Dog Breeds Beginning with the Letter S

SLOVAKIAN CHUVACH

The Slovakian Chuvach, also known as the Chuvach, is a medium to large sized dog breed from Slovakia. Its origins are thought to date back to the early 16th century, where it was used for herding and guarding livestock in the mountainous regions of Slovakia. The Chuvach has a strong and sturdy build, with a thick, dense coat that comes in white, with or without a light yellowish shading on the ears. They are an intelligent and active breed, known for their loyalty and protectiveness towards their family. The Chuvach is independent and can be stubborn at times, making early socialization and obedience training important. They have high energy levels and enjoy physical activity, making them well suited for families who enjoy outdoor activities. Despite their history as a working breed, the Chuvach also makes a great companion for those who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Although they are not widely known outside of Slovakia, the Chuvach is a beloved and valued breed among those who appreciate their versatility and their loving nature.

• female height | 22 to 27.5 inches
• male height | 22 to 27.5 inches
• female weight | 65.9 to 99.1 lb pounds
• male weight | 65.9 to 99.1 lb pounds
• life span | 11 to 13 years
• litter size | 3 to 6
• shedding | light
• origin | Slovakia

SLOVAKIAN HOUND

The Slovakian Hound is a medium sized dog breed that originates from Slovakia. This breed has a long history in Slovakia, having been used for hunting and tracking game for centuries. The Slovakian Hound is a sturdy, athletic breed, with a short, dense coat that comes in black with brown markings. They are known for their energetic and friendly temperament, making them great companions for those who can provide them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Slovakian Hounds are known for their strong sense of smell, making them excellent hunters and trackers. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train and well suited for obedience and agility training. Despite their popularity in Slovakia, the Slovakian Hound is not well known outside of their country of origin and is considered a rare breed. However, for those who appreciate their hunting ability, trainability, and friendly nature, the Slovakian Hound is a highly valued and beloved breed.

• female height | 16 to 19 inches
• male height | 16 to 19 inches
• female weight | 30 to 38 lb pounds
• male weight | 30 to 38 lb pounds
• life span | 11 to 14 years
• litter size | 2 to 6
• shedding | light
• origin | Slovakia

SMÅLANDSSTÖVARE aka SMALAND HOUND

Image Credit: Linathrash

The Smålandsstövare, also known as the Småland Hound, is a medium sized dog breed that originated in Sweden. This breed has a long history as a hunting dog, specifically used for hunting small game such as fox, hare, and badger. The Smålandsstövare is a hardy breed, with a medium-length coat that is black or liver brown with tan markings. They are known for their friendly and energetic temperament, making them excellent family pets. Despite their friendly nature, Smålandsstövare have a strong prey drive and are still highly valued as hunting dogs in their native Sweden. The breed is highly intelligent and trainable, making them well suited for obedience and agility training. While not well known outside of Sweden, the Smålandsstövare is considered a rare breed, but those who appreciate their hunting ability, trainability, and friendly nature highly value this breed.

• female height | 16.5 to 20 inches
• male height | 18 to 21 inches
• female weight | 32.9 to 44.1 lb pounds
• male weight | 32.9 to 44.1 lb pounds
• life span | 12 to 15 years
• litter size | 4 to 6
• shedding | moderate
• origin | Sweden

SMALL MÜNSTERLÄNDER

The Small Münsterländer is a medium sized dog breed that originated in Germany. This breed has a long history of being used for hunting, specifically for small game such as hares and foxes. The Small Münsterländer has a distinctive liver and white or brown roan coat that is short, dense, and weather-resistant. They are known for their friendly, intelligent, and energetic temperament, making them excellent family pets. Despite their friendly nature, the Small Münsterländer still retains their hunting instincts and make great hunting companions. They are highly trainable, making them well suited for obedience and agility training. While not well known outside of Germany, the Small Münsterländer is considered a rare breed, but those who appreciate their hunting ability, trainability, and friendly nature highly value this breed.

• female height | 19 to 22 inches
• male height | 19 to 22 inches
• female weight | 39.9 to 60.1 lb pounds
• male weight | 39.9 to 60.1 lb pounds
• life span | 13 to 15 years
• litter size | 6 to 8
• shedding | moderate
• origin | Germany

SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized breed originating from Ireland. Its history dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, where it was used for hunting and herding livestock. This breed is known for its friendly and affectionate temperament, making it a popular family pet. The standard coat color for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are solid shades of wheaten. This breed is considered to be rare, with a limited number of breeding dogs and a small population. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a lively and energetic breed, with a distinctive silky, soft coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty.

• female height | 17 to 19 inches
• male height | 18 to 20 inches
• female weight | 30 to 35.1 lb pounds
• male weight | 34.9 to 40.1 lb pounds
• life span | 10 to 15 years
• litter size | 1 to 8
• shedding | light
• origin | Ireland

SOUTH RUSSIAN SHEPHERD DOG

The South Russian Shepherd Dog, also known as the South Russian Ovcharka, is a large sized breed originating from Russia. The breed has a long history as a sheep and cattle herder in the southern regions of Russia. This breed is known for its independent, fearless and protective temperament. They are highly trainable and make great guard dogs. The breed is recognized by its distinctive double coat which comes in a variety of colors including white, ivory, wheaten, white with yellow and white with grey, The breed is considered rare and not as well known as other herding breeds. Despite this, the South Russian Shepherd Dog is highly valued for its strength, agility and courage and is often used for livestock protection and guard duties.

• female height | 23.9 to 24.1 inches
• male height | 24.9 to 25.1 inches
• female weight | 108 to 110 lb pounds
• male weight | 108 to 110 lb pounds
• life span | 9 to 12 years
• litter size | 5 to 10
• shedding | moderate
• origin | Russia

SPANISH GREYHOUND aka GALGO

The Spanish Greyhound, also known as the Galgo, is a medium sized dog breed originating from Spain. Its history dates back to ancient times, where it was used for hunting game such as hares and foxes. The breed is known for its slender and athletic build, allowing it to reach great speeds. The most common coat colors of the Spanish Greyhound include fawn, black red and white but all colors meet breed standard. The breed’s temperament is generally affectionate and gentle, making them a popular pet for families. However, due to the history of the breed being used for hunting, they may have a high prey drive. Spanish Greyhounds are considered rare and their popularity outside of Spain is limited, although they have gained recognition in recent years due to their appearance in various dog events and shows.

• female height | 23.5 to 26.5 inches
• male height | 24.5 to 27.5 inches
• female weight | 43.9 to 66.3 lb pounds
• male weight | 43.9 to 66.3 lb pounds
• life span | 10 to 12 years
• litter size | 4 to 6
• shedding | light to moderate
• origin | Spain

SPANISH HOUND

The Spanish Hound, also known as the Sabueso Español or the Spanish Mountain Hound, is a medium sized dog breed that originated in Spain. These hounds have a long history of hunting and were used to track and pursue game such as boar and rabbit. Spanish Hounds have a friendly temperament and are known to be loyal, playful and affectionate with their owners. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in white with different shades of orange spotting. The standard coat colors for the Spanish Hound are generally solid in color, with no markings or spots. The breed is considered to be rare, with a small population in Spain and limited distribution in other countries.

• female height | 18.9 to 21.1 inches
• male height | 20.5 to 22.5 inches
• female weight | 44.9 to 60.1 lb pounds
• male weight | 44.9 to 60.1 lb pounds
• life span | 12 to 14 years
• litter size | 4 to 6
• shedding | light to moderate
• origin | Spain

SPANISH MASTIFF

The Spanish Mastiff, also known as the Mastín Español, is a giant-sized dog breed originating from Spain. It has a history that dates back to ancient times, where it was used as a guard dog and livestock protector. This breed is known for its calm and docile temperament, making it a gentle giant. Spanish Mastiffs have a short, thick coat that, according to FCI breed standard, can come in any color. They are most often seen in shades of yellow, fawn, red and black. They are considered to be a rare breed and are not commonly seen outside of Spain. Despite their large size, they make great family pets due to their loyalty and affection towards their owners.

• female height | 29.5 to 35.1 inches
• male height | 31.5 to 35.1 inches
• female weight | 145 to 170 lb pounds
• male weight | 185 to 265 lb pounds
• life span | 10 to 12 years
• litter size | 3 to 6
• shedding | light to moderate
• origin | Spain