Dog Breeds That Start with P: Complete Guide

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

There are so many dog breeds out there — each with their own personalities, sizes, temperament, and characteristics. When it comes to the letter P, there are 43 dogs that start with that letter, from Papillons to Pyrenean Shepherds. 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 P.

1. Papillon

• Traits: Intelligent, friendly, alert, energetic
• Origin: France

Known for its distinctive butterfly-like ears, the Papillon is a small toy breed with a big personality. They are also intelligent, quick learners, and are fantastic when it comes to agility and obedience competitions. Furthermore, the affectionate Papillons are active and enjoy outdoor activities.

2. Parson Russell Terrier

• Traits: Energetic, confident, independent, intelligent
• Origin: England

Originally bred for hunting foxes, the Parson Russell Terrier is a lively and energetic breed. They are intelligent and quick, requiring lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Their independent nature can make them a challenge to train, but they are loyal and affectionate with their family.

3. Parti Schnauzer

• Traits: Friendly, intelligent, energetic
• Origin: Germany (Parti refers to their multi-colored coats)

The Parti Schnauzer is a variation of the Schnauzer that features a striking multi-colored coat, usually white mixed with another color. Like other Schnauzers, they are friendly, intelligent, and energetic dogs.

4. Patterdale Terrier

• Traits: Fearless, energetic, independent, loyal
• Origin: England

Originally bred for hunting foxes and rabbits, the Patterdale Terrier is a small, sturdy, and tenacious dog. They are independent and fearless, but can also be affectionate and loyal to their owners.

5. Peagle

• Traits: Friendly, loyal, curious, playful
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A cross between a Pekingese and a Beagle, the Peagle combines the playful and curious nature of the Beagle with the loyalty and regal demeanor of the Pekingese. They make great family companions, but can be a bit stubborn.

6. Pekingese

• Traits: Dignified, independent, loyal, courageous
• Origin: China

The Pekingese was once the favored companion of Chinese royalty. They have distinctive flat faces and luxurious coats. These dogs are also independent and stubborn, but they are deeply loyal and protective of their family.

7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

• Traits: Friendly, intelligent, energetic, bold
• Origin: Wales

Known for their short legs and long bodies, Pembroke Welsh Corgis were originally bred for herding cattle. They are highly intelligent and energetic. Despite their small size, they are bold and brave, with a friendly and affectionate nature.

8. Perro De Presa Canario

• Traits: Powerful, loyal, protective, confident
• Origin: Canary Islands

The Perro de Presa Canario is a large, powerful breed originally used for guarding livestock. They are confident and protective, which is why they make excellent guard dogs. However, they require a strong and experienced owner who can provide consistent training and socialization.

9. Peruvian Inca Orchid

• Traits: Elegant, agile, intelligent, affectionate
• Origin: Peru

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a rare and ancient breed and usually hairless. These dogs date back to the Inca Empire. They are known for their agility and grace, as well as their affectionate and loyal nature.

10. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

• Traits: Friendly, curious, independent, energetic
• Origin: France

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) is a small scent hound originally bred for hunting small game like rabbits. They are energetic and curious, with a friendly nature. They also love to explore and are independent, but enjoy the company of their family.

11. Petite Goldendoodle

• Traits: Friendly, intelligent, energetic, affectionate
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A cross between a Goldendoodle and a smaller breed (like a Miniature Poodle), the Petite Goldendoodle is friendly and intelligent. They are also hypoallergenic, affectionate, and enjoy being around people, making them great family pets.

12. Pharaoh Hound

• Traits: Elegant, athletic, independent, affectionate
• Origin: Malta (though often associated with ancient Egypt)

Known for their sleek appearance and athleticism, the Pharaoh Hound is an ancient breed often linked to ancient Egypt. They are elegant and graceful, with a unique trait of blushing (their noses and ears turn pink when excited). Pharaoh Hounds are independent, but affectionate and loyal.

13. Picardy Spaniel

• Traits: Gentle, intelligent, calm, affectionate
• Origin: France

The Picardy Spaniel is a medium-sized, intelligent dog known for its calm and gentle nature. Originally bred for hunting, they are excellent companions in the home due to their affectionate and patient demeanor.

14. Pit Bull

• Traits: Strong, loyal, affectionate, determined
• Origin: USA

Often misunderstood due to negative stereotypes, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a loyal and affectionate dog when raised in a loving environment. They are strong and determined, but also require consistent training and socialization to bring out their best traits.

15. Pitador

• Traits: Loyal, friendly, energetic, strong.
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed).

A mix between a Pit Bull and a Labrador Retriever, the Pitador combines the strength and determination of the Pit Bull with the friendly and outgoing nature of the Labrador. They are loyal and energetic, making them excellent family companions.

16. Pitsky

• Traits: Energetic, intelligent, loyal, playful.
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed).

A cross between a Pit Bull and a Husky, the Pitsky is an energetic and playful dog. They inherit the strength and determination of the Pit Bull and the intelligence and independence of the Husky. Pitskies are loyal to their families, but require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

17. Plott Hound Mix

• Traits: Brave, intelligent, determined, loyal
• Origin: USA (North Carolina)

Plott Hound mixes can have a range of traits depending on the breed they are crossed with but tend to be intelligent, determined, and loyal to their owners. They are excellent hunting and tracking dogs, as well.

18. Plott Hound

• Traits: Brave, loyal, intelligent, determined
• Origin: USA (North Carolina)

The Plott Hound is North Carolina’s state dog and it’s known for its hunting abilities, especially in tracking wild boar. They are determined and brave, with an affectionate and loyal side to their family. They require lots of physical activity and mental stimulation to thrive.

19. Pocket Beagle

• Traits: Friendly, curious, energetic, playful
• Origin: England

A smaller version of the traditional Beagle, the Pocket Beagle has a friendly, curious, and energetic nature. They were once popular among English royalty for hunting and companionship. Pocket Beagles are great family pets because of their gentle and playful temperament.

20. Pocket Pitbull

• Traits: Strong, loyal, energetic, affectionate
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

The Pocket Pitbull is a smaller version of the American Pit Bull Terrier, typically achieved by crossing with a smaller breed like a Patterdale Terrier. They are energetic and affectionate, with the same strength and loyalty as a regular Pit Bull.

21. Podenco Canario

• Traits: Agile, independent, intelligent, determined
• Origin: Canary Islands

The Podenco Canario is a sleek, agile breed used for hunting in the Canary Islands. They are also independent and intelligent. Despite their hunting instincts, they can be affectionate and loyal with their families, but keep in mind they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

22. Pointer

• Traits: Energetic, intelligent, loyal, friendly
• Origin: England

The Pointer is a large, energetic dog breed known for its ability to “point” at game during hunting. They are intelligent and loyal, with a friendly nature that makes them great family pets. However, they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.

23. Pointer Mix

• Traits: Varies; often energetic, loyal, and intelligent
• Origin: Varies

A mix involving a Pointer breed, Pointer mixes can usually inherit the energetic and intelligent nature of the Pointer, combined with the traits of the other breed in the mix. They are often loyal, friendly, and make great companions.

24. Polish Lowland Sheepdog

• Traits: Intelligent, hardworking, loyal, independent
• Origin: Poland

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized herding dog known for its intelligence and independent nature. They are hardworking and excel at tasks like herding livestock, but are also affectionate and loyal companions. Their thick, shaggy coat requires regular grooming.

25. Polish Tatra Sheepdog

• Traits: Protective, calm, loyal, intelligent
• Origin: Poland

The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a large, calm, and protective breed traditionally used for guarding livestock. They are intelligent and independent, making them excellent working dogs. With their family, they are loyal and gentle, forming strong bonds with those they protect.

26. Pomapoo

• Traits: Playful, intelligent, affectionate, energetic
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A cross between a Pomeranian and a Poodle, the Pomapoo is a small, intelligent, and affectionate breed. They are playful and energetic. These often have hypoallergenic coats and are highly trainable.

27. Pomchi

• Traits: Bold, playful, affectionate, energetic
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A cross between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua, the Pomchi is a small dog that is playful and affectionate. They love forming strong bonds with their owners, but can have a bit of a stubborn streak.

28. Pomeagle

• Traits: Friendly, curious, energetic, loyal
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A mix between a Pomeranian and a Beagle, the Pomeagle is an energetic and curious dog that loves to explore. They are friendly and loyal, however, they can have a strong prey drive due to their Beagle heritage.

29. Pomeranian

• Traits: Playful, intelligent, confident, bold
• Origin: Germany/Poland (Pomerania region)

Pomeranians are small dogs with a lively personality. They are highly intelligent and can be trained easily, although they are independent creatures. Pomeranians are known for their fluffy coats and confident, outgoing nature.

30. Pomsky

• Traits: Energetic, playful, intelligent, independent
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky, the Pomsky combines the intelligence and playfulness of both breeds. They are energetic and require plenty of exercise, making them great for active owners. They are also quite independent and stubborn at times.

31. Poochon

• Traits: Friendly, intelligent, affectionate, playful
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A cross between a Poodle and a Bichon Frisé, the Poochon is a friendly and affectionate dog. They are intelligent and easy to train, often having hypoallergenic coats that make them suitable for people with allergies.

32. Poodle

• Traits: Intelligent, energetic, playful, versatile
• Origin: Germany/France

Poodles are known for their high intelligence and versatility. They even excel in obedience, agility, and various dog sports. They are also energetic and playful. Poodles come in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy — and are hypoallergenic, which makes them suitable for people with allergies.

33. Poogle

• Traits: Friendly, intelligent, playful, energetic
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A cross between a Poodle and a Beagle, the Poogle is an energetic and friendly dog that enjoys playing and exploring. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great companions for families or individuals looking for an active, affectionate dog.

34. Pudelpointer

• Traits: Energetic, intelligent, loyal, versatile
• Origin: Germany

The Pudelpointer is a versatile hunting dog that excels in both retrieving and pointing. They are intelligent and loyal, but can also tend to be energetic. This means they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

35. Pug

• Traits: Affectionate, playful, charming, loyal
• Origin: China

Pugs are small, sturdy dogs with a charming and affectionate personality. They are known for their wrinkled faces and curly tails. Pugs are loyal and love being around their family, but they are also prone to health issues like breathing problems due to their flat faces.

36. Pug Mix

• Traits: Varies, but often affectionate, playful, and loyal
• Origin: Varies

A Pug mix can have a variety of traits depending on the breed it’s crossed with. Pug mixes tend to retain the affectionate and playful nature of the Pug, with potential variations in size, coat type, and energy levels based on the other breed involved.

37. Pugapoo

• Traits: Affectionate, intelligent, playful, energetic
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A cross between a Pug and a Poodle, the Pugapoo combines the affectionate and playful nature of the Pug with the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. They are great companions that can adapt to both active and laid-back lifestyles.

38. Puggle

• Traits: Playful, friendly, affectionate, energetic
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

The Puggle is a cross between a Pug and a Beagle, combining the playful and friendly nature of both breeds. They are energetic and love to explore their surroundings. Puggles are also affectionate and enjoy being around people.

39. Pugshire

• Traits: Playful, affectionate, energetic, bold
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A mix between a Pug and a Yorkshire Terrier, the Pugshire is a small, playful, and affectionate dog. They are energetic and love to play, making them great companions for active owners or families. Pugshires are also quite loyal and love to be the center of attention.

40. Pumi

• Traits: Energetic, intelligent, playful, alert
• Origin: Hungary

The Pumi is a medium-sized herding dog known for its lively and energetic nature. They are intelligent and quick learners. Pumis are also playful and affectionate with their families, but require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.

41. Pyrador

• Traits: Loyal, protective, friendly, intelligent
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A cross between a Great Pyrenees and a Labrador Retriever, the Pyrador combines the loyalty and protectiveness of the Great Pyrenees with the friendly and outgoing nature of the Labrador Retriever. They are great family dogs known for their intelligence and affectionate nature.

42. Pyredoodle

• Traits: Loyal, intelligent, affectionate, protective
• Origin: USA (hybrid breed)

A cross between a Great Pyrenees and a Poodle, the Pyredoodle is an intelligent and loyal breed that often has a hypoallergenic coat. They are affectionate and protective dogs. Pyredoodles are also quite trainable and enjoy being around their families.

43. Pyrenean Shepherd

• Traits: Energetic, intelligent, loyal, hardworking
• Origin: France

The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small herding breed known for its intelligence and high energy. They are loyal and hardworking dogs. Pyrenean Shepherds are also full of energy and require plenty of exercise to stay happy.