Dogs are called ‘Man’s Best Friend’ for a variety of reasons – and a mutually beneficial relationship is one of them. And for thousands of years, we, hoomans, have been breeding dogs to perform specific tasks and distinct traits.
Airedoodle (Airedale Terrier Poodle Mix): Care, Pictures, Info, & More
Click Below to Skip Ahead
An Airedoodle is a mix between an Airedale Terrier and a Poodle (though the exact type does vary). When you mix these two breeds together, you never quite know what you’re going to get. However, the Airedale Terrier is a larger terrier that is exceptionally outgoing, while the Poodle is known for being very intelligent.
When you mix these two dogs together, you typically get something in the middle. That said, it’s important to realize that mixed breeds can vary widely—even within the same litter.
Breed Overview
Height:
20–24 inches
Weight:
40–65 pounds
Lifespan:
10–15 years
Colors:
Black, brown, cream, white
Suitable for:
Families with plenty of time to exercise and mentally stimulate them
Temperament:
Friendly, intelligent, affectionate, independent
While it’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting with these dogs, they’re often great family dogs for those with plenty of time on their hands. In most cases, they are good with children and strangers alike. However, they can be a lot of work, as they require plenty of exercise, grooming, and entertainment.
Airedoodle Puppies
(@joey_the_airedoodle)Airedoodles are riding the wave of popularity most mixed breeds are experiencing right now. However, they aren’t nearly as popular as many other breeds out there. It takes some effort to find a reputable breeder, especially since you can’t rely on the AKC or breed organizations.
Choosing a responsible breeder is still important to the health of your dog. These breeders will provide health screenings and genetic testing to ensure that the puppies don’t end up with health conditions that can be avoided. These dogs are rare at local animal shelters and rescue organizations. However, you can occasionally find them, so it is always worth checking.
Once you have a puppy, you’ll probably find that they are similar to any other puppy. They tend to be very playful and curious, with boundless energy and enthusiasm. They’re quick learners thanks to their high intelligence, so you should start taking advantage of this at an early age. Early socialization is also important, as it helps them grow into confident, well-behaved adults.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Airedoodle
Airedoodles are often affectionate and love to be around their humans. They are people-oriented dogs, which means that they’re all about attention for humans. While they do bond closely with their family members, they also enjoy attention from strangers. Don’t be surprised if these dogs follow you around the house or beg for your attention throughout the day.
These dogs can be great in families thanks to these traits. However, they may also be prone to separation anxiety. Therefore, it’s important to crate-train them and get them used to being alone throughout the day.
Poodles are exceptionally intelligent, so it’s likely that their puppies will inherit at least some of their brains. They’re likely to be quick learners and enjoy mental challenges. This makes them a joy to train, but it also means that they can get bored very quickly. You’ll have to provide plenty of challenging games and toys to keep them entertained.
Airedoodles tend to be very energetic, requiring plenty of exercise. They’re usually behaved indoors, but they may be a bit too hyperactive if not properly exercised. This can cause them to knock things over (including small children). This breed can be a perfect outdoor companion. They’re very adventurous and don’t tend to be scared of much. Their high exercise needs also allows them to keep up on backpacking trips and longer hikes.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 
Airedoodles are good for many families. They’re affectionate and bond closely with everyone. Unlike some other breeds, they are not one-person dogs. They tend to get along with children well, too. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind.
They tend to be active and require regular exercise. Therefore, they do best in active families. They will play with children outside for hours. In families that tend to be more sedentary, though, they may not fit in as well.
It’s also important to socialize them well with children and others starting at a young age. While they tend to be friendly, you should not rely on this tendency alone. Socialization helps ensure they aren’t afraid of children or strangers once they become adults.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Airedoodles can get along with other animals, including cats and dogs. However, just like any other animal, they do require socialization. If they are exposed to these animals at a young age in a positive, controlled environment, they tend to get along fine once they get older.
Dogs also have different temperament traits. They are individuals, after all. Therefore, it’s important to understand that your specific dog may not get along with other dogs very well, for instance.
Airedoodles can also come in several different sizes, with the main factor being the size of the Poodle parent. It’s important to consider the size of your dog when considering whether or not they will get along with your other pets. Matching the energy level can also be helpful. If you have a more laid back dog, it can be challenging for them to get along with a hyperactive Airedoodle.
Things to Know When Owning an Airedoodle
Food & Diet Requirements
These dogs do not have any special dietary needs. In most cases, a high-quality commercial dog food works just fine. You should choose an option that is designed for your dog’s size and life stage. Puppies that are larger need a large-breed puppy formula, for instance. Nutrition when your dog is younger is vital for them to grow into a healthy canine.
Protein is essential for muscle development and overall health. A diet with around 18–25% protein content is typically suitable for adult Airedoodles, while puppies may require a slightly higher protein content. Dogs that are exceptionally active may need high-protein food.
Be sure to measure your dog’s food portions to prevent overfeeding. While the feeding guidelines on the food container can be helpful, they shouldn’t be the only thing you consider. You may also need to adjust their food according to their weight loss or gain. Feed on a regular schedule so that your dog knows what to expect. This step can be exceptionally helpful when potty training, as well.
When in doubt, consult your vet about what would work best for your canine.
Exercise
Airedoodles are pretty energetic. Therefore, you should plan on exercising your dog for at least an hour a day. This should be broken into several sessions. For instance, you could do a morning nap and then a 30-minute play session in the afternoon. Varying the activity can help keep your dog mentally stimulated, which is also important.
These dogs thrive on human interaction, so they will often like to do anything that involves their people. Play absolutely counts as exercise, so consider tug-of-war or interactive toys on top of the usual walks and jogs. Try to incorporate training sessions into exercise routines. Airedales like a mental challenge, and training while exercising helps you check two things off at once. Even giving different commands while walking can be a challenge for your Airedale.
Don’t overexercise your dog, especially when they are a puppy. While most need at least an hour of exercise, this can vary.
Training
This dog breed is pretty intelligent, so they often take well to training. They benefit from regular training sessions, even after they’ve learned all the basics. Begin training your Airedoodle as a puppy. Early socialization and basic obedience training are essential for their development. Positive experiences during this critical period can shape their behavior and temperament.
Positive reinforcement techniques are best for all dogs, including Airedales. Praise, treats, and toys can all reward good behavior. Because these dogs are so responsive to people, praise often goes a long way.
Be consistent in your commands and have everyone in your household do the same. Mixing things up can be very confusing for your dog.
Start with very basic commands, like sit, stay, down, and come. “Leave it” is also very important, as it can prevent your dog from eating things they shouldn’t be eating. Airedoodles can be strong pullers, so leash training is crucial. Teach loose leash walking to ensure pleasant walks for both you and your dog. You’re going to be walking these dogs a lot, so it’s important to train them well in this regard.
Grooming
Grooming Airedales can be a mixed bag. Because they are a mixed breed, you never exactly know what you’re going to get. These dogs may have a curly or wavy coat (like a Poodle), or it may be more like an Airedale’s straight coat. This will make their grooming needs differ considerably.
If your dog has a Poodle-like coat, you’ll likely need to brush them every day at least. If they have a straighter coat, brushing 2–3 times a week is plenty. Bathing should only occur infrequently, as too much bathing can strip the oils from their fur and cause all sorts of issues. In many cases, you’ll need to make regular professional groomer appointments to get your canine trimmed. Otherwise, they will have far too much fur to take care of and will quickly become tangled.
Again, how often you need to trim your dog will vary. However, you can expect them to need trimming every 6–8 weeks. Like all dogs, you’ll also need to take care of their eats, nails, and teeth. Check and clean your Airedoodle’s ears regularly to prevent wax buildup and potential infections. Keeping the fur inside their ears trimmed can prevent infections, too.
Keep their nails trimmed to a reasonable length. Long nails can be uncomfortable and may affect their gait. You can do this yourself or have your groomer do it when you get your dog trimmed. Brush your Airedoodle’s teeth regularly to prevent dental issues. Dental chews and toys designed to promote oral health can also be beneficial (but they do not replace tooth brushing).
Health and Conditions
Airedoodles, like all dogs, can be prone to certain health conditions, some of which may be inherited from their parent breeds, the Airedale Terrier and the Poodle. While not all of these dogs will have health conditions, they absolutely can.
One of the most common conditions is hip dysplasia, which can affect larger dog breeds. This occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop correctly, leading to early arthritis and pain. Luckily, this condition can be prevented through careful breeding. Skin allergies are another common problem. Itching, redness, and discomfort can occur if your dog comes into contact with one of their allergens. Airedoodles may also be prone to ear infections, but cleaning and trimming their ears can prevent these, too.
Bloat is sadly common with older dogs. This deadly condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists. Surgery is required to relieve the pressure. We don’t know exactly what does or doesn’t cause this condition just yet.
Minor Conditions
Serious Conditions
Male vs. Female
There are no significant differences between the males and females of this breed. Because individuals vary so widely, there aren’t any sure differences between genders besides those that are related directly to reproduction.
3 Little Known Facts About the Airedoodle
1. They aren’t hypoallergenic.
There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, despite what many breeders advertise. Those with dog allergies are allergic to a dog’s skin and saliva—which every dog has. Science has found no link between how much a dog sheds and their allergen level.
2. Some of them do
While these dogs are often described as non-shedding, this isn’t accurate. In many cases, they will shed, though the exact amount will vary.
3. They aren’t officially recognized.
Because they are a mixed breed, Airedoodles isn’t officially recognized as a dog breed by the AKC or any other major kennel club.
Final Thoughts
Airedoodles can make great family dogs for those with enough time on their hands to care for them properly. While these dogs don’t shed much, they aren’t hypoallergenic, making them a poor choice for those with allergies.
These dogs tend to be pretty healthy, though proper breeding and care are still necessary to avoid some of the preventable health problems they might face. Sadly, breeders rarely produce these dogs, as they just aren’t very popular compared to purebreds.
Featured Image Credit: Left – otsphoto, Shutterstock | Right – chili71, Pixabay
The post Airedoodle (Airedale Terrier Poodle Mix): Care, Pictures, Info, & More appeared first on Pet Keen.
45 Dog Breeds That Start With B: Pictures, Facts & History
There are many dog breeds in the world with various temperaments, traits, characteristics, and histories. Sometimes, it can be hard to narrow down which dog breed may work best for you, and even then, it still may be a chore. One way to help narrow it down is by choosing a letter of the alphabet to help move things along.
In this post, we’re choosing the letter B. We’ll list every dog breed registered under the American Kennel Club (AKC) in hopes of finding the perfect match. Keep reading to learn the facts and other info about each breed.
Dog Breeds That Start With B
The 45 Dog Breeds That Start With B
1. Barbado da Terceira
| Origin: | Portuguese Island of Terceira |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 14 years |
| Height: | 19 to 22 inches |
The Barbado da Terceira is a joyful, fun-loving dog with plenty of loyalty and intelligence. These dogs are medium-sized herders that make excellent companions and will make a fun and loving addition to your family. They are known for being a bully around other dogs, making this breed better as the sole dog. They do well with children and form strong bonds with their owners.
2. Barbet
| Origin: | France |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 14 years |
| Height: | 19 to 23.5 inches |
The Barbet is bright, sweet-natured, and friendly with a calm demeanor. They are a rustic breed of medium size and have appeared in artwork as early as the 16th century. They are quick to learn and are loyal to their owners. These dogs are athletic and exceptional game retrievers of birds. They have a distinctive beard and a long, dense, curly coat.
3. Basenji
| Origin: | Africa |
| Lifespan: | 13 to 14 years |
| Height: | 16 to 17 inches |
The Basenji is a medium-sized dog averaging 22 to 24 pounds. Hailing from Africa, these hunting dogs hold the unique title of the “barkless dog,” meaning they do not bark like dogs normally do. Instead, they make an interesting yodel sound to convey their emotions. These hunting dogs are intelligent and require tons of exercise. They are poised with a cat-like disposition and a glistening, short coat with a tight, curly tail.
4. Basset Fauve de Bretagne
| Origin: | Brittany, France |
| Lifespan: | 13 to 16 years |
| Height: | 12.5 to 15.5 inches |
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a serious and determined hunter with intelligence and a cheerful temperament. They are small and stocky with a rough coat and tons of energy at fast speeds. They do well with children and other pets, but early socialization is key for these dogs to become well-behaved. Nonetheless, they make excellent companion dogs.
5. Basset Hound
| Origin: | 6th century France |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 13 years |
| Height: | Up to 15 inches |
The Basset Hound is easily recognizable by its long ears and long, short body. The charming Basset Hound may be small, but they have big dog strength and stamina with powerful legs. These dogs have sad, droopy eyes, which is thought of as a trademark of the breed. They have a stubborn streak but make up for it with their charm. The Basset Hound is an exceptional scent hound and was bred for hunting.
6. Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Height: | 17 to 20.5 inches |
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a calm breed devoted to its owners. They tend to be reserved with strangers but are neither shy nor aggressive. They have a “cold-nose” tracking ability and excel at tracking game, such as boar, deer, and other large animals. These dogs are eager to please, intelligent, loyal, and affectionate.
7. Beagle
| Origin: | England |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 15 years |
| Height: | 13 to 15 inches |
The Beagle originated in 16th century England and makes an excellent hunting dog. They are fun, happy-go-lucky dogs and are extremely loyal and easygoing. Their adorable, undeniable face is a trademark of the breed, and they are considered one of the most popular dog breeds to own in the United States.
8. Bearded Collie
| Origin: | Scotland |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 14 years |
| Height: | 20 to 22 inches |
The Bearded Collie has a shaggy double coat, and they have a charismatic temperament. These dogs are friendly and independent and can also be goofy and comical. They get along well with children and other pets with early socialization, but they get bored easily. These dogs do well with families who love outdoor activities, and they make an amusing colleague to any activity or function.
9. Beauceron
| Origin: | Central France |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 12 years |
| Height: | 24 to 27.5 inches |
The Beauceron is a large French herding breed with extreme intelligence and a strong work ethic. Despite their strong work ethic, they are playful and outgoing but can be aloof when performing a job. They are muscular with dark black coats, but some may have black, tan, and gray coats. These dogs require experienced owners for training; otherwise, they will be the dominant ones in the household. After being well-trained, they make fierce protectors of their humans.
10. Bedlington Terrier
| Origin: | England |
| Lifespan: | 11 to 16 years |
| Height: | 15 to 17.5 inches |
The Bedlington Terrier resembles a lamb, with its narrow head and soft curly coat. Named for the mining town from which they were bred, these dogs are charming and loyal. They are friendly, affectionate, and gentle dogs that do well with children and make an ideal family companion for active families.
11. Belgian Laekenois
| Origin: | Belgium |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 12 years |
| Height: | 22 to 26 inches |
The Belgian Laekenois hails from, you guessed it, Belgium. These dogs are one of four native herding breeds of Belgium: the Belgian Sheepdog, Malinois, and Tervuren—out of these four, the Laekenois is the rarest. They have rough, windblown-looking coats, and they are strong and sturdy dogs. These dogs are extremely protective of their owner and property, making them superb watchdogs. They are also friendly and affectionate with people they know.
12. Belgian Malinois
| Origin: | Belgium |
| Lifespan: | 14 to 16 years |
| Height: | 22 to 26 inches |
The Belgian Malinois has an incredibly strong work ethic and wants nothing more than to please his owner. They are confident and intelligent dogs who require tons of exercise, and if you cannot provide them with enough exercise, they will be devastated and unhappy. They have a high prey drive and may chase vehicles, other animals, and children. However, they are excellent companions with proper training and socialization.
13. Belgian Sheepdog
| Origin: | Belgium |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 14 years |
| Height: | 22 to 26 inches |
The Belgian Sheepdog is bright and watchful with versatile herding skills. They were bred for hard work, and they lived up to the task. Even though they are strong herders and hard-working, they have a sensitive side and crave human companionship. These dogs are elegant and muscular with dark eyes and black, double-layered coats.
14. Belgian Tervuren
| Origin: | Belgium |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 14 years |
| Height: | 22 to 26 inches |
The Belgian Tervuren is a medium-sized herding dog with a strong work ethic. They appreciate a challenge and seem to have a humorous streak when they outsmart their owner. They are muscular with a straight, double-layered coat, and their intelligence is impeccable. Owners of this breed must understand their desire to work or else the Belgian Tervuren will be unhappy.
15. Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Origin: | Persia (now Iran) |
| Lifespan: | 13 to 15 years |
| Height: | 22 to 23.5 inches |
It’s believed that the Bergamasco Sheepdog’s origin began in Persia, which is now considered Iran. This breed’s hairdo stands out, and it’s made up of three types of hair: dog, goat, and wool. They almost look like a walking mop, if you will. These dogs are independent yet sociable with high intelligence. They are loyal, loving, and trainable, with a strong devotion to their owner.
16. Berger Picard
| Origin: | Northern France |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 13 years |
| Height: | 21.5 to 25.5 inches |
The Berger Picard is a very old breed hailing from northern France. Also known as the Picardy Shepherd, these dogs were used as drovers and are intelligent, friendly, independent, good-natured, and highly protective of their human families. They are medium-sized with rectangular heads, distinctive ears, and sandy-colored eyebrows. They also have wiry coats and shaggy beards with adorable mustaches.
17. Bernese Mountain Dog
| Origin: | Switzerland |
| Lifespan: | 7 to 10 years |
| Height: | 23 to 27.5 inches |
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed, weighing 70 to 110 pounds. Despite their intimidating size, they are sweet and affectionate and do well with children. They are generally calm but are always up for an adventure. They have a long, silky, tri-colored double coat that comes in rust, black, and white. The thick coat allows them to withstand cold climates, and they bond with one owner passionately.
18. Bichon Frise
| Origin: | Canary Islands |
| Lifespan: | 14 to 15 years |
| Height: | 9.5 to 11.5 inches |
If you’re looking for a comedic dog breed, look no further than the Bichon Frise. Royals and nobles have owned these “little white dogs” since the 13th century, and they remain a popular dog breed to own to this day. They make nice watch dogs due to their alert and curious nature, yet they never meet a stranger. These little dogs are extremely trainable and get along with children and other pets.
19. Biewer Terrier
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 16 years |
| Height: | 7 to 11 inches |
The Biewer Terrier originated in Hunsruck, Germany, in 1984. These longhaired, tri-colored toy terriers have a strong desire to love and be loved. They make dedicated, loyal family members with happy-go-lucky attitudes—they even smile when asked if they are happy. Despite their small size, they are excellent vermin hunters and are athletic with their tiny bodies.
20. Black and Tan Coonhound
| Origin: | United States |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 12 years |
| Height: | 23 to 27 inches |
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a true American breed. It’s believed that frontiersmen crossed European hound dogs with fox hounds and bloodhounds to create a unique American breed. They eventually became known as coonhounds with a friendly, easygoing nature and strong prey drive. They have black coats with tan accents and are known for their sweet temperaments. These dogs are happy to participate in activities but will also hog the sofa for hours.
21. Black Russian Terrier
| Origin: | Russia |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 12 years |
| Height: | 26 to 30 inches |
The Black Russian Terrier is a large breed that stands 26 to 30 inches tall from the shoulder to the ground. They are powerful workers with incredible confidence and intelligence with coarse, black double coats. These dogs were bred to guard and protect; naturally, they are aloof with strangers. They are massive, majestic, and move around well for their size, which can tip the scales up to 140 pounds.
22. Bloodhound
| Origin: | Belgium |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 12 years |
| Height: | 23 to 27 inches |
The Bloodhound breed is affectionate and intelligent. Their distinctive look boasts warm, soulful eyes, wrinkled faces, and loose skin. They vary in black and tan, liver and tan, or red, and they have short, dense coats. These large dogs make wonderful companions and are good with children. They are patient and kind; however, they do have a stubborn streak.
23. Bluetick Coonhound
| Origin: | Louisiana |
| Lifespan: | 11 to 12 years |
| Height: | 21 to 27 inches |
The Bluetick Coonhound originated in Louisiana in the 1940s. This breed has unique, tri-colored markings with a sleek, muscular build. The coat is dark blue with black spots on the ears, back, and sides. They have a ticked black and blue pattern, and the coat is glossy and short. They are sweet, affectionate charmers with high prey drives who require a high amount of exercise. Their strong sense of smell may deter them while training, and they are athletic and fit.
24. Boerboel
| Origin: | South Africa |
| Lifespan: | 9 to 11 years |
| Height: | 22 to 27 inches |
The Boerboel hails from South Africa and was bred to be athletic. These dogs are calm and confident but can look intimidating given their size—they weigh 150 to 200 pounds! Mastiff-type dogs, Bulldogs, and Bull Terries may have contributed to the development of these dogs. They have short, dense coats that come in red, brown, brindle, cream, tawny, and reddish brown, and they are fierce protectors.
25. Bohemian Shepherd
| Origin: | Czech Republic |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Height: | 19 to 21 inches |
The Bohemian Shepherd is considered a versatile breed that’s intelligent, quick, lively, and athletic. These dogs excel in agility, search and rescue, tracking, nose work, therapy/service dogs, obedience—did we mention their versatility? The Bohemian Shepherd can do it all and make wonderful family companions to adults and children.
26. Bolognese
| Origin: | Bologna, Italy, 11th century |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 14 years |
| Height: | 10 to 12 inches |
The Bolognese is a member of the Bichon family. These small companions are sturdy and compact with an easy-going temperament. They are witty and make devoted family members. Their long and puffy-white coats are soft in texture and resemble cotton. They are a low-shedding breed, which may be beneficial to allergy sufferers.
27. Border Collie
| Origin: | England and Scotland |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Height: | 18 to 22 inches |
The Border Collie is considered the smartest dog breed on the planet. These dogs excel at herding, and they are extremely energetic and athletic. These workaholics are happiest with a job to do and will let you know if they are bored. They also excel at agility and obedience training. They are loyal family members and love to hang out with their humans when the workday is done.
28. Border Terrier
| Origin: | Northumberland and Scotland |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Height: | 12 to 15 inches |
The Border Terrier hails from the rugged lands of Northumberland and Scotland. These dogs are happy, upbeat, and affectionate. They are no-frills working terriers that were bred to be country dogs. These little dogs have a wiry coat and an “otter head,” which are distinguishable traits in the breed. They love exploring the outdoors and do well with children. They need plenty of exercise due to their hunting instincts and will chase squirrels and cats, so beware if you’re a cat owner.
29. Borzoi
| Origin: | Russia, 16th century |
| Lifespan: | 9 to 14 years |
| Height: | 26 to 28 inches |
The Borzoi is a beautiful dog that prances with grace and elegance. They have a calm temperament and are loyal, dignified, and affectionate. These dogs can reach up to 35 to 40 miles per hour in full stride, and that’s impressive given their big size, averaging 75 to 105 pounds. Once known as the Russian Wolfhound, these dogs resemble the Greyhound except with long, silky coats.
30. Boston Terrier
| Origin: | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Lifespan: | 11 to 13 years |
| Height: | 10 to 12 inches |
Known as the “American Gentleman” for their manners, the Boston Terrier is a fun and loving breed. These little dogs are lively with intelligence, and their friendly temperament makes them a popular breed among dog owners. They were initially bred for pit fighting and to compete in ratting contests, and they are strong and stout. The short coat can be black and white, brindle, or seal.
31. Bouvier des Flandres
| Origin: | Belgium |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 12 years |
| Height: | 23.5 to 27.5 inches |
The Bouvier des Flandres is part of the herding group and originated in Belgium, crossing the Berger Picard and the massive Matin dogs. These dogs are courageous, affectionate, and strong-willed. They are all-purpose workers with burly builds and powerful muscles. They make excellent farm dogs and have a strong work ethic.
32. Boxer
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 12 years |
| Height: | 21 to 25 inches |
The Boxer was developed in Germany in the 19th century. They are loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and have strong work ethics. They can be silly and then turn around and be courageous. Boxers have a muscular build and a short coat that comes in brindle or fawn. Their wrinkled foreheads and alert, stoic looks do not diminish their patience and love for children. They are protective and make excellent companions.
33. Boykin Spaniel
| Origin: | South Carolina |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 15 years |
| Height: | 14 to 18 inches |
The Boykin Spaniel was bred to work the swamps and lakes of South Carolina. Thanks to their webbed feet, they are excellent swimmers and are outstanding flushing and retrieving dogs. They make adorable companions and are lovable and friendly. The wavy coat is low-maintenance and comes in a rich brown-colored coat, or liver, as it’s called.
34. Bracco Italiano
| Origin: | Unclear/Italy speculated |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 14 years |
| Height: | 21 to 27 inches |
The Bracco Italiano’s origins are unclear, but it is considered one of the oldest pointing breeds. They were introduced in the 1990s to the United States, and they adapt easily. Part of the sporting group, these intelligent dogs are affectionate and thrive on human companionship. Inquisitive and loyal in nature, the hunting dogs love children and make exceptional family members. The short coat comes in white, white and orange, and white and chestnut.
35. Braque du Bourbonnais
| Origin: | France, 15th century |
| Lifespan: | 11 to 12 years |
| Height: | 19 to 22.5 inches |
The Braque du Bourbonnais has a calm and gentle temperament and is ideally suited for hunting. An ancient breed, these dogs developed in 15th century France and are named for their place of origin, the historic province of Bourbonnais. They are now a popular breed to own in the United States, given their affectionate nature and intelligence. The coat is short and dense and comes in fawn with liver ticking.
36. Braque Francais Pyrenean
| Origin: | France, 15th century |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Height: | 18.5 to 23 inches |
The Braque Francais Pyrenean is another ancient breed from 15th-century France. These medium-sized dogs were bred to hunt the rugged terrain of the Pyrenees Mountain, which sits on the border of France and Spain. The soft, short-haired coat comes in chestnut or white and chestnut with tan and ticked points. These dogs are friendly, intelligent, and have a willingness to please their owners.
37. Braque Saint Germain
| Origin: | France |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Height: | 21 to 24 inches |
The Braque Saint Germain is believed to have originated in France and was developed in the 1800s by crossing the Braque Francais with English and French Pointers. These beautiful hunting dogs have a mostly-white short coat with fawn patches. They have a deep chest and muscular bodies, with friendly and affectionate temperaments toward their owners.
38. Brazilian Terrier
| Origin: | Brazil |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 14 years |
| Height: | 13 to 16 inches |
The Brazilian Terrier is used for companionship, small game hunting, and vermin eradication. These dogs are native to Brazil; however, their exact ancestry is unknown. Some experts believed they developed from the European Jack Russell Terrier and the Fox Terrier. They are active dogs that tend to get restless without abundant exercise. These little dogs excel in agility, rally, and obedience competitions and are loving and affectionate.
39. Briard
| Origin: | France |
| Lifespan: | 12 years |
| Height: | 22 to 27 inches |
The Briard has been around for centuries but with an unclear origin. It’s believed they are an ancient French breed dating back to the 8th century and were bred for guarding and herding sheep and other various livestock. These dogs have an elite status, having been owned by Napoleon, Lafayette, and Charlemagne. Thomas Jefferson even fell in love with the breed when introduced to them, and he admired their ability to guard livestock. They are smart, confident, and faithful to their owners.
40. Brittany
| Origin: | France |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 14 years |
| Height: | 17.5 to 20.5 inches |
The Brittany is an upbeat dog breed with a bright temperament. These adorable-looking dogs have a fairly short coat that is typically liver-colored with white and orange mixed in with patches and spotted cuteness. They are talented hunters who excel in agility, obedience, flyball, and dock diving. The Brittany is a fun-loving breed and loves their humans, making them excellent family pets.
41. Broholmer
| Origin: | Denmark |
| Lifespan: | 8 to 10 years |
| Height: | 27.5 to 29.5 inches |
The Broholmer is a mastiff-type dog that hails from Denmark. These dogs are excellent herders and guardians of cattle. They have a heart of gold and are exceptional with children and other dogs. The Broholmer is athletic and excels in catching a Frisbee, agility, and fetching balls. They love to be with their humans and will happily go camping, hiking, or anything else involving the outdoors.
42. Brussels Griffon
| Origin: | Belgium |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Height: | 7 to 10 inches |
Talk about cuteness! Part of the toy group, these adorable little dogs have big personalities and are devoted and loyal to their owners. They are sociable, easy to train, and always alert. Their playful and energetic personalities make them popular pets, but they do not like being left alone for long periods. The coat can either be smooth or rough or comes in red, black and reddish-brown, black and tan, or black.
43. Bull Terrier
| Origin: | England, 19th century |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 13 years |
| Height: | 21 to 22 inches |
The Bull Terrier’s appearance is unique in that the head is long and egg-shaped, which has earned the breed the nickname “egg heads.” These dogs are stout, muscular, and big-boned. They love affection and exercise; however, they can be destructive if not exercised enough. They can be a tad aggressive if not properly socialized and obediently trained, making them unsuitable for all families.
44. Bulldog
| Origin: | England |
| Lifespan: | 8 to 10 years |
| Height: | 14 to 15 inches |
The Bulldog is an English icon, and there’s no mistaking the breed for another. Their trademark wrinkly faces, short, stout bodies, under-bite jaws, and pushed-in noses give them their distinct look, complete with snorts and snores. They are friendly, courageous, and calm and can weigh up to 50 pounds. These dogs love exercise, so don’t let them fool you into thinking they are lazy.
45. Bullmastiff
| Origin: | England, Mid-1800s |
| Lifespan: | 7 to 9 years |
| Height: | 24 to 27 inches |
The Bullmastiff is large, fearless, and brave. They were developed in the Mid-1800s in England and guarded poachers (thieves and robbers) who tried to steal game. These dogs are quite large and weigh 100 to 130 pounds. A cross between the Bulldog and Mastiff, they have a large, broad head, and dark eyes. They are intelligent, alert, and affectionate with their human families. These dogs are strong-willed, and proper training is essential. However, they make excellent companions and enjoy brisk walks.
Featured Image Credit: Sue Thatcher, Shutterstock
The post 45 Dog Breeds That Start With B: Pictures, Facts & History appeared first on Pet Keen.