Written by: Apurva Pawar
March 20, 2025

If you’re a dog lover and curious about the wide variety of breeds starting with the letter “C,” you’re in the right place! 

From the tiny yet bold Chihuahua to the powerful and protective Cane Corso, these breeds offer a mix of personalities, sizes, and traits. Let’s get started and learn about the lives of these cute dogs and find out what makes each one different!

Top 10 Dog Breeds That Start With C

Here’s a quick look at some popular ‘C’ dog breeds:

Dog BreedLifespanKey Qualities
Cairn Terrier12-15 yearsSmall, energetic, and friendly, known for their wiry coat and spunky personality.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel9-14 yearsAffectionate, gentle, and sociable; great with families and other pets.
Cane Corso9-12 yearsLarge, powerful, and protective; excellent guard dogs with a calm demeanor.
Chihuahua12-20 yearsTiny, bold, and loyal, despite their size, they have a big personality.
Cocker Spaniel12-15 yearsFriendly, gentle, and affectionate, known for their long ears and expressive eyes.
Collie12-14 yearsIntelligent, loyal, and gentle, famous for their herding skills and beautiful coats.
Canaan Dog12-15 yearsIndependent, intelligent, and loyal; a great working dog for herding and guarding.
Canadian Eskimo Dog12-14 yearsStrong, resilient, and hardworking, traditionally used as sled dogs.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever10-13 yearsIntelligent, loyal, and excellent swimmers known for their hunting and retrieving skills.
Chinese Shar-Pei8-12 yearsIndependent, calm, and loyal, known for their unique wrinkled skin and “hippopotamus” face.

Which Dog Breeds That Start With C?

There are numerous dog breeds that begin with the letter ‘C,’ each with its own unique personality, size, and traits. From tiny lap dogs to large, imposing guard dogs, these breeds are diverse in appearance and temperament. Whether you’re looking for an energetic companion or a gentle protector, there’s a “C” breed for every dog lover.

Here’s a list of 50 popular and lesser-known dog breeds that start with the letter “C”:

  1. Cairn Terrier
  2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  3. Cane Corso
  4. Chihuahua
  5. Cocker Spaniel
  6. Collie
  7. Canaan Dog
  8. Canadian Eskimo Dog
  9. Carolina Dog
  10. Catahoula Leopard Dog
  11. Catalan Sheepdog
  12. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
  13. Cesky Terrier
  14. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
  15. Chinese Crested Dog
  16. Chinese Shar-Pei
  17. Chinook
  18. Chow Chow
  19. Clumber Spaniel
  20. Cockapoo
  21. Coonhound
  22. Corgi
  23. Coton de Tulear
  24. Curly-Coated Retriever
  25. Chihuahua
  26. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
  27. Chinese Crested Dog
  28. Cocker Spaniel
  29. Collie
  30. Canaan Dog
  31. Carolina Dog
  32. Catahoula Leopard Dog
  33. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  34. Cairn Terrier
  35. Cocker Spaniel
  36. Collie
  37. Chinook
  38. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  39. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
  40. Curly-Coated Retriever
  41. Cairn Terrier
  42. Chihuahua
  43. Chow Chow
  44. Clumber Spaniel
  45. Cockapoo
  46. Coonhound
  47. Cocker Spaniel
  48. Collie
  49. Canaan Dog
  50. Canadian Eskimo Dog

These breeds range from well-known companions like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the protective and mighty Caucasian Shepherd Dog. With such variety, there’s sure to be a breed that matches your lifestyle and preferences.

What Is A Giant Dog Breeds That Start With C?

One giant dog breed that starts with C is the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Known for its impressive size and strength, this breed was originally developed to guard livestock in the Caucasus Mountains. Weighing between 99 to 170 pounds, the Caucasian Shepherd is a powerful and protective dog, often standing up to 30 inches tall at the shoulder. 

Despite their intimidating appearance, they are loyal and protective of their family. This breed requires early socialization and strong leadership, making it more suitable for experienced dog owners

Dog Breeds That Start With C
Source: American Kennel Club

What Kind Of Shepherd Dog Starts With C?

A well-known shepherd dog that starts with C is the Catalan Sheepdog. This intelligent and hardworking breed hails from the Catalonia region in Spain. Known for its agility and strong herding instincts, the Catalan Sheepdog is often used to manage livestock. 

With a thick, shaggy coat and a friendly, affectionate temperament, it makes a great family companion while still excelling at herding tasks. This breed is highly energetic and requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, making it ideal for active families or owners with plenty of space.

What kind of shepherd dog starts with C
Source: Purina UK

What Dog Breed Is King C?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the dog breed known as “King C.” This small, elegant dog is named after King Charles II of England, who adored the breed. Known for its gentle and affectionate nature, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an ideal companion dog, loved for its playful demeanor and ease around children and other pets. 

They have a beautiful, silky coat and are often seen as a royal breed due to their historical association with royalty. Their loyalty and loving nature make them beloved family members worldwide.

What dog breed is King C
Source: Chewy

What Are The Top 10 Rarest Dogs?

Here are the top 10 rarest dog breeds, along with reasons why they’re considered rare:

1. Norwegian Lundehund

Known for its six toes and remarkable climbing abilities, it was originally bred to hunt puffins in Norway.

Norwegian Lundehund - Dog Breeds That Start With C
Source: American Kennel Club

2. Mudi

A rare Hungarian herding dog with versatile intelligence and agility, it’s hard to find outside of Hungary.

Mudi  - Dog Breeds That Start With C
Source: American Kennel Club

3. Azawakh

An elegant sighthound from the Sahel region of Africa, prized for its speed and loyalty but rare due to its specific geographical origins.

Azawakh - Dog Breeds That Start With C
Source: American Kennel Club

4. Tibetan Mastiff

This large, protective dog was bred to guard livestock in Tibet and remains rare due to limited breeding programs.

Tibetan Mastiff - Dog Breeds That Start With C
Source: Chewy

5. Chinook

A sled dog known for its gentle temperament and strength, it’s rare because of its specialized breeding and limited population.

Chinook - Dog Breeds That Start With C
Source: Monkoodog

6. Stabyhoun

A rare Dutch breed used for hunting and retrieving, it’s considered one of the rarest dogs in the world.

Stabyhoun - Dog Breeds That Start With C
Source: Wikipedia

7. American Water Spaniel

A versatile, working dog from the Midwest, it’s rare due to its specific geographical origin and limited breeding.

American Water Spaniel
Source: American Kennel Club

8. Xoloitzcuintli

Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, its rarity comes from being one of the oldest and least-bred dog breeds.

Xoloitzcuintli
Source: Wikipedia

9. Chilean Fox Terrier

A rare, energetic terrier from Chile, it is almost unheard of outside its native country.

Chilean Fox Terrier
Source: Pet Paw

10. Mahratta Greyhound

A sighthound from India, rare due to its limited numbers and remote breeding locations.

Mahratta Greyhound
Source: Dog Breeds

These breeds are considered rare for a variety of reasons, from limited geographical origins to specific purposes for which they were bred.

Related Topics:

Conclusion – Cairn Terrier Is The Most Popular ‘C’ Name Dog Breed 

In conclusion, the dog breeds that start with the letter “C” showcase an impressive array of characteristics, from the tiny, spunky Chihuahua to the powerful, protective Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Whether you’re looking for a loyal companion, an energetic playmate, or a courageous protector, there’s a “C” breed to suit every personality and lifestyle. 

Each breed offers something unique, from the gentle nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the hardworking resilience of the Canadian Eskimo Dog. When choosing a breed, it’s essential to consider its temperament, exercise needs, and size to ensure a harmonious match. With such variety, you’re sure to find your perfect furry friend among these charming “C” canines! 

FAQs

What are the top 3 biggest dog breeds?

The top three biggest dog breeds are the Great Dane, English Mastiff, and Saint Bernard, all known for their immense size and weight.

What are the big Russian dogs called?

Some of the big Russian dogs include the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Borzoi, and Russian Black Terrier.

What dog is Batman dog?

Batman’s dog is Ace the Bat-Hound, a fictional German Shepherd who assists Batman in his crime-fighting adventures.

What dog breed lives the longest?

The Chihuahua is the dog breed that lives the longest, with a lifespan of up to 20 years.

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Apurva Pawar

I'm Apurva Pawar, a dog parent to a 10-year-old Furbaby who I have trained personally. I have always had a close bond with the dogs around me as I used to volunteer in a rescue shelter. I have raised pups of multiple breeds and sizes that were rescued by the shelter and have trained some of those adorable companions. Hence, out of my love and experience about dogs I share whatever information I possess by doing research and surveys.