European Dog Breeds

While China may have domesticated the dog 15,000 years ago, Europe is famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) for dog breeding. This has led to countless breeds evolving, from the tiny Pomeranian to the large St. Bernard. Some of the rarer breeds are bit harder to find nowadays, like the Norwegian Lundehund and the Lagotto Romagnolo.

Most of these dogs were bred to act as guard dogs or for hunting. Nowadays, they are used as companions and even take part in shows.

European Dog Breeds

List of Dog Breeds from Europe

Austria

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Barak Hound

Bulgaria

  • Bulgarian Hound
  • Bulgarian Scenthound
  • Karakachan Dog

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

  • Estonian Hound

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Greenland

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Lithuania

  • Lithuanian Hound

Malta

Montenegro

  • Montenegrin Mountain Hound

The Netherlands

North Macedonia

  • Šarplaninac

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Slovakia

  • Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
  • Slovakian Rough-Haired Pointer
  • Slovenský Cuvac
  • Slovenský Kopov

Slovenia

Spain

  • Alano Español
  • Basque Shepherd Dog
  • Burgos Pointer
  • Ca Mè Mallorquí
  • Can de Chira
  • Can de Palleiro
  • Cantabrian Water Dog
  • Carea Castellano Manchego
  • Carea Leonés
  • Catalan Sheepdog
  • Erbi Txakur
  • Galgo Español
  • Ibizan Hound
  • Lobito Herreño
  • Maneto
  • Mastiffs
  • Pachón Navarro
  • Pastor Garafiano
  • Perdigueiro Galego
  • Perro de Pastor Mallorquin
  • Perro de Presa Mallorquin
  • Perro Majorero
  • Podenco Andaluz
  • Podenco Canario
  • Podenco Valenciano
  • Presa Canario
  • Pyrenean Mastiff
  • Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz
  • Ratonero Mallorquin
  • Ratonero Murciano
  • Ratonero Valenciano
  • Sabueso Español
  • Spanish Mastiff
  • Spanish Water Dog
  • Valdueza
  • Villano de Las Encartaciones
  • Villanuco de Las Encartaciones

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

  • Akbash
  • Aksaray Malaklisi
  • Kangal
  • Kars
  • Rize Koyun
  • Tonya Finosu
  • Zerdava

United Kingdom

European Dogs by Size

Large European Dog Breeds: Barbet, Basset Hound, Briard

Medium European Dog Breeds: German Shorthaired Pointer, Border Collie, Norwegian Elkhound

Small European Dog Breeds: Italian Greyhound, Papillon, Yorkshire Terrier

As the list indicates, many of these breeds come from France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. But the Soviet Union was also known for its dog breeds. However, it has become difficult to trace the exact country where a particular breed may have emerged after it collapsed.

FAQ’s

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Most early European dog breeds were developed for specific working purposes rather than for companionship. These roles primarily included hunting various types of game, guarding livestock and property, and herding. Their physical traits and temperaments were selectively bred over generations to excel in these demanding functional tasks.

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No, not all European dog breeds are easy to find, as some are considered quite rare. Breeds like the Norwegian Lundehund or the Lagotto Romagnolo are less common globally compared to more popular breeds. Their limited numbers can make locating a reputable breeder more challenging for prospective owners.

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Europe is the origin of many well-known large dog breeds, including the St. Bernard and the Dogue de Bordeaux. The St. Bernard, from the Swiss Alps, was bred for mountain rescue, while the Dogue de Bordeaux from France is a powerful mastiff-type originally used for guarding.

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The primary role of many European dog breeds has shifted significantly from work to companionship. While originally bred for functional tasks like hunting, herding, or guarding, the majority are now kept as family pets. Many also participate in conformation shows and dog sports, valued for their temperament.

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Croatia is the country of origin for several distinct dog breeds, most famously the Dalmatian. Other notable breeds developed in the region include the Croatian Sheepdog, the Istrian Coarse-haired Hound, the Posavac Hound, and the Tornjak, each bred for specific roles like herding or scent hunting.

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Yes, the French Bulldog is a European breed that was developed in France during the 19th century. Despite its lineage tracing back to English toy bulldogs, the breed’s distinct ‘bat ear’ look and modern standard were established in Paris, making it a recognized French and European breed.

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Austria is the country of origin for several distinct hound breeds developed for hunting in alpine terrain. These breeds were bred for their scenting ability and stamina. Key examples from the region include: * Alpine Dachsbracke * Austrian Black and Tan Hound * Styrian Coarse-haired Hound * Tyrolean Hound

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