45 Dog Breeds That Start With B: Pictures, Facts & History

There are many dog breeds in the world with various temperaments, traits, characteristics, and histories. Sometimes, it can be hard to narrow down which dog breed may work best for you, and even then, it still may be a chore. One way to help narrow it down is by choosing a letter of the alphabet to help move things along.

In this post, we’re choosing the letter B. We’ll list every dog breed registered under the American Kennel Club (AKC) in hopes of finding the perfect match. Keep reading to learn the facts and other info about each breed.

The 45 Dog Breeds That Start With B

1. Barbado da Terceira

The Barbado da Terceira is a joyful, fun-loving dog with plenty of loyalty and intelligence. These dogs are medium-sized herders that make excellent companions and will make a fun and loving addition to your family. They are known for being a bully around other dogs, making this breed better as the sole dog. They do well with children and form strong bonds with their owners.

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2. Barbet

The Barbet is bright, sweet-natured, and friendly with a calm demeanor. They are a rustic breed of medium size and have appeared in artwork as early as the 16th century. They are quick to learn and are loyal to their owners. These dogs are athletic and exceptional game retrievers of birds. They have a distinctive beard and a long, dense, curly coat.

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3. Basenji

The Basenji is a medium-sized dog averaging 22 to 24 pounds. Hailing from Africa, these hunting dogs hold the unique title of the “barkless dog,” meaning they do not bark like dogs normally do. Instead, they make an interesting yodel sound to convey their emotions. These hunting dogs are intelligent and require tons of exercise. They are poised with a cat-like disposition and a glistening, short coat with a tight, curly tail.

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4. Basset Fauve de Bretagne

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a serious and determined hunter with intelligence and a cheerful temperament. They are small and stocky with a rough coat and tons of energy at fast speeds. They do well with children and other pets, but early socialization is key for these dogs to become well-behaved. Nonetheless, they make excellent companion dogs.

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5. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is easily recognizable by its long ears and long, short body. The charming Basset Hound may be small, but they have big dog strength and stamina with powerful legs. These dogs have sad, droopy eyes, which is thought of as a trademark of the breed. They have a stubborn streak but make up for it with their charm. The Basset Hound is an exceptional scent hound and was bred for hunting.

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6. Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a calm breed devoted to its owners. They tend to be reserved with strangers but are neither shy nor aggressive. They have a “cold-nose” tracking ability and excel at tracking game, such as boar, deer, and other large animals. These dogs are eager to please, intelligent, loyal, and affectionate.

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7. Beagle

The Beagle originated in 16th century England and makes an excellent hunting dog. They are fun, happy-go-lucky dogs and are extremely loyal and easygoing. Their adorable, undeniable face is a trademark of the breed, and they are considered one of the most popular dog breeds to own in the United States.

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8. Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie has a shaggy double coat, and they have a charismatic temperament. These dogs are friendly and independent and can also be goofy and comical. They get along well with children and other pets with early socialization, but they get bored easily. These dogs do well with families who love outdoor activities, and they make an amusing colleague to any activity or function.

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9. Beauceron

The Beauceron is a large French herding breed with extreme intelligence and a strong work ethic. Despite their strong work ethic, they are playful and outgoing but can be aloof when performing a job. They are muscular with dark black coats, but some may have black, tan, and gray coats. These dogs require experienced owners for training; otherwise, they will be the dominant ones in the household. After being well-trained, they make fierce protectors of their humans.

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10. Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier resembles a lamb, with its narrow head and soft curly coat. Named for the mining town from which they were bred, these dogs are charming and loyal. They are friendly, affectionate, and gentle dogs that do well with children and make an ideal family companion for active families.

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11. Belgian Laekenois

The Belgian Laekenois hails from, you guessed it, Belgium. These dogs are one of four native herding breeds of Belgium: the Belgian Sheepdog, Malinois, and Tervuren—out of these four, the Laekenois is the rarest. They have rough, windblown-looking coats, and they are strong and sturdy dogs. These dogs are extremely protective of their owner and property, making them superb watchdogs. They are also friendly and affectionate with people they know.

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12. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois has an incredibly strong work ethic and wants nothing more than to please his owner. They are confident and intelligent dogs who require tons of exercise, and if you cannot provide them with enough exercise, they will be devastated and unhappy. They have a high prey drive and may chase vehicles, other animals, and children. However, they are excellent companions with proper training and socialization.

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13. Belgian Sheepdog

The Belgian Sheepdog is bright and watchful with versatile herding skills. They were bred for hard work, and they lived up to the task. Even though they are strong herders and hard-working, they have a sensitive side and crave human companionship. These dogs are elegant and muscular with dark eyes and black, double-layered coats.

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14. Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren is a medium-sized herding dog with a strong work ethic. They appreciate a challenge and seem to have a humorous streak when they outsmart their owner. They are muscular with a straight, double-layered coat, and their intelligence is impeccable. Owners of this breed must understand their desire to work or else the Belgian Tervuren will be unhappy.

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15. Bergamasco Sheepdog

It’s believed that the Bergamasco Sheepdog’s origin began in Persia, which is now considered Iran. This breed’s hairdo stands out, and it’s made up of three types of hair: dog, goat, and wool. They almost look like a walking mop, if you will. These dogs are independent yet sociable with high intelligence. They are loyal, loving, and trainable, with a strong devotion to their owner.

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16. Berger Picard

The Berger Picard is a very old breed hailing from northern France. Also known as the Picardy Shepherd, these dogs were used as drovers and are intelligent, friendly, independent, good-natured, and highly protective of their human families. They are medium-sized with rectangular heads, distinctive ears, and sandy-colored eyebrows. They also have wiry coats and shaggy beards with adorable mustaches.

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17. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed, weighing 70 to 110 pounds. Despite their intimidating size, they are sweet and affectionate and do well with children. They are generally calm but are always up for an adventure. They have a long, silky, tri-colored double coat that comes in rust, black, and white. The thick coat allows them to withstand cold climates, and they bond with one owner passionately.

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18. Bichon Frise

If you’re looking for a comedic dog breed, look no further than the Bichon Frise. Royals and nobles have owned these “little white dogs” since the 13th century, and they remain a popular dog breed to own to this day. They make nice watch dogs due to their alert and curious nature, yet they never meet a stranger. These little dogs are extremely trainable and get along with children and other pets.

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19. Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier originated in Hunsruck, Germany, in 1984. These longhaired, tri-colored toy terriers have a strong desire to love and be loved. They make dedicated, loyal family members with happy-go-lucky attitudes—they even smile when asked if they are happy. Despite their small size, they are excellent vermin hunters and are athletic with their tiny bodies.

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20. Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a true American breed. It’s believed that frontiersmen crossed European hound dogs with fox hounds and bloodhounds to create a unique American breed. They eventually became known as coonhounds with a friendly, easygoing nature and strong prey drive. They have black coats with tan accents and are known for their sweet temperaments. These dogs are happy to participate in activities but will also hog the sofa for hours.

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21. Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is a large breed that stands 26 to 30 inches tall from the shoulder to the ground. They are powerful workers with incredible confidence and intelligence with coarse, black double coats. These dogs were bred to guard and protect; naturally, they are aloof with strangers. They are massive, majestic, and move around well for their size, which can tip the scales up to 140 pounds.

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22. Bloodhound

The Bloodhound breed is affectionate and intelligent. Their distinctive look boasts warm, soulful eyes, wrinkled faces, and loose skin. They vary in black and tan, liver and tan, or red, and they have short, dense coats. These large dogs make wonderful companions and are good with children. They are patient and kind; however, they do have a stubborn streak.

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23. Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound originated in Louisiana in the 1940s. This breed has unique, tri-colored markings with a sleek, muscular build. The coat is dark blue with black spots on the ears, back, and sides. They have a ticked black and blue pattern, and the coat is glossy and short. They are sweet, affectionate charmers with high prey drives who require a high amount of exercise. Their strong sense of smell may deter them while training, and they are athletic and fit.

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24. Boerboel

The Boerboel hails from South Africa and was bred to be athletic. These dogs are calm and confident but can look intimidating given their size—they weigh 150 to 200 pounds! Mastiff-type dogs, Bulldogs, and Bull Terries may have contributed to the development of these dogs. They have short, dense coats that come in red, brown, brindle, cream, tawny, and reddish brown, and they are fierce protectors.

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25. Bohemian Shepherd

The Bohemian Shepherd is considered a versatile breed that’s intelligent, quick, lively, and athletic. These dogs excel in agility, search and rescue, tracking, nose work, therapy/service dogs, obedience—did we mention their versatility? The Bohemian Shepherd can do it all and make wonderful family companions to adults and children.

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26. Bolognese

The Bolognese is a member of the Bichon family. These small companions are sturdy and compact with an easy-going temperament. They are witty and make devoted family members. Their long and puffy-white coats are soft in texture and resemble cotton. They are a low-shedding breed, which may be beneficial to allergy sufferers.

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27. Border Collie

The Border Collie is considered the smartest dog breed on the planet. These dogs excel at herding, and they are extremely energetic and athletic. These workaholics are happiest with a job to do and will let you know if they are bored. They also excel at agility and obedience training. They are loyal family members and love to hang out with their humans when the workday is done.

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28. Border Terrier

The Border Terrier hails from the rugged lands of Northumberland and Scotland. These dogs are happy, upbeat, and affectionate. They are no-frills working terriers that were bred to be country dogs. These little dogs have a wiry coat and an “otter head,” which are distinguishable traits in the breed. They love exploring the outdoors and do well with children. They need plenty of exercise due to their hunting instincts and will chase squirrels and cats, so beware if you’re a cat owner.

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29. Borzoi

The Borzoi is a beautiful dog that prances with grace and elegance. They have a calm temperament and are loyal, dignified, and affectionate. These dogs can reach up to 35 to 40 miles per hour in full stride, and that’s impressive given their big size, averaging 75 to 105 pounds. Once known as the Russian Wolfhound, these dogs resemble the Greyhound except with long, silky coats.

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30. Boston Terrier

Known as the “American Gentleman” for their manners, the Boston Terrier is a fun and loving breed. These little dogs are lively with intelligence, and their friendly temperament makes them a popular breed among dog owners. They were initially bred for pit fighting and to compete in ratting contests, and they are strong and stout. The short coat can be black and white, brindle, or seal.

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31. Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is part of the herding group and originated in Belgium, crossing the Berger Picard and the massive Matin dogs. These dogs are courageous, affectionate, and strong-willed. They are all-purpose workers with burly builds and powerful muscles. They make excellent farm dogs and have a strong work ethic.

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32. Boxer

The Boxer was developed in Germany in the 19th century. They are loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and have strong work ethics. They can be silly and then turn around and be courageous. Boxers have a muscular build and a short coat that comes in brindle or fawn. Their wrinkled foreheads and alert, stoic looks do not diminish their patience and love for children. They are protective and make excellent companions.

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33. Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel was bred to work the swamps and lakes of South Carolina. Thanks to their webbed feet, they are excellent swimmers and are outstanding flushing and retrieving dogs. They make adorable companions and are lovable and friendly. The wavy coat is low-maintenance and comes in a rich brown-colored coat, or liver, as it’s called.

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34. Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano’s origins are unclear, but it is considered one of the oldest pointing breeds. They were introduced in the 1990s to the United States, and they adapt easily. Part of the sporting group, these intelligent dogs are affectionate and thrive on human companionship. Inquisitive and loyal in nature, the hunting dogs love children and make exceptional family members. The short coat comes in white, white and orange, and white and chestnut.

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35. Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais has a calm and gentle temperament and is ideally suited for hunting. An ancient breed, these dogs developed in 15th century France and are named for their place of origin, the historic province of Bourbonnais. They are now a popular breed to own in the United States, given their affectionate nature and intelligence. The coat is short and dense and comes in fawn with liver ticking.

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36. Braque Francais Pyrenean

The Braque Francais Pyrenean is another ancient breed from 15th-century France. These medium-sized dogs were bred to hunt the rugged terrain of the Pyrenees Mountain, which sits on the border of France and Spain. The soft, short-haired coat comes in chestnut or white and chestnut with tan and ticked points. These dogs are friendly, intelligent, and have a willingness to please their owners.

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37. Braque Saint Germain

The Braque Saint Germain is believed to have originated in France and was developed in the 1800s by crossing the Braque Francais with English and French Pointers. These beautiful hunting dogs have a mostly-white short coat with fawn patches. They have a deep chest and muscular bodies, with friendly and affectionate temperaments toward their owners.

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38. Brazilian Terrier

The Brazilian Terrier is used for companionship, small game hunting, and vermin eradication. These dogs are native to Brazil; however, their exact ancestry is unknown. Some experts believed they developed from the European Jack Russell Terrier and the Fox Terrier. They are active dogs that tend to get restless without abundant exercise. These little dogs excel in agility, rally, and obedience competitions and are loving and affectionate.

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39. Briard

The Briard has been around for centuries but with an unclear origin. It’s believed they are an ancient French breed dating back to the 8th century and were bred for guarding and herding sheep and other various livestock. These dogs have an elite status, having been owned by Napoleon, Lafayette, and Charlemagne. Thomas Jefferson even fell in love with the breed when introduced to them, and he admired their ability to guard livestock. They are smart, confident, and faithful to their owners.

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40. Brittany

The Brittany is an upbeat dog breed with a bright temperament. These adorable-looking dogs have a fairly short coat that is typically liver-colored with white and orange mixed in with patches and spotted cuteness. They are talented hunters who excel in agility, obedience, flyball, and dock diving. The Brittany is a fun-loving breed and loves their humans, making them excellent family pets.

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41. Broholmer

The Broholmer is a mastiff-type dog that hails from Denmark. These dogs are excellent herders and guardians of cattle. They have a heart of gold and are exceptional with children and other dogs. The Broholmer is athletic and excels in catching a Frisbee, agility, and fetching balls. They love to be with their humans and will happily go camping, hiking, or anything else involving the outdoors.

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42. Brussels Griffon

Talk about cuteness! Part of the toy group, these adorable little dogs have big personalities and are devoted and loyal to their owners. They are sociable, easy to train, and always alert. Their playful and energetic personalities make them popular pets, but they do not like being left alone for long periods. The coat can either be smooth or rough or comes in red, black and reddish-brown, black and tan, or black.

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43. Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier’s appearance is unique in that the head is long and egg-shaped, which has earned the breed the nickname “egg heads.” These dogs are stout, muscular, and big-boned. They love affection and exercise; however, they can be destructive if not exercised enough. They can be a tad aggressive if not properly socialized and obediently trained, making them unsuitable for all families.

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44. Bulldog

The Bulldog is an English icon, and there’s no mistaking the breed for another. Their trademark wrinkly faces, short, stout bodies, under-bite jaws, and pushed-in noses give them their distinct look, complete with snorts and snores. They are friendly, courageous, and calm and can weigh up to 50 pounds. These dogs love exercise, so don’t let them fool you into thinking they are lazy.

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45. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is large, fearless, and brave. They were developed in the Mid-1800s in England and guarded poachers (thieves and robbers) who tried to steal game. These dogs are quite large and weigh 100 to 130 pounds. A cross between the Bulldog and Mastiff, they have a large, broad head, and dark eyes. They are intelligent, alert, and affectionate with their human families. These dogs are strong-willed, and proper training is essential. However, they make excellent companions and enjoy brisk walks.

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Featured Image Credit: Sue Thatcher, Shutterstock