Dog Breeds That Start With A (Complete List & Sub-lists)

Attention all dog lovers! Are you curious about dog breeds that start with A?

Well, you’ve come to the right place. From small to large breeds, from terriers to shepherds, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of dog breeds starting with the letter A.

Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a novice considering adding a furry friend to your family, it’s always helpful to have a vast knowledge of different dog breeds. And what better way to start than by exploring dog breed names beginning with A? So, without further ado, let’s dive into the exciting world of dog breeds!

 

Dog Breeds That Start With A

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher, originating from Germany, is a small, terrier-like breed known for its monkey-like appearance. Its wiry, harsh coat, which comes in black, gray, silver, or black and tan, is prone to matting and requires regular grooming. This breed is characterized by its alert and feisty personality, and it has been used as a rat catcher and a watchdog in the past.

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound, originating from Afghanistan, is a majestic and elegant breed known for its long, silky coat and its regal demeanor. Its coat can come in a variety of colors, including black, cream, and fawn, and it requires extensive grooming to keep it in top condition. This breed is known for its independent nature and its ability to run at high speeds, which made it a popular hunting companion for Afghan nomads.

African Hairless Dog

The African Hairless Dog, also known as the African Naked Dog, is a unique breed originating from Africa. As the name suggests, this breed is hairless, with only a few tufts of hair on its head and tail. It comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and white. This breed is known for its intelligence and loyalty, and it makes a great companion for families with allergies.

Africanis

The Africanis, also known as the African Dog, is a breed originating from South Africa. This breed is known for its versatility and adaptability, and it has been used as a hunting dog, a herding dog, and a guard dog in the past. Its coat can come in a variety of colors, including brown, black, and white, and it is characterized by its muscular and athletic build.

Aidi

The Aidi, also known as the Atlas Mountain Dog, is a breed originating from North Africa. This breed is known for its bravery and loyalty, and it has been used as a guard dog and a hunting dog in the past. Its coat is thick and dense, with a soft undercoat and a harsh outercoat, and it can come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and white.

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier, originating from England, is a medium-sized breed known for its intelligence and versatility. It has a wiry, dense coat that is typically tan and black in color, and it requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition. This breed is known for its courage and loyalty, and it has been used as a hunting dog, a police dog, and a war dog in the past.

Akbash

The Akbash, originating from Turkey, is a large breed known for its protective instincts and its ability to work as a livestock guardian. Its coat is white and thick, with a dense undercoat that provides insulation in cold weather. This breed is characterized by its independent nature and its loyalty to its family.

Akita

The Akita, originating from Japan, is a large breed known for its strength and courage. Its coat is thick and dense, and it can come in a variety of colors, including white, brindle, and red. This breed is known for its loyalty and its protective instincts, and it has been used as a hunting dog and a guard dog in the past.

Aksaray Malaklisi

The Aksaray Malaklisi, originating from Turkey, is a large and powerful breed known for its protective instincts and loyalty. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of fawn or brindle. This breed has a strong muscular build, and it was traditionally used as a guardian of flocks and herds.

Alano Español

The Alano Español, originating from Spain, is a large and muscular breed known for its strength and agility. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of brindle or fawn. This breed is known for its courage and loyalty, and it was traditionally used as a hunting and fighting dog.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog, originating from the United States, is a medium-sized breed known for its strength and athleticism. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of blue, gray, or brindle. This breed is known for its loyalty and protective instincts, and it was originally bred for hunting and guarding purposes.

Alaskan Husky

The Alaskan Husky, originating from Alaska, is a breed known for its endurance and athleticism. Its coat is dense and double-layered, providing insulation in cold weather. This breed is typically used for sled racing and other dog-powered sports, and it has a friendly and energetic personality.

Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai, originating from the United States, is a small and energetic breed known for its striking resemblance to the Siberian Husky. Its coat is thick and dense, typically coming in shades of black, gray, or white. This breed is known for its intelligence and playfulness, and it makes a great companion for active families.

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute, originating from Alaska, is a large and powerful breed known for its strength and endurance. Its coat is thick and double-layered, providing insulation in cold weather. This breed is typically used for sled pulling and other dog-powered sports, and it has a friendly and loyal personality.

Alaunt

The Alaunt, originating from Europe, is an ancient breed known for its strength and versatility. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of fawn or brindle. This breed was used for a variety of purposes in the past, including hunting, herding, and war.

Alopekis

The Alopekis, originating from Greece, is a small and lively breed known for its intelligence and playfulness. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of white or black. This breed is known for its loyalty and affectionate personality, and it makes a great companion for families.

Alpine Dachsbracke

The Alpine Dachsbracke, originating from Austria, is a small and sturdy breed known for its excellent tracking abilities. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of red or black. This breed is known for its loyalty and intelligence, and it was traditionally used for hunting purposes.

Alpine Mastiff

The Alpine Mastiff, originating from Italy, is a large and powerful breed known for its protective instincts and loyalty. Its coat is thick and dense, typically coming in shades of fawn or brindle. This breed is known for its courage and strength, and it was traditionally used as a guard dog and a watchdog.

American Bulldog

The American Bulldog, originating from the United States, is a large and muscular breed known for its strength and courage. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of white or brindle. This breed is known for its loyalty and protective instincts, and it was traditionally used for

 

American Bully

The American Bully, originating from the United States, is a medium-sized breed known for its strength and muscular build. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in a variety of colors and patterns. This breed is known for its loyalty and affectionate personality, and it makes a great family pet.

American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel, originating from the United States, is a small and elegant breed known for its long, silky coat and charming personality. Its coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, buff, and parti-color. This breed is known for its intelligence and affectionate nature, and it makes a great companion for families.

American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound, originating from the United States, is a medium-sized breed known for its exceptional hunting abilities. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of black, tan, and white. This breed is known for its loyalty and tenacity, and it was traditionally used for hunting raccoons and other game.

American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog, originating from Germany, is a small and energetic breed known for its thick, fluffy coat and playful personality. Its coat comes in a variety of colors, including white, cream, and biscuit. This breed is known for its intelligence and affectionate nature, and it makes a great companion for families.

American Foxhound

The American Foxhound, originating from the United States, is a large and athletic breed known for its excellent hunting abilities. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of black, tan, and white. This breed is known for its loyalty and endurance, and it was traditionally used for hunting foxes and other game.

American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier, originating from the United States, is a small and playful breed known for its unique hairless appearance. Some individuals may have a fine, sparse coat of hair on their head, feet, and tail. This breed is known for its intelligence and affectionate nature, and it makes a great companion for families with allergies.

American Leopard Hound

The American Leopard Hound, originating from the United States, is a medium-sized breed known for its exceptional hunting abilities and striking coat pattern. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of black, tan, and white with distinctive leopard-like spots. This breed is known for its loyalty and tenacity, and it was traditionally used for hunting deer, bear, and other game.

American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier, originating from the United States, is a medium-sized breed known for its strength and athleticism. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of brindle or fawn. This breed is known for its loyalty and protective instincts, and it was traditionally used for bull-baiting and fighting. However, with responsible ownership and socialization, they can make great family pets.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier, originating from the United States, is a medium-sized breed known for its strength and muscular build. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of blue, fawn, or brindle. This breed is known for its loyalty and affectionate nature, and it makes a great family pet.

American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel, originating from the United States, is a medium-sized breed known for its excellent swimming abilities and outgoing personality. Its coat is dense and waterproof, typically coming in shades of liver or chocolate. This breed is known for its intelligence and loyalty, and it was traditionally used for hunting waterfowl and retrieving game from the water.

Anglo-français De Petite Vénerie

The Anglo-français De Petite Vénerie, originating from France, is a medium-sized breed known for its exceptional hunting abilities and unique appearance. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of white and black or white and orange. This breed is known for its intelligence and loyalty, and it was traditionally used for hunting small game such as rabbits and hares.

Appenzeller Sennenhund

The Appenzeller Sennenhund, originating from Switzerland, is a medium-sized breed known for its intelligence and strong work ethic. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of black, tan, and white. This breed is known for its loyalty and protective instincts, and it was traditionally used for herding livestock and guarding the home.

Argentine Polar Dog

The Argentine Polar Dog, originating from Argentina, is a large and powerful breed known for its strength and endurance. Its coat is thick and dense, typically coming in shades of white or cream. This breed is known for its loyalty and independent nature, and it was traditionally used for pulling sleds and performing other heavy work.

Ariegeois

The Ariegeois, originating from France, is a medium-sized breed known for its exceptional hunting abilities and gentle personality. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of white and black or white and orange. This breed is known for its intelligence and loyalty, and it was traditionally used for hunting game such as deer and boar.

Ariège Pointer

The Ariège Pointer, originating from France, is a medium-sized breed known for its exceptional hunting abilities and friendly personality. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of white and black or white and orange. This breed is known for its intelligence and trainability, and it was traditionally used for hunting game such as hare and quail.

Armant

The Armant, originating from Egypt, is a medium-sized breed known for its strength and agility. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of black or brown. This breed is known for its loyalty and protective instincts, and it was traditionally used for guarding the home and hunting game such as gazelle and hare.

Armenian Gampr

The Armenian Gampr, originating from Armenia, is a large and powerful breed known for its protective instincts and loyalty. Its coat is thick and dense, typically coming in shades of gray or fawn. This breed is known for its independent nature and strong work ethic, and it was traditionally used for herding livestock and guarding the home.

Artois Hound

The Artois Hound, originating from France, is a medium-sized breed known for its exceptional hunting abilities and friendly personality. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of white and black or white and orange. This breed is known for its intelligence and trainability, and it was traditionally used for hunting game such as hare and fox.

Assyrian Mastiff

The Assyrian Mastiff, originating from Iraq, is a large and powerful breed known for its strength and protective instincts. Its coat is thick and dense, typically coming in shades of black or gray. This breed is known for its loyalty and devotion to its family, and it was traditionally used for guarding the home and protecting livestock.

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is a medium-sized breed originating from Australia. Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic, these dogs were originally bred to herd cattle in the harsh Australian outback. Their coat is short and thick, typically coming in blue or red speckled patterns.

Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie is a medium-sized breed originating from Australia, known for their intelligence, energy, and agility. Bred for herding livestock in the rugged terrain of the Australian outback, these dogs are highly adaptable and excel at a variety of tasks, including agility and obedience competitions. Their coat is short and thick, typically coming in black, red, chocolate, or fawn.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd, also known as the Aussie, is a medium-sized breed originating from the United States (despite its name). Known for their intelligence, trainability, and versatility, these dogs are often used as working dogs in a variety of fields, including herding, search and rescue, and therapy. Their coat is thick and wavy, typically coming in blue merle, red merle, black, or red.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, also known as the Stumpy, is a medium-sized breed originating from Australia. Bred for herding cattle in the harsh Australian outback, these dogs are highly intelligent, energetic, and loyal. Their most distinctive feature is their naturally bobbed tail, which is a result of a genetic mutation. Their coat is short and dense, typically coming in blue or red speckled patterns.

Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a small breed originating from Australia, known for their spunky and friendly personalities. Originally bred to control vermin and hunt snakes, these dogs make great companions and are well-suited for apartment living. Their coat is thick and wiry, typically coming in shades of blue and tan.

Austrian Black And Tan Hound

The Austrian Black And Tan Hound, originating from Austria, is a medium-sized breed known for its exceptional hunting abilities and loyalty. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of black and tan. This breed is known for its courage and determination, and it was traditionally used for hunting game such as hare and fox.

Austrian Pinscher

The Austrian Pinscher, originating from Austria, is a medium-sized breed known for its intelligence and trainability. Its coat is short and dense, typically coming in shades of black and tan. This breed is known for its loyalty and protective instincts, and it was traditionally used for guarding the home and hunting game such as hare and fox.

Azawakh

The Azawakh, originating from West Africa, is a lean and graceful breed known for its speed and endurance. Its coat is short and fine, typically coming in shades of fawn, black, blue, or gray. This breed is known for its independence and loyalty, and it was traditionally used for hunting and as a guardian of the home.

Small dog breeds that start with A letter

There are several small dog breeds that start with A, including:

• Affenpinscher: These tiny dogs are known for their playful and mischievous personality.
• American Eskimo Dog: Despite their name, these dogs were actually developed in Germany. They are known for their fluffy white coat and affectionate nature.
• Australian Terrier: These spunky little dogs were originally bred to hunt rodents in Australia. They are known for their loyalty and courage.
• Brussels Griffon: These adorable dogs are known for their expressive faces and affectionate nature.
• Chihuahua: These tiny dogs are known for their feisty and sassy personalities.

Rare dog breeds beginning with A

While there are many popular dog breeds that start with A, there are also several rare breeds worth mentioning, including:

• Aidi: This breed originated in North Africa and is known for their loyalty and protective nature.
• Alano Español: This Spanish breed is known for their strength and courage.
• Alpine Mastiff: This breed is one of the oldest in the world, and was originally bred in the Swiss Alps to guard livestock.
• Armenian Gampr: This breed is native to Armenia and is known for their intelligence and loyalty.
• Alopekis: This rare breed is from Greece and is known for their small size and playful personality.

Terrier Dog Breeds Starting with A

If you are interested in terrier dog breeds that start with A, here are some options:

• Airedale Terrier: Known for their playful, loyal and energetic personality, they are great with children and make excellent family pets.
• American Pit Bull Terrier: They are strong, loyal, and affectionate. They require plenty of exercise and socialization.
• Australian Terrier: They are small, fearless and smart dogs. They make great watchdogs and are ideal for active families.
• American Staffordshire Terrier: Known for their courage, loyalty and intelligence, they are often used as police and military dogs.
• Affenpinscher: These tiny dogs have a playful and mischievous personality, and are known for their shaggy coat and expressive faces.

German Shepherd Dog Breeds beginning with A

If you are looking for a German Shepherd dog breed that starts with A, here are some options:

• Alsatian: This breed is known for their courage, loyalty, and intelligence. They are commonly used in police and military work.
• American Alsatian: Bred to look like a dire wolf, they are a calm, intelligent and loyal breed.
• American White Shepherd: They are known for their white fur and friendly nature.
• Anatolian Shepherd Dog: They are independent and loyal dogs, bred to guard flocks of sheep.

Big White Dog Breeds starting with alphabet A

If you are looking for big white dog breeds that start with an A, here are some options:

• Akbash: This breed is originally from Turkey, and is known for their loyalty and bravery as livestock guardians.
• Alaskan Malamute: They are a powerful breed originally bred to pull sleds in the Arctic. They have a thick white coat and are known for their friendly nature.
• American Eskimo Dog: They are a fluffy white dog breed with a friendly and affectionate personality.
• Anatolian Shepherd Dog: They are a large and muscular breed, known for their courage and loyalty as livestock guardians.
• Argentine Dogo: Also known as the Argentinian Mastiff, they are a strong and muscular breed known for their loyalty and protective nature.

Conclusion

Dog breeds that begin with A are a diverse group of furry friends, ranging from small to large, and from terriers to shepherds. Whether you’re looking for a loyal companion, a reliable guard dog, or just a furry friend to share your life with, there’s an A-named dog breed out there for everyone.

We hope this list has helped you expand your knowledge of dog breeds and provided you with some inspiration in your search for the perfect furry companion. Don’t forget to do your research and choose a breed that suits your lifestyle and personality. Remember, a dog is not just a pet, but a lifelong friend and companion.