30 Different Types of Dog Breeds That Start With ‘C’

There are tens of dog breeds that start with the letter ‘C’. These breeds include both small and large dogs. Many come from various parts of the world and they are already popular as good companions. Here are the most popular breeds.

1. Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers come from Scotland. This small dog breed got its name for its vigorous hunting abilities in the Scottish Highlands between cairns. These cairns refer to man-made rock structures marking mountain paths.

While the breed is active, its reduced size also makes them good apartment dogs. They don’t necessarily need a yard to run around in as long as you walk them daily outside of the apartment for exercise. The dogs are friendly, easy to groom. Their coat is harsh and weather resistant. As a result, they can be great dogs to take on hikes if you love the outdoors. Interestingly, these dogs are typically left-pawed. Some early studies suggest these makes them great dogs for the sense of smell, which has been proven during their hunting adventures in native Scotland.

2. Canaan Dog

The Canaan Dog comes from Israel, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and the Sinai Peninsula. It’s the national dog of Israel and it has been historically linked to the people of Israel. A large dog cemetery was found with hundreds of skeletons believed to be from Canaan Dogs which led the way for the Israelis who had to flee their lands centuries ago.

Today, the Canaan Dog is a modern small to medium breed with a black coat, white cream coat, a red coat, and their nuances. This dog is considered very agile and very defensive. Used by the Bedouins, it’s the type of dog that is alert to strangers.

While the dog is popular in the Sinai Peninsula, it’s not as popular around the world. It’s believed only 3 to 4.000 Canaan Dogs exist around the world, particularly in Canada.

Trainability is high for this dog breed and you can even teach it herding. It’s agility also makes it a popular breed at various international obstacle trial competitions.

3. Canadian Eskimo

The Canadian Eskimo dog has a rich history going back 12.000 years. It was used by the Inuit for transportation in Arctic Canada. But it has been linked to other similar transportation dogs from Siberia from thousands of years ago.

Today, the Canadian Eskimo dog is nearly extinct. Only about 3.000 Canadian Eskimo dogs of the pure breed remain today regardless of the efforts put in by NGOs to save them.

The dog looks friendly and it resembles huskies and wolves. It has pointed triangular ears and a scruffy tail pointed up. It’s generally a strong dog. While not muscular, its agility and speed can be determined by looking at its rather athletic body.

Since it has been known as a sleigh dog, it’s known for its deep bond with its owner. This dog is defensive but it’s generally attached to its owner. Since it has been used for transportation, it also needs plenty of daily exercises which might also be one of the reasons not many pet owners choose the Canadian Eskimo today.

4. Cane Corso

Cane Corso is considered a breed of Mastiff from Italy. It was officially recognized in 1994 and since then, it has seen a large increase in popularity across Europe and the entire world. Mainly used as a guard dog and a companion dog, the Cane Corso is also a breed that’s popular with law enforcement offices. This breed is also one of the best when it comes to its smaller size compared to other Mastiffs.

As a result, the Cane Corso can be raised almost anywhere as long as it gets good exercise. You can raise it outdoors in the backyard, in the house, or in the apartment. It can be one of the most interesting dog breeds for its loyalty to the owner.

Trainability is high and the dog can learn to become really aggressive. Its large head can also make it look aggressive. It is believed that the average Cane Corso leaves just over 9 years.

5. Caravan Hound

The Caravan Hound or the Mudhol Hound is a dog species originating in India. It has been raised here around the regions of Mudhol and its easily recognized for its tall skinny body. This domestic dog isn’t highly popular around the world but it has its role in India and parts of Southeast Asia. It’s one of only 4 dog breeds to have made it to India’s post stamps.

The Caravan Hound is considered a trainable dog of various abilities. Its athletic nature makes it agile. This is the reason the Indian military is testing the Caravan Hound to see if it can sustain military-type activities such as guarding, smelling, tracking, etc.

About 100 years ago, the dog made its way to Britain through the colonial links. It has first been offered as a gift to prominent UK figures and it is also seen today around the British Isles.

6. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Originating in Camarthen Wales, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is believed to be a successor to the Northern Spitz breeds. This small thick dog is known for its fast speeds and guarding abilities and it has been officially recognized just 100 years ago as a different breed to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

With a thick coat, the Welsh Corgi can easily grow outside. It was initially used as a farm guard dog, a position the dog is very capable in even today. This small dog can also be trained for herding or to become a cattle drover. It has many uses on farms or homes with large backyards where the dog feels the best.

Competitively, the dog can be used on the obstacle course and rally obedience. Easy to train, the dog is vastly seen on various dog shows around the world due to its generally obedient and friendly temperament.

7. Carolina

The Carolina dog is found in the wild in Southern parts of the US. It has been known as a landrace or domesticated breed a few decades ago but it was rediscovered in the wild recently. You might still see the dog in the wild in Southern areas with longleaf pine or areas with cypress.

Also known as the yellow dog, the Carolina dog is rarely domesticated. It has been a breed that has survived well as most Carolina dogs are strongly built, yet athletic. So what has ensured their successful numbers out in the wild? It’s the large number of puppies a Carolina female dog can deliver each year that makes this breed so successful. Its biggest disease or health threat is the heartworm.

8. Carpathian Sheep Dog

Born as a watchdog, the Carpathian Sheep Dog has been officially recognized as an individual breed since 1998. Originating in Romania, it’s one of the largest shepherd dogs in the world. Recognized for its wolf-like head, it has a mild calm temperament and it’s highly territorial.

This dog eats a lot and it needs plenty of space to roam around. You will have a hard time walking it on a leash since it’s so large and generally slower than you. Used to defend sheep from wolves and bears, this dog is highly attached to a single shepherd or owner, which mimics its natural obedience in a pack of dogs to a single leader. You have to take all of the decisions and lead the dog in order for it to obey.

In return, this large breed dog is one that can be used to protect your home or property. It won’t do well in hot climates and it might be best to only consider it if you live in a hilly area or cold temperature areas such as high up mountains where this dog feels the most comfortable.

9. Catahoula Bulldog

The Catahoula Bulldog comes from the Louisiana Parish of Catahoula. Its origins are a bit unclear. Some claim it came from French settlers while others claim it has been an old breed used by the North American natives.

The dog is mainly used for hunting and herding. Some only train in it one of these directions. It doesn’t make a good house pet due to its assertive behavior. The Catahoula Bulldog is often aggressive to strangers. You might like the dog if you live on a farm with other animals.

It’s on vast open land that this dog breed feels the best. If you try to stop it from exercising, it becomes very aggressive and highly destructive and this is why you need to consider it for hunting, herding, or as a general farm dog only.

10. Catalan Sheepdog

The Catalan Sheepdog is excellent for herding sheep. This dog is a natural when it comes to guarding sheep. You don’t even need to train the dog to guard sheep. As a large breed, the dog also eats a lot. You can recognize it by its long hair and rather intelligent behavior.

The dog is of Spanish origin but it’s already highly popular in Europe. Its high trainability makes it an excellent dog if you have a large backyard or property where it can get plenty of exercises. The dog is also generally friendly and this makes it an excellent companion.

The key to raising a successful Catalan Sheepdog is to start training as early as possible. If you have kids, you should ensure it spends time with your kids as a puppy. This will accustom it to naturally defending the family as it considered itself part of the family. The dog becomes almost impossible to integrate into a family with small children in adulthoods and it’s best to buy the Catalan Sheepdog as a puppy to avoid problems. Typical health problems of the breed include hip dysplasia.

11. Caucasian Ovcharka

This large Caucasian shepherd dog is mainly found in areas around the Caucasus Mountains. You find it mostly in Georgia but also in Azerbaijan and Russia. It was widely used during the Soviet Union as a guard dog for livestock.

Ideally, you would only raise this dog if you live in the mountains yourself. The wide-open space and the cool temperature is perfect for its thick coat. This dog is also highly intelligent and it detects the main predators your livestock can have. It fights bears, wolves, and jackals in its native region.

Reaching heights of over 70cm, this dog can also be considered as a guard dog or as an all-around-dog for your backyard or large garden. It doesn’t mind snow and it can be a guard dog even during the winter when most other animals tend to hide for comfort. This dog also lives long with a lifespan of up to 12 years.

12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier dogs come from England and they are the 6th most popular dog species in the UK. Over 11.000 thousand Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are registered each year in the UK alone. So what makes this small breed so popular?

The Cavalier is one of the friendliest dogs in the British Isles and this makes it an excellent choice for families with kids. It has a playful personality that kids love and it can be an excellent companion for children as they grow.

The dog is recognized by its long hanging ears it can also be easily carried when traveling due to its reduced size. Its biggest advantages such as friendliness are also its biggest disadvantages. It tends to chase all types of objects, pets, and even cars. This is why you need to keep an eye on the dog when walking it in public to keep it away from the traffic.

Originally, the dog was used as a retriever in hunting. It still has these qualities as it’s very eager to please. You can train it for hunting from a young age, especially under a single owner as it tends to form strong bonds from an early age.

13. Central Asian Ovtcharka

This large dog breed reaches a height of up to 70cm in males and up to 65cm in females. You can find it in areas of central Asia such as Turkmenistan where it’s also a national dog. A statue of this dog has also been recently erected.

This dog has been used to protect livestock. Its numbers diminished in the early days of the Soviet Union but they’re now considered stable. The Soviet Union pioneered a few studies on useful dogs for its growing military force and the Central Asian Ovtcharka is among them. This dog was imported heavily for the Soviet army and it led to its diminishing numbers. However, you can still find the breed on various Central Asian farms as well as a guard dog in many homes.

Large, friendly, but also aggressive, this breed has also been used in dog fights. Today, you can get one to guard your home in white, black, and various other coat colors.

14. Cesky Terrier

The Cesky Terrier was the result of crossbreeding the Sealyham and the Scottish Terriers. Born in Czechoslovakia, this dog breed was the result of extensive personal research into a new breeding dog, suitable for the region of Bohemia.

The dog became a success and it gained international recognition both in the US and in Europe. It’s mainly recommended for adults or the elderly who love terriers as it’s a bit more clam than other similar dog breeds. It won’t be the best breed for families with kids as it doesn’t like hyperactivity.

As a house dog, it can be a good companion. Friendly and calm, this dog breed is a top choice if you’re interested in a domesticated dog. It rarely suffers from aggression and a Cesky Terries with aggressive behavior can never be recognized as competition-worthy.

15. Chart Polski

If you’re an active person looking for an active dog, the Chart Polski is one of the top dog breeds you can consider. This do-it-all athletic greyhound is the top choice if you love athletic greyhounds but when you need a guard dog as well. It’s one of the few greyhound breeds that’s highly territorial which makes them top guard dogs impossible to outrun.

Tall and skinny, this dog can reach heights of up to 80cm. However, it will become destructive if deprived of daily activity and exercise. It was used as a hunting dog initially where it had trouble keeping up with the horses. But joggers or long-distance runners also love the dog as it easily keeps up with the daily training routine. This dog is also special as it has a very long history with some of its first historic mentions being recorded in the 13th century.

16. Chihuahua

The small Chihuahua dog breed is one of the most popular in the world. Named after a region of Mexico, this small dog breed is one of the friendlies you can count on today. Seen in a dense or long coat, this dog breed is generally fragile due to its reduced size. It’s also largely incapable of defending itself in direct contact with other dog breeds.

However, this small dog breed is one of the most intelligent if properly raised. It needs medical attention as it’s vulnerable to certain health conditions. However, in homes with adults where there are no kids to run around, this small dog tends to get very close to a single person. At any given point, it can become very defensive when it feels its owner is in danger. This small dog also loves to hide around the house as it feels insecure due to its small size. If you love dogs that don’t walk too much and that are also loyal, this breed can be hard to replace especially as it gets so much celebrity media coverage.

17. Chinese Crested

Officially recognized in 1987, the Chinese Crested dog is easy to recognize with its hairless look. This dog looks like few others as it only has hair on its head and on its tail. These parts of the body are recognized for their long hair which does require a bit of grooming. This is why these dogs are popular at grooming shows.

Their history is interesting and there’s supportive evidence to show they actually come from Africa. However, large-scale breeding took place in China and this is where they get their names from. These dogs have largely been used ad ratters on Chinese trade ships and this is one of their few qualities that gets exploited today. Due to their predisposition to certain health conditions, you need to plan your Chinese Crested purchase in advance by discussing your plan with your vet.

18. Chinese Shar-Pei

Shar-Pei is a Chinese medium-sized short coat dog breed. Popular across the world, this dog species became almost extinct a while back in the 20th century. Largely used for dog fights in Southern China, this dog species were going extinct. Considerable efforts were made by North American dog lovers to smuggle these dogs out of the country to save their species. The efforts of the Americans paid off but at a high cost.

Since the Shar-Pei dogs eventually made it to the US, dog lovers rushed to breed these dogs. This led to mutations such as different looks and the development of certain health problems. To this day, the Chinese Shar-Pei is one of the dogs with the most health problems such as certain eye conditions.

However, people still love these dogs all over the world. If you have access to a good veterinary clinic, you can also get this breed yourself. Loyal, intelligent, and elegant, this dog can still be a great companion if you know what type of health conditions you can expect it to suffer from.

19. Chinook

Developed in the US, the Chinook dog is the official dog of New Hampshire. This dog has been specifically developed to become an efficient sled puller. However, this role of the breed has been largely forgotten today. Unlike other sled dogs, the Chinook rarely sees a sleigh today.

However, the Chinook is still very popular based on its friendliness and calm temperament. If you have kids, the Chinook can be a top breed to consider, especially since it has proven itself with kids time and time again.

Small but well built, this medium-sized breed has a distinct gold-red coat. Its health problems are typically hereditary such as with most other breeds. Epilepsy is one of the main causes of concern with this breed.

20. Chippiparai

Chippiparai dogs are some of the most interesting in India. The country is known for multiple dog species that resemble it and almost all of them have been created for hunting. This is also the case of the Cippiparai dog which has been made to hunt hare, a local species of rabbit.

The dog breed has developed in time to a companion and sniffing dog. Almost nobody uses it for hunting anymore, even in India. This is why the dog has been retrained due to its versatility mainly as a police dog. It can attack and sniff out whatever it is trained for. Reaching a maximum height of 63cm, this dog is also highly versatile when it comes to overall athleticism. If you love sports and the outdoors, it can be a good companion to take with you when leaving the house.

21. Chizer

Chizers aren’t pure breed dogs, but they are distinguishable. These dogs are a mix between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Chihuahua. This small breed dog looks more like a Miniature Schnauzer, however. Its temperament is inherited from these 2 large species.

On one hand, it has a friendly character, highly recommended for families with kids. It tends to be a playful dog. On the other hand, it can become highly territorial and it will recognize strangers in the house immediately.

The species is known for its barking. You might consider it for your small home or apartment but you might also be interested in the dog if you don’t like long walks as it tends to get tired rather quickly.

22. Chorkie

A Chorkie isn’t a pure breed dog either. It’s a cross between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier. The dog looks more like a Chihuahua and it even resembles the German Shepherd in colors. The toy breed is mainly seen as a house pet as it rarely feels good when left outdoors in the cold.

This small breed also needs plenty of attention. Unlike other dogs, you can’t simply leave it unsupervised for too long. Highly affectionate, the crossbred is usually the closest to the person feeding and playing with it from the house. It might also play with other house members, but it still feels the closest to a single person. It might not be the best choice for families with kids where it’s simply too small to keep up with the high energy level of children.

23. Chow Chow

Chow Chows originates in China. This small breed dog is very popular and distinct due to its double coat. This is also what requires more grooming work than on other species. If you have time to invest in dog grooming, Chow Chow can be one of those species that looks exactly like those in dog magazines.

As a small breed, these dogs aren’t particularly active. They are routinely seen in homes and apartments. They are known to be friendly and they can make great dogs for families, couples, or singles.

However, overly aggressive or overly calm temperament Chow Chows aren’t accepted. They can become overly aggressive in time if they aren’t raised properly. To prevent these dogs from such problems, it’s best to socialize them from an early age with walks to the park and by meeting other dogs. In terms of health, eye problems seem to prevail in Chow Chows. Glaucoma is one of the eye conditions routinely seen in this breed.

24. Clumber Spaniel

Clumber Spaniels come from the UK. They are considered a pure breed species, but one with problems. This big white dog is known for snoring and for having the innate need to carry objects. As a result, it can be seen around the yard carrying various objects all the time.

It gets its name from the beautiful Clumber Park in England and it has been seen as a top choice for hunting in difficult conditions. Englishmen have used it to hunt uphill or in dense forests. In time, dense forests disappeared in the UK and the dog was left without its main objective or playground.

Today, the dog is considered very friendly and a good house pet. However, it’s not the dog to get if you’re active every day. The species can even seem sedated at the time just preferred to sit all day when it’s not carrying any objects around the house.

25. Cockalier

Cockaliers are a mixed breed between the Cavalier King Charles British Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel. This dog is one of the best species to consider if you live in the countryside or in a small city home. It’s known to be extremely affectionate and it might even be a good gift for a dog lover.

Known for its long ears inherited from the Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier species, the Cockalier is also a very good choice for kids. Girls tend to love this dog as it rarely leaves the sight of the owner and its affectionate nature also makes it a very good choice for holiday time when you also don’t need to chase it down as it will stay next to you.

26. Collie

Collies are some of the most intelligent outdoor-loving dogs you can find. There are many specific variations such as the Australian Collie or the German Collie. However, this dog species is believed to come from Northern England and Scotland. It’s here that the breed has been successfully used to herd sheep and other livestock.

You can consider a collie for your home if you live in the countryside as the dog needs plenty of space and care due to its long hair. You would also benefit from having an active lifestyle and taking the dog with you.

Smart and friendly, this dog is believed to understand human emotions a bit better than the average dog. It is believed it understands human joy and human sadness and it can be an excellent companion, especially if you work outdoors next to it.

Rough Collies are a species of collies that have been seen on TV. The show Lassie features a Rough Collie and it encompasses what this species is all about. This type of collie is friendly and intelligent, rarely aggressive.

You can rely on Rough Collies to keep an eye on your kids while away from home. Many know that those living in the countryside simply can’t keep an eye on their kids all the time and this is why such a good guard dog can be a friendly option if you love collies.

27. Cotonese

The Cotonese dog species is a mix between the Coton de Tulear and Maltese. This makes it quite difficult to figure out which personality traits are going to show the most.

However, both of these dog species are known for their high energy and friendliness. One of these characteristics is going to dominate this dog the most.

Small, white, and fluffy, the dog is an excellent choice for those with families looking to have a pet to play with both indoors and outdoors. Most people raise it indoors, however.

One of the best parts about the Cotonese is just how well it gets along with other animals. If you live on a farm with chicken, lamb, and horses, it can be a good choice as well as it never gets into conflicts with other animals.

28. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear dog breed is one of the most interesting in the world. Its origins are worthy of a Hollywood movie. This dog species is rooted in a group of white cotton-like dogs that swam to the island of Madagascar and the city of Tulear following a shipwreck. They bred here and they became what we now know as the Coton de Tulear.

It is believed this dog species came to Madagascar from pirate ships which were often seen on this pirate route close to the island. It probably mated with a type of local dog. Today, the Coton de Tulear is the official dog of Madagascar.

This small dog species is perfect if you’re an active person. Highly energetic in the evening, it can be a good species to have in warm climates where you go on a walk or jogging in the evening as the temperature starts to drop.

Intelligent and friendly, this dog species can be understood as one of the top choices for families with kids. While it doesn’t bit, it can bark in case of danger quite a lot. This is why it will start barking during the night when it feels something isn’t quite right.

Some even say it resembles Bichons. If you like these types of small white dogs such as Tenerife Bichons but you want something different but still friendly, the Coton de Tulear seems like the right choice.

29. Croatian Sheepdog

It can be difficult to find a good dog breed that is active, intelligent, and does not have a high risk for diseases. The Croatian Sheepdog is the exception as it’s quite unpretentious and generally healthy. This dog has been around since the 13th century and it tends to impress with its overall resilience and love of the outdoors.

Throughout its long history, it has helped Croatian shepherds with their livestock. Today, it is used to gather cattle but it has been used with sheep and even with pigs. There is historic evidence to show this dog used to drive pigs to shelter during the autumn months in the past.

Nobody knows what makes this dog so good at herding. But some Croatian Sheepdog owners say this dog even distinguishes between different herds and it can recognize a vocal command which may include herding a smaller part of the livestock. Intelligent and hard to spot during the night due to its black coat, this dog is a top choice for the countryside where it tends to cover large areas fast.

30. Curly Coated Retriever

Curly Coated Retrievers have been very popular in the past. They come from England where they have been used as retrievers for upland or waterfowl hunting. Continuous pressure on bird hunting made this sport quite rare around the world and especially in England.

But you can still get a Curly Coated Retriever if you love to exercise. Friendly and eager to please, this curly dog will become depressed or aggressive when it doesn’t get enough daily exercise. You need to be aware that it has been planned like a very active dog that tackles the elements. From bushes to rivers, it’s ready for action at any moment.

Flyball is one of the preferred games of the dog breed in the absence of retrieving an actual bird. This is why you either need a large backyard or a nearby park to play with it constantly.

The good news is that if you check these boxes, this can be a good dog to own for a long time as a pet friendly, just like a Labrador.

Curly coated retrievers live at least 9 years. But there are plenty of dogs from the breed that live up to 14 years which makes them some of the best dogs for a high lifespan. They can also be an excellent choice for kids who can grow up playing outdoors with this dog for years. When it reaches adulthood, this species can be quite large. Some of its males have even reached heights of 69cm.