Dog Breeds Beginning with the Letter C

CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small sized dog breed that originates from the United Kingdom. Its history dates back to the 16th century, where it was highly prized as a companion dog for royalty, including King Charles II. The breed was named after him and was initially developed as a toy dog, bred for its affectionate and playful nature. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a cheerful and affectionate breed that is known for its love of people. They are highly sociable and enjoy being part of the family, making them great pets for families and individuals alike. The breed has a silky, medium length coat that comes in four standard colors: Blenheim (chestnut and white), Ruby (solid red), Black and Tan (black and mahogany), and Tri-Color (black, white, and tan). The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a popular breed, although it is not considered to be as common as some of the other toy breeds. They are adaptable to different living situations and are relatively low maintenance, making them great dogs for first-time owners or those who live in apartments. Overall, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a lively, affectionate, and friendly breed that brings joy to those who own them.

• female height | 12 to 13 inches
• male height | 12 to 13 inches
• female weight | 13 to 18 pounds
• male weight | 13 to 18 pounds
• life span | 10 to 12 years
• litter size | 2 to 6
• shedding | moderate
• origin | United Kingdom

CENTRAL ASIAN OVCHARKA aka CENTRAL ASIAN SHEPHERD

The Central Asian Ovcharka, also known as the Central Asian Shepherd, is a giant sized dog breed originating from the Central Asian region, including countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. These dogs have a history of being bred for herding and guarding livestock, as well as being used as guard dogs for families and properties. They are known for their fearless and protective nature, but can also be aloof and wary of strangers. The FCI standard allows any coat colors except blue, brown or black and tan Their coat is thick and dense to protect them from harsh weather conditions in their original environment. The Central Asian Ovcharka is considered to be a rare breed, but their popularity has been increasing in recent years due to their strong protective instincts and adaptability as both a working and a family pet.

• female height | 24 to 27 inches
• male height | 27 to 32.1 inches
• female weight | 87.9 to 143 pounds
• male weight | 121 to 176 pounds
• life span | 12 to 14 years
• litter size | 5 to 7
• shedding | heavy
• origin | Russia

CESKÝ TERIER

The Český Terier, also known as the Bohemian Terrier, is a breed of dog originating from Czechoslovakia. This breed was originally used for hunting small game and vermin control, and is known for its courage, tenacity, and intelligence. Český Teriers have a distinctive appearance, with a short, dense coat and a muscular, athletic build. Their coat colors can be grey-blue or light brown with yellow, white or grey markings. They are highly trainable, loyal, and energetic, making them great pets for experienced dog owners who are looking for an active and intelligent companion. Despite their impressive abilities and rich history, Český Teriers are still relatively unknown outside of Czechoslovakia and are considered a rare breed globally.

• female height | 10 to 13 inches
• male height | 10 to 13 inches
• female weight | 13 to 23 pounds
• male weight | 13 to 23 pounds
• life span | 12 to 15 years
• litter size | 2 to 6
• shedding | light
• origin | Czechoslovakia

CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, also known as the “Chessie,” is a medium/large sized dog breed originating from the United States, specifically the Chesapeake Bay area. They were developed in the 19th century to help retrieve waterfowl during hunting trips and have since become popular family pets due to their friendly and affectionate temperament. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are known for their intelligence and trainability, but can also be independent and stubborn at times. The standard coat colors for this breed are brown and sedge (a type of reddish-brown), and their coats are thick, wavy, and water-resistant, which is a result of their origins as a water dog. Although they were once a popular breed, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s popularity has declined over the years and they are now considered a rare breed. Despite this, they are still highly valued for their versatility and make excellent family pets, hunting dogs, and service dogs.

• female height | 21 to 24 inches
• male height | 23 to 26 inches
• female weight | 54.9 to 70.1 pounds
• male weight | 64.9 to 80.1 pounds
• life span | 10 to 13 years
• litter size | 7 to 8
• shedding | moderate
• origin | United States

CHIHUAHUA

Read our Chihuahua facts here.

• female height | 5.98 to 9.03 inches
• male height | 5.98 to 9.03 inches
• female weight | 2.99 to 6.02 pounds
• male weight | 2.99 to 6.02 pounds
• life span | 14 to 18 years
• litter size | 1 to 4
• shedding | moderate
• origin | Mexico

CHIN aka JAPANESE CHIN

The Japanese Chin, also known as the Japanese Spaniel, is a breed of dog originating from Japan. This breed was originally bred for royalty as a companion dog and is known for its small size, elegant appearance, and charming personality. Japanese Chins have a distinctive appearance, with a silky, long coat, a flat face, and a regal bearing. They come with a white coat that has wither black or red markings. They are highly affectionate, intelligent, and playful, making them great pets for experienced dog owners who are looking for a lap dog or companion. Despite their impressive abilities and rich history, Japanese Chins are still relatively unknown outside of Japan and are considered a rare breed globally.

• female height | 7.98 to 11 inches
• male height | 7.98 to 11 inches
• female weight | 3.99 to 20 pounds
• male weight | 3.99 to 20 pounds
• life span | 10 to 12 years
• litter size | 1 to 3
• shedding | moderate
• origin | Japan

CHINESE CRESTED DOG

Read our Chinese Crested facts here.

• female height | 11 to 13 inches
• male height | 11 to 13 inches
• female weight | 4.99 to 10 pounds
• male weight | 4.99 to 10 pounds
• life span | 10 to 12 years
• litter size | 2 to 4
• shedding | none | light
• origin | China

CHOW CHOW

Read our Chow Chow facts here.

• female height | 17 to 20 inches
• male height | 18 to 22 inches
• female weight | 44.9 to 70.1 pounds
• male weight | 44.9 to 70.1 pounds
• life span | 9 to 15 years
• litter size | 3 to 6
• shedding | heavy
• origin | China

CIMARRÓN URUGUAYO

Image Credit: Coquimbo58

The Cimarrón Uruguayo, also known as the Uruguayan Cimarron, is a breed of dog originating from Uruguay. This breed was originally used for herding and guarding livestock, and is known for its strength, courage, and independence. Cimarrón Uruguayos have a distinctive appearance, with a short, dense coat, a muscular build, and a confident expression. Their coat colors can be brindle, fawn or a blue-brindle. They are highly intelligent, energetic, and protective, making them excellent guard dogs. Despite their impressive abilities and rich history, Cimarrón Uruguayos are still relatively unknown outside of Uruguay and are considered a rare breed globally. With proper training and socialization, they can make great pets for experienced dog owners who are looking for a high energy, protective companion. However, due to their strong will and protective nature, they may not be suitable for first-time dog owners or those with young children.

• female height | 21 to 23 inches
• male height | 22 to 24.5 inches
• female weight | 59.9 to 80.1 pounds
• male weight | 74.9 to 99.1 pounds
• life span | 12 to 15 years
• shedding | low to moderate
• litter | 4 to 10
• origin | Uruguay

CIRNECO DELL’ETNA

The Cirneco dell’Etna, is a breed of dog originating from Sicily, Italy. This breed was originally used for hunting small game, such as hares, and is known for its agility, speed, and endurance. Cirnechi have a distinctive appearance, with a short, fine coat and a slim, athletic build. They come in all shades of fawn or in a combination of tan and white. They are highly intelligent, independent, and energetic, making them great pets for experienced dog owners who are looking for an active and intelligent companion. Despite their impressive abilities and rich history, Cirnechi are still relatively unknown outside of Sicily and are considered a rare breed globally.

• female height | 16.5 to 18 inches
• male height | 18 to 20 inches
• female weight | 17.6 to 22 pounds
• male weight | 22 to 26.5 pounds
• life span | 12 to 15 years
• litter size | 2 to 5
• shedding | light
• origin | Sicily – Italy