Here are 19 Dog breeds that start with M, organized from “Large Munsterlander” to “Small Munsterlander”. These breeds show wide size and coat variety and serve as companions, hunters, herders, and working dogs.
Dog breeds that start with M are a diverse set of established breeds united only by their initial letter. Notable examples include the German Munsterlanders, well known for versatile hunting skills since the 19th century.
Below you’ll find the table with origin, size category, and temperament.
Origin: Shows the country or region where each breed developed, so you can understand cultural background and environment influences.
Size category: Gives a practical size label (toy, small, medium, large, giant) so you can gauge space and care needs.
Temperament: Summarizes typical personality traits in two to four words so you can match a breed to your lifestyle and training goals.
Dog breeds that start with M
| Name | Scientific name | Origin | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maltese | Canis lupus familiaris | Malta | Small (20–25 cm / 8–10 in; 3–4 kg / 6–9 lb) |
| Malinois | Canis lupus familiaris | Belgium | Large (56–66 cm / 22–26 in; 20–30 kg / 44–66 lb) |
| Malamute | Canis lupus familiaris | Arctic (Alaska) | Giant (58–63 cm / 23–25 in; 34–45 kg / 75–100 lb) |
| Manchester Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | England | Small (38–41 cm / 15–16 in; 4–8 kg / 9–18 lb) |
| Maremma Sheepdog | Canis lupus familiaris | Italy (Maremma) | Large (58–70 cm / 23–28 in; 25–40 kg / 55–88 lb) |
| Mastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | England | Giant (70–90 cm / 28–35 in; 68–100 kg / 150–220 lb) |
| Miniature American Shepherd | Canis lupus familiaris | United States | Medium (36–46 cm / 14–18 in; 9–18 kg / 20–40 lb) |
| Miniature Bull Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | England | Small (28–35 cm / 11–14 in; 11–15 kg / 24–33 lb) |
| Miniature Pinscher | Canis lupus familiaris | Germany | Toy (25–30 cm / 10–12 in; 3–6 kg / 7–13 lb) |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Canis lupus familiaris | Germany | Small (30–36 cm / 12–14 in; 5–9 kg / 11–20 lb) |
| Mexican Hairless | Canis lupus familiaris | Mexico | Medium (25–55 cm / 10–22 in; 5–18 kg / 11–40 lb) |
| Mudi | Canis lupus familiaris | Hungary | Medium (38–47 cm / 15–19 in; 8–13 kg / 18–29 lb) |
| Mountain Cur | Canis lupus familiaris | United States | Medium (40–60 cm / 16–24 in; 18–30 kg / 40–66 lb) |
| Moscow Watchdog | Canis lupus familiaris | Russia | Large (68–78 cm / 27–31 in; 45–65 kg / 99–143 lb) |
| Montenegrin Mountain Hound | Canis lupus familiaris | Montenegro | Medium (44–56 cm / 17–22 in; 15–25 kg / 33–55 lb) |
| Majorca Shepherd Dog | Canis lupus familiaris | Spain (Majorca) | Large (55–64 cm / 22–25 in; 24–35 kg / 53–77 lb) |
| Magyar Agar | Canis lupus familiaris | Hungary | Large (65–75 cm / 26–30 in; 20–28 kg / 44–62 lb) |
| Large Munsterlander | Canis lupus familiaris | Germany | Large (60–65 cm / 24–26 in; 25–30 kg / 55–66 lb) |
| Small Munsterlander | Canis lupus familiaris | Germany | Medium (50–56 cm / 20–22 in; 18–25 kg / 40–55 lb) |
Descriptions
Maltese
Tiny Mediterranean companion from Malta, elegant and fluffy, affectionate, playful, alert; gentle family pet with long history, widely recognized by major kennel clubs.
Malinois
Belgian working shepherd, agile and high-energy, intelligent, alert, trainable; excels in police, military and sport work, FCI/AKC recognition.
Malamute
Powerful Arctic sled dog, strong and enduring, friendly, loyal, independent; bred for heavy hauling and cold climates, internationally recognized.
Manchester Terrier
Sleek English terrier, lively and refined, spirited, alert, affectionate; historically a ratter and today a spirited companion, recognized by major clubs.
Maremma Sheepdog
Traditional Italian livestock guardian, large and protective, independent, calm, loyal; commonly used to guard flocks, FCI recognized.
Mastiff
Massive English guardian, imposing yet gentle, dignified, protective, calm; classic family guardian and show breed, widely recognized.
Miniature American Shepherd
Compact herding dog developed in the U.S., energetic, intelligent, loyal, trainable; great for sport and family life, AKC recognized.
Miniature Bull Terrier
Smaller Bull Terrier variety, muscular and playful, fearless, affectionate, stubborn; lively companion and show dog, recognized by UK/FCI registries.
Miniature Pinscher
Tiny German companion nicknamed “Min Pin”, bold and spirited, fearless, alert, independent; vivid personality in a small package, widely recognized.
Miniature Schnauzer
Bearded terrier from Germany, friendly and bright, intelligent, spirited, alert; versatile family dog and watchdog, recognized worldwide.
Mexican Hairless
Ancient Mexican breed (Xoloitzcuintli), often hairless, loyal, alert, calm, affectionate; cultural and companion dog, recognized internationally (FCI/AKC as Xolo).
Mudi
Versatile Hungarian herding dog, agile and eager, energetic, intelligent, brave; excels in agility and farm work, FCI recognized.
Mountain Cur
American hunting and working dog, hardy and determined, energetic, loyal, alert; used for treeing game and farm work, recognized by several kennel clubs.
Moscow Watchdog
Large Russian guardian developed for protection, calm and powerful, protective, loyal, steady; used for guarding, recognized by Russian national clubs.
Montenegrin Mountain Hound
Balkan scenthound from Montenegro, tenacious and sure-footed, determined, affectionate, independent; used for hunting, FCI recognized.
Majorca Shepherd Dog
Also called Majorcan Shepherd, traditional flock guardian from Majorca, protective, calm, independent, loyal; regional guardian breed, FCI recognized.
Magyar Agar
Hungarian sighthound (Magyar Agár), elegant and fast, calm, independent, athletic; bred for coursing and sport, FCI recognized.
Large Munsterlander
German versatile gundog, steady and biddable, friendly, intelligent, energetic; excellent hunting and family companion, FCI recognized.
Small Munsterlander
Smaller German hunting dog, affectionate and trainable, active, intelligent, loyal; prized for pointing and retrieving, FCI recognized.