Welcome to our index of dog breeds that start with R 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 loyal and powerful Rottweiler to the hard-working Rhodesian Ridgeback, 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 R take your time and scroll through this complete list of the R dog breeds!
List of Dog Breeds that Start with R (with Pictures).
RAFEIRO DO ALENTEJO
The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large-sized dog breed that originated in the Alentejo region of Portugal. The breed has a long history as a guard dog, dating back several centuries, and was used to protect livestock and property. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is known for its strength, courage, and loyalty, as well as its deep bark which serves as an effective deterrent against intruders. They have a dignified and independent temperament and can make good family pets, but require experienced handling and early socialization. The standard coat color for Rafeiros do Alentejo is usually fawn, although other colors such as black, brindle, and gray are sometimes seen. The breed is considered to be relatively rare.
- female height | 25 to 28 inches
- male height | 27 to 28 inches
- female weight | 100 to 121 pounds
- male weight | 110 to 132 pounds
- life span | 12 years
- litter size | 9 to 13
- origin | Portugal
- shedding | medium
RAT TERRIER
The Rat Terrier’s ancestors include various European terriers and small hunting dogs that accompanied early settlers to America. Developed in the early 20th century, Rat Terriers were primarily used on farms and ranches for their exceptional hunting skills, particularly in controlling rat populations. They exhibited traits such as intelligence, agility, and a strong prey drive.Today, Rat Terriers make delightful companions with their lively and affectionate temperament. They are known for their high energy levels and adaptability, making them suitable for various living environments. Rat Terriers are also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them responsive to training. Their smooth, short haired comes in many colors-traditionally piebald. Brindle or Merle color patterns are not acceptable.
- Dog Breed and Real Weights – Rat Terrier-12-26 pounds (5.5-12 kg)
- Life Expectancy- 15-18 years
- Working Obedience and Intelligence – Unknown-No Studies
- Percentage of times they follow the first command given – n/a
- Learning a New Command Repetitions – Low End – n/a
- Learning a New Command Repetitions – High End – n/a
- Place of Origin – From the United States
- One Word Description – Tough, Curious, Alert
- Breed Standard Coat Colors (AKC)- black, chocolate, red, apricot, blue, fawn, tan, lemon, or white
RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK aka AFRICAN LION DOG
Read our Rhodesian Ridgeback facts here.
- female height | 23.9 to 26.1 inches
- male height | 24.9 to 27.1 inches
- female weight | 64.7 to 75.2 pounds
- male weight | 79.8 to 90.2 pounds
- life span | 9 to 15 years
- litter size | 7 to 8
- shedding | moderate
- origin | South Africa
ROTTWEILER
Read our Rottweiler facts here.
- female height | 22 to 25 inches
- male height | 24 to 27 inches
- female weight | 84.9 to 115 pounds
- male weight | 94.9 to 130 pounds
- life span | 10 to 12 years
- litter size | 4 to 12
- shedding | moderate
- origin | Germany
RUSSIAN BLACK TERRIER
The Russian Black Terrier is a large-sized dog breed that originated in Russia and has a relatively recent history, having been developed in the mid-20th century. The breed was created by Soviet breeders who aimed to produce a strong and versatile working dog for various roles, including guard duty and military work. The Russian Black Terrier is known for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty, as well as its striking black coat. They have a confident and energetic temperament and can make good family pets, but require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. The standard coat color for Russian Black Terriers is solid black, although black with scattered grey hairs is permitted. The breed is considered to be relatively rare, but is gaining popularity due to its impressive size and strength, as well as its versatility as a working dog and family companion.
- female height | 26 to 29 inches
- male height | 27 to 30 inches
- female weight | 76.9 to 154 pounds
- male weight | 76.9 to 154 pounds
- life span | 10 to 15 years
- litter size | 6 to 12
- shedding | moderate
- origin | Russia
RUSSIAN TOY
The Russian Toy is a tiny-sized dog breed that originated in Russia and has a long history as a companion dog. The breed was popular among the Russian aristocracy in the 19th century, and was prized for its small size and elegant appearance. The Russian Toy is known for its lively and affectionate temperament, making them great family pets. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train, but also require plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Russian Toys can be either long-haired or smooth-haired and their standard coat colors are black and tan, brown and tan, blue and tan and red. The breed is considered to be relatively rare, but is becoming increasingly popular due to its cute and charming appearance, as well as its affectionate nature and trainability.
- female height | 7.98 to 10 inches
- male height | 7.98 to 10 inches
- female weight | 3 to 6.01 pounds
- male weight | 3 to 6.01 pounds
- life span | 10 to 12 years
- litter size | 2 to 5
- shedding | light to moderate
- origin | Russia
RUSSIAN-EUROPEAN LAIKA
The Russian-European Laika is a medium-sized dog breed from Russia with a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was originally used for hunting in the dense forests of Russia and was highly valued for its versatility and ability to track game. The breed’s temperament is typically considered to be independent, energetic, and intelligent, making it well-suited for outdoor activities like hunting and sledding. The breed has a thick double coat that typically comes in standard coat colors of black with white markings, white with black markings and solid white or black. Although not widely known outside of Russia, the Russian-European Laika is considered a rare breed and is highly prized by hunters and dog enthusiasts in its native country.
- female height | 19.5 to 22 inches
- male height | 20.5 to 23 inches
- female weight | 44.9 to 56.1 pounds
- male weight | 46.9 to 66.1 pounds
- life span | 10 to 12 years
- litter size | 5 to 9
- shedding | light to moderate
- origin | Russia
RUSSIAN TSVENTAYA BOLONKA
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, also known as the Russian Colored Lapdog, is a member of the Bichon family. This small breed is characterized by its playful and inquisitive personality, making it the perfect companion for families with children. They are a toy breed that can grow up to 11 inches in height and weigh between 6-9 pounds. Interestingly, this breed faced near extinction in the 1950s, but dedicated efforts have helped revive its population. One of the distinctive features of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is its long, silky coat, which can come in various colors except white or parti-colored.
- female height | 11 inches
- male height | 11 inches
- female weight | 6-9 pounds
- male weight | 6-9 pounds
- life span | 14-20 years
- litter size | 1 to 3
- shedding | moderate
- origin | Russia