12 Dog Breeds that Start with ‘P’

Papillon

First in our list of dog breeds that start with P is Papillon.

The Papillon makes a great lap dog with its miniature size of up to 11 inches tall and weighing only 9 pounds. Moreover, it also makes a great show dog. The Papillon has one distinct feature that is its ears that look like a butterfly’s wings.

With all the pampering, it’s no wonder the breed displays compassion, affection, and general friendliness towards everyone; children and other pets included. The breed mostly comes multicolored in white with patches of black, red, or brown.

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a small Chinese dog that was initially bred for royalty. It was named after the city of Peking, currently Beijing now. The breed comes weighing between 7-13 pounds at 6-9 inches. They were lapdogs of royal bloodlines in China and only came to Britain during the Victorian era.

Maintenance is very involving as the dog requires specific shampoos to maintain its dense and long coat. Otherwise, the breed is pretty healthy.

Dog Breeds that start with P: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a French dog that hails from the 1700s. It was bred for the sole purpose of hunting hare and other burrowers. To this day, current breeds have the knack to hide valuable items in holes.

That said, should you find one of your valuables missing, don’t be quick to call 911. The dog weighs up to 25 pounds at 12 inches tall. Their coat is rough around the edges and will do well with weekly brushing to keep it from matting.

Pitsky

The Pitsky is a hybrid offspring from crossing the American Pitbull Terrier vs. the Siberian or Alaskan Husky. Since both his parents have different genealogy traits, the Pitsky comes in varying shades, sizes, and coat lengths. As a result, maintenance varies depending on the type you get.

Nonetheless, a standard Pitsky should be between 16-32 inches tall and weigh between 45-60 pounds. It is mainly used as a guard dog, sled dog, or an overall family companion.

Pocket Beagle

A Pocket Beagle gets its reputation from its small size and stubborn nature. Usually, they weigh 7-15 pounds with a height of up to 1 foot. The Beagle is a descendant of the hound and therefore comes equipped with picking up scents. They are a highly intelligent breed and overly friendly even to intruders.

The only downside to owning this breed is the sheer energy it will drain from you to house train it. If you don’t, you’ll have to put up with its constant barking and howling. Otherwise, the dog makes a great companion.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog may be popular in Polland, but in a real sense, the breed was shipped there from Central Asia. Regardless, it developed into a fierce and intelligent herder for sheep. The breed can get stubborn sometimes and could outsmart you.

Therefore, experienced dog owners are the best fit for the breed. Moreover, it also comes with a shaggy coat that requires constant maintenance to prevent it from shedding heavily.

Pomchi

Probably the cutest among the dog breeds that start with P is Pomchi. A Pomchi is a hybrid offspring from crossing a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian. Since both parent breeds are generally small dogs, so is the Pomchi. A fully-grown Pomchi might be mistaken for a puppy. The dog grows up to 9 inches tall and weighs only 11 pounds.

They are great with children but can nip at them, especially during meal times when they get territorial. Overall, they make great companion dogs, and you will most likely enjoy the fun and joy they bring into the household.

Pomeranian

A Pomeranian is a tiny dog with a big dog personality. Initially, the breed could weigh up to 30 pounds, but through selective breeding, current Pomeranians only weigh between 3-7 pounds at 11 inches tall. Despite their size, the breed has a bark loud and consistent enough that your neighbors could file a noise complaint.

Therefore, they require proper training, which is also a challenge, as they are relatively stubborn. Initially used as a working dog, Pomeranian’s are now suited as companion dogs. Feeding times are twice a day.

Poodle

Probably the most famous among the dog breeds that start with P is Poddle. A Poodle is a very distinct type of dog based on it’s dense and curly coat. They come in three types: a standard, miniature, and toy version. The standard will likely weigh anything from 40-50 pounds and stand between 15-21 pounds. The doll and miniature versions register smaller measurements.

This highly intelligent breed is known for its loyalty, fun, and loving nature. However, it will cost you as most Poodles will require a professional touch when it comes to grooming. It’s the type of dog you get when you’re in a stable job.

Portuguese Water Dog

As the breed name suggests, the Portuguese Water Dog is a great swimmer. It is considered that the breed is related to the Poodle based on some similar characteristics that they share. These include their curly coats and small sizes. Typically, the Portuguese Water Dog weighs between 35-50 pounds and can grow up to 21 inches tall.

On the other hand, the breed is unique with webbed paws. The dog was initially used to help fishermen in their daily tasks but grew more useful in sports. The grooming requirements for this breed aren’t as demanding as that of a Poodle’s, but they do need constant brushing.

Puggle

A Puggle is an offspring gotten from mating a Pug and a Beagle. They are a relatively new breed that dates as recent as in the ’80s, though the process of rearing a Puggle was to counteract most respiratory health problems that its parent breeds suffer.

As a result, the Puggle was born, weighing up to 29 pounds at 14 inches when mature. He takes up after the Pug’s facial features with the nose of a Beagle. If you’re ready to put up with the dog’s snoring, then, by all means, have at it.

Pyrenean Shepherd

The Pyrenean Shepherd or Pyr Shep comes in two bundles of joy. One is the rough-faced type that has an accompanying thick coat with coarse hair. The other is the smooth-faced type that is the opposite of the first.

Even though the breed is a natural-born herder, it can adapt to whatever work it’s trained to do since it’s highly intelligent. Some people like to show him off, whereas others keep him as a family dog. Regardless, the dog tends to shed, but not on carpets or the floor. Instead, you’ll find his hair stuck on his coat.

If you have to choose among the dog breeds that start with P, which would be your choice?