Dogs Breeds That Start With B | Herding, Hound, And More

If you're looking for a dog that's smart and active, you might want to consider a Border Collie. They're one of the most intelligent dog breeds and excel in agility and obedience training.

Border Collies are highly energetic and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least an hour of physical activity and mental stimulation every day.

The Beagle is another popular breed that starts with the letter B. They're friendly, curious, and love to explore their surroundings.

Beagles are relatively small in size, weighing between 18-30 pounds, and have a short, easy-to-maintain coat.

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Dogs that start with B can be grouped into several categories, including the Sporting Group, the Working Group, and the Hound Group.

The Sporting Group includes breeds like the Barbet and the Boykin Spaniel, which were originally bred for hunting and retrieving game.

The Working Group includes breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bloodhound, which were bred for tasks such as herding and tracking.

The Hound Group includes breeds like the Basset Hound and the Beagle, which were bred for their keen sense of smell and ability to track game.

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Herding Breeds are naturally talented at gathering and moving animals, with some breeds having a strong instinct to chase and catch. They're highly intelligent and responsive to commands.

Border Collies are often considered one of the top herding breeds, known for their exceptional agility and problem-solving skills. They're highly trainable and thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

Rough Collies, like Lassie, are another popular herding breed that's known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. They're often used as working dogs on farms and ranches.

Australian Shepherds are a versatile herding breed that's highly adaptable to different environments and working styles. They're often used on farms, ranches, and as family pets.

Herding breeds typically require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They're often happiest when they're working or engaging in activities that challenge their minds and bodies.

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Let's talk about Hound Breeds. These dogs were originally bred for hunting small game, and as a result, they have a strong instinct to follow their noses.

The Beagle, a popular Hound Breed, is known for its friendly and curious nature, weighing around 18-30 pounds.

Hound Breeds are often independent and stubborn, making consistent training a must.

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The Boxer is a great example of a working breed. They're known for their muscular limbs, which give them great agility.

Boxers have a very determined character and hate being idle, which is why they're considered working dogs. They need to stay active and engaged.

Boxers can weigh up to 81 pounds and stand at 21 inches tall. Their wrinkled muzzle adds to their unique appearance.

Their powerful build and agile limbs make them well-suited for physically demanding tasks.

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The Terrier Breeds are a fascinating group. They can get you started learning more about the traits, origins, and lifespan of some dog breeds.

Terriers are known for their energetic and lively nature. They're often described as feisty and fearless.

Some Terrier Breeds have a long lifespan, such as the Cairn Terrier, which can live up to 12-14 years.

Sporting Breeds are known for their love of activity and exercise, requiring regular physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Many Sporting Breeds have high energy levels, with some needing up to 2 hours of exercise per day to stay happy and healthy.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes over 30 Sporting Breeds, each with its unique characteristics and needs.

The Labrador Retriever, for example, is one of the most popular Sporting Breeds, bred to assist hunters in retrieving game.

Sporting Breeds like the Golden Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel are also popular family pets, valued for their friendly and outgoing personalities.

Their high energy levels make them well-suited for active families who enjoy outdoor activities together, such as hiking and playing fetch.

With proper training and exercise, many Sporting Breeds can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with yards.

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The beagle is a popular scenthound that originated in England, with its beginnings shrouded in mystery, but variations of the breed date back to the 11th century.

Beagles come in two varieties, one standing under 13 inches and the larger variety reaching 15 inches, with the former weighing up to 20 pounds and the latter up to 30 pounds.

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Their adorable faces come in various colors, including red and white, lemon, and tricolor, making them one of the cutest dog breeds around.

Beagles are native to Great Britain and live around 15 years, making them a long-term companion for many pet owners.

As a loyal breed, beagles are incredibly smart and loyal, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.

With their short hair and small size, beagles are a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance yet loving pet.

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The Bearded Collie is a herding dog with Scottish roots, dating back to the 1500s. It's also known as the Highland Collie, the Mountain Collie, and the Hairy Mou'ed Collie.

These dogs require a lot of grooming, with their hair needing to be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting. They're a high-maintenance breed in that sense.

Bearded Collies are very loyal and intelligent, but they can become bored if training is not varied enough. This means you'll need to mix up their training sessions to keep them engaged.

They have a bouncy nature and high energy, so they need plenty of exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

Consider reading: Bearded Dogs Breeds

The Bichon Frise is a friendly breed that likes to go everywhere with its owners.

They are small dogs, standing at 11.5 inches and weighing 18 pounds.

Their white coat is medium in length, with corkscrew curls and a silky texture.

The Bichon Frise is an ideal breed for someone with allergies as they do not molt and are considered hypoallergenic.

They have lots of energy and are good around children, making them a great family pet.

This breed captured the title of Best in Show at the 2001 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, thanks to a pup named J.R.

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The Boxer is a breed that's both elegant and powerful. They have a muscular build that's a source of great agility.

Their determination is admirable, and it's no wonder they're considered a working dog. They hate being idle, so be prepared for a playful and energetic companion.

Boxers can weigh up to 81 pounds and stand at 21 inches tall. They have a distinctive wrinkled muzzle that adds to their unique appearance.

These dogs are known to live about 13 years, so be prepared for a long-term commitment to caring for your Boxer.

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The "Bull" breed group is a fascinating category, and I'm excited to share some interesting facts about it.

The Bulldog, also known as the British Bulldog, is a beloved breed known for its distinctive wrinkled face.

Bulldogs are social dogs that get along well with kids and other dogs, making them a great addition to many families.

They require regular grooming to keep their skin and coat clean, especially around the wrinkles.

Bulldogs typically weigh around 55 pounds and stand up to 24 inches tall.

The Bull Terrier is a breed that's gained popularity over the years, thanks in part to its unique appearance and charismatic personality.

Bull Terriers are known for their dense coat, which requires some attention when it comes to grooming.

They're energetic, affectionate, and confident dogs that make great companion animals.

Bull Terriers are also known for their playful nature and love of outdoor activities.

They weigh around 65 pounds and stand up to 25 inches tall, with a slender tail that complements their sturdy build.

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The Bloodhound's history is tied to the medieval period in Flanders, where they were used for tracking and hunting. Their incredible sense of smell was honed over centuries of selective breeding.

The Border Collie's roots lie in the Anglo-Scottish border region, where they were developed to herd livestock. Their intelligence, agility, and strong work ethic made them an invaluable asset to farmers and shepherds.

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European breeds have a rich history, with many originating from specific regions. Some, like the German Shepherd, emerged from the need for herding dogs in the 1800s.

The German Shepherd's ancestors were developed from a mix of herding breeds, including the Thuringian Shepherd. This breed was highly valued for its intelligence and work ethic.

The Doberman Pinscher, another European breed, was created in the 1800s as a guard dog. Its name comes from its original breeder, Friedrich Louis Dobermann.

In contrast, the Shetland Sheepdog was developed on the Shetland Islands, where small herding dogs were necessary due to the limited space. These dogs were bred to be agile and intelligent.

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The Asian Breeds section of our Breed Origins article is a fascinating one. The Shiba Inu, for instance, originated in Japan over 3,000 years ago.

This ancient breed was highly valued for its hunting skills and was often given as a gift to royalty.

The Shiba Inu's unique fox-like appearance is a result of its adaptation to Japan's rugged terrain and climate.

The Akita, another Japanese breed, was also bred for hunting and was known for its loyalty and protective nature.

In China, the Chow Chow was bred as a working dog, tasked with herding and guarding livestock.

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The Boerboel, originating in the 17th century, is a South African breed that's as loyal as they come. They're extremely devoted to their families, but can be wary of strangers.

The Boerboel shares DNA with the Mastiff, the Bulldog, and the Bull Terrier, making them a muscular breed with a rich history. This mix of breeds has given them a unique set of characteristics that make them well-suited for guarding property and lives.

In several countries, the Boerboel is actually banned, likely due to their strong protective instincts.

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The Banjara Hound, also known as the Vanjari Hound, is a rare sighthound from India.

This breed is named after the Banjara people with whom they live.

The Banjara Hound is a protector of both flocks and people, much like the Bakharwal Dog.

Its speed rivals that of a Greyhound, making it a formidable companion.

The Banjara Hound's endurance is impressive, equaling that of the Collie.

This breed is well-suited to life in the mountainous ranges of India, where it has been known to inhabit alongside nomadic tribes.

The Banjara Hound's instinct to protect those around them is strong, much like the Bakharwal Dog's protective nature.

Unfortunately, this trait has led to the breed being targeted by militant separatists.

The Banjara Hound's diet is not specified, but the Bakharwal Dog, a similar breed, is known to be vegetarian.

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The Borzo, also known as the Belgian Sheepdog, is a medium-sized herding breed that originated in Belgium.

Its origins date back to the 19th century, when a local dog was crossed with a Thuringian Shepherd to create a robust and intelligent herding dog.

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The Borzo was bred to herd sheep and cattle, and its strong work ethic and high energy level made it well-suited for this task.

With a short, dense coat that sheds water and dirt easily, the Borzo was able to withstand the harsh conditions of the Belgian countryside.

Its intelligence and trainability made it a popular choice for farmers and herders in the region.

The Borzo's strong herding instinct and protective nature also made it a valued companion for families and farmers alike.

Despite its strong build and herding ability, the Borzo is a relatively small breed, weighing between 60 and 80 pounds.

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The Bosnian breed has been tracking down game since the late 1890s.

This breed is known by several names, including the Barak Hound, the Bosnian Broken-haired Hound, and the Bosnian Rough-haired Hound.

It's worth noting that the Bosnian breed is seldom seen beyond the bounds of Bosnia.

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The Bucovina Shepherd Dog is named in honor of the Romanian region where the breed began.

This breed has several variations, including the Carpathian Shepherd Dog, the Mioritic, the Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog, and the Southeastern European Shepherd.

The Bucovina Shepherd Dog is often described as a "gentle giant" due to its size and gentle nature.

This breed has a strong bond to their human family that equals their suspicions of strangers.

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The Beauceron is a breed with an impressive resume, having worked as a soldier, guard dog, rescuer, and even actor in recent years.

This large dog can weigh up to 110 pounds and stands up to 27.5 inches high, making it a formidable presence.

Originating in France in the Middle Ages, the Beauceron is one of the breeds that contributed to the DNA of the Doberman Pinscher.

They were initially bred to guard and herd cattle and sheep, showcasing their versatility as working dogs.

As a search dog, police dog, supply transport dog, messenger dog, land mine detection dog, and rescue dog, the Beauceron has proven its worth in various roles.

They are very dominant dogs but can be trained to be excellent watchdogs, making them a great addition to any family.

The Beauceron is common in France, where they are native, and can live about 10 to 12 years with a large frame.

The Bergamasco is a unique breed that originated in Europe, where it has been living for centuries. This herding dog has a long history of guarding sheep and cattle.

Its distinctive coat is made up of three types of hair, including mats that create flat layers of felted hair called flocks. These flocks protect the dog from predators and cold weather conditions.

The Bergamasco is a muscular dog, standing up to 23.5 inches tall and weighing up to 84 pounds. This sturdy build is likely an adaptation to its herding lifestyle.

Native to Europe, the Bergamasco is known to live a long life, with an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years.

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The Berger Picard is a rare dog breed that originated in north-eastern France.

They have a fawn or brindle coat, which is rough, and come in a medium size, standing up to 25.5 inches tall and weighing up to 70 pounds.

These dogs are good-natured and loyal, making them a lovely addition to any family, especially with children.

The Berger Picard is an old breed and possibly one of the ancestors of the German Shepherd.

They are fantastic with children and family members, and are suited to an owner who can give them lots of exercise.

Berger Picards are mild-mannered and live 12 to 13 years.

With proper care and attention, they can thrive and become a wonderful companion.

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The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that originated in Switzerland, where they were once used as work horses to pull carts, drive herds of cattle, and protect property and people.

They have a thick and silky coat, typically black, rust, and white in color. This breed can weigh up to 115 pounds and stand up to 27.5 inches tall. Originally from Switzerland, the Bernese thrives in colder conditions.

They are fantastic with children and have a gentle nature, making them a great family pet. Large dogs need plenty of space, although they can be well-behaved in the home.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is highly intelligent and can live between six to eight years.

This breed is known for its muscular build and DNA connection to the Mastiff, Bulldog, and Bull Terrier. It's a large dog, standing up to 27 inches tall and weighing up to 200 pounds.

The Boerboel is a powerful dog, and its size gives it a confident demeanor. However, it's also a great family dog, especially with children.

This breed is banned in several countries, likely due to its wary nature around strangers. Despite this, the Boerboel is a loyal companion to those it loves.

The Broholmer, also known as the Danish Mastiff, is a breed that originated in Denmark through the pairing of English Mastiffs and dogs from Germany.

King Frederick VII of Denmark and Countess Danner were devotees of this breed and even posed for an official portrait with one of their Broholmer canine companions.

This breed was utilized as guard dogs to the Danish elite in the 19th century, but its popularity plummeted during the Second World War almost to the point of the breed's demise.

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However, due to the diligent efforts of dog lovers in the 1970s, the breed bounced back.

Broholmers are intelligent dogs that are easy to take care of and can become very social if you establish a good relationship with them.

They are also very protective of their family and will not allow anyone to threaten their owner while in their presence.

One notable trait of the Broholmer is that they bark less than many dogs, a trait that many people like.

Broholmers are usually energetic and deserve time each day to exercise.

They can stand up to 30 inches in height and can also weigh up to 150 pounds when fully grown.

The Bullmastiff is a large dog breed that originated in Britain, where they were domesticated. They are classified as a working dog.

Their elegant coat comes in red, fawn, and brindle. The Bullmastiff has a kind look that automatically makes you fall in love.

They weigh up to 130 pounds, making them a sturdy companion. Bullmastiffs are strong, agile, and ambitious.

This dog breed is fearless and loyal, living up to around 10 years.

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