Humans have bred dogs for several different purposes, resulting in various sizes, colors, and temperaments, with dog breeds suitable to almost any owner. Even though the American Kennel Club (AKC) acknowledges only around 200 breeds, the list is increasing every year.

Not to mention all the designer dogs (crossbreeds between purebreds that we know and love). But still taking those into account, there is a definite shortage of dog breeds beginning with W. I’m going to try to bring together a list that accounts for most of these dog breeds that start with W (or at least the cutest ones).

Do you have a specific question about dog breeds that start with W? 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. 

Weimaraners

Weimaraners are German dogs known for their sleek, gray shape. Usually, the Weimaraner is all gray. Some, though, have a white mark on their necks. More white spots are probable, but they are uncommon.

Almost all of their eyes are amber or blue-grey. Their ears are long, velvety, and they stand on their heads. Because of their hunting heritage, they need a lot of action.

These friendly, kind dogs are eager to please, but they can be very stubborn. No matter what, though, you’ll love this dog breed starting with W as much as any other!

West Highland Husky

It’s a hybrid breed, a cross between the West Highland White Terrier and the Husky. They are a relatively uncommon breed and most closely resemble their Westie ancestors.

They’re happy, playful, and gentle dogs who get along well with children and have seemingly infinite stores of energy. 

Their small size and adaptable nature are perfect for apartments and country homes alike, but they need to exercise a lot to remain happy and out of trouble.

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Originally, these dogs were bred as a gundog used to flush out the field’s small game. The breed has been a favorite of hunters for almost two decades because of its skills and affectionate nature. 

They are usually friendly dogs, but they tend to be wary of new faces and can see other smaller pets as prey. That being said, they are willing to please themselves and train quickly, and with early socialization, this shouldn’t be a matter of concern. 

These dogs are reserved when they encounter strangers, but they are lovely to those they engage with. This is one of the dog breeds that start with W that anyone will adore.

Welsh Terrier

The Welsh Terrier is alert and full of energy, just like every other terrier. They were originally bred for hunting badgers, otters, and other related sports.

They’re sturdy, light, and tough. Their tight-fitting black-and-tan coats make them stand out from other terrier races. They’re somewhat larger than the Lakeland Terrier, but much smaller than the Airedale.

All three of these puppies share a striking resemblance, though. Only one of them is a dog breed starting with W, though!

West Highland White Terrier

Another one of the dog breeds beginning with W is the West Highland White Terrier. It’s one of the most common small terriers. Since they were raised to hunt rodents, they’re surprisingly strong. 

Their double-coat is hard to handle, not as smooth and fuzzy as you would think.

The West Highland White Terrier behaves like other Terriers. They’re alert, involved, and independent.

They have good instincts for hunting. They’re almost bound to go after anything that moves, which makes them get into a lot of trouble. They tend not to listen when you tell them to come back, which only makes it easier for them to lose themselves! 

The independence of the West Highland White Terriers can make it difficult for them to train. They’re brilliant, though, and they’re always going to suit any family well.

West Siberian Laika

It is a Spitz-type dog bred for hunting in western Siberia. They are affectionate, trustworthy, and devoted dogs who are very wary of strangers. 

They make excellent watchdogs because they are warning animals prone to barking, and they are extremely protective of their owners. Although they are rarely hostile, this loyal and protective nature can often cause them to misbehave. Patient and consistent training is required to socialize them properly.

Weston

Weston is a hybrid race: a cross between West Highland Terrier and Coton de Tulear. These designer dogs are sweet, gentle, and outgoing pockets that make the perfect family companions.

They are gentle and even-tempered dogs known for their non-aggressive disposition and make fast friends with other family pets and odd dogs. 

If you’re looking for a calm, patient lapdog, it could just be the Weston. Breeds of dogs that start with W tend to all make for great canine companions!

Wolador

Woladors are a combination of the Timber Wolf and the Labrador. These dogs are powerful, intelligent, and headstrong. But due to their wolf genes probably not a good choice for first-time owners. 

If you’re looking for breeds of dogs starting with W and you’re sure you can handle something a bit more expert, this might be the breed for you.

That being said, they’re usually sweet and gentle with their owners, though a little cautious and skittish towards strangers. They have a stubborn and independent personality that can make training challenging at times. Still, their Labrador heritage usually shines through at the end, and they are willing to please their owners.

Whippet              

Whippets are often called the “poor man’s racehorse.” This name is quite befitting, considering that they are one of the fastest dog breeds.

Their slender legs allow them to be agile athletes. However, their energy appears to come in spurts. Between the hard runs of Whippets, they stretch out and rest for hours. They’re about speed and not stamina. 

These dogs tend to run in wide, fenced-in yards. However, they are also ideal for apartments as long as they are properly run. If you consider getting a whippet, you need to make sure you have the time to exercise it!

Weshi 

This is a rare hybrid breed, a cross between Shih Tzu and West Highland White Terrier. If you aim to find rare dogs that begin with W, this one will work nicely.

They are fun and caring little dogs that were bred for the express purpose of becoming lapdog companions. 

That being said, the West Highland Terriers have a hunting history, and you can see why observing them around smaller animals. Be careful if you have smaller pets around.

They are adaptable animals that do well in apartments or the countryside.

Working Kelpie

This dog strikes a strong balance between the need to work and the desire to relax.

They have exceptionally high endurance and are built for herds of sheep and other livestock.

These dogs are medium-sized, muscular, active, and bred for work. 

Though they were initially herding dogs, they are also great police dogs, sled dogs and are commonly used for search and rescue.

Welsh Corgi

This is one of the most popular dog breeds that start with W! Often known as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, this breed originated as a cattle and herd dog and is an involved and easy-to-train breed. 

They are the smallest breed in the AKC herding community, but they are just as competent as any other working dog because of their high intelligence. 

A stubborn streak comes with this intelligence, and these dogs are known to be extremely vocal, barking at almost anything that moves. They are adorable, though!

White Shepherd

A White Shepherd is a white version of the German Shepherd. A recessive gene causes Their white coat. 

Since the early 1930s, Shepherd’s white coat has been considered a defect by breeders and not formally recognized and approved as a German Shepherd. 

They are biologically no different from their German Shepherd cousins, but they are accepted as a distinct breed by the United Kennel Club.

Wire Fox Terrier

Wire Fox Terrier was bred for fox hunting, as you would imagine. It is right in the name! Today, however, they are used as friends and show dogs. 

This terrier was originally bred to scare the fox out of its den, enabling hunters and other dogs to move in.

These dogs that begin with W were bred to be mostly white. Any other color would cause them to risk being taken as a fox during the hunt.

Westiepoo

The combination of West Highland Terrier and Poodle is sometimes referred to as a Westiepoo.

It’s an intelligent and active breed that’s easy to train and eager to please. They are curious dogs who want to be part of their owners of any activity and spend as much time as possible with humans. 

Westiepoos are low shedding, making them hypoallergenic and suitable for allergy owners. They are lively canines that need a lot of exercises to remain safe and happy.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is regarded as being the largest gundog.

This breed was first developed in the 1800s. During this time, European athletes were trying to breed versatile hunting dogs. 

The breed’s founder, Korthals Griffon, traveled to Germany and France to refine his breed. But if we called it that, it wouldn’t be a dog breed starting with W, would it!

Even today, arguments exist as to whether the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a French breed or a German breed. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons’ tough coats give them a typical doggy look, and they are among those dogs who almost don’t shed.

Wetterhoun

Also known as Frison Water Dog, the Wetterhoun breed originated in the Netherlands as a hunting dog used to hunt small mammals and waterfowl. 

They have beautiful thick coats and lovely floppy ears, usually with black and white markings. They are outstanding guard dogs because of their high intelligence and loyalty, but they are also affectionate and caring family companions.

Westillon

Another designer dog on the list! This is a cross of West Highland Terrier and Papillon. These dogs have a lot of energy and cute looks to match. They are very intelligent, easy to train, and are also perfect dogs for first-time owners. 

They are outgoing and playful pooches who are gentle with children, and they have a close bond with their owners. This makes them vulnerable to separation anxiety, and they do not like being left alone for long periods.

Wirehaired Vizsla

The Wirehaired Vizsla was bred as an effective hunter on land and lake. Those are closely linked to the Vizslas, distinguished by the wirehaired coat.

These are medium-sized, but a bit taller than their Vizsla cousins. Both breeds have the same striking coloring of the red coat, though. 

The Wirehaired Vizsla needs only limited grooming and seasonal shedding. All they need is an occasional bath to wipe it off.

Credits: thanks for the cover photo to Canva.

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