Dog Breeds That Start With ‘C’: Which Is Your Favorite?

Are you looking for a dog breed that starts with the letter “C”?

Then you’ve come to the right place.

Different people have different reasons for wanting a dog breed that begins with a certain letter.

Perhaps you’re the Callaway family from Connecticut and you would like a Corgi because, well, alliterations are fun.

Or maybe “C” is your lucky letter and you are just certain that any dog breed that begins with the letter C is going to make the best pet.

Perhaps you’re reading this because you’re stuck on a crossword.

Whatever your reason, we are here to help!

Below is a complete list of all the recognized dog breeds that begin with the letter “C.”

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is first on our list because this list is alphabetized. Don’t worry. We aren’t pulling any favorites here.

However, the Cairn Terrier is a pretty awesome little pup.

Small but mighty, this Terrier type is described by the American Kennel Club as cheerful and busy.

He was bred in Scotland as a fox-hunting dog and does best in homes with families who are able to train him with love and patience.

He does better with older children than young ones or toddlers.

Canaan Dog

An ancient Israeli dog of medium height, the Canaan Dog was bred for guarding his pasture and home.

And while he does well in family settings and is passive with those he loves, he is often wary of strangers and even territorial if not properly trained and socialized at an early age.

This is a good dog for experienced owners who are prepared to utilize plenty of positive reinforcement, obedience training and socialization beginning in puppyhood.

Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is another breed on our list who was bred as a guard dog.

Refined in ancient Rome, this breed’s name literally translates to “bodyguard dog.”

The Cane Corso is highly trainable and eager to please, which is a good thing considering he is so big.

Like all breeds with guarding tendencies, the Cane Corso needs plenty of obedience training and early socialization to ensure he is an adaptable and well-rounded companion.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the oldest of the two Corgi breeds.

Bred for herding cattle, this ancient dog hails from Wales and is adored for his loving nature and intelligent mind.

This affectionate breed is also a great family dog when properly trained and socialized, although the American Kennel Club stresses obedience training and socialization consistently throughout his lifetime.

Carolina Dog

The Carolina Dog is a tough cookie to crack and makes his humans earn his loyalty and affection.

A sighthound, the Carolina Dog is a bred hunter with a reserved and somewhat suspicious nature.

He does best in homes with singles or couples, and may not have the tolerance needed for a home with children.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

With a look as unique as his name, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is known for his interesting, leopard-like spots and faithful, independent nature.

He has a fabulous work ethic but knows how to play once his day’s work is done.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Despite his fearless, protective nature, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog does well with family and other household pets.

This is a great choice for those who want an assertive guard dog and gentle companion with families.

Like all our breeds with guarding instincts, the Caucasian Shepherd should never be left unsupervised with children.

Train and socialize him well in puppyhood, to raise a confident, well-mannered dog.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the epitome of love.

A British dog to the bone, the Cavalier is both gentle and active.

This makes him a great choice for active families with youngsters and homes shared with other household pets.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

This is one of the largest dog breeds that start with C.

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is known for his bravery.

This confident dog is best suited for those with lots of experience and is not an ideal family pet due to his protective and independent nature.

Cesky Terrier

If you have ever wondered what the national dog of the Czech Republic was, then wonder no more.

Behold the Cesky Terrier.

This spunky little pooch makes for a great family pet due to his playful and mellow nature.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an all-American dog breed who was bred for duck hunting in the Mid-Atlantic.

With similar traits to the Golden Retriever, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever makes a wonderful family pet due to his high level of intelligence as well as his cheerful and affectionate character.

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is famously known for his large ego and little body.

The national dog of Mexico, Chihuahuas do best in homes where they are the apple of their owner’s eyes.

This means they prefer families with older or no children, and no other pets.

Chinese Crested

For those on the hunt for a head-turning breed, the Chinese Crested dog takes the cake.

Coming both hairless or coated, the Chinese Crested is known for his funky hairdo and often bald body.

Tiny and fragile, this sweet and playful pooch is best suited for homes with no children or older children who understand the importance of gentle play.

Chinese Shar-Pei

Hailing from China, the Chinese Shar-Pei is an ancient breed with a fascinating history and look.

Beneath his countless folds and wrinkles, Chinese Shar-Peis are strong, muscular dogs with a willful streak that can make them a challenge to the novice owner.

A guard dog at heart, the Chinese Shar-Pei is best suited for homes with no children or older children.

They will need to be socialized and trained in puppyhood, then throughout his lifetime.

Chinook

The charming Chinook is a delightful breed who makes for an excellent family pet, although he may be somewhat difficult to track down.

Once on the threshold of extinction, the Chinook is still one of the rarest of dog breeds.

Still, his devoted, gentle personality and love for family make him a fabulous pet for those who are able to acquire him.

Chow Chow

The ancient Chow Chow is believed to be one of the oldest domesticated breeds in history.

Hailing from China, the Chow Chow’s past includes a long resume of different jobs, but he is most notable for being the prized companion of the emperor of the Tang Dynasty.

Well-socialized and trained, the Chow Chow can make for a marvelous and honorable companion.

Cirneco dell’Etna

A bred hunting dog of Sicily, the Cirneco dell’Etna is as quick as a whip when out and about, so he must always be walked on a leash.

In his home, however, he is calm, gentle, and loving.

His affectionate nature and unique vigor make him a wonderful choice for active families looking for an attentive and athletic dog.

Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is the largest of the Flushing Spaniel types.

He is best known for his history as a hunting dog, roaming the hills alongside British royalty.

Known for his dignified nature and calm demeanor, the Clumber Spaniel is a drooling, shedding ball of complete joy.

He makes a wonderful family companion for those who aren’t afraid of a little dog hair and who are looking for a canine who will keep them laughing.

Cocker Spaniel

Much like her cousin above, the Cocker Spaniel was a bred hunting dog, utilized to hunt small game like birds.

However, the Cocker Spaniel’s happy-go-lucky temperament and beautiful look made her an instant favorite among families and showmen alike.

This breed has won countless titles in show and is perhaps most famous for her role in the Disney Classic “Lady and the Tramp.”

Collie

Described by the American Kennel Club as one of the world’s most favorite breeds, the Collie is known for his gorgeous look and temperament.

Incredibly intelligent and famously good with children, a well-trained and properly exercised Collie can be the dog of your dreams.

However, owners should note that with intelligence and energy comes the need for consistent training and exercise.

Luckily, Collie dogs are fast learners and eager to please.

They will do best in homes with space for them to run and play and with families who have flexible schedules.

Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear, also known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar, is a rare and beautiful breed who was created for the sole purpose of companionship.

Everything about this little breed is charming, from his snow-white fur to his adorable temperament.

He is easy to train and eager to please.

He also does well with families, children and other household pets.

Croatian Sheepdog

The adaptable Croatian Sheepdog is best known for his agility and work ethic, although he has a number of talents up his furry little paw.

He adapts well to a number of different jobs, meaning he makes for a wonderful working dog, guard dog or just plain old companion dog.

This breed is beautiful, smart and highly energetic.

He will need early socialization during puppyhood, along with consistent exercise and training to ensure he is well-rounded.

Eager to please and loving with family, this is a good choice for active families with older children.

Curly-Coated Retriever

No one will confuse the Curly-Coated Retriever with any other Retriever, we can assure you of that.

With tight, curled fur, the Curly-Coated Retriever is the oldest of the Retriever types and was utilized as a gun dog and water dog.

He is a talented swimmer and hunter and is loyal, athletic and energetic.

This breed makes a great family pet, although he is not as outgoing and social as his other Retriever cousins.

For this reason, the Curly-Coated Retriever can make for a good watchdog as well as family companion.

Czechoslovakian Vlcak

Last on our list is the wolf-like Czechoslovakian Vlcak, or wolfdog.

Best suited for experienced owners, this breed is a working dog with incredible stamina and endurance.

He is happiest doing jobs and is, therefore, most often utilized as a working dog for military and search-and-rescue teams.

Although friendly and loving to his special humans, his incredible desire for purpose means he is best suited for owners who are very active or for owners who plan to train him and work with him consistently.

Which of the Above ‘C’ Breeds Is Best for Me?

Deciding which breed is best for you will depend on a number of things, including your lifestyle, your activity level and your experience with dogs.

Purebred dogs have been refined for generations to perform certain jobs and tasks, and this often translates to their behaviors and personalities.

If you are an active family with young children, you should get a breed who has a proven track record of getting along well with kids and who will thrive in an energetic environment.

Keep in mind that while genetics and breed play a huge role in your dog’s personality, so will his overall training and environment.

Our advice is that you do plenty of research on different breeds listed above before you decide which one would best suit your lifestyle.

And remember, when getting a new puppy, steer clear of puppy mills and pet stores.

Make sure breeders are reputable and have health screened their litters.

Have You Made Your Choice?

Were you able to find a dog breed on our above list that stole your heart?

Which dog breed beginning with the letter “C” is calling your name?

Tell us below in the comment section.

References and Further Reading

Ackerman, L., 2011, “The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs,” 2nd Edition

Howell, T.J., et al., 2015, “Puppy Parties and Beyond: The Role of Early Age Socialization Practices on Adult Dog Behavior,” Veterinary Medicine: Research & Reports.

King, T., et al., 2012, “Breeding Dogs for Beauty and Behavior: Why Scientists Need to Do More to Develop Valid and Reliable Behaviour Assessments for Dogs Kept as Companions,” Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Morey, D.F., 1994, “The Early Evolution of the Domestic Dog,” American Scientist.