Dog Breeds Beginning with the Letter L and M

MAJORCA MASTIFF aka MAJORCAN BULLDOG

The Majorca Mastiff, also known as the Majorcan Bulldog, is a breed of dog originating from the Spanish island of Majorca. They were originally used for bullfighting and guarding livestock, and are known for their courage and loyalty. The standard coat colors for the breed are brindle, black and fawn with white patches permitted on the feet, chest and muzzle. The breed is considered to be rare, with limited breeding and recognition by major kennel clubs. Despite their history of bullfighting, the Majorca Mastiff is a gentle and affectionate breed, making them great family pets. They are also highly valued as watchdogs due to their natural guarding instincts and strong protective nature.

• female height | 20.5 to 21.5 inches
• male height | 21.5 to 23.1 inches
• female weight | 65.8 to 75.2 pounds
• male weight | 76.7 to 84.2 pounds
• life span | 10 to 12 years
• litter size | 4 to 6
• shedding | light
• origin | Spain

MAJORCA SHEPHERD DOG

The Majorca Shepherd Dog is a breed of dog originating from the Spanish island of Majorca. They were originally used for herding and guarding livestock and are known for their independent and intelligent nature. The standard coat colors for the breed are black with white permitted on the chest. The breed is considered to be rare, with limited breeding and recognition by major kennel clubs. Despite their rarity, the Majorca Shepherd Dog is a highly valued breed in their native Spain, where they are still used for their original purpose of herding and guarding livestock. They are also highly valued as watchdogs due to their natural guarding instincts and strong protective nature.

• female height | 24 to 28 inches
• male height | 25 to 29 inches
• female weight | 73 to 88 pounds
• male weight | 75 to 90 pounds
• life span | 11 to 13 years
• litter size | 4 to 5
• shedding | light
• origin | Spain

MALTESE

Red our Maltese facts here.

• female height | 7.4 to 9.02 inches
• male height | 8.23 to 10 inches
• female weight | 3.99 to 6.01 pounds
• male weight | 3.99 to 6.01 pounds
• life span | 12 to 14 years
• litter size | 2 to 4
• shedding | light
• origin | Italy

MANCHESTER TERRIER

The Manchester Terrier is a breed of dog that originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. Originally bred for catching and killing vermin, the Manchester Terrier has since been primarily kept as a companion animal. They are known for their high energy, intelligence, and loyalty. The breed standard recognizes black and tan as the traditional coat color, although some also have a black and tan with a mahogany cast. The Manchester Terrier is considered a rare breed, with only a limited number of breeding dogs worldwide. Manchester Terriers come in two distinct sizes: Standard and Toy. The Standard Manchester Terrier typically stands between 15 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs around 12 to 22 pounds. They are the larger of the two sizes and possess a sleek and muscular build. On the other hand, the Toy Manchester Terrier stands between 10 and 12 inches tall and weighs around 6 to 8 pounds. Despite their smaller size, Toy Manchester Terriers are equally elegant and agile. Both sizes of Manchester Terriers are known for their keen intelligence, alertness, and affectionate nature.

• female height | 15 to 16.1 inches
• male height | 15 to 16.1 inches
• female weight | 5.98 to 22.1 pounds
• male weight | 5.98 to 22.1 pounds
• life span | 13 to 16 years
• litter size | 2 to 4
• shedding | light
• origin | United Kingdom

MAREMMANO AHEEPDOG aka ABRUZZESE SHEEPDOG

The Maremmano Abruzzese Sheepdog, also known as the Abruzzese Sheepdog, is a breed of dog that originated in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The breed was used for centuries for guarding and herding livestock in the rugged Apennine Mountains. The Maremmano Abruzzese Sheepdog is known for its strong, independent personality and its natural protective instincts. The breed is highly intelligent, fearless, and brave, making them excellent watchdogs. The standard coat color is solid white or ivory but light orange or lemon markings are acceptable. Despite their historical and practical importance, the Maremmano Abruzzese Sheepdog is still considered a relatively rare breed outside of Italy.

• female height | 23.5 to 27.5 inches
• male height | 25.5 to 29.5 inches
• female weight | 64.9 to 90.1 pounds
• male weight | 74.9 to 100 pounds
• life span | 10 to 13 years
• litter size | 6 to 9
• shedding | heavy
• origin | Italy

MARKIESJE aka DUTCH TULIP DOG

The Markiesje, also known as the Dutch tulip hound, is an intriguing breed of small black dogs with a rich history. While their exact origins and historical uses are not entirely clear, there is evidence to suggest that they may date back to the 1600s. Paintings from that time period depict small black dogs that bear a striking resemblance to the Markiesje, fueling speculation about their ancient lineage. As for their size, Markiesjes are typically small in stature, standing at around 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder. In terms of temperament, they are known to be friendly, intelligent, and affectionate companions. Their coat color is solid black with a glossy and smooth texture. They may also have white markings.

• female height | 12.4 to 14.1 inches
• male height | 13 to 35.1 inches
• female weight | 11 to 13 pounds
• male weight | 12 to 15 pounds
• life span | 12 to 15 years
• litter size | 2 to 5
• shedding | moderate
• origin | Netherlands

MASTIFF aka ENGLISH MASTIFF

The Mastiff, also known as the English Mastiff, is a massive dog breed that originated in the United Kingdom. It is believed to have been developed by ancient civilizations for use as a war dog, hunting dog, and for guarding estates. Despite its intimidating size, the Mastiff is known for its gentle and good-natured temperament. They are affectionate and loyal to their owners, but can be wary of strangers. The standard coat colors for the breed are apricot, fawn, and brindle, with black mask and dark ears. While the Mastiff is not an extremely rare breed, it is still considered a rare breed in certain areas, and is not as commonly found as other popular breeds.

• female height | 27.4 to 37.1 inches
• male height | 29.9 to 34.1 inches
• female weight | 150 to 251 pounds
• male weight | 160 to 251 pounds
• life span | 7 to 14 years
• litter size | 2 to 5
• shedding | heavy
• origin | United Kingdom

MINIATURE AMERICAN SHEPHERD aka MINIATURE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD

Read our Aussie facts here.

• female height | 13 to 18 inches
• male height | 13 to 18 inches
• female weight | 20 to 40.1 pounds
• male weight | 20 to 40.1 pounds
• life span | 12 to 14 years
• litter size | 2 to 6
• shedding | moderate
• origin | United States

MINIATURE BULL TERRIER

Read our Bull Terrier facts here.

• female height | 10 to 14 inches
• male height | 10 to 14 inches
• female weight | 18 to 28 pounds
• male weight | 18 to 28 pounds
• life span | 11 to 14 years
• litter size | 1 to 9
• shedding | moderate
• origin | United Kingdom

MINIATURE PINSCHER aka MIN PIN

The Miniature Pinscher, also known as the Min Pin, is a breed of dog that originated in Germany. The breed was developed to control vermin, particularly in stables and granaries. The Miniature Pinscher is a highly energetic and playful breed with a confident and assertive personality. They are known for their intelligence and ability to learn quickly, making them great pets for families and individuals. The breed standard recognizes solid colors of red, black, and chocolate, as well as a stag red color with black markings. The Miniature Pinscher is a popular breed in many countries and is not considered to be a rare breed.

• female height | 10 to 12.5 inches
• male height | 10 to 12.5 inches
• female weight | 7.98 to 9.02 pounds
• male weight | 7.98 to 10 pounds
• life span | 14 to 15 years
• litter size | 1 to 4
• shedding | moderate
• origin | Germany

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER

Read our Schnauzer facts here.

• female height | 12 to 14 inches
• male height | 12 to 14 inches
• female weight | 10 to 20 pounds
• male weight | 10 to 20 pounds
• life span | 12 to 15 years
• litter size | 3 to 6
• shedding | light
• origin | Germany

MIORITIC SHEPHERD DOG

The Mioritic Shepherd Dog, also known as the Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog, is a breed of dog that originated in Romania. The breed was developed for the purpose of herding and guarding livestock, particularly sheep, in the Carpathian Mountains. The Mioritic Shepherd Dog is known for its strong protective instincts, intelligence, and loyalty. They are brave, confident, and independent, making them excellent guard dogs. The breed standard recognizes a variety of coat colors, including solid white, piebald and grey. The Mioritic Shepherd Dog is a relatively rare breed outside of Romania, but it is highly valued in its country of origin for its versatility and ability to perform a variety of tasks.

• female height | 25 to 28 inches
• male height | 27 to 29 inches
• female weight | 100 to 150 pounds
• male weight | 100 to 150 pounds
• life span | 12 to 14 years
• litter size | 4 to 12
• shedding | moderate to heavy
• origin | Romania

MONTENEGRIN MOUNTAIN HOUND

Image Credit : Canarian

The Montenegrin Mountain Hound, formerly known as the Yugoslavian Mountain Hound, is a rare and unique dog breed that hails from the mountainous regions across the Balkans. With its strong and muscular build, this breed is perfectly suited for life in rugged terrains. FCI standard coat colors are black with tan markings. The Montenegrin Mountain Hound has a distinct appearance, with its short coat and well-defined muscles that showcase its athleticism. As a scent hound, it possesses exceptional tracking abilities and an acute sense of smell, which makes it an excellent hunting companion. Historically, this breed was primarily used for hunting fox, deer and even wild boars in the challenging terrain of the Balkan Mountains. However, it is also known to be a loyal and devoted family pet due to its gentle nature and affectionate disposition. This is a rare breed and the Montenegrin Mountain Hound is considered an endangered breed.

• female height | 18 to 22 inches
• male height | 18 to 22 inches
• female weight | 44 to 55 pounds
• male weight | 44 to 55 pounds
• life span | 12 to 14 years
• litter size | 4 to 6
• shedding | light
• origin | Montenegro

MUDI

The Mudi is a breed of dog that originated in Hungary. The breed was originally used for herding and guarding livestock, as well as for hunting vermin and rodents. The Mudi is an energetic and intelligent breed, known for its strong herding and protective instincts. They are also highly trainable and are often used in dog sports, such as agility and obedience. The standard coat colors of the Mudi are black, white, fawn and blue-merle and they will always have a black nose. Despite its versatility and usefulness, the Mudi is still considered a relatively rare breed outside of Hungary, but it has a dedicated following among breed enthusiasts.

• female height | 14 to 20 inches
• male height | 14 to 20 inches
• female weight | 18 to 29 pounds
• male weight | 18 to 29 pounds
• life span | 13 to 14 years
• litter size | 5 to 10
• shedding | moderate
• origin | Hungary