.
131. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is an agile hunting and retrieving dog with a watchful, smart personality.
132. Sussex Spaniel
Sussex Spaniels were bred for bird hunting and are the only kind of Spaniel that bays. These energetic dogs are outgoing and playful.
133. Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is an ancient Viking breed that often works as a cow herder. If youre looking for a canine hiking companion, this could be it!
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with T:
134. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs hail from the Himalayan Mountains in Tibet. Theyre independent, stubborn watchdogs with fluffy coats and powerful, large bodies.
135. Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is another watchdog from Tibet that started life by guarding monasteries. Small, smart, and charming, this dog can be a great companion.
136. Tibetan Terrier
Tibetan Terriers are tough, agile working dogs that love to compete in obedience and agility events.
137. Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is a plucky little hunting dog with plenty of intelligence and personality.
138. Transylvanian Hound
Transylvanian Hounds are ancient Hungarian hunting dogs with Rottweiler-like coloring. Smart, dedicated, and devoted, theyre excellent hounds.
139. Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a small game hunter with a loud, distinctive bark. Somewhat high-strung, this breed is also smart and affectionate.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with V:
140. Vizsla
Vizsla dogs are Hungarian hunting and tracking dogs with tough, smart temperaments.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with W:
141. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a medium-sized dog that is especially good at tracking and agility. You may recognize this breed from the famous series of portraits taken by photographer William Wegman!
142. Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a tough hunting dog and a devoted family pet.
143. Welsh Terrier
Welsh Terriers started out as small game hunters but can also be found working as therapy and rescue dogs. You can expect a feisty, energetic personality!
144. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is a sweet, friendly little dog often found in Great Britain.
145. Whippet
As you might expect from their appearance, Whippets are related to Greyhound racing dogs. This breed is agile, fast, and energetic.
146. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons have distinctive wiry coats to protect them from cold weather. This breed is friendly, loyal, and independent.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with X:
147. Xoloitzcuintle
After the Chihuahua, the Xoloitzcuintle is likely Mexicos most famous dog. Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog or simply the Xolo, this alert breed is an ancient Aztec dog.
Purebred Dog Breeds That Start with Y:
148. Yorkshire Terrier
The final dog on our purebred dog list is the Yorkshire Terrier. This is a feisty, intelligent companion dog with a whole lot of personality.
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Featured Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock
