Many dog breeds begin with the letter C, and you’ll see quite a variety! From small to giant and from curly coats to straight coats, we have 62 breeds here for you to meet.
We included recognized purebred dogs, along with well-known and not-so-well-known mixed breeds.
The 62 Dog Breeds That Start With C
1. Cairn Terrier
These small, feisty terriers originated in Scotland and were bred to rout out pests like rats from cairns, which are mounds of stones used to mark graves or boundaries.
2. Canaan Dog
The Canaan is an ancient breed from Israel and Lebanon and parts of the bordering countries. They have been used for multiple jobs, including work as sentry, service, and messenger dogs, as well as guide and service dogs.
3. Canadian Inuit Dog
The Canadian Inuit Dog was originally called the Canadian Eskimo Dog, but the Government of Nunavut changed the name, and they are the official dog of the Nunavut.
These dogs have been used for hundreds of years for pulling sleds for the Inuit but unfortunately, are now fairly rare.
4. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso (pronounced KAH-nay KOR-so) is essentially an Italian Mastiff. They were used initially as fighters in wars but eventually helped out with guarding, hunting, livestock droving, and guarding.
5. Canis Panther
The Canis Panther is technically a mixed breed, but they currently have established bloodlines and could be considered purebred. They were bred from Doberman Pinschers, black Labradors, Staffordshire Terriers, and black Great Danes.
6. Caravan Hound
The Caravan Hound is native to India and has primarily been used for hunting as sighthounds and for guarding their families.
7. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
This Corgi came from Cardiganshire, Wales, centuries ago in medieval times and was used as a herding dog. They are a separate breed from the more popular Pembroke Corgi.
8. Carolina Dog
The Carolina Dog is indigenous to the United States and is a rare breed that has not been domesticated for long. They originated in the Southeastern U.S. and were feral for centuries.
9. Carpathian Sheepdog
The Carpathian Sheepdog comes from the Carpathian Mountains. They are also known as the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd and are a giant breed used for guarding livestock in the mountains.
10. Catahoula Leopard Dog
These dogs are native to the United States, specifically Louisiana. They were bred to herd and work with livestock and are definitely one of the more eye-catching dogs out there!
11. Catalan Sheepdog
Catalan Sheepdogs were brought to Spain by the Romans, where they were used for sheep herding in the Catalonia region. They make excellent family dogs due to their affectionate and friendly disposition.
12. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
These giant breed dogs come from the Caucasus region of Europe and Asia. They were bred to look after flocks of sheep and guard their family’s home.
13. Cava-Tzu
This mixed breed combines the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the Shih Tzu. These dogs are affectionate family dogs and tend to get along with just about everyone. They’re excellent lap dogs!
14. Cavachon
This mixed breed has the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as one parent and the Bichon Frise as the other. They are lap dogs that make sweet and affectionate family pets.
15. Cavador
The Cavador is a cross of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the Labrador Retriever. Since both parents are known for being sweet and friendly dogs, you can expect the same from their offspring.
16. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The name of this breed is a big clue that they are royal dogs and have been companions for British royalty since the 1600s. They are commonly crossed with various other dogs for mixed breeds because they are so sweet and loving.
17. Cavapom
The mix has the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as one parent and the Pomeranian as the other. This breed is lively and outgoing, with the characteristically sweet nature of the Cavalier.
18. Cavapoo
This mixed breed features the Cavalier and the Poodle. Since Poodles are small to large in size, Cavapoos can be a variety of sizes, but all are loyal and affectionate dogs.
19. Central Asian Shepherd Dog
These dogs are thought to be among the oldest breeds, believed to have been around for over 5,000 years! They are guardians of property and their people and are quite independent and confident dogs.
20. Cesky Terrier
This terrier came from Czechoslovakia around the time of World War II. The Cesky (pronounced CHESS-key) was bred for typical terrier work to dig out rats but also to hunt bigger game in packs. They are laidback, clever, and great for families.
21. Chamuco
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The Chamuco is a rare, medium-sized dog that is also called the Mexican Pitbull. They are thought to be a cross of the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, the Mexican Bulldog, and likely others. They are loyal and loving with their family but incredibly protective.
22. Cheagle
This mixed breed is a cross of the Beagle and Chihuahua and is affectionate and playful. Their personality depends on which parent they take after most. Beagles love other dogs and Chihuahuas less so, so it can go either way with the Cheagle.
22. Cheeks
The Cheeks is a mix of the Chihuahua and Pekingese. They are devoted and loving and make excellent lap and family dogs, albeit with older children.
24. Cheenese
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The Havanese and Chihuahua contribute to the Cheenese. These dogs are intelligent, loyal, and eager to please, but they also have an independent streak and can be a challenge to train at times.
25. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever originated in the U.S., specifically from around the Chesapeake Bay, as you can gather from their name. They were bred to retrieve ducks for hunters and are affectionate and sensitive dogs.
26. Chi Chi
The Chihuahua and Chinese Crested contribute to the Chi Chi, which is an energetic and alert mixed breed. They love their people and tend to be fairly yappy, so beware if you live next door to someone who won’t appreciate that!
27. Chi-Poo
The Chi-Poo has Chihuahua and Poodle genes, so they will have curly coats and be playful and loving. They are also quite energetic and lively and can live in apartments and condos.
28. Chihuahua
The famous Chihuahua hails from Mexico, where they were named for the state of Chihuahua. Their ancestors go back hundreds of years, but the Chihuahua as we know them was discovered in the mid-1800s.
29. Chilier
The Chilier is a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Chihuahua. These dogs are outgoing, sweet, and wonderful for families.
30. Chimatian
The Chihuahua mixed breed has the Dalmatian as their other parent. These dogs are spunky, high energy, and loving, but they tend to be overprotective of their family.
31. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a purebred, partially hairless dog. They have hair on their tail and legs and sport a mane. These dogs were brought on Chinese trading vessels to dispatch shipboard rats. They are affectionate, lively, and alert.
32. Chinese Shar-Pei
Famous for their wrinkled skin, the Chinese Shar-Pei is an ancient breed going back over 2,000 years and was used for hunting, herding, and guarding. They are calm dogs that are loyal and independent.
33. Chinook
The Chinook originated in New Hampshire in the United States. They were bred using Mastiff-type dogs and Huskies for their sledding abilities. They are smart, patient, and affectionate.
34. Chipit
The Chipit is a combination of the Chihuahua and American Pit Bull Terrier. They are sweet and friendly but might have issues with other dogs.
35. Chippiparai
The Chippiparai is a sleek sighthound from India that is unfortunately quite rare. They were originally bred for royal families and were used for hunting. Eventually, they were used for guarding and dog racing.
36. Chiweenie
This Chihuahua mixed dog is bred with the Dachshund. They are loving and devoted to the family but are also known to be quite vocal and make great watchdogs, as they are always on alert.
37. Chorkie
The Chihuahua was bred with the Yorkshire Terrier to make this mixed breed. They typically look like long-haired Chihuahuas and are lively and active little dogs. They can also be fairly vocal and are quite loving with their families.
38. Chow Chow
Known for their distinctive blue-black tongue, the Chow Chows is an ancient breed from China that possibly goes back to 206 B.C.
They were companions to Chinese nobility, hunters, haulers, and guarders. Chow Chows are dignified, bright, and serious work dogs.
39. Chow Pei
Combining the two Chinese breeds of the Chow Chow and Shar-Pei gives us the Chow Pei. These dogs are wrinkled and fluffy, and they tend to be independent, aloof, and wary of strangers. But they are affectionate with their families.
40. Chug
A Chihuahua mixed with a Pug gives us the aptly named Chug. These are great little lap dogs that are playful and cuddly, but like most dog breeds with Chihuahua blood, they are prone to a great deal of barking.
41. Chusky
This breed has Husky in the mix, along with the Chow Chow. They can be stubborn, affectionate, and quite intelligent and tend to be protective of their people.
42. Chussel
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This Chihuahua mix has the Brussels Griffon as their other parent. The Chussel is quite playful and energetic but can also be stubborn and wary of strangers.
43. Cirneco dell-Etna
The Cirneco (pronounced cheer-NEK-o) is an ancient breed from Sicily whose ancestors were discovered at least over 3,000 years ago. They are sighthounds used for hunting, and they are affectionate and friendly but independent dogs.
44. Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel goes back to the 18th century in Nottinghamshire, England, where a duke wanted a burly spaniel for his estate of Clumber Park. These dogs are charming and mellow dogs that can be both dignified and amusing.
45. Cock-a-Tzu
The Shih-Tzu and the Cocker Spaniel are responsible for the adorable Cock-a-Tzu. They are sweet and friendly dogs that are also smart, playful, and loyal.
46. Cockalier
When you put together the sweetest spaniels, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel, you’ll have yourself the absolute sweetest dog with the Cockalier. They are loving, loyal, and eager to please.
47. Cockapoo
The Cockapoo is a popular mixed breed, with the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle for their parents. These dogs are energetic, active, intelligent, and loving.
48. Cocker Spaniel
It’s believed the Cocker Spaniel originally came from Spain and was used for hunting birds even before rifles were developed. They were named “Cocker” because they specialized in the woodcock. They are happy, friendly, wonderful family dogs.
49. Cockinese
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The Cockinese is an adorable mix of the Pekingese and Cocker Spaniel. They are energetic, playful, friendly, and a bit stubborn at times.
50. Cojack
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The Jack Russel Terrier combined with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi gives us the Cojack. They are energetic, lively, affectionate, and devoted. They make excellent family dogs.
51. Collie
The gorgeous Collie came from Scotland as long ago as 2,000 years ago. But it was Queen Victoria who brought them into the limelight as a herding dog. Collies are loyal, intelligent, and loving.
52. Corgidor
The Corgidor is a mix of Labrador Retriever and Corgi. They have the Lab’s energy and the Corgi’s affection and make excellent family dogs. They particularly love spending time with children.
53. Corgipoo
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The Corgi and Poodle give us the mixed breed, Corgipoo. These dogs are playful, outgoing, and intelligent, which can lead to mischievousness. The Corgipoo loves to spend time with their families and appreciate any attention.
54. Corgsky
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The Corgi and Husky lead to the Corgsky, which isn’t a common mixed breed. They are quite friendly and good-natured, and since they are eager to please, they aren’t that difficult to train.
55. Corkie
The Corkie is the offspring of the Cocker Spaniel and the Yorkshire Terrier and isn’t that common. They are obedient and playful dogs that are sweet and laidback.
56. Corman Shepherd
When you breed a German Shepherd with a Corgi, you get the Corman Shepherd. They are protective, devoted, friendly, playful, and a little mischievous.
57. Coton de Tulear
Hailing from Madagascar, Coton de Tulear are purebred dogs that started as companions meant only for aristocrats as lapdogs. They are good-natured, charming, and bright.
58. Cotonese
When you mix the Maltese with the Coton de Tulear, you end up with the Cotonese. Since both parent breeds are small white dogs, the Cotonese will also be white. They get attached to their family and are energetic and loving.
59. Cretan Hound
The Cretan Hound has been around for at least 3,500 years and originated on the island of Crete in Greece, where they were used as hunting dogs. Although they are purebred, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
60. Croatian Sheepdog
This breed is from Croatia and was used as a sheep and cattle dog. Records for Croatian Sheepdogs go back to at least 1374. These beautiful dogs are intelligent, alert, loyal, and energetic.
61. Curly-Coated Retriever
These dogs originated in England and are believed to be the oldest of the retrievers. They look like Labs, with the exception of their curly coats. They are highly intelligent, confident, and gentle.
62. Czechoslovakian Vlcak
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak is known as a wolfdog for good reason. A German Shepherd was crossed with a Carpathian Wolf in 1955 successfully. By 1982, this breed was recognized as a national breed. They are loyal, active, and highly intelligent.
Final Thoughts
Many people are familiar with Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, and Collies, but almost 60 more dog breeds began with the letter “C”. Were there any you saw on this list that you fell in love with? Share this article with your friends so everyone knows about these incredible breeds and mixes!
Featured Image Credit: Mark Prytherch, Shutterstock