Dog Breeds That Start with M: Full List

Are you thinking of getting a dog? Does your name start with M and love that letter? If the answer is yes to all three of these questions, consider looking at this list of the dog breeds that start with M.

There are hundreds of dog breeds out there — each with their own personalities, temperament, and characteristics. When it comes to the letter M, there are 23 dogs that start with that letter, from Mackensize River Huskys to Mountain Curs.

Some of these are official breeds registered with the AKC and others are mixes. Let’s take a look at the full list of the dog breeds that start with M.

Let’s take a look at the full list of the dog breeds that start with M.

1. Mackenzie River Husky

• Traits: Hardy, resilient, loyal, and powerful
• Origin: Canada (Yukon and Northwest Territories)
• Lifespan: 12-14 years

The Mackenzie River Husky were originally bred to be sled dogs in the Yukon and Northwest Territories and often used for freight hauling and long-distance sledding. This dog breed is usually a mix of the Alaskan Husky and other northern working dogs. They are known for their incredible stamina, where they thrive in harsh, cold environments and excel in endurance work. They have thick double coats, and they are quite loyal to their owners.

2. Magyar Agár (Hungarian Greyhound)

• Traits: Agile, fast, loyal, and reserved
• Origin: Hungary
• Lifespan: 12-14 years

The Magyar Agár, also called the Hungarian Greyhound, is a centuries-old sighthound commonly used for hunting. Unlike typical Greyhounds, this breed has a more robust and muscular build, which makes them not only swift but also durable over long distances. They are calm and gentle with their family, but they can be a tad reserved around strangers. Their loyalty and focus also make them excellent hunters and family companions.

3. Mahratta Hound

• Traits: Agile, independent, and tenacious
• Origin: India (Maharashtra region)
• Lifespan: 10-12 years

The Mahratta Hound is a rare sighthound breed from the Maharashtra region of India. It was traditionally used for hunting small game, like hare and wild boar. They are lean and muscular, with incredible speed and agility. These dogs are somewhat aloof but form strong bonds with their owners. They require minimal grooming but need plenty of space and exercise because of their high energy levels.

4. Majorca Shepherd Dog (Ca de Bestiar)

• Traits: Brave, loyal, protective, and intelligent
• Origin: Balearic Islands, Spain
• Lifespan: 10-13 years

The Ca de Bestiar, or Majorca Shepherd Dog, is a black-coated herding breed from the Balearic Islands. It was originally bred for working livestock, particularly sheep. This dog is both a fearless guardian and an adept herder. They are very intelligent, which allows them to make decisions independently when managing flocks. These dogs are loyal and protective of their family. Their black coat is short, dense, and weather-resistant.

5. Maltese

• Traits: Affectionate, playful, elegant, and gentle
• Origin: Malta
• Lifespan: 12-15 years

The Maltese is an ancient toy breed known for its striking white, silky coat. It has been a beloved companion dog for thousands of years, especially among royalty. The Maltese is a lively, confident, and affectionate dog. They are excellent lap dogs, too. Maltese are hypoallergenic and require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coat. These dogs are gentle with children and other pets, making them great companions for families.

6. Manchester Terrier

• Traits: Alert, energetic, loyal, and intelligent
• Origin: England
• Lifespan: 14-16 years

The Manchester Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, originally bred for ratting and rabbit hunting. This dog has a sleek, muscular build with a distinct black and tan coat. It is known for its intelligence. The Manchester Terrier is quick to learn and eager to please, great for obedience training. These dogs are loyal to their families, but can be wary of strangers. They also need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.

7. Maneto

• Traits: Brave, energetic, agile, and independent
• Origin: Spain
• Lifespan: 12-14 years

The Maneto is a small, short-legged breed originally used for hunting in southern Spain. Its body is elongated, and its legs are short, similar to the Dachshund. It has a keen hunting instinct, particularly for small game like rabbits. Despite its small size, the Maneto is fearless and tenacious, with plenty of energy and determination. It forms strong bonds with its owner and is known to be loyal and affectionate.

8. Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog (Maremma Sheepdog)

• Traits: Loyal, independent, protective, and calm
• Origin: Italy (Maremma and Abruzzo regions)
• Lifespan: 11-13 years

The Maremma Sheepdog has been guarding livestock in Italy for centuries. It is a large, white, strong dog with a thick, weather-resistant coat. Originally bred to work independently in remote and rugged environments, the Maremma is extremely loyal and protective of its flock. However, it can be standoffish or even suspicious of strangers. These dogs have a calm and stoic demeanor, but it will spring into action if it senses danger. They are not overly affectionate but are deeply bonded to their owners.

9. Markiesje

• Traits: Friendly, energetic, affectionate, and playful
• Origin: Netherlands
• Lifespan: 13-15 years

The Markiesje is a rare Dutch breed that is considered a companion dog. It is known for its elegance and friendly nature. These dogs have a silky black coat with white markings and are known for being good with children and other animals. The Markiesje is also an active and agile dog. They can be great companions because they can be quite affectionate, but also independent.

10. McNab

• Traits: Intelligent, agile, hardworking, and loyal
• Origin: USA (California)
• Lifespan: 13-15 years

Originally bred for the rugged terrain of Northern California, the McNab is a herding dog known for its versatility and work ethic. Unlike traditional Border Collies, McNabs are more independent and adaptable to various tasks, which is why they mostly are ranch or farm dogs. They have a short coat and are highly athletic, requiring plenty of exercise and stimulation. McNabs are also loyal and form close bonds with their owners.

11. Miniature American Shepherd

• Traits: Intelligent, energetic, loyal, and trainable
• Origin: USA
• Lifespan: 12-15 years

A smaller version of the Australian Shepherd, the Miniature American Shepherd is just as intelligent and agile. It was originally bred for herding smaller livestock, like sheep, but today they have gained popularity as a family companion and agility competitor. These dogs are super intelligent and easy to train. They thrive in active households where there are plenty of physical and mental challenges. The breed is loyal and forms strong attachments to its owners.

12. Miniature Bull Terrier

• Traits: Courageous, energetic, playful, and tenacious
• Origin: England
• Lifespan: 11-14 years

A smaller version of the Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier also has the same bold and lively personality. With its characteristic egg-shaped head, the Miniature Bull Terrier is full of energy and requires plenty of exercise. It is also playful and affectionate with its family, but can sometimes be stubborn.

13. Miniature Fox Terrier

• Traits: Alert, active, loyal, and energetic
• Origin: Australia
• Lifespan: 12-14 years

The Miniature Fox Terrier is a small, highly energetic breed originally bred for hunting and pest control. Because of its small size, they are agile and fast and able to chase small animals well. They also have a big personality, being both brave and assertive. It is a loving and loyal family dog, but thrives on having a job to do like hunting, guarding, or playing.

14. Miniature Pinscher

• Traits: Fearless, energetic, independent, and curious
• Origin: Germany
• Lifespan: 12-15 years

Often referred to as the “King of Toys,” the Miniature Pinscher is a spirited, confident, and assertive little dog. With a sleek and muscular body, this breed is full of energy and has a bold personality. Despite its independent streak, the Miniature Pinscher is devoted to its family and requires firm training to manage its feisty nature. It is often mistaken for a smaller Doberman but has its origins as a ratter.

15. Miniature Schnauzer

• Traits: Friendly, intelligent, alert, and spirited
• Origin: Germany
• Lifespan: 12-15 years

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, robust terrier breed known for its beard and wiry coat. Originally bred to catch rats, the breed is now one of the most popular companion dogs because of its lively temperament and friendly nature. It is highly intelligent and trainable. It also has a strong personality, which makes it both a great watchdog and a playful family pet.

16. Molossus of Epirus

• Traits: Brave, strong, protective, and loyal
• Origin: Greece
• Lifespan: 10-12 years

The Molossus of Epirus is an ancient breed that was used by the Greeks for protection and warfare. This large, powerful dog has a strong guardian instinct and is known for its courage and loyalty. The breed has a muscular build and is fearless in the face of threats, which makes it an ideal guard dog. Even though it is a protective dog, it is gentle and affectionate with its family.

17. Mongrel (Mixed Breed)

• Traits: Varies based on the mix; often adaptable, loyal, and hardy
• Origin: Global (not breed-specific)
• Lifespan: Varies; typically 10-15 years

A mongrel, or mixed-breed dog, doesn’t belong to any specific breed and can have a wide range of traits depending on its ancestry. Mixed-breed dogs are usually adaptable, resilient, and tend to have fewer genetic health issues than purebreds. Their temperaments can also vary widely, but are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature.

18. Montenegrin Mountain Hound

• Traits: Hardy, brave, independent, and determined
• Origin: Montenegro
• Lifespan: 11-14 years

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound is a medium-sized, strong, and agile hunting dog native to the rugged, mountainous regions of Montenegro. It has a short, smooth coat that is typically black with tan markings. This breed is known for its keen sense of smell and endurance, which is why it was often used for tracking large game. These dogs are very loyal to their owners.

19. Moscow Watchdog

• Traits: Loyal, protective, strong, and calm
• Origin: Russia
• Lifespan: 9-11 years

A large, powerful breed originally bred in Russia, it is a mix between Saint Bernards and Caucasian Shepherds. The Moscow Watchdog is a dedicated guardian breed that is known to be protective, but also calm and loyal. The breed was originally used to guard property and livestock, and its imposing size and strength make it a formidable protector.

20. Mountain Cur

• Traits: Hardworking, loyal, determined, and protective
• Origin: USA (Southern Appalachians)
• Lifespan: 12-16 years

The Mountain Cur is a rugged American breed used for hunting and herding. This versatile dog is valued for its determination and tenacity when hunting game. It has a high prey drive, but is also loyal and protective of its family. Mountain Curs are intelligent, hardworking, and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

21. Mountain Feist

• Traits: Energetic, alert, intelligent, and independent
• Origin: USA (Southern Appalachian region)
• Lifespan: 10-15 years

The Mountain Feist is a small hunting dog known for being highly alert, energetic, and having a keen sense of smell. These dogs are quite fast and agile, and can be particularly good at navigating tough terrains. Although they are small dogs, the Mountain Feist is fearless and determined, making it an excellent hunting companion. They are also affectionate and form strong bonds with their family.

22. Mudhol Hound

• Traits: Agile, fast, loyal, and independent
• Origin: India
• Lifespan: 10-13 years

The Mudhol Hound, also known as the Caravan Hound, is an ancient sighthound from India. It is a lean, muscular dog built for speed and traditionally used for hunting game such as deer and hare. The breed is highly independent and reserved, but is also quite loyal and affectionate with its family. The Mudhol Hound requires a lot of exercise and thrives in active environments.

23. Mudi

• Traits: Intelligent, energetic, agile, and versatile
• Origin: Hungary
• Lifespan: 12-14 years

The Mudi is a herding dog known for its intelligence, agility, and energy. This rare breed excels at various tasks, including herding livestock, agility competitions, and obedience training. The Mudi is highly versatile and is a quick learner, which is why it is an excellent companion for active families or people who can provide it with plenty of mental and physical challenges. Its coat is wavy or curly, and it has a lively, inquisitive personality.