Welcome to our index of dog breeds that start with I and J from our complete list of over 340 different dog breeds. Within this list, you’ll find a wide variety of canines from all over the world. Most are recognized by one or more kennel clubs-but there may be some surprises thrown in! From the intelligent and dignified Irish Setter to the affectionate and loyal Jack Russell Terrier, we’ve got some amazing dogs for you to check out. Each dog has their picture and a summary of essential breed information. Whether you’re a seasoned dog enthusiast, thinking about getting a new pup, or just curious about dog breeds beginning with I and J take your time and scroll through this complete list of the I and J dog breeds!
List of Dog Breeds that Start with I and J (With Pictures)
IBIZAN HOUND
The Ibizan Hound is a breed of dog that originated in Spain and was used for hunting in the ancient times. Its unique appearance and athletic abilities made it a popular choice among hunters. These hounds are known for their independent and energetic temperament. The breed is recognized by its long, slender body and large, pointed ears, which give it a distinctive appearance. The standard coat colors for the Ibizan Hound are red, white, and fawn, but they come with both smooth nd rough coats. In the smooth coat, fawn is not permitted. Despite its history as a hunting dog, the Ibizan Hound is now often kept as a companion animal and is known for its affectionate and loyal nature.
- female height | 22.5 to 26 inches
- male height | 23.5 to 27.5 inches
- female weight | 39.9 to 50.1 pounds
- male weight | 45.9 to 55.1 pounds
- life span | 10 to 14 years
- litter size | 4 to 12
- shedding | moderate
- origin | Spain
ICELANDIC SHEEPDOG
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a breed of dog that originated in Iceland and was used for herding sheep and cattle. It is one of the oldest breeds in Iceland and is considered a national treasure. The breed is known for its friendly and playful temperament, and is often kept as a companion animal. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a small to medium sized dog with a double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, fawn, and grey with white markings. The breed is also recognized for its curled tail, which gives it a distinctive appearance. The Icelandic Sheepdog is now primarily kept as a companion animal and is known for its loyalty and affectionate nature.
- female height | 12 to 16 inches
- male height | 12 to 16 inches
- female weight | 20 to 30 pounds
- male weight | 20 to 30 pounds
- life span | 10 to 12 years
- litter size | 3 to 6
- shedding | moderate to heavy
- origin | Iceland
IRISH GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is a breed of dog that originated in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland and was used for hunting and as a general farm dog. It is one of the rarest terrier breeds and is known for its tenacious and fearless temperament. The breed has a muscular, compact build and a wiry coat that comes in a variety of colors, including wheaten, blue-brindle, and red. The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is a loyal and affectionate companion and is well-suited for life in the countryside. Despite its rarity, the breed has a strong following and is becoming more popular as a companion animal. The breed is known for its courage, determination, and versatility, making it a unique and special breed of dog.
- female height | 12.5 to 14 inches
- male height | 12.5 to 14 inches
- female weight | 33.9 to 36.1 pounds
- male weight | 33.9 to 36.1 pounds
- life span | 10 to 14 years
- litter size | 3 to 5
- shedding | moderate
- origin | Ireland
IRISH RED AND WHITE SETTER aka IRWS
Read our Irish Setter facts here.
- female height | 22.5 to 24 inches
- male height | 24.5 to 26 inches
- female weight | 49.9 to 75.1 pounds
- male weight | 49.9 to 78 pounds
- life span | 10 to 15 years
- litter size | 6 to 12
- shedding | moderate to heavy
- origin | Ireland
IRISH SETTER aka IRISH RED SETTER
Read our Irish Setter facts here.
- female height | 24 to 26 inches
- male height | 26 to 28 inches
- female weight | 54.9 to 65.1 pounds
- male weight | 64.9 to 75.1 pounds
- life span | 12 to 15 years
- litter size | 7 to 10
- shedding | moderate
- origin | Ireland
IRISH TERRIER
The Irish Terrier is a small sized dog breed that originated in Ireland. Its history dates back to the 17th century, where it was used for hunting and guarding. The breed is known for its wire-haired coat, which can come in a variety of colors such as red, wheaten, and yellow/red with or without white on the chest. Irish Terriers have a fearless and energetic temperament, making them good watchdogs and companion dogs. They are highly trainable and have a high energy level, making them suitable for various activities such as agility, obedience, and hunting. Although not considered a rare breed, the Irish Terrier is not as commonly seen as other popular breeds.
- female height | 18 to 19 inches
- male height | 18 to 19 inches
- female weight | 22 to 27 pounds
- male weight | 25 to 29 pounds
- life span | 10 to 14 years
- litter size | 3 to 6
- shedding | light
- origin | Ireland
IRISH WATER SPANIEL aka RAT TAIL SPANIEL
The Irish Water Spaniel, also known as the Rat Tail Spaniel, originated in Ireland in the 19th century and was originally bred for hunting and retrieving game in the water. This breed is known for its lively and friendly temperament and its distinctive curly coat, which comes in standard colors such as liver and puce. The breed’s “rat tail” is actually a characteristic length of tail that was considered advantageous for swimming. Despite its historical popularity, the Irish Water Spaniel is now a relatively rare breed, with declining numbers due in part to cross-breeding with other spaniel breeds.
- female height | 21 to 23 inches
- male height | 22 to 24 inches
- female weight | 44.9 to 58.1 pounds
- male weight | 54.9 to 68.1 pounds
- life span | 9 to 15 years
- litter size | 4 to 12
- shedding | light
- origin | Ireland
IRISH WOLFHOUND
Read our Irish Wolfhound facts.
- female height | 30 to 36.1 inches
- male height | 31.9 to 38.1 inches
- female weight | 105 to 154 pounds
- male weight | 120 to 180 pounds
- life span | 5 to 10 years
- litter size | 3 to 4
- shedding | moderate
- origin | Ireland
ISTRIAN SHORT-HAIRED HOUND
The Istrian Short-haired Hound is a breed originating from the Istria region in Croatia. It was traditionally used for hunting small game such as rabbits and hares. The breed is known for its friendly and intelligent temperament, making it a good choice for a family pet. The Istrian Short-haired Hound has a short, thick coat that comes in white with orange markings. Despite its historical use in hunting, the Istrian Short-haired Hound is considered a rare breed, with a limited population both in Croatia and internationally.
- female height | 19.5 inches
- male height | 19.5 inches
- female weight | 35.9 to 40.1 pounds
- male weight | 35.9 to 40.1 pounds
- life span | 12 to 15 years
- litter size | 8 to 14
- shedding | moderate
- origin | Croatia
ISTRIAN WIRE-HAIRED HOUND
The Istrian Wire-haired Hound is a breed originating from the Istria region in Croatia. It was traditionally used for hunting small game such as rabbits and hares. The breed is known for its friendly and intelligent temperament, making it a good choice for a family pet. The Istrian Wire-haired Hound has a wiry, thick coat that comes in white with lemon-orange markings.. Despite its historical use in hunting, the Istrian Short-haired Hound is considered a rare breed, with a limited population both in Croatia and internationally.
- female height | 17 to 23 inches
- male height | 17 to 23 inches
- female weight | 25 to 56.1 pounds
- male weight | 25 to 56.1 pounds
- life span | 12 to 15 years
- litter size | 4 to 8
- shedding | moderate
- origin | Croatia
ITALIAN GREYHOUND
The Italian Greyhound is a small sized dog breed that originated in Italy. Its history dates back to the ancient Roman Empire, where it was a popular companion dog among nobles and aristocrats. The breed is known for its slender build and short, smooth coat, which can come in all shades of black, grey and Isabella and can have white markings on the chest and feet. Italian Greyhounds have a friendly and affectionate temperament, making them great family pets. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in various living conditions, although they are sensitive to cold weather. Although not considered a rare breed, the Italian Greyhound is not as commonly seen as other popular breeds.
- female height | 13 to 15 inches
- male height | 13 to 15 inches
- female weight | 6.98 to 15 pounds
- male weight | 6.98 to 15 pounds
- life span | 12 to 15 years
- litter size | 3 to 8
- shedding | light
- origin | Italy
JACK RUSSELL TERRIER aka PARSON RUSSELL TERRIER
Read our Jack Russell Terrier facts here.
- female height | 10 to 12 inches
- male height | 10 to 12 inches
- female weight | 14 to 18 pounds
- male weight | 14 to 18 pounds
- life span | 9 to 15 years
- litter size | 4 to 8
- shedding | moderate
- origin | United States
JÄMTHUND aka SWEDISH ELKHOUND
The Jämthund, also known as the Swedish Elkhound, is a breed originating from Sweden. It was traditionally used for hunting large game such as elk and bear. The breed is known for its intelligence, courage, and determination, making it an excellent hunting companion. The Jämthund has a dense, double coat that comes in a standard gray (light to dark) color with lighter undercoat and cream markings. Despite its historical use as a hunting dog, the Jämthund is considered a rare breed outside of its native Sweden, with a limited population worldwide. The breed is also prized for its loyalty and affectionate temperament,
- female height | 20.5 to 23.5 inches
- male height | 22.5 to 25.5 inches
- female weight | 65.9 to 66.1 pounds
- male weight | 65.9 to 66.1 pounds
- life span | 12 to 13 years
- litter size | 5 to 7
- shedding | moderate to heavy
- origin | Sweden
JAPANESE SPITZ
The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog breed that originated in Japan and is known for its thick and fluffy white coat. The breed was originally used as a watchdog and hunter, but today they are mainly kept as companion dogs. Japanese Spitz are intelligent, playful and loyal dogs, making them excellent family pets. Standard coat colors for the breed are pure white, and they are considered to be a rare breed outside of Japan.
- female height | 12 to 14 inches
- male height | 12 to 15 inches
- female weight | 11 to 20 pounds
- male weight | 11 to 20 pounds
- life span | 11 to 13 years
- litter size | 1 to 6
- shedding | moderate to heavy
- origin | Japan
JAPANESE TERRIER aka NIPPON TERRIER
The Japanese Terrier, also known as Nippon Terrier, originated in Japan and was bred for rat hunting in urban areas. This small and active dog has a cheerful and lively temperament and is known for being obedient and intelligent. In Japan, they are valued for their loyalty. The standard coat colors for the breed are black, tan and white and it is a rare breed outside of Japan.
- female height | 12 to 13 inches
- male height | 12 to 13 inches
- female weight | 5.99 to 8.02 pounds
- male weight | 5.99 to 8.02 pounds
- life span | 9 to 11 years
- litter size | 4 to 7
- shedding | light to moderate
- origin | Japan