Dog Breeds That Start With B (2026): 25 Breeds You’ll Love

The Complete List of Dog Breeds That Start With B

1. Beagle

The Beagle is one of America’s all-time favorite breeds, and for good reason. These compact scent hounds have an upbeat personality that’s hard to resist. They’re friendly with kids, good with other dogs, and genuinely curious about everything.

Size: Small to medium (20–30 lbs)

Temperament: Friendly, curious, merry

The one thing to know: Beagles follow their noses. If a scent catches their attention, they’ll be gone. A secure fence and reliable recall training are a must. Also, they’re vocal — barking and howling is part of their DNA.

2. Border Collie

Border Collies are widely considered the smartest dog breed in the world. They were bred to herd sheep in the Scottish Borders, and that instinct runs deep. If you don’t give them a job to do, they’ll invent one — usually involving herding your kids or rearranging your furniture.

Size: Medium (30–55 lbs)

Temperament: Highly intelligent, energetic, responsive

If you’re active and want a dog that can keep up with any activity — agility, frisbee, hiking — a Border Collie fits perfectly. Check out breeds similar to Border Collies if you want that herding intelligence with a slightly calmer personality.

3. Boxer

Boxers are goofy, lovable, and incredibly loyal. They’ve got a muscular build that makes them look tough, but most Boxers are total goofballs at heart. They’re great with children and will shadow you around the house like a furry bodyguard.

Size: Medium to large (50–80 lbs)

Temperament: Playful, loyal, energetic

Boxers don’t tolerate heat well because of their flat face, so be careful during summer months. They’re also known to be dogs with soft temperaments and tough-looking exteriors — a perfect fit for families who want protection without aggression.

4. Bulldog (English Bulldog)

The English Bulldog is the definition of chill. These stocky, wrinkly dogs are calm, affectionate, and surprisingly low-energy for their size. They’re happy with short walks and long naps. If you live in an apartment and want a dog that won’t stress you out, the Bulldog might be your match.

Size: Medium (40–50 lbs)

Temperament: Calm, loyal, courageous

One heads-up: Bulldogs can have significant health issues related to their flat face and skin folds. Vet bills can add up. Budget for it before you bring one home.

5. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is everything you’d want in a gentle giant. These tri-colored Swiss farm dogs are patient, calm, and deeply affectionate with their families. They’re great with kids and do well in homes with space to roam.

Size: Large (70–115 lbs)

Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, loyal

The Berner’s biggest drawback is their lifespan — typically 7–10 years. They’re also heavy shedders. But if you want a big, beautiful dog with a sweet soul, there’s not much better.

6. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are the classic American dog. Small, tuxedo-coated, and full of personality, they were literally bred in Boston in the 1870s. They’re easy to train, adaptable to city living, and love being around people.

Size: Small (12–25 lbs)

Temperament: Friendly, bright, amusing

They do well in apartments since their exercise needs are moderate. Boston Terriers can be stubborn sometimes, but they respond well to positive reinforcement. They snore, by the way — loudly. Consider yourself warned.

7. Bichon Frise

If you want a small dog that doesn’t shed much, the Bichon Frise is worth serious consideration. These fluffy white dogs are playful, happy, and genuinely friendly with strangers. They’re also considered a good choice for people with mild dog allergies.

Size: Small (12–18 lbs)

Temperament: Playful, cheerful, affectionate

Check out our guide to low-shedding dog breeds if keeping your home fur-free is a priority — the Bichon ranks high on that list.

8. Bloodhound

The Bloodhound has the most powerful nose in the dog world. These large, droopy-faced hounds can track a scent over 130 miles and follow a trail that’s days old. Law enforcement has used them for search and rescue for centuries.

Size: Large (80–110 lbs)

Temperament: Stubborn, affectionate, determined

Bloodhounds are gentle and good with kids, but they are not easy to train. Their nose overrides their brain. They need secure fencing and a patient owner.

9. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are low to the ground, long-eared, and completely endearing. They’re scent hounds like the Bloodhound, but they move at a much more leisurely pace. They’re calm indoors and good with families, though they do have an independent streak.

Size: Medium (40–65 lbs)

Temperament: Laid-back, loyal, stubborn

Don’t let the sleepy look fool you — Bassets can be surprisingly difficult to train. They’re not the most obedient breed on the list, but they make up for it with charm.

10. Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers have a distinctive egg-shaped head and a mischievous personality. They’re energetic, funny, and fiercely devoted to their people. With proper socialization, they can be excellent family dogs — though they do better in homes without other small pets.

Size: Medium (50–70 lbs)

Temperament: Energetic, mischievous, affectionate

They need consistent training from day one. Bull Terriers are strong-willed, and if you let them run the show early, you’ll regret it later.

11. Basenji

The Basenji is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, originating from Central Africa. What makes them truly unique? They don’t bark. They yodel. Seriously. It’s called a “baroo” and it’s unlike any sound you’ve ever heard from a dog.

Size: Small to medium (22–24 lbs)

Temperament: Independent, curious, alert

Basenjis are cat-like in their independence and cleanliness. They’re not great for first-time dog owners since they need experienced handling and clear boundaries.

12. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is the breed behind most military and police K9 units worldwide. These dogs are incredibly fast, athletic, and driven. They bond deeply with their handler and are capable of almost any task you train them for.

Size: Medium (40–80 lbs)

Temperament: Confident, hard-working, loyal

This is not a couch dog. Belgian Malinois need hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, they become destructive. They’re best suited for experienced owners with an active lifestyle.

13. Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a classic American hunting dog, bred to track raccoons and other game through rugged terrain. They’re friendly, easygoing, and great with kids. They do love to howl, though, so rural or suburban living suits them better than apartments.

Size: Large (65–110 lbs)

Temperament: Friendly, easygoing, determined

14. Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound gets its name from the speckled blue-and-black pattern across its coat. These are athletic, muscular scent hounds with tremendous stamina. They’re loyal to their families and good with children but can be challenging to train due to their independent nature.

Size: Medium to large (45–80 lbs)

Temperament: Friendly, loyal, tenacious

15. Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel is South Carolina’s state dog and one of the best-kept secrets in the spaniel world. These medium-sized hunting dogs are enthusiastic retrievers in the water and gentle companions at home. They’re easier to handle than many other sporting breeds.

Size: Medium (25–40 lbs)

Temperament: Friendly, eager, energetic

16. Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren is one of four Belgian shepherd varieties. They have a stunning long mahogany coat with black tips and are incredibly athletic and intelligent. Like the Malinois, they thrive with a job and need significant daily activity.

Size: Medium to large (45–75 lbs)

Temperament: Alert, intelligent, responsive

17. Brittany

The Brittany (sometimes called the Brittany Spaniel) is an energetic bird dog from France. They’re compact, fast, and absolutely love being outside. At home, they’re cheerful and affectionate. This breed suits active families who spend time outdoors.

Size: Medium (30–40 lbs)

Temperament: Happy, agile, eager to please

18. Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest pointing breeds in existence, with roots in Italy dating back to the 4th or 5th century BC. They look a bit like a Bloodhound crossed with a Pointer and they’re excellent gun dogs with a gentle, sociable personality.

Size: Large (55–88 lbs)

Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, versatile

19. Bolognese

The Bolognese is a tiny white dog from Italy that’s been the companion of Italian nobility for centuries. They’re calm, devoted, and surprisingly low-energy for a small dog. They do become very attached to their owners and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long.

Size: Small (5–9 lbs)

Temperament: Reserved, devoted, calm

20. Boerboel

The Boerboel is a massive South African farm dog bred to guard property and protect against predators. They can weigh up to 200 pounds and are confident, dominant, and highly territorial. These aren’t beginner dogs. They need an experienced owner who can establish clear leadership from the start.

Size: Extra large (150–200 lbs)

Temperament: Dominant, loyal, protective

21. Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier was developed in the Soviet Union after World War II to serve as a military working dog. They’re large, powerful, and adaptable to harsh climates. Despite their imposing size, they can be calm and affectionate with their families.

Size: Large (80–130 lbs)

Temperament: Calm, confident, protective

22. Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)

The Belgian Sheepdog — also known as the Groenendael — is the long-haired, all-black variety of the Belgian shepherd group. They’re incredibly agile, highly trainable, and protective of their families. These dogs excel at herding, protection work, search and rescue, and obedience competitions.

Size: Medium to large (45–65 lbs)

Temperament: Alert, loyal, energetic

23. Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco is known for its extraordinary coat — long mats of hair that form flat, felted flocks hanging from their body. It looks wild, but that coat actually protects them from harsh mountain weather and predators. They’re patient, intelligent, and have a natural problem-solving ability that makes training interesting.

Size: Medium to large (57–84 lbs)

Temperament: Patient, intelligent, sociable

24. Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a German breed developed specifically for tracking wounded game in alpine terrain. They’re not common as pets in the US, but they’re superb hunting companions with exceptional stamina and a deep, reliable nose.

Size: Medium (37–66 lbs)

Temperament: Calm, reliable, focused

25. Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier (pronounced “Beaver” Terrier) is a newer AKC-recognized breed that looks like a three-colored Yorkshire Terrier. These small, cheerful dogs have a lot of personality packed into a tiny body. They’re playful, smart, and great for apartment dwellers who want a low-shedding companion.

Size: Toy (4–8 lbs)

Temperament: Playful, curious, devoted

How to Choose the Right B Breed for Your Home

There are a few questions worth asking before you commit to any dog, and they matter even more with a diverse group like B breeds:

How active is your lifestyle? If you run daily, hike on weekends, or have a large yard, you can handle a Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, or Brittany. If your lifestyle is more casual, go with a Basset Hound, Bulldog, or Boston Terrier.

Do you have kids or other pets? Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Beagles are reliably good with children. The Boerboel and Belgian Malinois need experienced handling and careful introductions. Basenjis and Bull Terriers can be tricky around smaller animals.

How much space do you have? Biewer Terriers, Boston Terriers, and Bichon Frises thrive in apartments. Bernese Mountain Dogs and Boerboels need room to move.

Feeding also matters regardless of which breed you choose. A quality diet makes a real difference in energy, coat health, and lifespan. Our breakdown of the Blue Buffalo vs Purina Pro Plan comparison is a good starting point if you’re figuring out the best food for a new dog.

If you’re interested in other alphabet breed lists, take a look at dog breeds that start with P for another great set of popular breeds.

Some of the most popular dog breeds starting with B — Beagle, Boxer, Border Collie, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Breeds That Start With B

Bernese Mountain Dogs and Boston Terriers are two very different B breeds — one built for mountains, one built for city life.

Bottom Line: Which B Breed Is Right for You?

The letter B covers some seriously impressive dogs. You’ve got gentle giants like the Bernese Mountain Dog, tireless workers like the Border Collie, and easygoing city dogs like the Boston Terrier. The range is wide, and that’s actually great news for anyone searching for a specific type of dog.

Here’s a quick summary to help you narrow it down:

• Want a family dog? Go with a Boxer, Bernese Mountain Dog, or Beagle.
• Live in an apartment? Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, or Biewer Terrier.
• Need a working or sport dog? Border Collie, Belgian Malinois, or Brittany.
• Want a calm, low-maintenance dog? Basset Hound, Bulldog, or Bolognese.
• Looking for a rare breed? Bergamasco Sheepdog, Bracco Italiano, or Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound.

Whatever you choose, make sure their diet is solid from day one. Our comparison of Purina Pro Plan vs Royal Canin breaks down two of the top vet-recommended options. And if you want to explore more breed lists, our dog breeds that start with P guide has 20 more great options to explore.

Take your time. The right dog is out there. You just have to find them.