There are great dog breeds, from the bubbly Barbet to the Bullish Bullmastiff, beginning with the letter B. From the shortest hair to the longest, the lightest to the heaviest, on this list may be your next companion.
The dogs listed below are breeds that the American Kennel Club has recognized.
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Barbet
The Barbet is a medium-sized breed with distinctive curly hair and a beard. Barbet comes from the French word ‘barbe,’ meaning beard. Standing at 25 inches, they can weigh up to 65 pounds.
Their curly hair needs to be groomed regularly; otherwise, they can lose tufts of fur. This breed comes in various colors: black, brown, grey, fawn, and white.
Basenji
Part of the Hound group, the Basenji is almost cat-like in the way it grooms itself. The Basenji is known as the “barkless dog” due to its yodeling sound.
These sounds are due to their larynx being different from most dogs. They are a small breed, with a height of 17 inches and weighing up to 24 pounds.
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Also known as the Fawn Brittany Bassett, this breed is also part of the AKC Foundation Stock Service. They stand at the height of up to 15.5 inches and weigh up to 35 pounds.
Being a small breed, they make a fantastic companion as they are very friendly and lively. However, they require excellent training as a puppy to become cooperative.
Basset Hound
One of the most iconic dogs on the list, the Basset Hound, was bred for hunting hares and had a keen sense of smell. They are small hounds, with a height of up to 15 inches, but can weigh up to 65 pounds.
Basset hounds are entrenched in popular culture, from Droopy’s iconic character to the comic strip of Fred Basset and Hush Puppies’ logo.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Another breed from the Foundation Stock Service, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound, has a short, harsh coat. They are very calm dogs, loyal to their owners.
This is not a breed that enjoys being in the city. They need a lot of space and exercise to be happy. They stand up to 20.5 inches and weigh up to 66 pounds.
Beagle
One of my favorite breeds on this list, the beagle, is an excellent companion dog. There are two varieties, one that stands under 13 inches and a larger variety that reaches 15 inches. The former weighs up to 20 pounds, while the larger variety weighs up to 30 pounds.
They are one of the cutest dogs because their faces come in various colors, including red and white, lemon, and tricolor. The beagle is known as the most popular hound dog to pet owners.
Bearded Collie
This long-haired collie stands up to 22 inches and weighs up to 55 pounds. Their double coat resembles the coat of the Old English Sheepdog but is slightly smaller.
They have a bouncy nature with high energy. Their hair also requires weekly grooming; otherwise, their hair becomes matted. A very loyal dog, the Bearded Collie is intelligent and can become bored if training is not varied enough.
Beauceron
This large dog can weigh up to 110 pounds and stands up to 27.5 inches high. The Beauceron is an ancestor of the Doberman Pinscher. They were initially bred to guard and herd cattle and sheep.
The Beauceron is very versatile as a working dog and has been used as a search dog, police dog, supply transport dog, messenger dog, land mine detection dog, and rescue dog. They are very dominant dogs but can be trained to be excellent watchdogs.
Bedlington Terrier
Also known as the Rothbury’s Lamb, the Bedlington Terrier does remember a baby sheep. They are quick runners and have been said to possess the spirit of a thoroughbred racehorse.
Standing at just 17.5 inches tall, they weigh up to 23 pounds. They are born with dark brown or black fur, which lightens to gray or a liver color as they age.
Belgian Laekenois
Bred initially as a sheep-herding dog, the Belgian Laekenois (pronounced Lak-in-wah) is one of four native to Belgium. Standing at 26 inches tall and weighing 65 pounds, they have a brown and white woolly coat.
They have a black muzzle and tail and require regular brushing. They need a lot of daily exercise and are excellent working dogs.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is another dog bred to be a sheepdog. They are medium to large dogs, standing 26 inches tall and weighing up to 80 pounds.
They generally have black masks with black ears. Their coat is fawn to mahogany and tan. They are very loyal dogs and are very people-oriented. They need a lot of exercises and one-to-one attention from their master to keep them happy.
Belgian Sheepdog
The Belgian Sheepdog is also known as the Belgian Shepherd. They are medium to large-sized dogs. They stand in height up to 26 inches and weigh up to 75 pounds.
They are an intelligent breed and form strong relationship bonds with their owners. They are a high-energy breed and need to be stimulated mentally and physically. They have a long coat, predominantly black, sometimes with small white markings.
Belgian Tervuren
Another breed from the herding group of the AKC, the Belgian Tervuren, is a medium-sized dog standing 26 inches tall and weighing up to 75 pounds.
Mahogany in color, their double coat has a black overlay and a black mask. They also have a ruff around the neck. They need a lot of exercises, are intelligent, and outsmart their owners to their amusem*nt. The Tervuren is a beautiful-looking dog.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
A dog with one of the best hairdos on this list, the Bergamasco Sheepdog, has a matted coat.
The coat is made up of three types of hair. They have mats, which are hair that is weaved together. These create flat layers of felted hair that is also called flocks. These flocks protect the dog from predators and cold weather conditions.
They are muscular dogs, standing up to 23.5 inches and weighing up to 84 pounds.
Berger Picard
The Berger Picard is one of the rarest dogs on this list and reached near extinction after the first and second World Wars. Bred on the farms of north-eastern France, the breed was decimated by these wars.
Good-natured and loyal, the Berger Picard has a fawn or brindle coat, which is rough. Medium in size, they stand up to 25.5 inches tall and weigh up to 70 pounds. They have a lot of energy and are suited to an owner who can give them lots of exercises.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mounting Dog is a breed that can weigh up to 115 pounds and stand up to 27.5 inches tall. They have a coat of black, rust, and white, which is thick and silky.
Originally from Switzerland, the “Berners” thrives in colder conditions. Although large, they are fantastic with children and have a gentle nature.
Large dogs need plenty of space, although they can be well-behaved in the home.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a friendly breed that likes to go everywhere with its owners. Playful, merry, and curious are some words used to describe the Bichon Frise. They have lots of energy and are good around children.
They are small dogs, standing at 11.5 inches and weighing 18 pounds. They have a white coat, which 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.
Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is also known as the Yorkshire Terrier or “Yorkie.” A small terrier stands just 11 inches tall and weighs up to 8 pounds. They have a grey, black, and tan coat, which is long and silky.
They are very vocal dogs and will alert you to any danger. Introduced to North America in 1872, they were first registered by the AKC in 1885, making them one of the oldest breeds accepted by the AKC.
A famous Biewer Terrier, Smoky, served in the Second World War. I would urge you to read the Wikipedia page about smokyhere.
Black and Tan Coonhound
Part of the Hound group, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a hunting dog. Primarily used for hunting raccoons, they were bred from a Bloodhound and Black and Tan Virginal Foxhound. Standing at 27 inches tall, they weigh up to 110 pounds.
They are a social breed but also a strong one. When walking, they must be kept on a leash with their sensitive noses, as a passing animal will send them on a wild chase.
Although they have a lot of energy, they also like nothing better than sitting on the sofa for hours.
Black Russian Terrier
With a height of 30 inches and a weight of up to 130 pounds, the Black Russian Terrier was bred as a working dog. They are ideal as guard dogs but also make fantastic companions.
They are not true terriers, as not all of the seventeen breeds used to develop them were terriers. They are powerful, with large muscles and heavy bones. They have an all-black double coat, which is hard to the touch.
They are an intelligent breed with a courageous but calm demeanor.
Bloodhound
Famous for its tracking abilities, the Bloodhound was initially bred to hunt wild boar and deer.
They are now used to track people and recognize human scent days later, even over great distances. They are used to track escaped prisoners for law enforcement and find missing people.
Standing at 27 inches high, they can weigh up to 110 pounds. They make great family pets, being affectionate and caring. However, they need to be walked on a leash due to their keen sense of smell, sometimes making them take a wrong turn.
Bluetick Coonhound
Although bred for raccoon hunting, they also make excellent pets. Although not blue, they get their name from black ticking on white fur, looking like navy blue.
They have paws that are bigger than those of nearly all other breeds on this list. These are highly vocal dogs, as they bay when hunting raccoons.
Having an excellent sense of smell, they do make wonderful hunting dogs. They stand up to 27 inches tall and weigh up to 80 pounds.
Boerboel
These large dogs are bred for guard purposes of homesteads in South Africa. They stand up to 27 inches tall and can weigh up to 200 pounds.
This breed is powerful, and they are very confident dogs because of their size. However, the Boerboels are great with children and are a natural protector of their territory and family.
Bohemian Shepherd
The Bohemian Shepherd is a very versatile work dog. They can turn their nose to almost any work, including therapy dogs, service dogs, search and rescue, and scent work. Standing nearly 22 inches tall, they can weigh up to 60 pounds.
They are an old breed and possibly one of the ancestors of the German Shepherd. They are fantastic with children and family members, making them a lovely addition to any family.
They have lots of energy and can be easily trained as they have a friendly and calm temperament.
Bolognese
This small breed only weighs up to 9 pounds, with a height of 12 inches. They have a single coat with no undercoat, which is long, fluffy, and predominantly white.
They shed very little but require regular combing to stop problems with matting. They are great family pets, easygoing, intelligent, loyal, and playful.
They are excellent for training but can become stubborn when they do not get their way. They need lots of attention but will provide a lot of love in return, following their owners everywhere.
Border Collie
Also known as the Scottish Sheepdog, the Border Collie is one of the most intelligent breeds on this list. Standing at 22 inches tall, they weigh up to 55 pounds.
They come in various colors, including solid, bicolored, and tricolored. These can be made up of eighteen colors: blue, red, bear, sable, black, and white.
They are workaholics and must be kept occupied to keep their energy levels in check. They compete in dog sports and sheepdog trials. Although they are used in herding livestock, they are becoming more popular as companion animals.
If you want a border collie, they need a lot of time to play and exercise with humans and other dogs.
Border Terrier
Longer than most other terriers, the Border Terrier has a unique otter head shape. They stand up to 15 inches tall and weigh up to 15.5 pounds.
They are very trainable and are excellent dogs for the home as they are affectionate and even-tempered. They also get along with other dogs but not with other pets, such as cats.
Border Terriers also make excellent working dogs, as they were initially bred for catching foxes and rats underground.
Borzoi
Borzoi is a Russian dog that has a wavy coat. This dog is also known as the Russian wolfhound. This dog has a coat that assumes many colors.
The borzoi resembles a kangaroo from afar. Its body is well-muscled and heavily built. It also has strong limbs that support its huge body. This dog is usually happy at all times when in its daily activities.
They are a dog that you can make friends with very quickly. This dog will rarely bark for nothing and will keep to itself. It is, thus, not the kind of dog that is expected to cause noise or disturbance. This dog weighs 100 pounds and can reach heights of up to 30 inches.
Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is also known as the Boston bulldog. This dog’s origin can be traced back to the United States. The Boston terrier is a dog that can be described to be smart and elegant. They have a rounded body that radiates lots of tenderness.
Their coat is also short and smooth. This dog is relatively straightforward and will stand 15 inches on its toes. With this dog as a pet, you will never be disappointed, as they love to play and are very affectionate.
This dog will also accompany you wherever you go and can weigh up to 25 pounds.
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a Belgian-bred dog that has been used for a long tie as a working dog. A full-grown Bouvier des Flandres can weigh up to 120 pounds.
They can grow to heights of 28 inches. The coat has a wild nature and is relatively thick. Grooming is a requirement for the Bouvier des Flandres. The skin seems to cover every part of this dog. The Bouvier des Flandres is a unique dog that might steal your heart.
Boxer
The boxer is another dog with a great personality. The appearance of a fighter is solid and powerful. They are composed of muscular limbs that are a source of great agility.
The boxer is also known as the German Boxer or Deutscher Boxer. Boxers have a very determined character; they hate being idle, and no wonder it is considered working dog.
As part of its elegance, this dog also bears a wrinkled muzzle. This dog can sometimes weigh 81 pounds while standing at 21 inches.
Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin spaniel is a native breed of the United States. This dog has a lovely coat, with almost overly furred ears and back. Its skin comes in liver and chocolate colors.
This dog is known to be loving and caring to its owners. They are vast, muscular dogs. Boykin spaniels are hardworking dogs with remarkable resilience.
They are social and independent thinkers who rarely get annoyed about anything. The Boykin spaniel weighs 40 pounds and can stand up to 17 inches.
Braque du Bourbonnais
The list is fortunate to have this gun dog included. The dog is known to have originated from France and features specific characteristics.
The dog’s tail is relatively short for its size. The coat comes in liver or fawn.
Also known as the Bourbonnais pointer, this dog weighs as much as 53 pounds. The Braque du Bourbonnais can stand tall at 23 inches in height.
The dog is multi-talented in hunting and as a pet. They will become an excellent friend to interact with and a good explorer outdoors.
Braque Francais Pyrenean
The Braque Francis Pyrenean is another dog that has gained a reputation over time.
This dog, originating in France, is characterized by a form of elegance that cannot be found in any other dog.
The dog looks brave and will stand majestically to face troubles that come its way.
The Braque Francais Pyrenean also boasts of having other names like Gascogne type and de Grande taille.
They have an unforgettable short-haired coat that occurs as a thick and well-fitted covering onto their body.
Being 23 inches tall, this dog is also blessed with exceptional stability from its weight of up to 55 pounds.
Despite having splendid hunting skills, this dog loves being close to friends and family.
Getting him near your pool for swimming sessions might be a good idea if you own this dog. This dog loves the water.
Briard
The briard is also known as Berger de Brie. This dog has a French origin. Standing at about 28 inches, this dog weighs about 80 pounds.
Their coat is unforgettable with its long wavy fur. This coat will grow in grey, fawn, and black colors. The briard is categorized as a herding dog.
One of the briard’s unique things is that their eyes are almost sandwiched in between their long wavy hairs and will appear as if it has been blinded.
Brittany
This dog is sometimes referred to as the Brittany spaniel. This dog traces its roots to France. This dog has a nice coat that offers a pleasant elegance.
Brittany is cheerful when in the presence of family members. Due to their reduced undercoat, they are easy to maintain with minimal grooming.
When among people, this dog is respectful and will always give its people space to do whatever they need.
The Britany has large ears that fall helplessly over the dog’s head on its sides. This dog weighs 45 pounds and can stand tall at 21 inches.
Broholmer
The Broholmer, also known as the Danish Mastiff, traces its origin to Denmark. They are another intelligent dog that is easy to take care of.
If you establish a good relationship between you and the Broholmer, they can become very social.
Broholmers are also known to be very protective of their family. This dog will not allow anyone to threaten its owner while in his or her presence.
However, they are known to bark less than many dogs, a trait many people like. This dog is usually energetic and deserves time each day to exercise.
Broholmers can stand up to 30 inches in height. They can also weigh up to weights of 150 pounds when fully grown.
Brussels Griffon
If you need an obedient toy dog that won’t disappoint you, you cannot ask for more than a Brussels griffon. They stand at just 10 inches, full of loyalty, curiosity, and devotion. They can weigh up to 10 pounds.
Their tiny bodies perfectly match those requiring a small family pet. The Brussels griffon adapts quickly to apartment living and will fare well with other pets, such as cats.
They come in coats of red, black, reddish-brown, black, and black and tan. Their coats also come in smooth and rough variants. Depending on the type of coat, grooming must be completed regularly. However, rough-coated griffons shed rarely.
The Brussels Griffon may steal your heart if you look for a curious, loyal, and obedient pet.
Bull Terrier
The bull terrier has its origin based in Britain. Its coat is dense and requires some attention when it comes to grooming. This dog is energetic, affectionate, confident as well as outgoing. They can, therefore, be well suited to serve as companion dogs.
Bull terriers have been noted to portray defiance and will not take commands by force. Outdoor activities and playing are some of the things that melt their hearts. Bull terriers love their food and hate to run on an empty stomach. Their rear is complemented by a slender tail that looks strong. The bull Terrier weighs 65 pounds and can stand up to 25 inches.
Bulldog
The bulldog is also known as the British bulldog. This dog displays a distinctively wrinkled face. They have a short, smooth coat that is also close-fitting. The skin mainly comes in red, white, and brindle.
The bulldog is known to get along well with kids and other dogs due to their social nature. Grooming for this dog must be put in place, especially around the areas with wrinkles, to keep them neat and presentable.
Bulldogs can weigh 55 pounds and stands up to 24 inches.
Bullmastiff
The bullmastiff has a kind look that automatically makes you fall in love. The bullmastiff is classified as a working dog. Their elegant coat comes in red, fawn, and brindle.
This dog is known to have originated in Britain, where they were domesticated. Bullmastiffs are strong, agile, and ambitious. They are an affectionate dog that loves the company of humans. This dog weighs up to 130 pounds.
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Bryan Harding
Bryan Harding is a member of the American Society of Mammalogists and a member of the American Birding Association. Bryan is especially fond of mammals and has studied and worked with them around the world. Bryan serves as owner, writer, and publisher of North American Nature.
