Few letters of the alphabet produce a lineup as varied as the dog breeds that start with B. This single letter covers barkless African hunters, Swiss farm dogs, French gundogs, and some of the most popular designer mixes in American homes today.
Every dog on this list, no matter how different they look or act, belongs to the same species: Canis lupus familiaris. What separates them is thousands of years of selective breeding for specific jobs, from herding sheep in Belgium to tracking deer through Bavarian forests. The table below offers a quick snapshot of how differently these B breeds are built before the full rundown begins.
| Breed | AKC Group | Typical Size | Energy Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basenji | Hound | Small | High |
| Beagle | Hound | Small-Medium | High |
| Belgian Malinois | Herding | Large | Very High |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Working | Giant | Moderate |
| Bichon Frise | Non-Sporting | Small | Moderate |
| Bulldog | Non-Sporting | Medium | Low |
1. Basenji
The Basenji is a small, short-haired hunting dog that traces back to Central Africa, where it worked as a village hunting companion. The breed standard notes the Basenji is a small, short haired hunting dog from Africa, and the breed should not bark but is not mute. Instead of true barking, the Basenji produces a distinctive yodel-like sound, which is how it earned the nickname “barkless dog.”
Basenjis are one of the smallest hounds, ranging in height from 16 to 17 inches and in weight from 22 to 24 pounds. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Basenji in 1943, celebrating its distinct characteristics and rich heritage. Its personality often draws comparisons to a cat: independent, fastidious about self-grooming, and not an ideal choice for a first-time dog owner because the Basenji presents a challenging temperament for people who lack experience with dogs.
Pro Tip: A Basenji’s independence means food-based reward training works better than repetition alone, since this breed quickly loses interest in commands that feel pointless to it.
2. Basset Hound
With its long ears, droopy eyes, and low-slung body, the Basset Hound is one of the most recognizable scent hounds in the country. French breeders developed the dog to trail rabbits and hare at a pace hunters on foot could keep up with, which explains its short legs and heavy bone structure. Despite the comical appearance, the Basset Hound has one of the keenest noses of any breed, ranking just behind the Bloodhound in scenting ability.
Basset Hounds are famously stubborn once they catch a scent, a trait shared with other low, long-bodied trackers like the Dachshunds and scent hounds bred for similar underground or ground-level work. At home, though, they tend to be calm, affectionate, and patient with children, making them popular family companions despite their hunting origins.
3. Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Hailing from Brittany in northwestern France, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a wiry-coated, fawn-colored hound built for working through dense brush. It shares ancestry with the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne but was bred down in size for hunters who needed a dog capable of flushing rabbits from thick hedgerows. The rough coat protects the dog from thorns and brambles during a day in the field.
This breed remains rare outside France and parts of Europe, though American hunters and companion-dog owners have slowly taken notice. Energetic, tenacious, and vocal when on a trail, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne needs regular exercise and a secure yard, since its hunting instinct can override recall commands outdoors.
4. Bavarian Mountain Hound
The Bavarian Mountain Hound developed in the forests and foothills of southern Germany specifically for tracking wounded game over long distances. Hunters prize this breed for its methodical, nose-to-ground tracking style rather than speed, since the job calls for patience over a blood trail that might stretch for miles. Its reddish-brown coat and muscular, medium-sized frame reflect generations of selective breeding for stamina in rugged terrain.
Unlike many hound breeds, the Bavarian Mountain Hound tends to bond closely with a single handler rather than the whole family, a holdover from its working role as a one-person tracking partner. It remains uncommon in the United States and is rarely kept purely as a companion animal.
5. Beagle
The Beagle is one of the most popular dog breeds that start with B in American households, prized for its friendly disposition and compact size. Originally bred in England to hunt rabbits in packs, the Beagle still carries a strong nose and an even stronger instinct to follow it, regardless of what its owner might prefer.
Beagles are vocal dogs, known for a distinctive bay that carries much farther than a bark of similar volume would. They do well in households with children and other dogs, a trait rooted in their history as pack hunters that worked alongside dozens of other hounds in the field.
Key Insight: Scent hounds like the Beagle and Basset Hound are bred to follow trails independently, which is why recall training often takes longer than it does with herding or working breeds.
6. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a shaggy, good-natured herding dog from Scotland, built to move sheep and cattle across rough highland terrain in all weather. Its long, double coat sheds water and insulates against cold, a necessity for a dog that spent centuries working outdoors year-round.
Bouncy and outgoing, the Bearded Collie shares little of the intensity found in breeds like the Collie-type dog breeds bred for tighter, more controlling herding styles. Instead, it relies on barking and large, sweeping movements to gather livestock, a method sometimes called “gathering and driving” rather than the eye-based control used by Border Collies.
7. Beauceron
France’s Beauceron is a large, powerful herding dog that also served as a military and police dog thanks to its intelligence and trainability. Standing well over 24 inches at the shoulder, it is one of the bigger herding breeds, with a short black-and-tan coat and a confident, watchful temperament.
Beaucerons need consistent training and an experienced handler, since their size and guarding instincts can become problematic without proper socialization. Owners who commit to the work often find a loyal, versatile dog capable of excelling in obedience, herding trials, and protection work alike.
8. Bedlington Terrier
With a curly coat that gives it a lamb-like silhouette, the Bedlington Terrier looks nothing like a typical terrier at first glance. The breed originated in Northumberland, England, where miners used it to hunt rats and other vermin, a job that demanded speed and tenacity hidden beneath that woolly exterior.
Despite the gentle appearance, Bedlington Terriers retain strong prey drive and can be surprisingly fast runners. They are generally affectionate with their families and tend to get along better with people than with small pets, given their terrier instincts toward anything that moves quickly.
9. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois has become one of the most sought-after working dogs in the world, serving alongside military and police units across the globe. The breed falls into the AKC Herding Group, with males standing 24 to 26 inches and weighing 60 to 80 pounds, while females run slightly smaller, and the breed originated in Malines, Belgium during the 1880s before AKC recognition in 1959.
Its reputation grew substantially after reports that a Belgian Malinois accompanied Navy SEALs during a high-profile 2011 raid, a story covered extensively in breed guides. According to the AKC breed standard, the breed is confident, exhibiting neither shyness nor aggressiveness in new situations, though it needs a job to stay mentally satisfied.
Important Note: The Belgian Malinois is not recommended for first-time dog owners or sedentary households. This breed’s drive and intelligence require daily physical and mental work, or it will create its own outlets, often destructive ones.
10. Belgian Sheepdog
Also known as the Groenendael in its country of origin, the Belgian Sheepdog is the solid-black, long-coated variety among the Belgian herding breeds recognized separately by the AKC. According to Wikipedia’s breed overview, the Belgian Shepherd group includes four varieties distinguished by coat: the long-haired, solid black Groenendael, the long-haired Tervueren, the short-haired Malinois, and the rough-haired Laekenois.
Despite sharing a breed standard with its Belgian cousins in much of the world, the AKC treats the Belgian Sheepdog as its own breed. It is watchful, energetic, and devoted to its family, traits that made it a favorite among European shepherds long before it became a competitive obedience and herding dog in the United States.
11. Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren shares its structure and working heritage with the Malinois and Sheepdog but stands apart with a long, fawn-to-mahogany coat overlaid with black-tipped hairs. According to the Belgian Shepherd breed standard comparison, the Belgian Shepherd combines elegance and power in a medium-sized, harmoniously proportioned frame built to resist the Belgian climate.
Tervurens tend to be slightly more reserved with strangers than their Malinois relatives, though they share the same work ethic and herding instinct. They excel in dog sports such as agility and herding trials, where their combination of athleticism and responsiveness to handler cues shines.
12. Bergamasco
Few breeds look as unusual as the Bergamasco, an Italian herding dog whose coat naturally mats into thick, flat layers called “flocks” rather than individual hairs. These mats form gradually starting around one year of age and eventually cover the dog almost entirely, providing protection from harsh alpine weather in the Bergamo region of Italy where the breed originated.
Despite the dramatic coat, the Bergamasco is a calm, intelligent working dog bred to herd sheep with minimal direction from its handler. It thinks independently on the job, a trait shared with many corded-coat herders such as the dog breeds starting with K, including the similarly matted Komondor.
13. Berger Picard
The Berger Picard is believed to be one of the oldest herding breeds in France, with a rough, weatherproof coat and large, upright ears that give it an alert, slightly scruffy appearance. It gained wider recognition in the United States after appearing in a popular family film, though the breed remains relatively rare outside dedicated herding and companion circles.
Bred for farm versatility rather than specialization, the Berger Picard herds, guards, and companions equally well. It tends to be independent and a little reserved with strangers, reflecting centuries of work on isolated French farms rather than in close human company.
14. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant from the Swiss Alps, originally bred to pull carts, herd cattle, and guard farms in the canton of Bern. Its tricolor coat of black, rust, and white markings makes it one of the most visually striking dog breeds that start with B, and its calm, affectionate temperament has made it a favorite family dog despite its large size.
Unfortunately, the breed carries a shorter average lifespan than many dogs of comparable size, largely due to a predisposition toward certain cancers. Owners considering a Bernese Mountain Dog, much like those drawn to other dog breeds starting with N such as the similarly giant Newfoundland, should research health testing in any breeder they consider.
Common Mistake: Assuming a giant breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog needs intense daily exercise. In reality, moderate activity paired with joint-friendly surfaces protects their large frames far better than high-impact play.
15. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful companion breed with a dense, curly white coat that sheds minimally, a trait that has made it popular among owners with allergy concerns. Developed in the Mediterranean and later refined by French breeders, the Bichon Frise has a long history as a beloved lapdog among European nobility.
Playful and people-oriented, the Bichon Frise adapts well to apartment living and generally gets along with children and other pets. Regular grooming is non-negotiable for this breed, since its curly coat mats quickly without brushing several times a week.
16. Biewer Terrier
A relatively young breed, the Biewer Terrier emerged in Germany in the 1980s from a genetic color variation within the Yorkshire Terrier line. Its silky, tricolor coat of black, white, and gold sets it apart visually from its Yorkie relatives, though the two breeds share nearly identical size and temperament.
The Biewer Terrier gained AKC recognition relatively recently and remains uncommon compared to older toy breeds. It tends to be affectionate, alert, and a touch vocal, traits typical of small terrier-type companions bred primarily for companionship rather than vermin control.
17. Black and Tan Coonhound
Developed in the American South for treeing raccoons and other game at night, the Black and Tan Coonhound has a deep, distinctive bay that hunters can identify from a considerable distance. Its name describes its coat exactly: a glossy black body with tan markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, and down the legs.
This breed combines a powerful nose with remarkable endurance, capable of working for hours across varied terrain. At home, the Black and Tan Coonhound is typically easygoing and affectionate, though its tendency to bay loudly when it picks up a scent surprises owners unfamiliar with coonhound breeds.
18. Black Russian Terrier
Despite its name, the Black Russian Terrier is not a true terrier but a large guardian breed developed by the Soviet military in the mid-20th century for use as a working and protection dog. Breeders combined several large breeds to create a dog tough enough for harsh Russian winters and confident enough for guard work.
Standing well over two feet tall with a thick, black double coat, the Black Russian Terrier is an imposing presence that still requires socialization to manage its natural wariness of strangers. Its intelligence makes it trainable, but its size and guarding instincts call for an experienced handler.
19. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound possesses what is widely considered the most sensitive nose of any domestic dog breed, a reputation built over centuries of use in law enforcement and search-and-rescue tracking. Its loose, wrinkled skin and long, drooping ears help trap scent particles close to the ground as it works a trail.
Gentle and somewhat stubborn, the Bloodhound follows its nose with single-minded focus once it locks onto a scent, often ignoring commands entirely until the trail goes cold. This single-mindedness makes recall training a persistent challenge, even for experienced hound owners.
20. Bluetick Coonhound
Named for its distinctive mottled blue-and-black coat pattern, the Bluetick Coonhound is a Southern hunting breed developed to tree raccoons and other game across long nighttime hunts. Its deep, melodic bay and tireless stamina made it a favorite among American hound hunters for generations.
Bluetick Coonhounds are loyal and affectionate at home but retain strong pack instincts from their hunting background, meaning they generally thrive better with canine company than as only dogs. Like most coonhounds, they need an outlet for their nose and their voice, or both tend to become a nuisance indoors.
21. Boerboel
South Africa’s Boerboel is a massive mastiff-type guardian bred to protect homesteads from large predators, a job that demanded both size and courage. Males can exceed 150 pounds, with a broad head, muscular build, and a short coat suited to a hot climate.
Confident and territorial, the Boerboel requires early socialization and an owner experienced with large guardian breeds, a category it shares with other powerful protectors among the dog breeds starting with R, such as the Rottweiler. Properly raised, the Boerboel is calm and loyal within its family circle but remains naturally suspicious of unfamiliar people.
22. Bohemian Shepherd
The Bohemian Shepherd is a lesser-known herding breed from the Czech Republic, descended from older Central European shepherd dogs and sharing some ancestry with German Shepherds. Its medium build, black-and-tan coat, and alert expression reflect its working-dog heritage on Bohemian farms.
This breed remains rare outside Central Europe, with limited numbers in the United States. Versatile and trainable, the Bohemian Shepherd performs well in herding, obedience, and agility, though prospective owners will likely need to search internationally to find a breeder.
23. Bolognese
A small companion breed from Italy, the Bolognese has a dense, fluffy white coat and a calm, affectionate temperament that made it a favorite among European aristocracy for centuries. Unlike its energetic Bichon cousins, the Bolognese tends to be quieter and more reserved, bonding closely with one or two people rather than the whole household.
The breed’s coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, though it sheds minimally, which appeals to owners managing allergies. Bolognese dogs are generally good with children but can be sensitive to loud or chaotic environments given their low-key disposition.
24. Border Collie
Widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed, the Border Collie was developed along the England-Scotland border specifically to herd sheep using an intense, hypnotic stare known as “eye.” This herding style lets the dog control a flock’s movement without physical contact, relying on posture and focus alone.
Border Collies need significant mental and physical stimulation daily, or their intelligence turns toward less desirable outlets like destructive chewing or obsessive behaviors. Owners who provide an outlet, whether herding, agility, or complex trick training, find a devoted and endlessly capable partner.
Pro Tip: Puzzle feeders and scent games can help satisfy a Border Collie’s need for mental work on days when full herding or agility sessions aren’t possible.
25. Border Terrier
Small but sturdy, the Border Terrier was bred along the England-Scotland border to go to ground after foxes, working alongside hounds on horseback hunts. Its wiry coat and otter-shaped head distinguish it from other terrier breeds, and its relatively long legs allowed it to keep pace with mounted hunters across open country.
Border Terriers are generally more even-tempered than many terrier breeds, tolerating other dogs and children reasonably well with proper socialization. Still, their hunting instincts remain strong, and small pets like rabbits or rodents are rarely safe housemates.
26. Borzoi
The Borzoi is a tall, elegant sighthound from Russia, historically bred by aristocrats to course wolves across open, snowy terrain at remarkable speed. Its long, silky coat and narrow, aerodynamic build reflect generations of breeding purely for speed and endurance rather than any herding or guarding function.
Despite their athletic background, Borzois tend to be quiet, calm house dogs, often described as cat-like in their independence. Their strong prey drive means recall off-leash remains risky, and fenced areas are essential for safe exercise.
27. Boston Terrier
Often called the “American Gentleman” for its tuxedo-like black-and-white coat, the Boston Terrier was developed in Massachusetts in the late 1800s, making it one of the few dog breeds that start with B to originate in the United States. It was bred down from larger bull-and-terrier stock into a compact, friendly companion.
Boston Terriers are affectionate, adaptable, and generally easygoing, fitting well into apartment life alongside other dog breeds starting with T favored for city living. Like other flat-faced breeds, they can struggle in extreme heat and benefit from shorter walks during warm months.
28. Bouvier des Flandres
This rugged herding and draft breed originated on farms along the Belgium-France border, where it pulled carts, herded cattle, and guarded property all in a single day’s work. Its thick, tousled double coat protected it from harsh weather while performing these demanding farm duties.
The Bouvier des Flandres is calm, loyal, and naturally protective, qualities that also made it valuable as a police and military dog during both World Wars. Its coat requires substantial grooming to prevent matting, a worthwhile trade-off for owners who want a steady, versatile working companion.
29. Boxer
The Boxer is a muscular, playful breed developed in Germany from older bullbaiting stock, later refined into a versatile working and companion dog. Known for its distinctive square jaw and expressive face, the Boxer remains one of the most popular medium-to-large breeds in the United States.
Boxers are energetic well into adulthood, often described as perpetual puppies due to their enthusiasm and playfulness. They form strong bonds with children and make alert, loyal watchdogs, though their high energy demands consistent daily exercise to stay well-behaved indoors.
30. Boykin Spaniel
South Carolina’s state dog, the Boykin Spaniel was developed specifically for waterfowl hunting in the swampy lowlands of the region, where a smaller boat-friendly retriever was needed. Its compact size allowed it to ride comfortably in small hunting boats without tipping them.
With a curly, liver-colored coat and an eager-to-please temperament, the Boykin Spaniel excels both as a hunting companion and a family pet. It retains a strong retrieving drive and does best with regular access to water and fieldwork, even outside formal hunting seasons.
31. Bracco Italiano
One of the oldest pointing breeds in existence, the Bracco Italiano traces its lineage back centuries in Italy, where it was prized for locating game birds across varied terrain. Its loose, wrinkled skin and large, pendulous ears give it a distinctive look among pointing breeds.
The Bracco Italiano is gentle and trainable, qualities that have helped it gain a small but growing following among American hunters who also appreciate pointers like those among the dog breeds starting with W, including the Weimaraner. It needs regular exercise and fieldwork to stay satisfied, given its working-dog background.
32. Briard
France’s Briard is a large herding breed with a long, wavy coat that nearly obscures its eyes, giving it a shaggy, distinctive look. Historically used to herd and guard sheep across the French countryside, the Briard combines size, courage, and intelligence in a single working package.
Briards are protective of their families and can be reserved with strangers, a trait that made them effective farm guardians. Their coat requires significant grooming commitment, and their herding instinct sometimes shows up at home as gentle nudging or circling of family members.
33. Brittany
Compact and high-energy, the Brittany is a versatile pointing and flushing breed from the Brittany region of France, built for hunters who needed a dog capable of both finding and retrieving upland birds. Its orange-and-white or liver-and-white coat and medium build make it well-suited to long days in the field.
The Brittany shares its pointing style with other bird dogs among the dog breeds starting with V, including the Vizsla, though the Brittany tends to be slightly smaller and more compact. It needs substantial daily exercise and does best with owners who can provide regular fieldwork or vigorous play.
34. Brussels Griffon
With its distinctive, almost human-like expression, the Brussels Griffon is a small companion breed from Belgium originally bred to control rodents in stables and shops before becoming a beloved lapdog. Its wiry or smooth coat comes in red, black, or belge color patterns, each with dedicated fans.
Brussels Griffons are affectionate and sensitive, often forming an especially strong bond with one particular person in the household. Their small size and big personality make them well-suited to apartment living, though their sensitivity means harsh training methods tend to backfire.
35. Bull Terrier
Instantly recognizable by its egg-shaped head and muscular build, the Bull Terrier was developed in England originally for dog fighting before evolving into a companion and show breed. Its playful, sometimes clownish personality has earned it a dedicated following despite its intimidating silhouette.
Bull Terriers are energetic and determined, traits that call for consistent training and plenty of physical outlets. They tend to bond fiercely with their families, though early socialization with other dogs is essential given the breed’s history.
36. Bulldog
The Bulldog, often called the English Bulldog, is one of the most recognizable flat-faced breeds, known for its loose, wrinkled skin and gentle, laid-back temperament. Originally bred for bull-baiting in England, the breed’s purpose shifted entirely toward companionship once that practice was banned in the 19th century.
Bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties, joint issues, and heat sensitivity due to their brachycephalic skull structure and heavy build. Prospective owners should research health-tested breeders carefully and avoid strenuous exercise or hot weather exposure.
Important Note: Brachycephalic breeds like the Bulldog can overheat quickly and struggle to cool themselves through panting. Always provide shade, water, and limited exertion during warm weather.
37. Bullmastiff
Developed in England by gamekeepers to track and hold poachers, the Bullmastiff combines the size of the Mastiff with the agility and courage of the Bulldog. This powerful, protective breed can weigh well over 100 pounds and carries an imposing but generally calm demeanor at home.
Bullmastiffs are devoted to their families and naturally protective, qualities shared with other large guardian breeds among the dog breeds starting with R such as the Rottweiler. Early socialization and consistent training are essential given the breed’s size and guarding instincts.
38. Bernedoodle
A cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, the Bernedoodle combines the gentle temperament of its Swiss parent with the low-shedding coat often associated with Poodle crosses, popular among owners seeking companions related to dog breeds starting with P. Coat texture and shedding can vary significantly depending on generation, from F1 crosses to multigenerational F1B and F2 mixes.
- F1 Bernedoodle: first-generation cross, most variable coat type
- F1B Bernedoodle: bred back to a Poodle, typically lower-shedding
- Multigenerational Bernedoodle: bred from two Bernedoodle parents, more predictable traits
Because the Bernedoodle is not a standardized breed, temperament and appearance vary more than in purebred dogs, though most inherit a friendly, intelligent disposition from both parent breeds.
39. Bordoodle
The Bordoodle pairs the Border Collie’s intelligence and work ethic with the Poodle’s coat and trainability, resulting in a highly active, sharp-minded companion. This mix needs substantial mental stimulation, often more than owners anticipate when drawn in by its appearance alone.
Coat type varies by generation, ranging from wavy to tightly curled, and shedding levels depend heavily on which parent’s genes dominate. Bordoodles thrive with owners prepared to provide daily exercise, training, and problem-solving activities similar to what a purebred Border Collie would require.
40. Boxador
Combining the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever, the Boxador is a muscular, energetic mixed breed that tends to inherit the playful enthusiasm of both parent breeds. This mix typically grows into a medium-to-large dog with a short coat and a friendly, outgoing personality well suited to active families.
Boxadors generally do well with children and other pets when socialized early, reflecting the family-friendly reputations of both breeds behind the cross. Like its Boxer and Labrador ancestors, this mix needs regular exercise to prevent boredom-driven destructive behavior.
41. Beabull
The Beabull crosses the Beagle with the Bulldog, producing a compact, sturdy companion that often inherits the Beagle’s curious nose alongside some of the Bulldog’s laid-back calm. Appearance varies considerably between litters, with some pups favoring the Beagle’s longer legs and others the Bulldog’s stockier build.
Because Bulldogs can pass along brachycephalic traits, Beabulls occasionally inherit shortened airways that call for the same heat and exercise precautions as their Bulldog parent. Otherwise, this mix tends to be friendly, moderately active, and well suited to families looking for a dog smaller than a purebred Bulldog but calmer than a purebred Beagle.
From barkless hounds to designer companions, the dog breeds that start with B offer something for nearly every lifestyle, climate, and activity level. Some, like the Border Collie and Belgian Malinois, demand serious daily engagement, while others, like the Bolognese and Bichon Frise, thrive as calmer companions content with shorter walks and plenty of lap time.
Anyone drawn to this alphabetical corner of the dog world might also enjoy browsing dog breeds starting with U or the equally varied animals that start with G and animals that start with H for more alphabetical animal guides. Dog lovers who enjoy comparing working breeds across species might also appreciate horse breeds starting with E, another reminder that the same letter can produce wildly different animals built for equally different jobs.