Here you’ll find 14 Dog breeds that start with W that begin with W, organized from “Weimaraner” to “Wolfspitz”. These breeds range from medium hunting dogs to small companion types, often energetic, loyal, and alert. You will commonly find them used for hunting, herding, guarding, and family companionship.

Dog breeds that start with W are established breeds whose names begin with the letter W. One notable example is the Weimaraner, bred in 19th-century Germany for versatile hunting.

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

Origin: Shows the country or region where each breed developed, helping you understand cultural background and climate suitability.

Size category: Gives a practical size class (toy, small, medium, large, giant) so you can judge space and exercise needs.

Temperament: Lists two to four concise adjectives describing typical behavior, helping you match a breed to your lifestyle.

Dog breeds that start with W

Name Scientific name Origin Size (height/weight) Description
Weimaraner Canis lupus familiaris Germany Height: 59–70 cm; Weight: 25–40 kg (55–88 lb); large Energetic, intelligent, loyal. Versatile hunting and gun dog; sleek silver coat. Recognized by AKC/FCI; needs active family and regular exercise.
Welsh Springer Spaniel Canis lupus familiaris Wales, United Kingdom Height: 46–51 cm; Weight: 18–23 kg (40–50 lb); medium Affectionate, lively, loyal. Traditional flushing and retrieving spaniel with a rich red-and-white coat. Recognized by AKC/FCI/KC; great for active families and field work.
Welsh Terrier Canis lupus familiaris Wales, United Kingdom Height: 38–39 cm; Weight: 9–11 kg (20–24 lb); small Spirited, alert, friendly. Classic terrier bred for vermin control. Recognized by AKC/FCI/KC; needs grooming and consistent training.
West Highland White Terrier Canis lupus familiaris Scotland, United Kingdom Height: 25–28 cm; Weight: 6–8 kg (13–18 lb); small Confident, affectionate, bold. Popular “Westie” with white coat; a lively companion and ratter. Recognized by AKC/FCI/KC.
West Siberian Laika Canis lupus familiaris Russia (Siberia) Height: 52–64 cm; Weight: 20–30 kg (44–66 lb); medium-large Independent, alert, energetic. Northern hunting and sled-assist breed prized for game hunting. Recognized by FCI and major Russian clubs; needs outdoor work.
White Swiss Shepherd Dog Canis lupus familiaris Switzerland / Europe Height: 55–66 cm; Weight: 25–40 kg (55–88 lb); large Gentle, intelligent, loyal. White-coated shepherd used for companionship and work. Recognized by FCI and many national clubs; trainable and family-oriented.
Whippet Canis lupus familiaris England, United Kingdom Height: 44–51 cm; Weight: 11–20 kg (24–44 lb); medium Quiet, friendly, athletic. Fast sighthound for coursing and companion life. Recognized by AKC/FCI/KC; gentle indoors, needs sprint exercise.
Wire Fox Terrier Canis lupus familiaris England, United Kingdom Height: 38–40 cm; Weight: 7–9 kg (15–20 lb); small Energetic, bold, playful. Traditional fox-hunting terrier with wiry coat. Recognized by AKC/FCI/KC; requires grooming and active play.
Wirehaired Vizsla Canis lupus familiaris Hungary Height: 57–62 cm; Weight: 22–30 kg (49–66 lb); large Energetic, affectionate, devoted. Versatile Hungarian hunting dog with coarse coat. Recognized by FCI and many national clubs; needs regular hunting or running.
Wirehaired Dachshund Canis lupus familiaris Germany Height: 20–27 cm; Weight: 7–15 kg (15–33 lb); small/medium Curious, bold, stubborn. Scent hound bred for burrow hunting; wire coat variant. Recognized by AKC/FCI/KC as a Dachshund variety; needs scent work and consistent training.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Canis lupus familiaris Netherlands/France Height: 53–62 cm; Weight: 18–27 kg (40–60 lb); medium-large Friendly, eager, versatile. Hunting and pointing gundog with distinctive shaggy coat. Recognized by FCI and many clubs; good field partner and family dog.
Wetterhoun Canis lupus familiaris Netherlands (Friesland) Height: 58–63 cm; Weight: 25–35 kg (55–77 lb); large Calm, loyal, strong. Dutch water dog bred for otter hunting and water work. Recognized by FCI and Dutch kennel club; rare outside Netherlands.
Wolfspitz Canis lupus familiaris Germany (Spitz type) Height: 40–55 cm; Weight: 15–30 kg (33–66 lb); medium-large Alert, friendly, independent. Noble spitz with wolf-like coat; known in some registries as Wolfspitz. Recognized by FCI and many European clubs.
Wheaten Terrier Canis lupus familiaris Ireland Height: 43–48 cm; Weight: 14–18 kg (31–40 lb); medium Playful, affectionate, spirited. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, popular family companion and watchdog. Recognized by AKC/FCI/KC; single coat needs grooming.

Descriptions

Weimaraner
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
West Siberian Laika
White Swiss Shepherd Dog
Whippet
Wire Fox Terrier
Wirehaired Vizsla
Wirehaired Dachshund
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Wetterhoun
Wolfspitz
Wheaten Terrier
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