Dog Breeds Beginning with P [amazing dogs]

Knowing a dog’s breed is a fairly good way to find out the things to expect and what will be required of you should you decide to adopt it. The following is a complete list of dog breeds beginning with the letter P.  

Dogs vary widely in terms of how they act, react, and how they should be taken care of. While some of these characteristics are connected to socialization and how the dog was raised, it is the dog’s breed that determines most of its looks and personality traits. Dog breeds that begin with the letter P just happen to all be amazing animals.

Large Dog Breeds Beginning with P

If you are one of those people that believe in going big with everything including the type of pet you have, then you will be well served choosing any of the large breeds of dog on this list.

Although they are large, these dog breeds make great pets. Keep in mind that many of them are better suited to country life over suburban areas.

However, even if you live in an apartment, you may still be able to have a large dog as long as you ensure it gets its daily exercise. 

Perro de Presa Canario

The Perro de Presa Canario breed is a powerful canine. Their weight can range between 84 and 110 pounds. Males can grow as tall as 26 inches while the female’s height varies from 22 to 25 inches.

Perro de Presa Canario History

The origin of Perro de Presa Canario can be traced back to the Canary Islands in the 15th century. They were mostly used to guard farms, catch cattle, and for getting rid of stray dogs on the homestead.

After nearing extinction in the 1940s, they were brought back by breeders in the 1970s.

Perro de Presa Canario Characteristics

This dog breed is usually well behaved with their family but can be aggressive to human strangers and other dogs. The Perro de Presa Canario is playful but at the same time a very watchful dog. They have a below-average tolerance for heat.

Perro de Presa Canario Grooming Needs 

Grooming this breed is very easy. They need regular brushing and should be bathed occasionally. It has strong nails that grow quickly and will require regular trimming.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

This is a unique-looking animal as it is a ‘naked’ dog meaning it is basically hairless. There is also a version of this dog that comes with a coat of hair though.

From Peru this exotic dog is raised as a pet and is very friendly.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The “Petit” is a French scent hound bred to hunt small animals such as rabbits. They weigh about 30 to 45 pounds.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are a tough and active dog loving to sniff everything they can find!

Pharaoh Hound

This is an amazing looking animal! Breed as a ‘chasing’ hunting dog it has a sleek build and is made for speed.

As you would expect the Pharaoh Hound requires a lot of exercise to keep it happy.

Pit Bull

The Pit Bull is a purebred dog and is very popular in the United States. They tend to stand between 17 and 20 inches tall and weigh between 40 to 80 pounds. They are from the terrier group of dogs and have a life span of between 12 to 16 years.

Pit Bull History

Officially known as the American Pit Bull Terrier this dog has its origins in the early 1800s in Britain. Developed as a ‘baiting’ dog for use with bulls and bear. Later the breed was used for dog fighting and that is perhaps where it gets part of its reputation from.

Interesting, the Pit Bull is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club but it is by other renowned dog organizations.

Pit Bull Characteristics

Smart, loyal, and easy to train are characteristics of the Pit Bull. They are medium-sized, compact, strong, and powerful animals that were bred for hard work. Perhaps best known for being a guard dog many people say the Pit Bull makes a great family pet as well.

Pit Bull Temperament

Much has been said and debated about a Pit Bull’s temperament. Some of the talk and media is good but mostly it trends on the bad side of things. The Pit Bill has a complex personality to say the least.

They can be warm, loving, affectionate, and even clownish in their behavior. But they are also known for being able to display a ferocious and scary demeanor if provoked. The Pit Bull is a fiercely loyal dog and that may explain why it becomes aggressive in certain situations.

Pit Bull Grooming Needs

Pit Bulls shed on a seasonal basis but they still can use a daily brushing to keep their coat in good shape. Since they are a one coat dog and have relatively short hair they are relatively easy to care for.

Pitsky Dog

Pitsky belongs to the mixed-breed dog category combining Alaskan Husky sled dogs and Pit Bulls. It can grow to be 25 inches tall and weigh 80 pounds with a life span of 12 – 16 years.

Pitsky Dog History

They have been used as a guard dog, sled dog, and as a family companion.

Pitsky Dog Characteristics

Piskies are very friendly and are generally regarded as good pets. They are likely to form acquaintances with other dogs well too.

Pitsky Dog Temperament

This dog breed is a sensitive one that does do well when left alone.  They have a high potential for mouthiness and wanderlust. They are fairly intelligent and are quite easy to train.

Pitskies aren’t recommended for inexperienced dog parents. They are very playful, highly energetic, and have high exercise needs.

Pitsky Dog Grooming Needs

If you chose this breed, you should know that some of them can shed a lot. In general, they are shorter-haired dogs though and excessive shedding may not be a problem. Because they are a hybrid there can be some inconsistency with their coats.

Plott Hound Dog

Plotts belong to the hound dogs breed group. They can weigh as much as 75 pounds and reach a height of 27 inches. They have a life span of 12 – 14 years.

Plott Hound Dog History

This breed was originally developed 200 years ago strictly for hunting purposes. In recent times, they are quite popular as pets although they are still used as pack hunters. 

Plott Hound Dog Characteristics

Plott Hounds adapt well to country areas where there are large spaces for roaming. They love a good chase and wandering around.

They have a high tolerance for hot weather, are very sensitive, and also quite affectionate with family members. Plott Hounds are intelligent and fairly easy to train.

Plott Hound Dog Temperament

This dog breed has a relatively high energy level. They also have a great need for exercise and are playful.

Plott Hound Dog Grooming Needs

Plott Hounds are very easy to groom, require minimum bathing and they don’t drool much. They only shed a little bit and regular brushing is helpful.

Portuguese Pointer

The Portuguese Pointer breed is also commonly called the Perdigueiro Portuguese. This dog breed is popularly known for its alertness, loyalty, and being protective of family.

They are classified as sporting dogs and grow to a height of 22 inches while weighing up to 59 pounds. You can expect their life span to be between 12 – 14 years.

Portuguese Pointer History 

The Portuguese pointer emerged in the 12th century originally for performing falconry duties. They were initially owned only by the royals and were exchanged as gifts among royals of different countries.

Although more commonly used as a sporting dog today, it is a versatile dog. Some people call the Portuguese Pointer the “ultimate gun dog” referring to its great hunting abilities. Other breeds have also earned this nickname though.

Portuguese Pointer Characteristics

This breed of dog is family and stranger-friendly. Notwithstanding, it is not much of a fan of other dogs. Portuguese pointers are very sensitive dogs and are generally good around children.

You shouldn’t leave your Portuguese Pointer for too long. They tend to have repressed feelings and may get very destructive if you do. Their coat makes for a dog that can easily adapt to hot and cold weather conditions.

Portuguese Pointer Temperament

Portuguese pointers are very playful dogs with high energy levels. They have a high exercise need too requiring at least an hour of training daily. 

You should be prepared to work with your dog on a regular basis to keep its mental fitness in good condition. A little praise or extra treats here and there improves your dog’s well-being too. A Portuguese pointer is at its best when it is living with a family that is active and energetic.

This is a very intelligent breed and can be trained easily. 

Portuguese Pointer Grooming Needs

They are generally healthy dogs when well-groomed. They drool some and have a low amount of shedding. They tend to gain weight rapidly especially when overfed.

Portuguese Water Dog

This dog has a special appearance with its very curly coat of hair. These dogs are very intelligent and are easily trainable.

It is a working dog that was originally used to herd fish in cold waters. Today they are still working assisting humans with water rescues.

Pointer Dog Breed

Everyone has seen a picture of a pointer dog at work. Yes, they literally will “point” at game birds for their hunter master.

As with some others, this breed gets its name from what it does. Pointing! They come in a wide variety of colors and are high energy rugged dogs.

Polish Greyhound

These dogs are rarely seen outside of Poland. They have a sleek body build and are a fast dog that was bred for hunting. They look similar to American Greyhounds.

Also called the Chart Polski, the Polish Greyhound is a friendly, confident dog that makes a good pet. Its history dates back to the 1600s.

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Another sheep herding dog. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a shaggy coat and likes to work. Full of energy and wit these dogs are easy to train but keep in mind they do have a mind of their own so sometimes may not listen.

Some say this dogs origins date back to the Roman Empire days. They are loved as great pets.

Pungsan Dog

This dog comes from the area known today as North Korea. This was a hunting dog and is rarely seen in western countries.

One of only three dogs that originated in Korea.

Pyredoodle

Pyredoodles are a crossbreed between Poodles and Great Pyrenes. The result is a calm, loyal, and fearless breed. It weighs between 85-100 pounds with a life span of 10-12 years.

Pyredoodle History 

The intentional crossbreeding of Great Pyrenees and Poodles began around 2000 in North America. The purpose of the mix breed was to create a low shedding dog whose fur is allergy-friendly.

Pyredoodle Characteristics

Pyredoodles have an impressive overall friendliness and a fairly high tolerance for cold weather.

It’s a good pet for novice owners and can be left on its own for a reasonable period. Although, this highly intelligent breed has a very high potential to wander away if you are not careful. 

Pyredoodle Temperament

This crossbred has high energy levels with a great need to be exercised. Having said that they make great pets. They were purposely designed to be a friendly dog.

Pyredoodle Grooming Needs

Pyredoodles are low shedding dogs that are relatively easy to groom.

Pyrenean Mastiff 

This breed is also referred to as Mastín del Pirineo. They are grouped as working dogs and are BIG weighing between 130 and 200 pounds. These are large animals!

A Pyrenean Mastiff can be as tall as 31 inches and can grow as old as 13 years. Remember, bigger dogs tend to not live as long as smaller ones.

Pyrenean Mastiff History

Although the exact origin of the Pyrenean Mastiff remains unclear, some people believe it to have originated from the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain. People have used them to protect livestock for many years. 

Pyrenean Mastiff Characteristics

Pyrenean Mastiffs is an intelligent breed and easy to train. Their kind nature makes them an ideal fit for a family. They are great with kids although you should take care and always supervise because of the dog’s large size.

They can be very aggressive to strangers. This breed can tolerate both warm and cold weather well. 

Pyrenean Mastiff Grooming Needs

They have a high energy level and great playfulness. Be prepared to make sure they get enough exercise. Pyrenean Mastiffs drool a lot and have a moderate amount of shedding. They are generally easy to groom.

Pyrenean Shepherd

This is a sheep herding dog from the mountains of France As you would expect of a herding dog it is full of energy, smart and likes to work.

Because it is receptive to training it is also a very obedient dog and can make a fun pet if you can handle the high energy level and tendency to be mischievous. You have to be clever to herd sheep you know!

NOTE: Be aware that several of these dogs fall into what we would call medium dog breeds. Not really a big dog and not really a small dog but for simplicity purposes, we kept the categories as large and small.

Small Dog Breeds Beginning with P 

Small dogs may be small in size, but they still bring as much love or more like big dogs! And they also act as great companions, always trying to protect their owners.

However, owning a small size dog might mean more work in some aspects. Some of them pack so much energy in their tiny bodies they can be a handful. Being somewhat easier to groom is a plus though.

Papillon Dog

The Papillon is one of the oldest breeds of what is called a ‘Toy Spaniel’. You may have even seen the Papillon dog breed in an old 16th-century painting.

They have peculiar two-winged ears from which their name (butterflies in French) was derived. Papillons weigh nine to 10 pounds and stand between eight and 11 inches.

Papillon Dog History

While they are well known for their erect ears their whole body has a unique look. They are purebred descendants of the toy spaniels which were very popular as companions of European court ladies. 

Papillon Dog Characteristics

This dog breed is also known for its high burst of energy in addition to its distinct features. They are quite friendly but very active and playful.

Papillons have a friendly disposition to children and other pets but they can be wary of strangers unless they have been trained to socialize at an early age.

Although this breed is known for its sparkling personality and being rambunctious, it is quite obedient and very easy to train. 

Papillon Dog Temperament

Papillon Dogs are regarded as house dogs. Hence, they are not well suited for life outdoors. But since they are quite playful, having sufficient indoor space to play will be required.

Papillon Dog Grooming Needs

Their silky coats require regular brushing and trimming to prevent mats and keep them looking good.

Parson Russell Terrier

Standing about 12 to 15 inches and weighing 12 to 17 pounds this small dog has a rich history as a hunter. Chasing fox above ground and below in burrows is all in a day’s work for this amazing dog.

Patterdale Terrier

Being a terrier, you can be sure that you’re getting a firecracker in a small body with this dog. This is a fun, spirited dog that loves a large family. They weigh between 11 to 13 pounds and can be between 12 and 15 inches in size.

Patterdale Terrier History 

The Patterdale Terrier is named after the village of Patterdale in England where it originates from. This dog breed is a close relative of the Fell Terrier.

The Patterdale Terrier was originally bred as a hunting dog for chasing rabbits and foxes. Its small body made it easy for it to squeeze into tight spaces like burrows and tunnels for game animals.

While they are rarely used as hunting dogs these days, they still retain their fearless and outgoing personality. 

Patterdale Terrier Characteristics 

This breed is particularly popular as being social and friendly. A Patterdale Terrier has a big personality.

Patterdale Terrier Temperament

They are fun-spirited and you will have quite a handful on your hands with this dog. If well socialized from a young they’ll be friendly with their children, strangers, and other pets and dogs. 

Patterdale Terrier Grooming Needs

Considering their active nature, this dog requires daily walks to help them burn off some energy.

They are prone to weight gain and without regular exercise, the dog may become obese. The Patterdale’s floppy ears are prone to infections so they should be cleaned regularly too. 

Pekingese Dog

Bred originally as companion dogs, the Pekingese remains a beloved household companion today. It has the appearance of a diminutive lion with a long coat and a thick undercoat that forms a mane on its shoulder. 

This dog breed weighs about seven to 14 pounds which is on the high side considering its size of only about six to nine inches. 

Pekingese Dog History 

If you love incredulous origin stories, you’ll love the ancient Chinese legend of the lion that fell in love with a marmoset and asked Buddha to be reduced to its size for their love’s sake.

The result is the Pekingese breed. Of course, that’s not exactly how this dog breed came to being. Still, this is an ancient breed and one of the oldest dog breeds. It has been around for up to 2000 years.

This compact dog was bred as a companion of royals in the Chinese city of Beijing (formerly Peking) after which it was named.

Pekingese Dog Characteristics 

Pekingese are just as noble as their royal ancestors. They are bold with very high self-esteem. The Pekingese breed is quite affectionate and loyal.

Pekingese Dog Temperament

Sometimes they have a stubborn streak making them quite challenging to train. They are comfortable around their family but can be aggressive to other dogs and strangers. 

Pekingese Dog Grooming Needs

Keeping with their royal status, Pekingese are not outdoor dogs. They enjoy running and playing around but are best kept within a fenced area since they are prone to wandering off.

They require regular cleaning of their nose, fur, and their long coat to prevent mats. These are all amazing dogs and can make good pets.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Dog Breed

Despite what you may think of this rather smallest dog it was breed to be a cattle herder. They are strong dogs of a compact build. The ‘Corgi’ has a good temperament and are great with kids making them an excellent choice as a family pet.

This dog has a thick double coat and will shed year-round so they require a good amount of regular grooming.

Portuguese Podengo

Short, strong, fast, playful, and smart are all correct descriptions of this dog. Sometimes having a somewhat ragged look with its curly coat the Podengo stands 16 to 28 inches tall and weighs in at 35 to 65 pounds.

So the larger variety is definitely a medium sized dog breed. Some suggest the dog dates back to early  Phoenician traders in 600 BC.

Pug Dog Breed

Popularly regarded as the funniest dog of the canine universe, pugs love to show off and have an amazing sense of humor.

They have a square stocky build. This is a purebred that enjoys companionship and socializing.

Pugs typically weigh about 14 to 18 pounds. They are about 10 to 14 inches tall with a soft, short, and fine coat

Pug Dog History 

Pugs were originally bred in Asia and date as far back as the Chinese Han dynasty. They are considered a relative of the Tibetan Mastiff and were bred alongside the Lo-sze and the Pekingese breeds.

This dog breed was quite popular in Chinese royal courts and is part of a luxurious life. 

Pug Dog Characteristics 

The pug is mostly known for its playful nature and has a moderate to high energy level. 

It enjoys the company of others and is gentle, obedient, and industrious. Pugs can be difficult to train, but you’ll love the results with a well-behaved pug.

This dog is quite affectionate and loyal and socializes well with strangers and other pets. 

Pug Dog Grooming Needs

The Pug is a low-maintenance breed. Asides from the need to clean their facial wrinkles to prevent skin infection and occasional brushing of the coat to get rid of dead hair, you don’t have much to worry about.