Are you thinking of getting a dog? Do you like the letter C? If the answer is yes to both of these questions, consider looking at this list of the dog breeds that start with C. There are hundreds of dog breeds out there — each with their own personalities, temperament, and characteristics.
When it comes to the letter C, there are 44 breeds, from the Cairn Terrier to Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. Some of these are official breeds registered with the AKC and others are mixes. Let’s take a look at the comprehensive list of the dog breeds that start with C.
1. Cairn Terrier
- Traits: Hardy, spirited, and alert
- Origin: Scotland
- Description: The Cairn Terrier is a small, sturdy dog with a shaggy, weather-resistant coat. They were originally bred to hunt vermin in the Scottish Highlands and are curious and enjoy digging.
2. Canaan Dog
- Traits: Alert, confident, and intelligent
- Origin: Israel
- Description: The Canaan Dog is an ancient breed that has survived in the wild for many centuries. They are known for their intelligence, versatility, and strong survival instincts — making them excellent watchdogs.
3. Canadian Eskimo Dog
- Traits: Loyal, strong, and hardworking
- Origin: Canada
- Description: The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a powerful sled dog known for its strength and endurance. They are loyal, but require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

4. Cane Corso
- Traits: Loyal, protective, and confident
- Origin: Italy
- Description: Cane Corsos were historically used as guard dogs and hunters. They have a powerful build, are highly intelligent and protective, making them excellent watchdogs.
5. Carolina Dog
- Traits: Reserved, independent, and loyal
- Origin: United States
- Description: Also known as the American Dingo, the Carolina Dog is an ancient breed that was discovered in the wild in the Southeastern United States. They are known for their strong pack instincts, independence, and adaptability.
6. Catahoula Bulldog
- Traits: Energetic, loyal, and protective
- Origin: United States
- Description: A mix between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the American Bulldog, the Catahoula Bulldog is loyal and protective, often used for herding, hunting, and guarding.
7. Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Traits: Energetic, independent, and protective.
- Origin: United States.
- Description: The Catahoula Leopard Dog is known for its striking coat patterns and strong herding instincts. They are loyal family protectors and require an active owner.
8. Catalan Sheepdog
- Traits: Intelligent, lively, and loyal
- Origin: Spain
- Description: The Catalan Sheepdog is a medium-sized herding dog with a long, shaggy coat. They are intelligent, loyal, and versatile, often used for herding in the Pyrenees.
9. Caucasian Mountain Dog (Shepherd)
- Traits: Fearless, protective, and loyal
- Origin: Caucasus region (Russia, Georgia, Armenia)
- Description: Also known as the Caucasian Shepherd, this breed is a large, powerful livestock guardian dog. They are fearless, protective, and highly independent, requiring an experienced owner.
10. Cava Tzu
- Traits: Affectionate, playful, and gentle
- Origin: United States
- Description: A mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Shih Tzu, the Cava Tzu is a small, friendly dog known for its affectionate nature. They are great with children and other pets.
11. Cavador
- Traits: Friendly, loyal, and energetic
- Origin: Australia
- Description: A hybrid between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever, the Cavador is a medium-sized dog with a friendly and energetic personality, but requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Traits: Affectionate, gentle, and friendly
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Description: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small and elegant, known for their expressive eyes and silky coats. They are friendly, affectionate, great with children, and often form strong bonds with their families.
13. Cavapoo
- Traits: Friendly, affectionate, and intelligent
- Origin: Australia
- Description: A crossbreed between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, Cavapoos are known for their friendly and playful nature. They are often hypoallergenic and make excellent family pets.
14. Cesky Fousek
- Traits: Versatile, intelligent, and loyal
- Origin: Czech Republic
- Description: The Cesky Fousek is a versatile hunting dog known for its endurance and adaptability. They are loyal and form strong bonds with their families, making them great companions, as well as working dogs.
15. Cesky Terrier
- Traits: Reserved, intelligent, and agile
- Origin: Czech Republic
- Description: A rare breed with a long, soft coat, the Cesky Terrier is a small, sturdy dog originally bred for hunting in the forests. They are highly loyal and affectionate with their families.
16. Cheagle
- Traits: Energetic, curious, and affectionate
- Origin: United States
- Description: A mix between a Chihuahua and a Beagle, the Cheagle is an energetic and curious dog with a strong sense of smell. They are also affectionate and social.
17. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Traits: Courageous, intelligent, and versatile
- Origin: United States
- Description: Bred to retrieve waterfowl in the rough, icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, these dogs are strong, with a dense, waterproof coat. They are also loyal, intelligent, and have an independent streak.
18. Chi Chi
- Traits: Playful, friendly, and affectionate
- Origin: United States
- Description: A hybrid breed between a Chihuahua and a Chinese Crested Dog, the Chi Chi is a small, playful dog that is known for its affectionate nature.
19. Chihuahua
- Traits: Bold, lively, and affectionate
- Origin: Mexico
- Description: The smallest dog breed, Chihuahuas are known for their big personalities. They are loyal, often forming strong bonds with one person, and are popular as companion dogs.
20. Chihuahua Mix
- Traits: Varies depending on the mix but often includes being lively, affectionate, and intelligent
- Origin: Varies depending on the mix
- Description: Chihuahua mixes can vary greatly in appearance and temperament, depending on the other breed involved. However, they often retain the Chihuahua’s bold personality and affectionate nature.
21. Chinese Crested Dog
- Traits: Affectionate, lively, and alert
- Origin: China
- Description: The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: Hairless and Powderpuff. The Hairless variety has smooth skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and feet, while the Powderpuff has a full coat. They are affectionate and great companion animals.
22. Chinese Shar-Pei
- Traits: Independent, loyal, and reserved
- Origin: China
- Description: The Chinese Shar-Pei is known for its wrinkled skin and distinctive “hippopotamus” face. They are independent and can be aloof with strangers, but are loyal and protective of their families.
23. Chinook
- Traits: Friendly, patient, and intelligent
- Origin: United States
- Description: Originally bred for sled dog racing, the Chinook is a rare breed known for its strength and endurance. They are friendly and good with children, and they also thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of family activities.
24. Chipit
- Traits: Energetic, loyal, and intelligent
- Origin: United States
- Description: A hybrid between a Chihuahua and an American Pit Bull Terrier, the Chipit is a small, muscular dog with a strong, energetic personality. They are loyal and protective, making them good watchdogs and companions for active owners.
25. Chipoo
- Traits: Lively, affectionate, and intelligent
- Origin: United States
- Description: A cross between a Chihuahua and a Poodle, the Chipoo is a small, intelligent dog with a lively personality. They are often hypoallergenic and make great companions for families, especially those living in apartments.
26. Chiweenie
- Traits: Lively, affectionate, and playful
- Origin: United States
- Description: A mix between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, the Chiweenie is a small dog with a big personality. They are affectionate and loyal, and their size and temperament make them well-suited for apartment living.
27. Chorkie
- Traits: Energetic, affectionate, and playful
- Origin: United States
- Description: A hybrid between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier, the Chorkie is a small, energetic dog known for its lively personality and affectionate nature. They are great companion animals and do well in apartments due to their small size.
28. Chow Chow
- Traits: Dignified, loyal, and independent
- Origin: China
- Description: Known for their lion-like mane and blue-black tongue, Chow Chows are loyal to their families but can be aloof with strangers. They require consistent training and socialization to be well-adjusted dogs.
29. Chow Shepherd
- Traits: Protective, loyal, and intelligent
- Origin: United States
- Description: A mix between a Chow Chow and a German Shepherd, the Chow Shepherd is a large, powerful dog known for its loyalty and protective nature. They are intelligent and require consistent training and socialization. They also make excellent watchdogs.
30. Chusky
- Traits: Loyal, energetic, and intelligent
- Origin: United States
- Description: A mix between a Chow Chow and a Siberian Husky, the Chusky is a large, energetic dog with a thick coat. They are loyal and protective, but require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
31. Clumber Spaniel
- Traits: Gentle, loyal, and laid back
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Description: The Clumber Spaniel is a large, heavy-boned spaniel known for its gentle and laid-back nature. They are loyal and affectionate with their families, making them excellent companions.
32. Cockalier
- Traits: Affectionate, gentle, and friendly
- Origin: United States
- Description: A mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Cockalier is a sweet-natured dog that is great with children and makes a wonderful family pet. They are also affectionate and easygoing.
33. Cockapoo
- Traits: Affectionate, friendly, and intelligent
- Origin: United States
- Description: A crossbreed between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, Cockapoos are known for their sweet nature and hypoallergenic coats. They are great with families, adapt well to various living situations, and are easy to train.
34. Cocker Spaniel
- Traits: Affectionate, gentle, and cheerful
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Description: Known for their long, silky ears and sweet expression, Cocker Spaniels are cheerful, friendly dogs. They are also great with children and make excellent family pets.
35. Collie
- Traits: Loyal, intelligent, and gentle
- Origin: Scotland
- Description: Known for their loyalty and intelligence, Collies are excellent family dogs. They are gentle with children and have a strong herding instinct. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, and they are often used as therapy or assistance dogs.
36. Comfort Retriever
- Traits: Friendly, intelligent, and affectionate
- Origin: United States
- Description: A mix between a Golden Retriever and a Cocker Spaniel, the Comfort Retriever is a smaller version of the Golden Retriever. They are friendly and loving, and are also great for families or individuals looking for a smaller companion.
37. Corgidor
- Traits: Loyal, friendly, and energetic
- Origin: United States
- Description: A cross between a Corgi and a Labrador Retriever, the Corgidor is a medium-sized dog with a friendly and energetic personality. They are also great with families and other pets, but require regular exercise to stay happy.
38. Corgipoo
- Traits: Intelligent, playful, and affectionate
- Origin: United States
- Description: A mix between a Corgi and a Poodle, the Corgipoo is a small, intelligent dog known for its playful and affectionate nature. They are also hypoallergenic and make great companions, especially for those living in smaller spaces.
39. Corkie
- Traits: Energetic, playful, and affectionate
- Origin: United States
- Description: A hybrid between a Cocker Spaniel and a Yorkshire Terrier, the Corkie is a small, energetic dog with a playful and affectionate personality. They are great for families and adapt well to different living environments.
40. Corman Shepherd
- Traits: Loyal, protective, and intelligent
- Origin: United States
- Description: A mix between a Corgi and a German Shepherd, the Corman Shepherd is a medium-sized dog known for its loyalty and protective nature. They are intelligent and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
41. Coton de Tulear
- Traits: Playful, affectionate, and friendly
- Origin: Madagascar
- Description: The Coton de Tulear is known for its playful and affectionate nature with a cotton-like coat. They are great with children and other pets.
42. Croatian Sheepdog
- Traits: Energetic, intelligent, and loyal
- Origin: Croatia
- Description: The Croatian Sheepdog is known for its agility and intelligence. They are loyal and form strong bonds with their owners.
43. Curly Coated Retriever
- Traits: Intelligent, confident, and versatile
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Description: The Curly Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds, known for its distinctive curly coat. They are confident and independent, but also make affectionate companions.
44. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
- Traits: Loyal, active, and intelligent
- Origin: Czech Republic and Slovakia
- Description: Originally bred as a military working dog, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a wolf-like breed known for its endurance and versatility. They are highly active and require an experienced owner.