Here you’ll find 13 Dog breeds that start with D, organized from “Dachshund” to “Dutch Smoushond”. They vary widely in size, coat type, and temperament, and serve as companions, hunters, herders, and working dogs.
Dog breeds that start with D are established domestic dog types whose names begin with the letter D. Many have regional histories, such as the Dachshund, bred in Germany for badger hunting.
Below you’ll find the table with origin, size category, and temperament.
Origin: Shows where each breed developed, helping you understand historical background and regional traits that influence care.
Size category: Tells whether a breed is toy, small, medium, large, or giant so you can gauge space needs.
Temperament: Summarizes typical character with two to four adjectives so you can match a breed to your lifestyle.
Dog breeds that start with D
| Name | Scientific name | Origin | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dachshund | Canis lupus familiaris | Germany | Small — 4–15 kg / 9–33 lb; 13–27 cm / 5–11 in |
| Dalmatian | Canis lupus familiaris | Dalmatia (Croatia) | Medium — 20–32 kg / 44–70 lb; 48–61 cm / 19–24 in |
| Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | Scotland | Small — 8–11 kg / 18–24 lb; 20–28 cm / 8–11 in |
| Danish-Swedish Farmdog | Canis lupus familiaris | Denmark/Sweden | Small — 6–10 kg / 13–22 lb; 30–38 cm / 12–15 in |
| Deerhound | Canis lupus familiaris | Scotland | Large — 30–50 kg / 66–110 lb; 71–86 cm / 28–34 in |
| Doberman (Doberman Pinscher) | Canis lupus familiaris | Germany | Large — 30–40 kg / 66–88 lb; 63–72 cm / 25–28 in |
| Dogo Argentino | Canis lupus familiaris | Argentina | Large — 35–45 kg / 77–99 lb; 60–68 cm / 24–27 in |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | Canis lupus familiaris | France | Large — 45–55 kg / 99–121 lb; 58–69 cm / 23–27 in |
| Drentsche Patrijshond | Canis lupus familiaris | Netherlands | Medium — 20–30 kg / 44–66 lb; 50–60 cm / 20–24 in |
| Drever | Canis lupus familiaris | Sweden | Small–Medium — 12–19 kg / 26–42 lb; 30–38 cm / 12–15 in |
| Dunker | Canis lupus familiaris | Norway | Medium — 20–25 kg / 44–55 lb; 45–52 cm / 18–20 in |
| Dutch Shepherd | Canis lupus familiaris | Netherlands | Medium — 20–30 kg / 44–66 lb; 51–62 cm / 20–24 in |
| Dutch Smoushond | Canis lupus familiaris | Netherlands | Small — 9–13 kg / 20–29 lb; 30–35 cm / 12–14 in |
Descriptions
Dachshund
Lively, clever, stubborn; a tenacious scent hound with a bold personality, good family companion, loves digging and requires short, regular exercise.
Dalmatian
Energetic, outgoing, intelligent; historic carriage and coach dog, highly active, playful and loyal, needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Affectionate, independent, courageous; distinctive topknot and low-slung body, devoted companion, can be stubborn but very loyal in families.
Danish-Swedish Farmdog
Friendly, alert, energetic; versatile farm and family dog, excellent at vermin control, sociable and good with children when socialized.
Deerhound
Gentle, dignified, sensitive; a sighthound bred for deer coursing, calm indoors but needs regular running, affectionate with family.
Doberman (Doberman Pinscher)
Alert, loyal, intelligent; strong working and guard dog, highly trainable, needs consistent leadership and plenty of exercise.
Dogo Argentino
Brave, protective, affectionate; big-game hunter and guardian, powerful and loyal, requires experienced handling and firm socialization.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Loyal, calm, stubborn; French mastiff with great strength, devoted guardian, needs careful training and moderate exercise.
Drentsche Patrijshond
Friendly, versatile, energetic; Dutch gundog good for hunting and family life, eager to work and affectionate at home.
Drever
Calm, persistent, even-tempered; short-legged scenthound for deer and hare, steady hunter and gentle companion.
Dunker
Energetic, friendly, vocal; Norwegian scenthound bred for bird and hare hunting, lively in the field and sociable with people.
Dutch Shepherd
Intelligent, loyal, active; traditional herding and working dog, highly trainable and versatile, needs mental and physical outlets.
Dutch Smoushond
Cheerful, alert, friendly; small Dutch scenthound/companion breed, historically a stable dog, affectionate and good with families.