Here you’ll find 27 Dog breeds that start with A, organized from “Affenpinscher” to “Azawakh”. They include compact companions, sturdy guardians, and agile sighthounds. People commonly keep them for companionship, working roles, hunting, and show.

Dog breeds that start with A are breed names beginning with A, each showing distinct histories and traits. For example, the Affenpinscher was originally a ratter in German homes and remains a popular companion today.

Below you’ll find the table with Origin, Size, and Temperament.

Origin: Shows the breed’s geographic or national origin, helping you understand cultural background and historical development.

Size: Lists the typical size category so you can weigh space and exercise needs before choosing a breed.

Temperament: Summarizes common behavioral traits with two to four adjectives, so you can quickly match personality to lifestyle.

Dog breeds that start with A

BreedOriginSizeScientific name
AffenpinscherGermanyToy 4–6 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Afghan HoundAfghanistanLarge 20–27 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Airedale TerrierEnglandLarge 18–29 kgCanis lupus familiaris
AkitaJapanLarge 34–54 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Alaskan MalamuteArcticLarge 34–39 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Anatolian Shepherd DogTurkeyLarge 40–65 kgCanis lupus familiaris
American Eskimo DogUSASmall 3–20 kgCanis lupus familiaris
American FoxhoundUSALarge 25–34 kgCanis lupus familiaris
American Staffordshire TerrierUSAMedium 25–32 kgCanis lupus familiaris
American Water SpanielUSAMedium 11–20 kgCanis lupus familiaris
American Cocker SpanielUSASmall 11–14 kgCanis lupus familiaris
American BulldogUSALarge 25–40 kgCanis lupus familiaris
American Hairless TerrierUSASmall 4–8 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Appenzeller SennenhundSwitzerlandMedium 22–30 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Alpine DachsbrackeAustriaSmall 11–15 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Alano EspañolSpainLarge 30–40 kgCanis lupus familiaris
AriegeoisFranceMedium 18–24 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Artois HoundFranceMedium 23–28 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Austrian Black and Tan HoundAustriaMedium 23–28 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Austrian PinscherAustriaSmall 8–11 kgCanis lupus familiaris
AkbashTurkeyLarge 34–45 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Australian Cattle DogAustraliaMedium 15–22 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Australian KelpieAustraliaMedium 15–25 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Australian ShepherdUSAMedium 18–29 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle DogAustraliaMedium 15–25 kgCanis lupus familiaris
Australian TerrierAustraliaSmall 6–8 kgCanis lupus familiaris
AzawakhMali/NigerMedium 15–25 kgCanis lupus familiaris

Descriptions

Affenpinscher
Curious, confident, playful, alert; tiny, terrier-like companion with a bold personality and good watchdog instincts.
Afghan Hound
Dignified, independent, aloof, sensitive; elegant sighthound prized for speed, grace and a flowing coat requiring regular grooming.
Airedale Terrier
Intelligent, energetic, courageous, friendly; versatile working terrier known for hunting, tracking and being an active family companion.
Akita
Loyal, dignified, protective, independent; dignified guardian breed, devoted to family and wary of strangers.
Alaskan Malamute
Friendly, strong-willed, social, energetic; powerful sled and freight dog bred for heavy work in cold climates.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Independent, protective, calm, intelligent; livestock guardian with strong territorial instincts and low-maintenance coat.
American Eskimo Dog
Alert, friendly, intelligent, playful; lively spitz companion known for trainability and show-ring presence.
American Foxhound
Friendly, sociable, even-tempered, energetic; endurance hunting hound bred for pack scent work and tracking.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Courageous, loyal, confident, affectionate; muscular companion dog that is devoted to family life.
American Water Spaniel
Energetic, eager-to-please, intelligent, friendly; versatile retriever bred for waterfowl and hunting in wet conditions.
American Cocker Spaniel
Cheerful, affectionate, gentle, sociable; popular companion and show dog known for expressive eyes and flowing coat.
American Bulldog
Confident, protective, loyal, energetic; powerful working breed used historically for farm work and as a family guardian.
American Hairless Terrier
Curious, lively, alert, affectionate; hairless companion with low shedding and adaptable, playful nature.
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Energetic, alert, loyal, intelligent; versatile Swiss farm dog used for herding, guarding and drafting.
Alpine Dachsbracke
Tenacious, energetic, friendly, courageous; compact scent hound bred for tracking wounded game in mountainous terrain.
Alano Español
Brave, loyal, steady, protective; historic Iberian working dog used for catching, guarding and farm tasks.
Ariegeois
Friendly, lively, sociable, tenacious; French scenthound bred for small-game hunting in packs.
Artois Hound
Brave, friendly, calm, determined; traditional French pack hound valued for scenting and endurance.
Austrian Black and Tan Hound
Tenacious, sociable, calm, hardy; Austrian scenthound used for tracking and hunting in rugged terrain.
Austrian Pinscher
Lively, alert, intelligent, sturdy; historic farm and watchdog with a compact, active temperament.
Akbash
Calm, independent, protective, loyal; white livestock guardian bred to protect flocks from predators.
Australian Cattle Dog
Energetic, intelligent, loyal, alert; hardworking herding dog with high endurance and strong herding instincts.
Australian Kelpie
Energetic, intelligent, tenacious, loyal; tireless herder prized for stock work and agility.
Australian Shepherd
Intelligent, energetic, loyal, alert; versatile herding dog and active companion excelling in dog sports.
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Energetic, loyal, protective, intelligent; hardy herding breed notable for its natural bobtail.
Australian Terrier
Spunky, bold, affectionate, alert; small working terrier suited to vermin control and companionship.
Azawakh
Regal, reserved, loyal, independent; swift sighthound from the Sahel, valued for speed and guarding nomadic camps.
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