Dog Breeds Beginning with the Letter P

PORTUGUESE SHEEPDOG

The Portuguese Sheepdog, also known as the Cão de Serra de Aires, is a medium-sized dog breed originating from Portugal. It was originally used for herding and guarding sheep in the mountainous regions of Portugal. The breed is known for its intelligence, trainability, and friendly nature, making it an excellent family pet. The Portuguese Sheepdog has a thick, curly coat that comes in standard colors of shades of yellow, brown, grey and fawn with tan markings. Despite its popularity as a herding breed in Portugal, the Portuguese Sheepdog remains a relatively rare breed outside of its native country. However, it is valued for its versatility and affectionate nature, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a loyal and loving companion.

• female height | 16.5 to 20.5 inches
• male height | 17.5 to 21.5 inches
• female weight | 25.9 to 40.1 pounds
• male weight | 25.9 to 40.1 pounds
• life span | 12 to 13 years
• litter size | 3 – 6
• shedding | medium
• origin | Portugal

PORTUGUESE WATER DOG

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized breed originating from Portugal, where it was used for herding fish into nets and retrieving lost tackle. It is a highly intelligent breed known for its trainability and playful, affectionate nature, making it an excellent family pet. The breed has a unique coat that can be either curly or wavy and comes in a variety of standard solid colors including black, white and brown. The black and brown coats may me marked with white on the chest and several other locations. Portuguese Water Dogs have gained popularity in recent years, particularly in North America, where they are valued for their hypoallergenic coats and ability to adapt to a variety of living environments. Despite its growing popularity, the Portuguese Water Dog remains a relatively rare breed and is highly prized by those who appreciate its unique personality and versatility.

• female height | 17 to 21 inches
• male height | 20 to 23 inches
• female weight | 34.9 to 50.1 pounds
• male weight | 41.9 to 60.1 pounds
• life span | 10 to 15 years
• litter size | 4 to 8
• shedding | light
• origin | Portugal

POSAVATZ HOUND

Image Credit: Canarian

The Posavatz Hound is a medium-sized dog breed originating from Croatia. It was originally used for hunting small game such as hares and foxes in the Posavje region of Croatia. The breed is known for its energetic and friendly temperament, making it an excellent hunting companion and family pet. The Posavatz Hound has a short, dense coat that comes in a standard color of red or wheaten with white markings. Despite its popularity as a hunting breed in Croatia, the Posavatz Hound remains a relatively rare breed outside of its native country.

• female height | 18 to 23 inches
• male height | 18 to 23 inches
• female weight | 34.9 to 45.1 pounds
• male weight | 34.9 to 45.1 pounds
• life span | 12 years
• litter size | 6 to 8
• shedding | light
• origin | Croatia

PRAGUE RATTER

The Prague Ratter, also known as the Pražský Krysařík, is a small-sized dog breed originating from the Czech Republic. It was originally used for catching and controlling rat populations in homes and stables. The breed is known for its lively and playful temperament, making it an excellent companion for families and individuals. The Prague Ratter has a smooth, short coat that comes in a variety of standard colors including black and tan, brown and tan, yellow, merle and red. Despite its popularity as a companion breed in the Czech Republic, the Prague Ratter remains a relatively rare breed outside of its native country. However, it is valued for its small size, affectionate nature, and ease of care, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a compact and loving companion.

• female height | 7 to 9 inches
• male height | 7 to 8 inches
• female weight | 3.3 to 7.7 pounds
• male weight | 3.3 to 7.7 pounds
• life span | 12 to 14 years
• litter size | 1 to 4
• shedding | light
• origin | Czech Republic

PRESA CANARIO

The Presa Canario, also known as the Canary Mastiff, is a large-sized dog breed originating from the Canary Islands. It was originally used as a cattle herding and guarding dog, and was also utilized for dog fighting. The breed is known for its strong protective instincts, making it an excellent guard dog. However, early and consistent training and socialization are important to prevent aggressive behavior. The Presa Canario has a short, smooth coat that comes in all shades of brindle and all shades of fawn. White marks are acceptable in certain locations and the mask is always dark. Despite its reputation as a formidable guard dog, the Presa Canario remains a relatively rare breed outside of its native country. However, it is valued by those who appreciate its powerful build, courage, and loyalty, making it an excellent choice for experienced dog owners who are looking for a strong and protective companion.

• female height | 21 to 25 inches
• male height | 21 to 25 inches
• female weight | 79.9 to 130 pounds
• male weight | 79.9 to 130 pounds
• life span | 9 to 11 years
• litter size | 7 to 9
• shedding | moderate
• origin | Canary Islands

PUDELPOINTER

The Pudelpointer is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Germany and is a result of crossbreeding between a Poodle and a Pointer. The breed was first developed in the late 1800s and was bred specifically for hunting game birds. The Pudelpointer is known for its intelligence, versatility, and strong hunting instincts. They have a friendly temperament and make great family pets, but need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. The breed’s standard coat colors black, liver and brown with small white markings permitted. They are a rare breed, but have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique combination of traits and versatility as hunting dogs.

• female height | 21.5 to 25 inches
• male height | 23.5 to 27 inches
• female weight | 43.9 to 66.1 pounds
• male weight | 43.9 to 66.1 pounds
• life span | 14 to 16 years
• litter size | 4 to 6
• shedding | moderate
• origin | Germany

PUG

Read our Pug facts here.

• female height | 10 to 14 inches
• male height | 12 to 14 inches
• female weight | 14 to 18.1 pounds
• male weight | 14 to 18.1 pounds
• life span | 12 to 15 years
• litter size | 4 to 8
• shedding | heavy
• origin | China

PULI aka HUNGARIAN SHEEPDOG

The Puli is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in Hungary and has a long history as a herding dog. The breed dates back over 1,000 years and was used by shepherds to help herd and protect their flocks. The Puli is known for its intelligence and loyalty, as well as its distinctive corded coat, which provides protection against the elements. They have a friendly and energetic temperament and make great family pets, but need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. The standard coat colors for Pulis are black, black with rust-colored shadings, gray and fawn. The breed is considered to be relatively rare, but is becoming more popular due to its unique appearance and adaptable nature.

• female height | 15 to 17 inches
• male height | 16 to 18 inches
• female weight | 20 to 30 pounds
• male weight | 25 to 35.1 pounds
• life span | 10 to 16 years
• litter size | 3 to 5
• shedding | none
• origin | Hungary

PUMI

The Pumi is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in Hungary and has a long history as a herding dog. The breed dates back to the 17th century and was used by shepherds to help herd and control livestock. The Pumi is known for its intelligence, energetic nature, and strong herding instincts. They have a lively and playful temperament, making them good family pets, but they also require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. The primary coat color for Pumis is grey, black or fawn. Grey puppies are born black and will turn grey over time. The breed is considered to be relatively rare, with a small but dedicated following of breed enthusiasts who appreciate its unique qualities and versatility.

• female height | 13 to 19 inches
• male height | 13 to 19 inches
• female weight | 18 to 33.1 pounds
• male weight | 18 to 33.1 pounds
• life span | 12 to 13 years
• litter size | 4 to 7
• shedding | light to medium
• origin | Hungary

PYRENEAN MASTIFF

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant-sized dog breed that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain and has a long history as a livestock guardian. The breed dates back to the ancient times and was used by shepherds to protect their flocks from predators. The Pyrenean Mastiff is known for its massive size, loyalty, and protective nature. They have a calm and gentle temperament and are good family pets, but due to their size and strength, they require experienced handling and early socialization. The standard coat color for Pyrenean Mastiffs is usually white with patches of grey, gold, brown or beige. They will always have a darker, well defined mask. The breed is considered to be relatively rare, with a small but dedicated following of breed enthusiasts who appreciate its impressive size and devotion as a guardian.

• female height | 27.9 to 34.1 inches
• male height | 29.9 to 34.1 inches
• female weight | 120 to 176 pounds
• male weight | 120 to 176 pounds
• life span | 8 to 13 years
• litter size | 5
• shedding | medium
• origin | Spain

PYRENEAN SHEEPDOG

The Pyrenean Sheepdog, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog or the Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees, is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains of France. The breed has a long history as a herding dog, dating back several centuries, and was used by shepherds to help herd and protect their flocks. The Pyrenean Sheepdog is known for its intelligence, energy, and herding instincts. They have a friendly and affectionate temperament, making them good family pets, but they also require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. The standard coat colors for Pyrenean Sheepdogs are shades of fawn, grey, merle, brindle and black. The breed is considered to be relatively rare, but is gaining popularity due to its versatility as a herding dog and its affectionate nature as a family pet.

• female height | 15 to 20.5 inches
• male height | 15.5 to 18.6 inches
• female weight | 15 to 32.1 pounds
• male weight | 15 to 32.1 pounds
• life span | 9 to 15 years
• litter size | 1 to 7
• origin | France
• shedding | medium