Are you on the hunt for a new furry friend and curious about dog breeds that start with B? You’re in the right place! There are hundreds of unique dog breeds around the world, each with its own fascinating history, lovable temperament, and special role—whether it’s hunting, herding cattle, or even guarding homes.
Did you know that the American Kennel Club recognizes over 200 distinct dog breeds in the USA alone? That means there’s no shortage of lively, intelligent, and affectionate pups to discover.
Whether you’re drawn to small companion dogs, large working dogs, or something in between, this list of breeds starting with the letter B will help you start your search. From friendly and gentle personalities to energetic and independent spirits, there’s a perfect breed out there to match every lifestyle.
Let’s take a look!
Dog Breeds That Start With B
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog breed with a soft, white, hypoallergenic coat and a bright, playful personality. Standing under a foot tall and weighing 12–18 pounds, this friendly and intelligent little companion is perfect for city living or family homes.
Though no dog is completely allergy-free, Bichons shed very little, making them easier for some people with allergies. Their round head, dark eyes, and black nose give them an irresistible charm.
Naturally curious, gentle, and full of energy, Bichons love meeting new friends and get along well with kids and other dogs.
They train easily, enjoy entertaining their families, and have an adaptable temperament that fits many lifestyles. Whether in the USA, France, or anywhere in the world, the affectionate Bichon Frise spreads joy wherever it goes.
2. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier, known as “The American Gentleman,” is a friendly, lively little dog with a tuxedo-like coat in black, brindle, or seal with crisp white markings.
Compact yet sturdy, this breed weighs up to 25 pounds and has a short muzzle, large round eyes, and a jaunty step full of curious energy. Originally bred in Boston, USA, they’re adaptable city dogs who thrive in apartments and busy urban settings.
Boston Terriers love being part of family life as they are bright, affectionate, and highly intelligent. They’re playful and energetic but need only moderate exercise, like a daily walk.
As the smallest of the Bull-type breeds with Bulldog ancestry, they’re both gentle companions and alert watchdogs. With their friendly temperament and easygoing nature, they bring joy wherever they go.
3. Bulldog
The Bulldog is a gentle yet powerful dog breed that originated in England, where it was once used for bullbaiting. Stocky and muscular with a large head, short muzzle, wrinkled face, and a distinctive rolling gait, the Bulldog is affectionately nicknamed the “sourmug,” as mentioned by Britannica.
Though it was once bred for fighting, selective breeding has transformed it into a friendly, affectionate, and intelligent companion. Today, Bulldogs are calm, loyal pets loved by people for their charming looks and easygoing nature.
However, this breed requires extra care due to its flattened face and short muzzle. Bulldogs can overheat easily and are prone to breathing issues like brachycephalic syndrome, so they need a cool, comfortable environment and should avoid overexertion.
Despite these health challenges, Bulldogs remain one of the most iconic dog breeds, admired for their courage, resilience, and affectionate nature.
4. Basenji
The Basenji, famously known as Africa’s “Barkless Dog,” is a small, graceful breed with a catlike personality and unique charm. Standing about 16–17 inches tall, this elegant hound has a sleek coat, tightly curled tail, and a wrinkled forehead with almond-shaped eyes full of expression.
While they don’t bark, Basenjis communicate with unusual sounds like a yodel or chortle, adding to their curious and distinctive nature. These pooches move with long, smooth strides that resemble a mini-racehorse, making them impressive to watch.
Highly intelligent, independent, and fastidious (even grooming themselves like cats), Basenjis require plenty of exercise and patience in training.
They are not the easiest dog breed for every household, but for people who appreciate their unique temperament, they become deeply affectionate and loyal companions. Though small in numbers around the world, Basenjis hold a special place among ancient and unusual dog breeds, loved with singular devotion.
5. Barbet
The Barbet, a rare French water dog breed, is a medium-sized, sturdy, and friendly hunter known for its distinctive curly coat and beard. Standing 19.5–24.5 inches tall and weighing 35–65 pounds, this versatile breed has been cherished since the 16th century for retrieving birds and waterfowl.
Its dense, woolly coat—found in shades of black, gray, brown, or fawn—protects it from cold water and harsh weather, while its cheerful and loyal nature makes it a wonderful family companion.
The Barbet thrives on regular exercise and loves both water and land activities. Beyond hunting, these adaptable dogs have also served as therapy and search-and-rescue dogs.
Though still rare, with only a few thousand in North America, the Barbet is gaining popularity worldwide for its athleticism, trainability, and social personality.
6. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a calm, friendly dog breed with an instantly recognizable look—long, velvety ears, droopy eyes, and a wrinkled brow that gives it a sweet, sad-clown expression.
Standing no higher than 14 inches at the shoulder but with heavy bone and powerful legs, this low-slung breed has surprising strength and stamina. AKC says that these pups are famous for their incredible scenting ability, second only to the Bloodhound.
Despite a sometimes stubborn streak, Basset Hounds are gentle, affectionate, and highly companionable. They love children, get along well with other dogs, and dislike being left alone, making them great for families or homes with multiple pets.
They are quieter and more laid-back than many dog breeds, though positive reinforcement helps manage their independent nature.
7. Beagle
The Beagle is a curious, energetic, and affectionate dog breed loved for its happy-go-lucky nature. Originally bred for hunting in packs, Beagles enjoy company and are great with families, children, and other dogs.
There are two sizes: under 13 inches or between 13 and 15 inches at the shoulder. Both are sturdy and “big for their inches,” with soft floppy ears, big brown or hazel eyes, and a short coat that comes in tricolor, lemon, or red and white.
Their cute, pleading expression and friendly temperament have made them one of the most popular hounds in the USA and around the world.
Beagles are intelligent, playful, and love to follow their noses, so they need plenty of exercise and supervision to stay out of trouble. They do best with regular activities, measured meals to avoid obesity, and routine ear cleaning to prevent infections.
8. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie, or “Beardie,” is a medium-sized, friendly herding dog breed from Scotland, originally bred to herd sheep in harsh weather. Standing 20–22 inches tall and weighing around 50 pounds, they have a lean, athletic build hidden beneath a long, shaggy double coat.
Their coat comes in shades of black, brown, blue, or gray, often with white markings, and many Beardies carry a “fading gene,” meaning their color lightens as they grow.
With large expressive eyes, floppy ears, and a natural beard at the muzzle, they have a warm, affectionate look that matches their lively nature.
Bearded Collies are intelligent, energetic, and full of personality, making them great for active families who enjoy the outdoors. They need plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and regular grooming to keep their beautiful coat healthy.
Beardies are gentle, curious, and social, getting along well with kids and other animals when well-trained. Though they can be a bit willful, they’re playful, loyal, and bring endless joy to homes that can keep up with their upbeat lifestyle.
9. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is an elegant and unique little dog often mistaken for a lamb thanks to its curly coat, arched back, and slender tail. Originally bred in the English mining town of Bedlington to hunt vermin, this rare terrier later gained popularity as a loyal and gentle companion.
They have a distinctive pear-shaped head, a narrow skull, a tapering muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, and a soft topknot of hair that adds to their charming look. Adults typically stand about 15–17.5 inches tall and weigh between 17–23 pounds.
Despite their dainty and almost delicate appearance, Bedlingtons are spirited, playful, and protective of their loved ones. They can be affectionate and cuddly with family while also acting as alert watchdogs when needed.
Known for their clownish antics, they bring both elegance and fun to any household. Though they are less common today, those who share their lives with a Bedlington know just how loving and versatile these little dogs can be.
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, or “Berner,” is a large, strikingly beautiful working dog breed from Switzerland, known for its sweet nature. Standing over 27 inches tall, Berners have a thick, silky tricolor coat of jet black, rust, and clear white with distinctive markings on the face and chest.
WebMD mentions that they were originally bred to pull carts, drive cattle, and guard farms in the Swiss Alps. These pups are hardy and well-suited for cold climates. Despite their size, they’re gentle giants who love their families, especially children, and often form a special bond with one favorite person.
Berners are friendly, intelligent, and eager to please, but they do need space to roam and moderate daily exercise. Their thick coats require regular grooming to manage shedding, and they’re known to bark when alerting their family.
Loyal yet dignified, these working dogs bring both beauty and calm companionship to the home, making them a beloved choice for people around the world, including the USA, Germany, Belgium, and Australia.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog is an exciting journey, but it’s also one that deserves thought and care. Each dog has its own unique personality, energy level, and needs, and finding the one that matches your lifestyle makes all the difference.
But wait up! There are even more dog breeds that start with the letter B. Some of them include the Black Russian Terrier, Blue Picardy Spaniel, Biewer Terrier, Braque Francais, Belgian Tervuren, and Black and Tan Coonhound.
No matter which dog captures your heart, one thing is certain: they bring unconditional love, loyalty, and endless moments of joy into your life. With patience, proper training, and lots of affection, you’ll build a deep bond that lasts for years to come. Welcoming a dog into your family means gaining a devoted friend who will always be by your side through every adventure and every quiet moment in between.
