24 Dog Breeds That Start With A: Awesome Pets

The American Kennel Club (AKC) reports more than two million dogs registered in 2010, and many of them started with the letter “A.” We will explore 24 of them in this blog post.

Are you interested in a specific breed starting with A? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page. 

Afghan Hound

If there were a real canine supermodel, the Afghan Hound is probably the most likely candidate.

This dog breed has a long and luxuriant coat. However, this garment emerged due to this dog’s native country’s harsh winters, which necessitated keeping warm while working outdoors during those months.

Today, Afghan Hounds spend more time at the groomers than in the great outdoors.

The Afghan weighs 50 to 60 pounds and has a lifespan of 12 to 18 years. Hip dysplasia, eye problems, and bloat are all possibilities for this dog.

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Aidi


The Aidi is a herding dog that has also been used for hunting since it has a strong sense of smell. It’s also been known as the North African Berber Dog, after the nomadic Berber people of North Africa (Morrocco, Algeria, and Tunisia).

The Aidi is hostile and cautious of strangers and animals it has never seen before. Although this isn’t an aggressive breed, they will react violently to another animal’s aggression quickly. They are extremely territorial, and if there are any perceived dangers, they will fight back fiercely.

Airedale Terrier


The Airedale Terrier is the world’s third-biggest terrier breed, and he’s also one of the largest breeds that starts with A. With his distinctive lengthy goatee and daring spirit, it’s no surprise that the Airedale was dubbed “King of the Terriers.”

The arch in this dog’s stance makes him appear to be larger than he is.

The most common Airedal weight is about 50 to 70 pounds and typically lives up to 10 to 13 years.

These are wonderful with children and families. They’re also natural athletes who enjoy playing rough and tumble.

Akbash Dog


The Akbash dog is from Turkey. This breed is an alert, courageous, self-reliant guardian who likes to protect animals on the farm. They combine the agility of a sight hound with the power of a guardian and elegance and style.

They have a fierce protective instinct, devotion, and intellect. Still, they are also quite fiercely independent in their thinking, which means they frequently act on their own without the assistance of people. They’re highly defensive of their home and family, making them potentially hazardous to anybody not belonging to the clan.

Akita

The Akita is a noble and naturally reserved ancient Japanese dog breed that originally lived in Japan. Even now, the Akita is Japanese royalty. The Akita is a big dog that can weigh anywhere from 70 to 130 pounds. Early and frequent socialization and training are necessary to ensure that the Akita has a pleasant life in your neighborhood. To guarantee that the dog will bond closely only with “his” people, it must be well-socialized and trained early.

Bloat, a life-threatening stomach condition in the Akita, may occur. Hip dysplasia, eye problems, and thyroid disease are just a few health issues that can affect this breed. This breed has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog


The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog has a wonderful disposition and gets along well with youngsters. Still, they may be standoffish now and then. They are a devoted breed that makes excellent guardian and companion dogs.

If you train your ABBB correctly, he or she will be a lovely companion. This pup will only defend you and your family when necessary while avoiding any unnecessary aggressiveness towards strangers or other dogs.

Alaskan Klee Kai


Alaskan Klee Kai belongs to the Spitz family of dogs, which includes the Alaskan Husky.

It is significantly smaller than the Husky and can still be perceived as a puppy even when fully grown.

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Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a spitz-type dog. Spitz dogs have long, thin muzzles, sharply upward-pointed ears, and thick fur. The Malamute is regarded as one of the first purebred sled dogs.

The Malamute is a large, strong dog breed with an outstanding work ethic and is highly loyal to its owners. Chondrodysplasia, a type of canine dwarfism, might be experienced by the Malamute. Hip and elbow dysplasia and thyroid, eye, and neurological issues are just a few of the other health problems seen in Malamutes. Overall, Malamutes can survive for 10 to 14 years on average.

American English Coonhound


The American English Coonhound is a purebred hound dog from the hunt group that begins with A. These dogs are incredible raccoon hunters and “singers.” They bawl instead of bark, like most hounds. They are lightweight racers with coats that are nearly self-cleaning aside from the occasional bath. They weigh 45 to 65 pounds and have a working dog’s body.

Keep an eye out for bloating, a malady in which the stomach may curl up on itself. A preventative surgery might be recommended by your veterinarian. Coonhounds have an average life span of 11 to 12 years.

American Eskimo Dog


The American Eskimo dog is a German breed, but its name was changed following World War II. The coat of the American Eskimo dog is beautiful; it’s white to cream and has the appearance of the Alaskan arctic.

Today, the Miniature Schnauzer is bred in three sizes: toy, tiny, and standard. Weights range from 6 to 35 pounds. These dogs are lively, athletic, and intelligent, which means they must keep active to avoid trouble.

Hip dysplasia and eye problems are common in the American Eskimo dog. The average lifetime is 13 to 15 years.

American Foxhound


The American Foxhound is descended from the Virginia Foxhound. They have longer legs than English Foxhounds, which look similar to them.

These dogs are between 60 and 70 pounds as adults. They adore running and hunting, and they have a strong prey instinct.

These are prone to ear problems and should be checked and cleaned regularly. Hip dysplasia and blood diseases are possible in this breed. The typical life expectancy is 11 to 13 years.

American Hairless Terrier


The American Hairless Terrier is the only breed of dog that begins with A that is not entirely bald. The Hairless Terrier may also be coated!

Although no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, Hairless Terriers have grown to be quite popular pets for those who suffer from pet allergies. This Terrier may suffer from luxating patella, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia, and heart difficulties weighing only 12 to 16 pounds. They may live anywhere around 14 to 16 years.

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American Cocker Spaniel


The tiny, energetic, and enjoyable family pet for families with children is the American Cocker Spaniel. They may be a little upset if they don’t get enough attention, but they are very nice.

They adore being around people and will follow you about constantly, begging to be sat on your lap for cuddles. They enjoy fulfilling their master’s expectations and will offer “gifts” to anybody and everyone to make them pleased.

American Leopard Hound


American Leopard Hounds are medium-sized dogs with lean, rangy bodies and color patterns that include leopard spots.

The Leopardhound is a versatile hunting dog that may tree anything from raccoons to bears and other tree-climbing prey. They are very lively and love to keep active. The leopard hound is simple to train and eager to please. They are very energetic and thrive on activity.

The merle color gene is carried by this dog, so it’s important not to breed two merle dogs together to avoid deafness.

Their typical life span is up to 12 to 15 years.

American Staffordshire Terrier


The AmStaff is a bull-type terrier that weighs 40 to 70 pounds, has a muscular, athletic physique, and lives up to 12 to 16 years.

The German Shepherd is an intelligent, active dog breed. They need a lot of exercises and are highly sociable. They adore people and want to be with their families. Hip dislocation, eye problems, heart ailments, and thyroid issues may all occur in the AmStaff dog.

American Water Spaniel


The American Water Spaniel is a small to medium-sized breed that stands between 25 and 45 pounds. Because of the dog’s lovely curly brown coat, it may appear larger. These dogs are excellent swimmers and hunters, with an exceptional tolerance for chilly water and weather.

To prevent ear canals from becoming Infected or Wax Buildup, your golden retriever’s ears should be checked and cleaned regularly. They also require a lot of activity to remain happy and healthy. Hip dysplasia, eye, and heart diseases are some of the known health issues.

Otherwise, its lifespan is up to 10 – 14 years.

Anatolian Shepherd 


They average between 80 and 150 pounds in adulthood, and they come from one of the oldest and most distinguished lines of livestock protection dogs.

The Anatolian Shepherd is an excellent guard dog that will protect everyone in “his” family, even other pets. This dog has the potential to develop hip dysplasia, eye problems, and bloat.

They typically live up to 11 – 13 years.

Appenzeller Sennenhund


This Swiss mountain dog breed can do it all, herding, hunting, guarding, search and rescue. They require a lot of daily exercise and activity to stay happy and healthy.

The Great Pyrenees is a large dog breed weighing between 48 and 70 pounds, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years if exercised regularly.

Australian Blue Heeler


The Australian Blue Heeler is a type of cattle dog that originated in Australia. The breed was developed near the end of the nineteenth century by Australian cattle farmers who wanted a tough dog to assist them herd their livestock over extensive pastures and distances.

These dogs can get deaf, afflicted with various eye diseases, and have hip dysplasia. This dog weighs 35 to 50 pounds and has a lifespan of 12 to 16 years.

Australian Kelpie


The Australian Kelpie dog is a herding dog, the most common breed in Australia that starts with A. Before arriving in Australia, they evolved in Scotland and then were brought there.

The Kelpie is a cattle herding dog that hails from Australia and New Zealand. They have an amazing tolerance for hot, dry labor. They will tirelessly shepherd cattle or other livestock for hours on end without complaint. Although Kelpies are not as popular in North America as they are in Australia, experts estimate they are one of the most loved dogs

These dogs are healthy in general and get along well with families and children. The average weight of these dogs is 31 to 46 pounds, and they live 12 to 15 years.

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Australian Shepherd

These aren’t Australian dogs at all. Instead, they were formed in Europe and then migrated to Australia with their owners. Then they sailed back across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States, where they became legends on the rodeo and herding circuits. They’re lovely to look at, with long flowing coats, bright eyes, plenty of energy, and brains. They also boast a never-ending work ethic that can be difficult to deal with when they don’t get enough activity.

The double-layer coat of this dog does require some raking and brushing regularly. These dogs are prone to eye disorders, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and certain types of cancer.

The Australian Shepherd is a large dog breed that weighs 40 to 65 pounds and has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle


The name of this dog might be perplexing to those unfamiliar with the breed. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, on the other hand, is a unique breed from the similarly named Australian Cattle Dog (32 to 45 pounds).

Their most significant distinctions are that the Stumpy Tail dog has a natural bobtail. In contrast, the Australian Cattle Dog’s tail is often docked in puppyhood. It’s crucial to note that this dog may be deaf or have a variety of severe eye diseases.

These issues can be found by genetic testing in a good breeding program. Overall, this dog has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Australian Terrier


When you thought you’d seen every Terrier in the world, along comes the tiny and adorable Australian Terrier. Adults weigh around 15 to 20 pounds.

The Australian Terrier is a wonderful, loyal, and vigilant family watchdog. They enjoy chasing, digging, running, and working. The Aussie can have trouble with luxating patellas and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, as well as skin ailments. These dogs’ average life span is about 11 – 15 years.

Azawakh


This is the genuine purebred dog with the unusual name: Azawakh is pronounced “As-uh-walk.” The name, like its owner, comes from West Africa.

The Azawakh is a rare ancient hunting and coursing dog. It weighs 33 to 55 pounds on average. The Azawakh is an ancient hunting and coursing dog that originates from the Nubian region in Eastern Africa.

The Azawakh is a fast-paced dog breed. It can keep up with the pace of Saharan gazelles as a sprinter. The Azawakh is one of the healthiest purebred dogs presently alive, as an ancient dog breed.

They can, however, suffer from thyroid and cardiac disorders. Azawakh dogs have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

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