Dog Breeds Beginning with the Letter S

Welcome to our index of dog breeds starting with the letter “S.” Within this list, we’ve gathered a diverse array of canine companions, each representing a unique breed. From the spirited and “cat-like” Shiba Inu to the friendly and versatile Staffordshire Bull Terrier, we’ll introduce you to these remarkable dogs, accompanied by photographs and essential breed information. Whether you’re an experienced dog enthusiast or a prospective pet owner, join us on this journey through the world of “S” breeds.

List of Dog Breeds Starting with the letter S (with images).

SAARLOOS WOLFHOND

The Saarloos Wolfhond is a large sized dog breed that originates from Holland. It was developed in the early 20th century by crossing a German Shepherd Dog with a Eurasian Wolf. The breed was named after its creator, Leendert Saarloos. The Saarloos Wolfhond was originally used as a military and police dog, and for herding livestock. They are known for their loyalty, courage, and independent temperament. The standard coat colors for this breed are wolf-grey, cream and white. They are considered to be a rare breed and are still not widely known outside of Europe.

female height | 23.5 to 27.5 inches
male height | 25.5 to 29.5 inches
female weight | 78.9 to 90.1 lb pounds
male weight | 78.9 to 90.1 lb pounds
life span | 10 to 12 years
litter size | 4 to 6
shedding | moderate to heavy
origin | Holland

SAINT MIGUEL CATTLE DOG

Image Credit: Rui Teixeira

The Saint Miguel Cattle Dog is a medium/large sized breed that originates from the Azores Islands of Portugal. It is believed to have descended from the Mastiff-type dogs brought to the Azores by early settlers. The breed was traditionally used as a cattle herder and guardian, and is known for its courage, loyalty, and tenacity. The standard coat color for the Saint Miguel Cattle Dog is always brindled fawn, grey with a black overlay and black mask. They are a rare breed, with a small population primarily found in Portugal. Despite its traditional use as a working dog, the Saint Miguel Cattle Dog also makes a good family pet due to its friendly and affectionate temperament.

female height | 19 to 23 inches
male height | 20 to 24 inches
female weight | 44 to 661 lb pounds
male weight | 55 to 77 lb pounds
life span | 13 to 15 years
litter size | 5 to 10
shedding | moderate
origin | Portugal

SALUKI

The Saluki is a medium sized breed that originates from the Middle East, specifically from Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. It is one of the oldest dog breeds, with evidence of its existence dating back to ancient Egyptian times where it was depicted in art and used for hunting by nomadic tribes. The Saluki is known for its grace and speed, and has a gentle and affectionate temperament. Any color or color combination is allowed by breed standard except for brindle and it can have smooth or feathered fur. Despite its long history and popularity in the Middle East, the Saluki remains a relatively rare breed outside of its region of origin. They make excellent companions and can be trained for various activities, including racing and lure coursing.

female height | 23 to 28 inches
male height | 23 to 28 inches
female weight | 29 to 66.1 lb pounds
male weight | 29 to 66.1 lb pounds
life span | 12 to 16 years
litter size | 5 to 8
shedding | light
origin | Fertile Crescent-modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt

SAMOYED

female height | 19 to 21 inches
male height | 21 to 23.5 inches
female weight | 34.9 to 50.1 lb pounds
male weight | 44.9 to 71.1 lb pounds
life span | 12 to 16 years
litter size | 4 to 9
shedding | heavy
origin | Russia

#samoyed

SCHILLERSTÖVARE aka SCHILLER HOUND

The Schillerstövare, also known as the Schiller Hound, is a medium sized breed that originates from Sweden. It was developed in the 19th century as a hunting dog, specifically for tracking and hunting game such as hare and fox. The breed is named after Friedrich Schiller, a famous German poet, who was known to have a pack of these hounds. The Schillerstövare has a friendly and energetic temperament, and is known for its excellent scenting ability and stamina. The standard coat colors for this breed are black with tan with or without white markings. Despite its popularity in Sweden, the Schiller Hound remains a relatively rare breed outside of its country of origin. They make excellent hunting dogs and also make good family pets for active households.

female height | 18 to 22.5 inches
male height | 19.5 to 23.5 inches
female weight | 39.5 to 55.1 lb pounds
male weight | 39.5 to 55.1 lb pounds
life span | 12 to 15 years
litter size | 3 to 7
shedding | light to moderate
origin | Sweden

SCHIPPERKE

The Schipperke is a small sized breed that originates from Belgium. It was developed in the late 19th century as a watchdog and vermin hunter on barges and boats in the waterways of Flanders. The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, including its black, thick double coat, and its mischievous and intelligent temperament. The Schipperke is a highly active and energetic breed, and requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. The standard coat color for this breed is solid black, although a dark grey undercoat is permitted. Despite its popularity in Belgium, the Schipperke remains a relatively uncommon breed in other countries. They make excellent watchdogs and are also suitable for agility, obedience, and other canine sports.

female height | 10 to 12 inches
male height | 11 to 13 inches
female weight | 12 to 19 lb pounds
male weight | 12 to 19 lb pounds
life span | 15 to 18 years
litter size | 2 to 7
shedding | light
origin | Belgium

SCHNAUZER

female height | 17 to 19 inches
male height | 18 to 20 inches
female weight | 30 to 40.1 lb pounds
male weight | 30 to 45.1 lb pounds
life span | 12 to 16 years
litter size | 3 to 6
shedding | light
origin | Germany

#schnauzer

SCOTTISH DEERHOUND

The Scottish Deerhound is a large sized breed that originates from Scotland. It was developed as a hunting dog, specifically for tracking and bringing down deer in the Scottish highlands. The breed is known for its speed, agility, and grace, as well as its friendly and affectionate temperament. The standard coat colors for this breed are blue-gray, brindle, and fawn, with black points and a rough and shaggy appearance. Despite its historical significance, the Scottish Deerhound remains a relatively rare breed, with limited breeding and registration numbers. They make excellent family pets for those with the space and resources to care for a large breed, and also excel in lure coursing and other sighthound sports.

female height | 27.9 to 32.1 inches
male height | 29.9 to 32.1 inches
female weight | 74.8 to 95.2 lb pounds
male weight | 84.8 to 110 lb pounds
life span | 9 to 11 years
litter size | 4 to 9
shedding | moderate
origin | Scotland

SCOTTISH TERRIER

female height | 10 to 11 inches
male height | 10 to 11 inches
female weight | 18 to 21 lb pounds
male weight | 19 to 22 lb pounds
life span | 11 to 14 years
litter size | 1 to 6
shedding | light
origin | United Kingdom

#scottie

SEALYHAM TERRIER

The Sealyham Terrier is a small sized breed that originates from the United Kingdom. It was developed in the late 19th century as a hunting and working dog, specifically for use in tracking and hunting small game such as foxes and badgers. The breed is known for its tenacity, courage, and lively personality. The standard coat colors for the Sealyham Terrier are white with lemon, tan, brown, blue or badger markings. Despite its historical significance as a working terrier, the Sealyham Terrier is now a relatively rare breed, with limited breeding and registration numbers. They make excellent watchdogs and also excel in obedience and other terrier-specific events. As with other terrier breeds, the Sealyham Terrier has a bold and independent personality, and requires consistent and firm training and socialization from a young age.

female height | 10.5 to 12 inches
male height | 10.5 to 12 inches
female weight | 17 to 19 lb pounds
male weight | 23 to 24 lb pounds
life span | 12 to 15 years
litter size | 3 to 6
shedding | light
origin | United Kingdom

SEGUGIO ITALIANO PELO RASO aka ITALIAN SHORT-HAIRED SEGUGIO

The Segugio Italiano Pelo Raso, also known as the Italian Hound, is a medium sized breed that originates from Italy. It was developed as a hunting dog, specifically for use in tracking and hunting game such as wild boar and hare. The breed is known for its exceptional scenting ability and endurance, as well as its friendly and affectionate personality. The standard coat colors for the Segugio Italiano Pelo Raso are various shades of fawn and black and tan. Despite its popularity as a hunting breed in Italy, the Segugio Italiano Pelo Raso remains a relatively uncommon breed outside of its country of origin. They make excellent hunting dogs, as well as good family pets for active households. The breed requires regular exercise and mental stimulation, and is known for its strong prey drive and independent nature.

female height | 19 to 23 inches
male height | 19.5 to 23.5 inches
female weight | 39.9 to 62.1 lb pounds
male weight | 39.9 to 62.1 lb pounds
life span | 10 to 14 years
litter size | 4 to 6
shedding | light
origin | Italy

SEGUGIO ITALIANO PELO FORTE aka ITALIAN ROUGH-HAIRED SEGUGIO

The Segugio Italiano Pelo Forte, also known as the Italian Strong-Haired Hound, is a medium sized breed that originates from Italy. It was developed as a hunting dog, specifically for use in tracking and hunting game such as wild boar and hare. The breed is known for its exceptional scenting ability and endurance, as well as its friendly and affectionate personality. The standard coat colors for the Segugio Italiano Pelo Forte are various shades of fawn, red, or tan, with black or brown markings. Unlike the standard Segugio Italiano, the Pelo Forte variety is characterized by its dense, wiry coat, which provides protection in rough terrain and helps to distinguish it from other Segugio varieties. Despite its popularity as a hunting breed in Italy, the Segugio Italiano Pelo Forte remains a relatively uncommon breed outside of its country of origin. They make excellent hunting dogs, as well as good family pets for active households. The breed requires regular exercise and mental stimulation, and is known for its strong prey drive and independent nature.