This list includes 13 Dog breeds that start with I, from “Ibizan Hound” to “Italian Greyhound”. They range from agile sighthounds to small companion breeds and are often kept for hunting, companionship, or showing.
Dog breeds that start with I are established breeds whose names begin with I and reflect regional histories. The Ibizan Hound, for example, traces back to ancient Mediterranean hunters.
Below you’ll find the table with origin, size category, and temperament.
Origin: Indicates the breed’s geographic or national beginnings, helping you understand cultural and regional traits.
Size category: Shows whether the breed is toy, small, medium, large, or giant, helping you judge space and care needs.
Temperament: Gives two to four concise adjectives about typical behavior, so you can match breed personality to your lifestyle.
Dog breeds that start with I
| Breed | Scientific name | Origin | Size & Temperament |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibizan Hound | Canis lupus familiaris | Spain | Large; alert, independent, athletic |
| Icelandic Sheepdog | Canis lupus familiaris | Iceland | Medium; friendly, energetic, alert |
| Indian Pariah Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | India | Medium; intelligent, adaptable, wary |
| Indian Spitz | Canis lupus familiaris | India | Small; friendly, alert, adaptable |
| Istrian Shorthaired Hound | Canis lupus familiaris | Croatia | Medium; driven, scent-focused, persistent |
| Istrian Coarse-haired Hound | Canis lupus familiaris | Croatia | Medium; determined, scent-oriented, hardy |
| Ikarian Hound | Canis lupus familiaris | Greece | Medium; independent, hardy, energetic |
| Italian Greyhound | Canis lupus familiaris | Italy | Small; affectionate, elegant, sensitive |
| Irish Setter | Canis lupus familiaris | Ireland | Large; energetic, friendly, outgoing |
| Irish Red and White Setter | Canis lupus familiaris | Ireland | Large; lively, affectionate, determined |
| Irish Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | Ireland | Small; feisty, loyal, bold |
| Irish Water Spaniel | Canis lupus familiaris | Ireland | Large; energetic, independent, intelligent |
| Irish Wolfhound | Canis lupus familiaris | Ireland | Giant; gentle, dignified, calm |
Descriptions
Ibizan Hound
Slim Mediterranean sighthound from Ibiza, known for upright ears and keen sight. Used for rabbit hunting; FCI and major kennels recognize it as a capable coursing and companion breed.
Icelandic Sheepdog
Iceland’s native herding dog with a thick double coat. Cheerful, vocal and good with families; FCI-recognized and valued as a traditional working and companion breed.
Indian Pariah Dog
A long-standing native village dog (landrace) common across South Asia. Hardy, self-reliant and adaptable; well-documented by researchers though not universally recognized by major international kennel clubs.
Indian Spitz
A regional Spitz-type popular in urban India, derived from European spitz stock. Companion-oriented, lively and easygoing; generally recognized by local registries rather than major international clubs.
Istrian Shorthaired Hound
Croatian scenthound (Istarski kratkodlaki gonič) from Istria. Energetic and tenacious in the field; FCI-recognized and bred for hunting and tracking small game.
Istrian Coarse-haired Hound
Coarse-coated Istrian scenthound (Istarski oštrodlaki gonič) prized for endurance and rough terrain hunting. FCI-recognized regional hunting breed with a robust coat and steady nose.
Ikarian Hound
Greek island scenthound from Ikaria, a long-standing regional hunting type used for hare. Hardy and independent; well-documented locally though not widely recognized by major international registries.
Italian Greyhound
A tiny sighthound with a sleek build and graceful movement. Popular companion and light coursing dog; recognized by AKC and FCI, needs gentle handling and regular exercise.
Irish Setter
Famous red-coated gundog bred for flushing and pointing. Vivacious, people-oriented and high-energy; widely recognized by AKC, FCI and other major kennel clubs as a sporting companion.
Irish Red and White Setter
Distinct from the solid-red Irish Setter, this bird dog has a bicolor coat and strong scenting ability. FCI- and AKC-recognized breed used for fieldwork and companionship.
Irish Terrier
One of the oldest terriers, wire-coated and spirited. Courageous and devoted, it excels as a companion and watchdog; recognized by major kennel clubs like the AKC and FCI.
Irish Water Spaniel
Curly-coated water spaniel bred for retrieving in cold water. Distinctive topknot and liver-colored coat; AKC and FCI-recognized, excels in water work and active families.
Irish Wolfhound
Ancient sighthound once used against wolves and deer; one of the tallest breeds. Known as a gentle giant: dignified, patient and friendly; widely recognized by AKC, FCI and other major registries.