78 Dog Breeds that Start With S: Complete List
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Do you know how many dog breeds there are? It’s a hard number to pinpoint since new breeds are still being created and some breeds have fallen by the wayside. But the fact is, there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of different dog breeds today. This list is just the breeds whose names begin with the letter S and there are 78 of them! Of course, new breeds pop up all the time, so this list could always grow. From the Saarloos Wolfhound to the Swedish Vallhund, let’s take a look at the 78 dog breeds that start with S.
The 78 Dog Breeds that Start With S
1. Saarloos Wolfhound
A cross between a traditional German Shepherd and an Eurasian grey wolf, the Saarloos Wolfhound is so named because it is one-quarter wolf. They’re not great as working dogs, but they make excellent companions for those that want a dog that’s a bit closer to nature than our domesticated pets today.
2. Sabueso fino Colombiano
This Colombian dog has been used by locals to hunt for centuries. They’re a scenthound that was bred specifically for their ability to adapt to the Colombian landscape. They’re a mid-sized dog, generally weighing less than 60 pounds and standing about 18-22 inches high at the shoulder.
3. Saint Berdoodle
An unlikely mix between a Saint Bernard and a Poodle, the Saint Berdoodle is a big, friendly, smart dog. Surprisingly, this breed is older than you may guess, having first been established in the late 1800s. These dogs make very affectionate and loving family pets with energy levels that range from mild to hyper.
4. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are gentle giants that can reach impressive sizes of up to 30 inches and 180 pounds. They’re a working dog that has been used to help rescue people that got lost in the snowy French Alps for centuries. They’ve also been successfully used as herding dogs, hunting dogs, watchdogs, and even loving family pets since they’re incredibly gentle and careful with children.
5. Saint-Usuge Spaniel
Hailing from the Bresse region in France, this breed’s lineage can be traced back as far as the late 1500s. Though they nearly went extinct during WWII, concerted efforts to bring back the breed were successful in the late 1900s and a Saint-Usuge Spaniel national breed club was founded in 1990.
6. Sakhalin Husky
Once used as a sled dog, the Sakhalin Husky may already be extinct. Their numbers had been dwindling on the island of Sakhalin where they’re from. In 2015, there were a total of just seven Sakhalin Huskies remaining on the island. The only breeder for this rare breed stated that there were no longer enough remaining specimens to allow the breed to continue before he died in 2012.
7. Salish Wool Dog
This prehistoric North American dog was bred by the Coast Salish people in current-day Washington state and British Columbia. Though extinct now, this dog was once used almost like a sheep; hence the name Wool Dog. They had fur that was used for making rare Salish blankets since sheep and goat wool was so hard to acquire.
8. Saluki Dog
The Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They were bred for hunting, specifically for kings of years past. They’re incredibly fast and agile dogs that make very loyal pets. These dogs are slim, graceful, and extremely independent with an impressive lifespan of up to 17 years.
9. Samoyed
An adorable ball of poofy fur, the Samoyed is a tough working dog that looks like a stuffed animal. They have nearly endless endurance and can work in some icy conditions without worry, even handling temperatures far into the negatives. Their faces seem to be always smiling; an interesting evolutionary feature that prevents them from drooling, which could cause icicles to freeze on their face.
10. Sapsali
This shaggy dog hails from South Korea, where it was once believed that they were able to dispel ghosts and evil spirits. Today, they’re considered a national treasure by the South Korean government. But there was a time when most of them were killed by the Japanese to make winter coats. In the 1980s, eight remaining members of the breed were used to propagate them back from the edge of extinction.
11. Sarplaninac
The Sarplaninac, once called the Illyrian Shepherd Dog, is a livestock guardian. They’re named for the Balkan mountain range from where they hail. This breed is considered to be one of the oldest, possibly THE oldest true Molosser dog breed in the world.
12. Sato Dog
Small dogs, generally under 30 pounds, that often have big, perky ears that could double as wings, Sato Dogs are native to Puerto Rico. It’s not technically a breed though; it’s the name given to the small, mostly similar stray dogs that roam the Puerto Rican streets. They started as dogs that people could no longer care for and that got dumped at “Dead Dog Beach,” also known as Sato Beach, where they multiplied.
13. Scoodle
Affectionate, intelligent, and loyal, the Scoodle is a cross between the Scottish Terrier and the Poodle. They’re full of energy, always wanting to play with their beloved family members. But if they’re left alone for too long, they’re often prone to bouts of separation anxiety. These are great pets for those with allergies since they’re hypoallergenic.
14. Schapendoes
A medium-sized dog covered in scraggly, long hair, the Schapendoes makes a great working dog or family pet. They’re also called the Dutch Sheep Dog, which should give you a clue about their origins and uses. The same traits that help this breed excel as a sheepdog also make them naturally adept athletes that excel at dog sports.
15. Schiller Hound
Called the Schiller Hound in English, this breed’s true name is the Schillerstovare. They’re an athletic dog that was created in Sweden in the late 1800s for hunting fox and hare. But that’s not all they were used for; this breed was even exhibited at the very first Swedish dog show back in 1886.
16. Schipperke
Small but ready to work hard, Schipperkes are an interesting breed. They max out at 13 inches in height, but don’t let that fool you; these are tough little dogs. They’re incredibly adept at hunting and killing rats though they’re just as adequate as watchdogs. They also have tons of energy that often manifests itself as mischievous behaviors.
17. Schnauzer
Bold and fearless, the German Schnauzer is a diverse canine that does equally well as a companion or watchdog. They’re very active and highly athletic, which means they always require an outlet for that energy.
18. Schneagle
Weighing a maximum of 25 pounds, the Schneagle is a cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Beagle. Some Schneagles are hypoallergenic; all of them are loving and loyal companions. They do equally well in homes with yards and apartments without them, but they’re known escape artists so make sure the yard is buttoned up tight!
19. Schnoodle
A mix between the Schnauzer and the Poodle, this designer breed can be as small as 6 pounds or as large as 76 pounds, though most tend to be on the smaller side. They inherit their desire to please from the Poodle, but also have the hardiness of a Schnauzer.
20. Schweenie
What do you get when you cross a hunting hound and a tiny toy breed together? You get the Schweenie, a highly intelligent dog with plenty of energy that’s utterly loyal to its owners. Schweenies are just as lovable as their parent breeds: the Dachshund and Shih Tzu.
21. Schweizerischer Niederlaufhund
Translated to English, this breed is called the Small Swiss Hound. These scenthounds make excellent hunting dogs that are often used to track and find wounded animals. They were created when local hunting was restricted to certain districts and a slower dog was needed to hunt these limited areas.
22. Schweizer Laufhund
At one point or another, this breed has been wanted almost everywhere in the world! Back in the 1400s, they were strongly sought after by Italians. In the 1700s, it was the French that wanted this breed; this time for hunting hare. Though the breed has been around for hundreds of years, the official breed standard wasn’t established until 1933.
23. Scotch Collie
Scotch Collies were originally bred as herding dogs, though they’ve also been shown to be adept hunting dogs. That said, they’re most often kept as companion pets today. They’re generally friendly dogs that get along well with people and other pets, though they do tend to be aloof with strangers.
24. Scotchi Dog
Also called a Scotchahua, the Scotchi is a hybrid dog created by mixing the Chihuahua and the Scottish Terrier. These little dogs have tons of personality, often exhibiting that “big dog in a little body” syndrome that Chihuahuas are known for. They’re best suited for homes with no children since they often compete for attention and can be aggressive in that feisty way that Chihuahuas often are.
25. Scottish Deerhound
The “Royal Dog of Scotland,” the Scottish Deerhound is a majestic and regal canine that’s bred from the same stock as the ancient Greyhound. They’re one of the tallest dog breeds with males often reaching heights of 32 inches. That helped when these dogs were called upon to stalk the giant wild red deer that helped earn this breed their namesake.
26. Scottish Terrier
Small but dignified, the Scottish Terrier is a little dog with a lot of personality. They still have a strong hunting instinct, which can make them difficult in households with other pets. They’ve even been known to chase the neighbor’s cat! While they’re friendly with their family, they’re aloof with strangers; a trait that makes them excellent watchdogs.
27. Sealyham Terrier
Sealyham Terriers have a unique physical feature that distinguishes them from other terriers. It’s called the “fall,” a clump of hair that covers their forehead and gives them an interesting and instantly recognizable hairstyle.
28. Segugio Italiano
Highly intelligent with a generally calm demeanor, the Segugio Italiano makes an equally great hunter or companion. These are athletic, performance dogs. They have tons of energy and limitless endurance. Training one will require a firm hand and plenty of experience, though the breed does learn quickly.
29. Seppala Siberian Sled Dog
As the name implies, this breed was built specifically for pulling sleds in snowy climates. These dogs have tons of energy and endurance, though they have docile personalities and respond well to training. They share ancestors with Siberian Huskies who they shared a registry with for half a century.
30. Serbian Hound
Good-natured and obedient, the Serbian Hound, once known as the Balkan Hound, is a pack hunting dog from Serbia. They’re on the smaller side, but they’re also tenacious hunters who never give in until they’ve chased down their prey.
31. Serbian Tricolour Hound
Once considered a variation of the Serbian Hound, the Serbian Tricolour Hound was recognized as its own breed in 1961. They’re a medium-sized scenthound bred to hunt feral pigs, wild boar, hare, fox, and more.
32. Seskar Seal Dog
Originally from Finland, the true Seskar Seal Dog is extinct. However, they were recreated in recent years, though the new Seskar Seal Dogs are not actually descendants of the original breed.
33. Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei is a Chinese dog that’s instantly recognizable by the rolls of loose skin on their face and body. They’re mid-sized dogs with physical characteristics that make them excellent guardians. Plus, they’re incredibly loyal to family while remaining wary and untrusting of strangers, which makes them temperamentally perfect as guard dogs as well.
34. Sheepadoodle
Poodles seem to get mixed with all the other breeds, including Old English Sheepdogs, which they were crossed with to create the Sheepadoodle. These dogs are great at reading human emotions, so they make great therapy or support dogs. They’re loving and entertaining without having an overabundance of energy, which helps make them ideal companion pets.
35. Sheltidoodle Dog
Adept as watchdogs thanks to their alertness and reserved nature with strangers, the Sheltidoodle is a mix between the Poodle and the Shetland Sheepdog. Sheltidoodles are extremely intelligent and affectionate, but they can also be hyperreactive, so they’re often not a good fit for children who can get rowdy and loud.
36. Shepsky Dog
Incredibly loyal and bursting with energy, the Shepsky is a unique cross of a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky. They’re hard-working dogs with above-average intelligence, which is why they’re often selected for police work, military work, and search and rescue missions.
37. Shetland Sheepdog
One of the most popular breeds according to the AKC, the Shetland Sheepdog is a herding dog from the rugged Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland. They’re known for being tough, active, and easy to train; traits them make them excellent working dogs. But their highly-affectionate nature and sensitivity also make them great family pets and companions.
38. Shiba Inu
Compact but athletic, the Shiba Inu’s small body is covered in muscle, helping them to excel at a variety of dog sports. They’re highly independent dogs that don’t need constant attention, so they’re fine with spending plenty of time alone. They also make great apartment dogs because they don’t need too much exercise.
39. Shichon Dog
This affectionate and intelligent breed is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. They’re very small dogs; no taller than a foot and weighing less than 15 pounds. But they can live for up to 18 years with proper care. Though they’re not hypoallergenic, they are considered great dogs for allergy sufferers because they don’t shed much.
40. Shiffon Dog
Tiny and adorable, the Shiffon is a playful dog with a heart full of love. A cross of a Shih Tzu and a Brussels Griffon, Shiffons are incredibly affectionate and they learn quickly, making them great choices as household pets.
41. Shih-Poo
The Shih-Poo is tiny, adorable, and utterly affectionate; traits that aren’t surprising when you realize that it’s a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Toy Poodle. These dogs are natural companions that want all of your attention. They want to cuddle, love, and be a part of everything you do.
42. Shih Tzu
Small but sturdy with a cute personality that has captured the hearts of many, the Shih Tzu is the iconic lap dog. They’re also elegant and beautiful canines that excel in dog shows. They’re the 20th most popular breed according to the AKC, and they’ve been a favorite breed for thousands of years.
43. Shikoku Dog
Regal looking dogs with a muscular, athletic body and an energetic, confident temperament, the Shikoku is a one-of-a-kind dog breed. They’re adept boar hunters that were highly prized by Japanese hunters.
44. Shiloh Shepherd
Shiloh Shepherds possess superior intelligence and they respond well to training. These two traits combined with their gentle nature helps them to excel as service or therapy dogs. They’re a mix of several breeds, including the Alaskan Malamute and the German Shepherd; the latter of which the Shiloh Shepherd looks quite similar too.
45. Shiranian Dog
The Shiranian is a mix of the Shih Tzu and the Pomeranian. They’re tiny, lovable, and outrageously cute, helping to make them popular companion pets. They love to be pampered and doted on, never quite reaching their fill of love and affection from their family.
46. Shorkie Dog
When you cross a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier, you get a compact pup with a bold personality. They’re just as cute as either parent breed, with curly coats and adorable eyes that will steal your heart. These dogs can be quite noisy though, verbalizing all of their emotions and feelings.
47. Siberian Husky
The 14th most popular breed according to the AKC, the Siberian Husky is a regal canine with incredible endurance. They were bred as sled dogs; meant to work in packs to pull loads over great distances. Similar in appearance to their cousins, the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Huskies are much more compact, which is why many breeders prefer to call them Siberians rather than Huskies. Malamutes are husky, Siberians are smaller and slenderer.
48. Siberian Retriever
A cross of two incredibly popular working dogs, the Labrador or Golden Retriever and the Siberian Husky, the Siberian Retriever is a hard-working dog that’s often used for guide dog work as well as police work. They’re intelligent and train well, but they can still have strong hunting instincts that need to be socialized if they’re going to be around other animals or children.
49. Siberpoo
This Siberpoo is a mix of the Siberian Husky and a Poodle, which can have some interesting results. Thanks to the blue-eyed gene present in Huskies combined with the black fur of poodles, the Siberpoo can potentially have a black coat with bright blue eyes; a unique look for any canine.
50. Silken Windhound
The longest lifespans are generally reserved for the smallest canines, but the Silken Windhound is an exception to the rule. These mid-sized dogs can reach heights of nearly 24 inches and weigh up to 55 pounds, but they also have an impressive lifespan of up to 20 years! They’re also very easy-going dogs that want to please their owners, making them very easy to train; an all-around perfect companion pet!
51. Silky Terrier
This toy terrier is absolutely tiny! They’re under 10 inches and right around 10 pounds; a bit larger than their cousins, the Yorkshire Terrier, who look very similar. Silky Terriers are spirited and feisty. They have plenty of energy that displays itself in some funny antics and their constantly high-spirited personalities.
52. Sinhala Hound
This affectionate breed comes from Sri Lanka, which helps to explain why they’re such a rarity in the west. They’re a small to mid-sized dogs, standing around 14-15 tall. Sinhala Hounds are known to be affectionate companions that want to be involved in every aspect of family activity.
53. Skye Terrier
A long dog that’s low to the ground, the Skye Terrier has short, stubby legs and a long coat that nearly reaches the floor. They’re a small breed at just 10 inches in height, though they can reach stout weights of up to 45 pounds! This is an elegant breed that acts like royalty. They expect to be pampered and won’t be satisfied unless they are.
54. Sloughi Dog
Often called the “Arabian Greyhound,” the Sloughi is an ancient sighthound that spent plenty of time hunting a variety of game throughout the deserts of North Africa. They were bred for hunting such game as jackal, gazelle, hogs, fox, hare, and more. They’re slender and lean, the perfect build for chasing down prey and the reason for their nickname.
55. Slovakian Rough-Haired Pointer
This gundog was developed in Slovakia after WWII and has many, very similar names in English, including Slovak Wirehaired Pointer, Slovak Pointing Griffon, Slovak Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and more. Originally, it was requested that this breed be recognized as a Weimaraner, though this was rejected.
56. Slovensky Cuvac
These dogs are bred only in white in order to help distinguish them from animals of the night. They’re incredibly brave dogs that are willing to fend off attackers of any type, including wolves, bears, and more. These dogs are fearless, vigilant guard dogs bred in the harsh climates of the Slovakian mountains that helped to make them some of the toughest canines around.
57. Slovensky Kopov
These mid-sized scent hounds are solid but light. They have the endurance and ability to track prey for hours on end. Combined with their courageous attitudes, these dogs are naturally adept hunters that were originally used for hunting dangerous wild boar.
58. Small Munsterlander
A natural-born hunter, these dogs can double as retrievers. They have great tracking abilities and a love for the hunt. They’re also known to have a strong affinity for water, which helps make them versatile dogs that can be used on many different kinds of hunts. They’re also very independent dogs that can be left on their own to perform a task without the need for constant oversight.
59. Smaland Hound
Though the breed originated in Sweden back in the 1500s, the Smaland Hound wasn’t recognized until 1921 when it was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club. The smallest of all Swedish Hounds, Smaland Hounds have similar markings and colorations to the Rottweiler.
60. Smooth Collie
The Smooth Collie is essentially a Rough Collie with a short coat. This breed was originally used for herding, much like other Collies. These dogs first became popular when Queen Victoria added some to her personal kennels in 1860. Since then, the breed, by and large, left the working fields and became a companion pet, often displayed in conformation shows.
61. Smooth Fox Terrier
Originally bred for fox hunting, the Smooth Fox Terrier is a small but courageous dog with a clever mind. They’re agile and graceful though they still manage to be strong, sturdy dogs.
62. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
This Irish farm dog has the look of a typical terrier, but with a comb-over hairdo and a goatee hanging off the chin. They’re friendly dogs with a generally joyous disposition that are utterly devoted to their families. They don’t shed much, but their long, curly locks will require plenty of grooming to prevent them from becoming matted and tangled.
63. South Russian Ovcharka
Also known as the South Russian Sheepdog, this herding dog is big, strong, and almost looks like the sheep it’s meant to herd thanks to their white, wooly coats. These dogs have impressive endurance that allows them to patrol and guard their territory almost endlessly. Their naturally protective temperament ensures that no threat goes unnoticed; a trait that makes them exceptional guard dogs.
64. Spanish Greyhound
Known as the Galgos del Sol, the Spanish Greyhound tends to be calm and laid-back, though they’re capable of reaching impressive speeds of about 40 miles per hour! Though they’re called Spanish Greyhounds, they’re not closely related to either the English or Irish Greyhound. Once a prized hunting canine, today Spanish Greyhounds are considered to be disposable hunting tools in their homeland.
65. Spanish Mastiff
These gigantic dogs are the definition of gentle giants. They’re smart, loving, and incredibly kind. They’re gentle despite their giant size of up to 200 pounds and 35 inches. This noble breed makes an excellent guard dog that is always willing to put itself in harm’s way to protect its loved ones.
66. Spanish Water Dog
A mess of ringed locks that covers its face and body, the Spanish Water Dog is a sight to behold. They have endless endurance; a trait used in both jobs the dog was bred for. These dogs are excellent herders, but they’re just as adept at retrieving waterfowl.
67. Spinone Italiano
These patient, docile dogs come from an ancient Italian line of canines. They’re excellent hunters with a thick, dense coat that protects them in all weather conditions. This breed isn’t the fastest, but their endurance is second-to-none.
68. Springerdoodle
This popular hybrid is a mix of a Poodle and an English Springer Spaniel. They make excellent family pets, thanks to their playful nature and enthusiasm. They’re loving and intelligent, getting along well with everyone, including other pets.
69. Springer Spaniel
The Springer Spaniel is one of the 30 most popular breeds according to the AKC. They’re equally suited to be loving family companions or hunting partners. These dogs are tough and muscular, ready to work all day in the field. But they also have a desire to please their people, which helps make them easy to train and obedient.
70. Stabyhoun
Though generally obedient and gentle, Stabyhouns do have an independent side that can make them difficult to train. That same trait also makes them excellent hunters though, a job they were bred for. They were originally used to hunt pesky moles and rabbits and eliminate them from farms where they were destroying crops.
71. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the descendent of the burly canines who once filled the fighting pits in England. But today, they’re known as loving, docile dogs that are great for families. These dogs show incredible patience and gentleness towards children; a trait that has earned them the love of families worldwide.
72. Standard Poodle
One of the most popular dogs according to the AKC, the Standard Poodle has been mixed with just about every dog imaginable. These dogs are incredibly smart, eager to please, and exceptionally athletic, though you may not believe it if you’ve only seen them done up in the elaborate hairstyles they’re often shown in.
73. Stephens Cur
These scent hounds were originally bred in Kentucky by the Stephens family, hence the name. In 1970, they were recognized as their own distinct breed of cur. They’re used mostly for hunting squirrels and raccoons, but they can also bay wild boar.
74. St. John’s Water Dog
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Also called the Lesser Newfoundland, this extinct dog lived in Newfoundland and was favored by fishermen for their easy-going personalities and hard-working nature. Though extinct, the St. John’s Water Dog lives on in its modern-day descendants: the retrievers.
75. Styrian Coarse-Haired Hound
Originating in Austria, the Styrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a mix of the Hanover Hound and the Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound. They’re loving companions with giant hearts, though they’re also talented hunters that were used to track and kill boar.
76. Sussex Spaniel
Jolly and good-natured, the Sussex Spaniel is all loyal and loving as a dog can be. Ironically, their faces are held in an ever-frowning expression; the exact opposite of this dog’s personality.
77. Swedish Lapphund
This hard-working herding dog wasn’t used for herding the traditional sheep and cattle that most herding breeds were bred for. Instead, the Swedish Lapphund was an essential part of the reindeer trade! But their talents exceed this single niche as they make great trackers, hunters, and also do well in dog sports.
78. Swedish Vallhund
This breed once graced Viking longships over 1,000 years ago. They’re short, long, and smart herding dogs that needed to be able to nip cows’ heels without getting kicked in the head. Today, they’re most often found living comfortable lives as companion dogs like their distant cousins the Corgis.
Conclusion
So here you have a list of 78 dog breeds that begin with the letter S. This list is not all inclusive, as new breeds are always being developed, including mixed breeds. Which one of these dog breeds was your favorite?
Featured Image Credit: coolcoolleah, Pixabay
