100+ Purebred Dog Breeds - Complete List from A to Z (With Pictures) – Dogster (2024)

Although hybrid dogs can be healthy, fun companions, sometimes you want a purebred dog. If so, you’re in exactly the right place. From hunting dogs to lap dogs, you’ll 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, we’ve 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 world’s 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 America’s 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

Don’t let the name fool you: American Eskimo Dogs aren’t 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. You’ll 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 recently been recognized as a breed, but it’s a sweet, lovable French water dog with a curly coat.

24. Basenji

The Basenji is one of the few dog breeds that doesn’t 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. You’ll 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! They’re 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 mischevious 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, you’ve 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 full breed 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 don’t 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. They’re 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 Israel’s 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 that’s 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 doesn’t 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 laidback 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. co*cker Spaniel

co*cker Spaniels are sporting dogs that excel at hunting, retrieving, and tracking. You can find American and English types of co*cker 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 Victoria’s 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, they’re popular companions and family pets.

81. Dalmatian

If you’ve ever seen the movie “101 Dalmatians,” you’re 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. You’ll 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 you’re 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 it’s easy to see why they’re 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. You’ll 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 they’re 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 world’s 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 they’re also calm, even-tempered guard dogs.

104. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are often called “nanny dogs” because they’re 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 England’s Queen Elizabeth. This breed was originally 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 aren’t 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 fisherman’s 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 world’s 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. They’re friendly, spunky little dogs with curious, bold personalities.

124. Skye Terrier

Skye Terriers come from Scotland’s 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 full breed dog 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 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 you’re 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. They’re 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, they’re 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 Mexico’s 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.

You may also want to read:

• Dingo vs. Dog: What Are the Differences?
• List of Dogs/Dog Breeds with J K L

Featured Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock