Here you’ll find 12 Dog breeds that start with N, organized from “Neapolitan Mastiff” to “Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever”. They cover a wide range of sizes and roles, from guardians and working dogs to hunting and companion breeds.

Dog breeds that start with N are recognized breed names that begin with the letter N. Many have notable local histories, for example the Neapolitan Mastiff traces back to southern Italy and long-standing guard duties.

Below you’ll find the table with origin, size category, and temperament.

Origin: Shows each breed’s country or region of origin so you understand historical background and typical environmental suitability.

Size category: Indicates practical size group (toy, small, medium, large, giant) so you can judge space and care needs.

Temperament: Summarizes personality in 2–4 concise adjectives so you can quickly compare energy, sociability, and trainability.

Dog breeds that start with N

BreedScientific nameOriginSize & Temperament
Neapolitan MastiffCanis lupus familiarisItalyGiant protective, loyal, calm
NewfoundlandCanis lupus familiarisCanadaGiant gentle, patient, loyal
Norfolk TerrierCanis lupus familiarisUK (England)Small friendly, spirited, affectionate
Norwich TerrierCanis lupus familiarisUK (England)Small energetic, alert, affectionate
Norwegian ElkhoundCanis lupus familiarisNorwayMedium brave, independent, friendly
Norwegian LundehundCanis lupus familiarisNorwaySmall agile, curious, independent
Norwegian BuhundCanis lupus familiarisNorwayMedium alert, energetic, friendly
Norwegian Forest DogCanis lupus familiarisNorwayLarge hardy, friendly, independent
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling RetrieverCanis lupus familiarisCanadaMedium energetic, intelligent, playful
NorrbottenspetsCanis lupus familiarisSwedenSmall alert, energetic, friendly
Nippon TerrierCanis lupus familiarisJapanSmall lively, affectionate, alert
New Zealand HuntawayCanis lupus familiarisNew ZealandLarge energetic, bold, intelligent

Descriptions

Neapolitan Mastiff
Italian guardian breed; FCI-recognized and in many national clubs; notable for heavy wrinkles, massive build and steadfast protectiveness.
Newfoundland
Large working dog from Newfoundland; AKC, FCI, KC recognized; famed for water rescue skills, thick coat and sweet, steady nature.
Norfolk Terrier
Compact English terrier; AKC, FCI, KC recognized; lively, bold hunter turned adaptable family companion.
Norwich Terrier
Small terrier from Norwich; AKC, FCI, KC recognized; bred for ratting and ground work, affectionate and brave.
Norwegian Elkhound
Ancient Nordic hunting spitz; AKC, FCI, KC recognized; vocal, hardy and loyal, traditionally used for elk and large-game hunting.
Norwegian Lundehund
Unique Norwegian breed with extra toes and flexible joints; FCI-recognized and preserved by national clubs; bred for puffin hunting on cliffs.
Norwegian Buhund
Nordic herding spitz from Norway; FCI-recognized and present in national registries; versatile, eager-to-please and watchful.
Norwegian Forest Dog
Robust Scandinavian working breed; AKC, FCI, KC recognized; strong climber with thick double coat and independent, family-oriented temperament.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Canadian gundog from Nova Scotia; AKC, FCI, KC recognized; smallest retriever, bred to toll and retrieve waterfowl, highly trainable.
Norrbottenspets
Swedish hunting spitz from Norrbotten; FCI-recognized and in national registries; agile, vocal and skilled at small-game hunting.
Nippon Terrier
Small Japanese terrier-type; FCI-recognized and in national clubs; compact companion with keen watchfulness and sprightly temperament.
New Zealand Huntaway
Powerful working sheepdog from New Zealand; recognized by NZKC and national registries; voice-driven stock dog, energetic and commanding.
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