If you are searching for dog breeds beginning with B, you are not alone. Many people browse dog breeds by alphabet when choosing a new companion, researching for a book, or simply learning more about animals they love. In this guide, you will be able to find a breed that fits your home, energy level, and experience—while gaining new knowledge you can trust.
Dog Breeds Beginning With B: Full List and Key Characteristics
Below is a practical list of dog breeds beginning with the letter B, focusing on temperament, size, and lifestyle fit. All breeds listed are recognised by the Royal Kennel Club (UK) unless stated as imported (Imp).
Basenji
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
41–43 cm |
|
Weight |
9–11 kg |
|
Breed info |
Ancient hound-type dog, known for being “barkless” (makes yodel-like sounds). |
|
Lifespan |
12–16 years |
|
Temperament |
Independent, curious, clean, can be reserved; smart but not always eager to please. |
|
Appearance |
Light, athletic, elegant outline; curled tail; wrinkled forehead. |
|
Coat |
Short, fine coat |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush; regular nail/ear care. |
|
Health |
Can be prone to inherited eye issues and kidney problems in some lines; choose health-tested breeding. |
|
Family suitability |
Best with calm, consistent owners; can suit families with older kids; needs secure garden and strong recall training. |
Basset Bleu de Gascogne (Imp)
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
34–38 cm |
|
Weight |
16–18 kg |
|
Breed info |
French scent hound bred for hunting; “Bleu” refers to the blue-mottled coat. |
|
Lifespan |
10–14 years |
|
Temperament |
Friendly, determined, scent-driven; can be vocal. |
|
Appearance |
Low-set, long ears, noble hound face; sturdy body. |
|
Coat |
Short, dense |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush; frequent ear checks/cleaning. |
|
Health |
Ear infections and weight gain can be common risks; joint/back care matters due to long body. |
|
Family suitability |
Good with families who enjoy steady “sniffy” walks and can manage a nose-led dog. |
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
32–38 cm |
|
Weight |
14–16 kg |
|
Breed info |
Small French hunting hound, lively and brave (“Fauve” = fawn coat). |
|
Lifespan |
11–14 years |
|
Temperament |
Cheerful, lively, confident; can be stubborn; friendly with people. |
|
Appearance |
Compact, sturdy, alert expression; tail often carried up. |
|
Coat |
Harsh, wiry |
|
Grooming |
Moderate—brush 2–3× weekly; hand-stripping/trimming helps coat quality. |
|
Health |
Generally robust; watch ears, weight, and joints. |
|
Family suitability |
Great for active families; needs training and enrichment to prevent boredom. |
Basset Griffon Vendéen (Petit)
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
34–38 cm |
|
Weight |
14–18 kg |
|
Breed info |
Small rough-coated French scent hound; lively and busy. |
|
Lifespan |
12–14 years |
|
Temperament |
Outgoing, stubborn, social, scent-led; can be noisy. |
|
Appearance |
Shaggy, compact, strong; long ears; bright eyes. |
|
Coat |
Rough/wiry with undercoat |
|
Grooming |
Moderate—regular brushing + occasional stripping/trimming. |
|
Health |
Ear care is important; keep fit to protect joints. |
|
Family suitability |
Good family dog if you can offer daily exercise and patient training. |
Basset Hound
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
28–36 cm |
|
Weight |
20–29 kg |
|
Breed info |
Famous scent hound with powerful nose; calm home companion if exercised well. |
|
Lifespan |
10–12 years |
|
Temperament |
Gentle, calm, stubborn; friendly with people and many dogs. |
|
Appearance |
Very long ears, heavy bone, long body; loose skin. |
|
Coat |
Short, smooth |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush; skin folds/ears need routine care. |
|
Health |
Ear/skin issues, obesity, joint strain; keep weight controlled. |
|
Family suitability |
Great for relaxed families; best with consistent routines and lead/recall management. |
Bavarian Mountain Hound
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
44–52 cm |
|
Weight |
20–25 kg |
|
Breed info |
German tracking (scent) dog bred for working; strong hunting drive. |
|
Lifespan |
10–14 years |
|
Temperament |
Loyal, calm at home with enough work; focused outdoors; can be reserved. |
|
Appearance |
Athletic, sturdy, slightly longer than tall; expressive face. |
|
Coat |
Short, dense |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush. |
|
Health |
Generally hardy; needs joint/fitness management due to activity level. |
|
Family suitability |
Best for experienced, active homes; not ideal if you want an “easy off-lead” pet in busy areas. |
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
33–41 cm |
|
Weight |
9–14 kg |
|
Breed info |
Classic scent hound; very popular family dog; often food-motivated. |
|
Lifespan |
12–15 years |
|
Temperament |
Friendly, lively, curious; can be stubborn and vocal. |
|
Appearance |
Compact, sturdy, big soft ears; waggy tail. |
|
Coat |
Short, weather-resistant |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush; seasonal shedding. |
|
Health |
Weight gain, ear issues; some lines have epilepsy risks. |
|
Family suitability |
Great for families if you plan for exercise + enrichment; recall takes real training because of the nose. |
Bearded Collie
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
51–56 cm |
|
Weight |
18–27 kg |
|
Breed info |
Herding breed; bright and bouncy; often described as “happy” and busy. |
|
Lifespan |
12–14 years |
|
Temperament |
Playful, energetic, friendly; can be excitable. |
|
Appearance |
Shaggy, athletic; “beard” on face; lively movement. |
|
Coat |
Long double coat |
|
Grooming |
High—several brushes per week; mats form easily. |
|
Health |
Hip issues in some lines; eye concerns; keep coat/skin healthy. |
|
Family suitability |
Great for active families who like outdoor time and grooming routines. |
Beauceron
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
61–70 cm |
|
Weight |
30–45 kg |
|
Breed info |
Large French herding/guardian breed; strong working instincts. |
|
Lifespan |
10–12 years |
|
Temperament |
Confident, loyal, protective; highly intelligent; needs structure. |
|
Appearance |
Powerful, athletic, often black & tan; double dewclaws are typical. |
|
Coat |
Short, dense |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush. |
|
Health |
Hip issues, bloat risk in large deep-chested breeds; needs careful socialisation. |
|
Family suitability |
Best for experienced owners; can be great guardians with training, but not a casual “first dog.” |
Bedlington Terrier
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
38–44 cm |
|
Weight |
8–10 kg |
|
Breed info |
Terrier with a “lamb-like” look; fast, sporty, and clever. |
|
Lifespan |
12–16 years |
|
Temperament |
Lively, affectionate, can be determined; enjoys play and tricks. |
|
Appearance |
Curved topline, narrow head, fluffy face; elegant but sturdy. |
|
Coat |
Curly, woolly |
|
Grooming |
High—regular trimming/clipping; brushing to prevent mats. |
|
Health |
Some lines have copper storage disease; choose health-tested parents. |
|
Family suitability |
Very good family dog with training; suits homes that can handle grooming. |
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
56–66 cm |
|
Weight |
20–30 kg |
|
Breed info |
High-drive working shepherd dog used in sport, police, and protection work. |
|
Lifespan |
12–14 years |
|
Temperament |
Highly intelligent, intense, alert nature; needs a “job.” |
|
Appearance |
Athletic, square build; fawn coat with black mask. |
|
Coat |
Short double coat |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush; heavy seasonal shed. |
|
Health |
Hip/elbow issues possible; stress if under-stimulated. |
|
Family suitability |
Best for experienced owners; not ideal for most busy family homes without training time. |
Bergamasco (Imp)
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
54–62 cm |
|
Weight |
26–38 kg |
|
Breed info |
Italian herding breed known for its natural “flocked” coat. |
|
Lifespan |
13–15 years |
|
Temperament |
Calm, thoughtful, loyal; steady around family. |
|
Appearance |
Large, strong; coat forms mats/“flocks.” |
|
Coat |
Long, textured, forms flocks |
|
Grooming |
Special—less brushing once flocks form, but needs careful coat management and drying. |
|
Health |
Generally hardy; watch hips and skin/coat health. |
|
Family suitability |
Great for families who want a calm big dog and can learn the coat routine. |
Bernese Mountain Dog
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
58–70 cm |
|
Weight |
32–52 kg |
|
Breed info |
Swiss mountain dog; famous gentle giant, originally farm worker/guardian. |
|
Lifespan |
7–10 years |
|
Temperament |
Gentle, affectionate, sweet, loyal; calm with family. |
|
Appearance |
Large, sturdy; tri-colour (black, rust, white). |
|
Coat |
Long double coat |
|
Grooming |
Moderate–high—weekly brushing; heavy shed seasons. |
|
Health |
Joint issues and some cancers more common; choose responsible breeding and maintain healthy weight. |
|
Family suitability |
Excellent family dog with space; best for households ready for size, shedding, and training. |
Bichon Frise
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
23–30 cm |
|
Weight |
5–8 kg |
|
Breed info |
Small companion breed; cheerful and people-focused. |
|
Lifespan |
12–15 years |
|
Temperament |
Friendly, playful, affectionate; often good with kids. |
|
Appearance |
Small, fluffy, black nose/eyes; “powder-puff” look. |
|
Coat |
Curly coat (low-shed feel) |
|
Grooming |
High—regular brushing + professional trims. |
|
Health |
Skin/allergy issues and dental care are common needs. |
|
Family suitability |
Great for families and flats if grooming and training are consistent. |
Black & Tan Coonhound (Imp)
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
58–69 cm |
|
Weight |
29–50 kg |
|
Breed info |
Large scent hound originally bred for tracking; strong hunting instincts. |
|
Lifespan |
10–12 years |
|
Temperament |
Friendly, independent, scent-driven; can be vocal. |
|
Appearance |
Big, athletic; black coat with tan points; long ears. |
|
Coat |
Short |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush. |
|
Health |
Ear care, weight control, joint support; bloat risk in deep-chested dogs. |
|
Family suitability |
Good with family if you can manage a powerful nose and provide space/exercise. |
Bloodhound
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
58–72 cm |
|
Weight |
36–50 kg |
|
Breed info |
Legendary tracking dog with extreme scent ability; powerful and determined. |
|
Lifespan |
10–12 years |
|
Temperament |
Gentle, affectionate, stubborn; can be calm indoors. |
|
Appearance |
Large, loose skin, deep wrinkles, very long ears. |
|
Coat |
Short |
|
Grooming |
Low–moderate—skin folds and ears need regular cleaning. |
|
Health |
Ear/skin issues, bloat risk, joint strain; weight control is vital. |
|
Family suitability |
Can be a sweet family dog, but needs an owner who can handle size, strength, and training. |
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
46–56 cm |
|
Weight |
14–20 kg |
|
Breed info |
One of the most highly intelligent dogs; herding instincts are strong. |
|
Lifespan |
12–15 years |
|
Temperament |
Energetic, focused, very intelligent; can be sensitive. |
|
Appearance |
Athletic, agile; many colours including black & white. |
|
Coat |
Medium (smooth or rough) |
|
Grooming |
Moderate—weekly brushing; more during shedding. |
|
Health |
Hip issues, eye problems in some lines; needs mental stimulation daily. |
|
Family suitability |
Great for active families who enjoy training/tricks; can struggle in low-activity homes. |
Border Terrier
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
28–40 cm |
|
Weight |
5–7 kg |
|
Breed info |
Small, sturdy terrier bred for countryside work; adaptable. |
|
Lifespan |
12–15 years |
|
Temperament |
Friendly, lively, brave; can chase small animals. |
|
Appearance |
Small, tough build; “otter head.” |
|
Coat |
Wiry double coat |
|
Grooming |
Moderate—hand-stripping/trimming keeps coat tidy. |
|
Health |
Generally hardy; watch dental and weight. |
|
Family suitability |
Excellent family dog if trained early; good for people who like walks and play. |
Borzoi
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
68–85 cm |
|
Weight |
27–48 kg |
|
Breed info |
Elegant sighthound; calm indoors, needs safe running space. |
|
Lifespan |
9–12 years |
|
Temperament |
Gentle, quiet, independent; strong chase drive. |
|
Appearance |
Tall, elegant, long legs; narrow head; graceful movement. |
|
Coat |
Long, silky |
|
Grooming |
Moderate—brush several times weekly; feathering mats. |
|
Health |
Bloat risk; sensitive to rough handling; needs safe lead skills. |
|
Family suitability |
Good for calm families; best with secure areas and careful off-lead management. |
Boston Terrier
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
38–43 cm |
|
Weight |
6–11 kg |
|
Breed info |
Small companion “American gentleman”; can be a great city dog. |
|
Lifespan |
11–13 years |
|
Temperament |
Friendly, playful, affectionate; enjoys people. |
|
Appearance |
Compact, short face, tuxedo-like markings (often black/white). |
|
Coat |
Short |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush. |
|
Health |
Flat-face breathing and heat sensitivity; eye care can be needed. |
|
Family suitability |
Great family companion with sensible exercise and temperature awareness. |
Bouvier des Flandres
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
59–68 cm |
|
Weight |
27–40 kg |
|
Breed info |
Large working dog; herding/guardian past; strong and capable. |
|
Lifespan |
10–12 years |
|
Temperament |
Calm, steady, protective; intelligent and trainable. |
|
Appearance |
Big, powerful; beard and shaggy outline. |
|
Coat |
Thick, rough double coat |
|
Grooming |
High—regular brushing and trimming. |
|
Health |
Hip issues and bloat risk; needs training and socialisation. |
|
Family suitability |
Great with families when well-trained; best for experienced owners with space. |
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
53–63 cm |
|
Weight |
25–32 kg |
|
Breed info |
Famous for being playful and people-loving; often a “forever puppy.” |
|
Lifespan |
10–12 years |
|
Temperament |
Energetic, affectionate, loyal; can be bouncy. |
|
Appearance |
Strong, athletic, square build; short face. |
|
Coat |
Short |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush. |
|
Health |
Heart issues and some cancers in lines; heat sensitivity. |
|
Family suitability |
Excellent family dog if trained early (jumping/overexcitement). |
Bracco Italiano
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
55–67 cm |
|
Weight |
25–40 kg |
|
Breed info |
Italian pointing dog; affectionate, steady, active outdoors. |
|
Lifespan |
10–14 years |
|
Temperament |
Gentle, friendly, loyal; energetic on walks. |
|
Appearance |
Elegant but sturdy; long ears; loose skin around face. |
|
Coat |
Short |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush; ear care matters. |
|
Health |
Ear issues; joint care; bloat risk in deep-chested dogs. |
|
Family suitability |
Great for active families who enjoy training and long walks. |
Braque d’Auvergne (Imp)
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
53–63 cm |
|
Weight |
22–28 kg |
|
Breed info |
French pointing breed; sporty, affectionate, and trainable. |
|
Lifespan |
12–14 years |
|
Temperament |
Friendly, eager, energetic; likes being close to people. |
|
Appearance |
Athletic; often black and white speckled/marked coat. |
|
Coat |
Short |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush. |
|
Health |
Generally robust; watch hips/ears and keep fit. |
|
Family suitability |
Good for families who can provide daily exercise and training. |
Briard
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
56–69 cm |
|
Weight |
25–40 kg |
|
Breed info |
French herding dog with guardian instincts; intelligent and sensitive. |
|
Lifespan |
10–12 years |
|
Temperament |
Loyal, protective, affectionate with family; needs socialisation. |
|
Appearance |
Large, shaggy coat; strong body. |
|
Coat |
Long double coat |
|
Grooming |
High—frequent brushing to avoid mats. |
|
Health |
Hip issues possible; eye concerns; bloat risk. |
|
Family suitability |
Great with committed families; best for owners who enjoy training and grooming. |
Brittany Dog
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
47–52 cm |
|
Weight |
14–18 kg |
|
Breed info |
Sporting dog; energetic, intelligent, and often very trainable. |
|
Lifespan |
12–14 years |
|
Temperament |
Friendly, lively, affectionate; loves activity. |
|
Appearance |
Compact and athletic; often orange/white or liver/white. |
|
Coat |
Medium, lightly feathered |
|
Grooming |
Moderate—weekly brushing. |
|
Health |
Hip issues in some lines; ear care for active outdoors dogs. |
|
Family suitability |
Excellent for active families (hiking/running); needs daily exercise. |
Bull Terrier
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
45–55 cm |
|
Weight |
22–38 kg |
|
Breed info |
Strong terrier with a famous “egg-shaped” head; confident personality. |
|
Lifespan |
10–14 years |
|
Temperament |
Playful, bold, loyal; can be stubborn. |
|
Appearance |
Muscular; distinctive head; many colours including white, brindle, black. |
|
Coat |
Short |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush. |
|
Health |
Deafness risk in some lines (especially white); skin allergies; kidney/heart in lines. |
|
Family suitability |
Good family dog with training and supervision; best for confident owners who set rules early. |
Bull Terrier (Miniature)
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
25–35 cm |
|
Weight |
11–15 kg |
|
Breed info |
Big character in a smaller, sturdy body; still energetic. |
|
Lifespan |
11–14 years |
|
Temperament |
Lively, playful, stubborn, affectionate. |
|
Appearance |
Like the standard Bull Terrier but smaller. |
|
Coat |
Short |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush. |
|
Health |
Similar risks: skin, deafness in some lines; patella/joint care. |
|
Family suitability |
Great for active families who want a small but strong dog; training is key. |
Bulldog
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
31–40 cm |
|
Weight |
18–25 kg |
|
Breed info |
Famous companion breed; calm, people-loving, lower exercise needs. |
|
Lifespan |
8–10 years |
|
Temperament |
Sweet, calm, affectionate; can be stubborn. |
|
Appearance |
Stocky, muscular; short face; skin folds. |
|
Coat |
Short |
|
Grooming |
Moderate—skin fold cleaning + brushing. |
|
Health |
Breathing/heat sensitivity (flat-face); skin and joint issues. |
|
Family suitability |
Good for families who want a calm dog, but needs careful health-focused care and vet support. |
Bullmastiff
|
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Height |
61–69 cm |
|
Weight |
45–59 kg |
|
Breed info |
Large guardian breed; powerful and protective; calm when trained well. |
|
Lifespan |
7–9 years |
|
Temperament |
Loyal, confident, calm; can be reserved with strangers. |
|
Appearance |
Big, strong, broad head; often fawn/red/brindle with dark mask. |
|
Coat |
Short |
|
Grooming |
Low—weekly brush. |
|
Health |
Joint issues and bloat risk; needs early socialisation and leash manners. |
|
Family suitability |
Can be excellent with families if trained early; best for experienced owners due to size and strength. |
FAQs
What breed of dog starts with the letter B?
There are many dog breeds that start with B, including the Bernese Mountain Dog, Beagle, Biewer Terrier, Belgian Shepherd Dog, Braque Français, and Basset Hound. These breeds vary greatly in size, temperament, and energy levels.
What are some good dog names that start with B?
Popular dog names starting with B include Buddy, Bella, Bear, Bruno, Bonnie, Blue, and Baxter. These dog names are easy for dogs to recognise and are commonly used by UK owners.
What are some rare dog breeds starting with B?
Rare B dog breeds include the Bergamasco, Braque Français, Bolognese, and Belgian Laekenois. Some are marked as imported breeds in the UK and may be harder to find
What is a German dog that starts with B?
A well-known German dog breed starting with B is the Bavarian Mountain Hound. This breed was developed for tracking and hunting and is known for its strong nose and loyal nature.
Conclusion
Choosing from a list of dog breeds beginning with B is not about finding the most famous or powerful dog. It is about finding the right match for your lifestyle, space, and experience. Dogs are loyal animals that rely on people for care, structure, and love. Take your time, research deeply, and choose wisely—you are not just picking a dog, you are gaining a companion for years to come.
