Dog Breeds Beginning with the Letters N and O

Welcome to our list of dog breeds starting with the letters “N” and “O.” In this guide, we’ve assembled a selection of canine companions, each representing a unique breed. From the intelligent and agile Norwegian Elkhound to the friendly and spirited Otterhound, we’ll introduce you to these remarkable dogs, complete with photographs and essential breed information. Whether you’re an experienced dog enthusiast or a potential pet owner, join us on this journey through the world of “N” and “O” breeds.

NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF aka ITALIAN MASTIFF

The Neapolitan Mastiff, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a giant dog breed that originated in Italy. It has a long and rich history, having been used as a guard dog for both people and livestock for centuries. Despite its massive size and intimidating appearance, the Neapolitan Mastiff is known for its gentle and loyal temperament, making it an excellent family companion. The breed is protective of its family and territory, but is typically calm and relaxed in a home environment. The standard coat colors for the breed include grey, black, brown, fawn and deer red with loose skin and wrinkles that are distinctive to the breed. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a relatively rare breed, and is not as commonly found as other popular large breeds.

female height | 24 to 29 inches
male height | 26 to 31 inches
female weight | 110 to 132 pounds
male weight | 132 to 154 pounds
life span | 7 to 10 years
litter size | 6 to 12
shedding | moderate
origin | Italy

NEDERLANDSE KOOIKERHONDJE aka DUTCH DECOY DOG

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, also known as the Dutch Decoy Dog, is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in the Netherlands. It was developed for the purpose of duck hunting, and was trained to lure ducks into traps. The breed is known for its energetic and playful temperament, as well as its intelligence and trainability. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a friendly and affectionate dog that makes an excellent family companion. The standard coat colors for the breed are white with patches ranging from orange to deep red. The breed has a distinctive and attractive “ear hood” of hair over its ears. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a relatively rare breed, and is not as commonly found as other popular breeds.

#kooikerhondje

NEWFOUNDLAND aka NEWFIE

female height | 25 to 27 inches
male height | 27 to 30 inches
female weight | 100 to 120 pounds
male weight | 130 to 150 pounds
life span | 8 to 13 years
litter size | 4 to 12
shedding | moderate
origin | Canada | United Kingdom

#newfoundland

NORFOLK TERRIER

The Norfolk Terrier is a small-sized dog breed that originated in the United Kingdom. It was developed for hunting small game, such as foxes, badgers, and otters, and for working as a vermin control dog on farms. The breed is known for its lively and energetic temperament, as well as its courage and determination. Despite its small size, the Norfolk Terrier is an independent and confident dog that makes an excellent watchdog. The standard coat colors for the breed include black and tan, grizzle, wheaten and red and the breed is often trimmed in a distinctive pattern. The Norfolk Terrier is a relatively rare breed, and is not as commonly found as other popular terrier breeds.

female height | 8.98 to 10 inches
male height | 8.98 to 10 inches
female weight | 11 to 12 pounds
male weight | 11 to 12 pounds
life span | 12 to 15 years
litter size | 2 to 5
shedding | moderate
origin | United Kingdom

#norfolkterrier

NORRBOTTEN SPITZ aka NORDIC SPITZ

The Norbottenspitz, also known as the Nordic Spitz, is a small/medium sized dog breed that originated in Sweden. It was developed for a variety of purposes, including hunting, herding, and guarding, and is known for its versatility and agility. The breed is known for its energetic and playful temperament, as well as its loyalty and affection towards its family. Despite its small size, the Norbottenspitz is an independent and confident dog that makes an excellent watchdog. The standard coat colors for the breed include pure white with well defined yellow-red patches and they have a distinctive and dense double coat. The Norbottenspitz is a relatively rare breed, and is not as commonly found as other popular spitz breeds.

female height | 16 to 18 inches
male height | 16 to 18 inches
female weight | 26 to 33.1 pounds
male weight | 26 to 33.1 pounds
life span | 20 years
litter size | 5 to 7
shedding | moderate
origin | Sweden

NORWEGIAN BUHUND

The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Norway. It was originally developed for herding and guarding livestock, and is known for its intelligence and trainability. The breed is also known for its energetic and playful temperament, making it an excellent family companion. The Norwegian Buhund is an affectionate and loyal dog that is eager to please, and is known for its ability to form strong bonds with its family. The standard coat colors for the breed include black and shades of wheaten, with a dense and weather-resistant double coat. The Norwegian Buhund is a relatively rare breed, and is not as commonly found as other popular herding breeds.

female height | 15.5 to 18.5 inches
male height | 17 to 18.5 inches
female weight | 26 to 35.1 pounds
male weight | 31 to 40.1 pounds
life span | 12 to 15 years
litter size | 3 to 8
shedding | moderate
origin | Norway

NORWEGIAN ELKHOUND

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Norway. It was originally developed for hunting large game, such as elk and bear, and is known for its courage and determination. The breed is also known for its independent and spirited temperament, making it a popular choice for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Despite its independent nature, the Norwegian Elkhound is also an affectionate and loyal dog that forms strong bonds with its family. The standard coat colors for the breed are various shades of grey, with black tips on the fur. The Norwegian Elkhound has a thick and weather-resistant double coat that provides excellent protection against the elements. The breed is not considered to be rare, and is one of the most popular breeds in Norway.

female height | 18 to 20 inches
male height | 19 to 21 inches
female weight | 39.9 to 55.1 pounds
male weight | 49.9 to 60.1 pounds
life span | 12 to 16 years
litter size | 7 to 14
shedding | heavy
origin | Norway

#elkhound

NORWEGIAN HOUND aka DUNKER

Image-Wikipedia

The Norwegian Hound, also known as the Dunker, is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Norway. It was developed for hunting small to medium-sized game, such as hare and fox, and is known for its strong scenting ability and endurance. The breed is also known for its friendly and energetic temperament, making it a popular choice for families. Despite its friendly nature, the Norwegian Hound is also an independent and confident dog that can be somewhat aloof with strangers. The standard coat colors for the breed are diluted black with tan markings, blue merle with tan and a white underbelly. The Norwegian Hound has a short and dense coat that provides good protection against the elements. The breed is not considered to be rare, but it is not as well known as some other hunting breeds.

female height | 18.5 to 22.5 inches
male height | 18.5 to 22.5 inches
female weight | 34.9 to 49.1 pounds
male weight | 34.9 to 49.1 pounds
life span | 11 to 14 years
litter size | 4 to 7
shedding | medium
origin | Norway

NORWEGIAN LUNDEHUND

The Norwegian Lundehund is a small-sized dog breed that originated in Norway. It was originally developed for hunting puffins and their eggs, and is known for its unique physical adaptations, including its ability to bend its head backwards to reach narrow crevices, and its extra toes for grip. The breed is also known for its friendly and playful temperament, making it a popular choice for families. Despite its small size, the Norwegian Lundehund is an independent and confident dog that can be somewhat reserved with strangers. The standard coat colors for the breed range from fawn to red mixed with white. The Norwegian Lundehund has a thick and weather-resistant double coat that provides good protection against the elements. The breed is considered to be a rare breed, and is one of the most endangered dog breeds in the world.

female height | 12 to 15.5 inches
male height | 12 to 15.5 inches
female weight | 13 to 20 pounds
male weight | 13 to 20 pounds
life span | 12 years
litter size | 2 to 3
shedding | heavy
origin | Norway

NORWICH TERRIER

The Norwich Terrier is a small sized dog breed originating from the United Kingdom. Originally used for hunting small vermin, these dogs have a fearless and energetic temperament, making them excellent ratters. Standard coat colors for the breed include red, wheaten, black and tan, and grizzle, with their unique look and playful personality contributing to their rarity. Despite their small size, Norwich Terriers are fearless and make for lively and affectionate companions.

female height | 8.97 to 10 inches
male height | 8.97 to 10 inches
female weight | 11 to 12 pounds
male weight | 11 to 12 pounds
life span | 12 to 16 years
litter size | 2 to 3
shedding | light
origin | United Kingdom

NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as the Toller, is a medium sized dog breed originating from Canada. Its name is derived from its traditional use of tolling, or attracting, waterfowl within shooting range for hunters. The breed is known for its high energy and playfulness, making it an excellent hunting companion as well as a great family pet. The Toller has a unique red or orange coat and is considered a relatively rare breed. These dogs are intelligent, trainable, and highly active, requiring plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are also affectionate and social, bonding closely with their owners and enjoying the company of other dogs and people.

female height | 16.9 to 20.1 inches
male height | 17.9 to 21.1 inches
female weight | 36.9 to 43.1 pounds
male weight | 44.9 to 51.1 pounds
life span | 12 to 15 years
litter size | 4 to 10
shedding | moderate
origin | Canada

#nsdtr

OLD DANISH POINTING DOG

Image Credit: Pleple2000

The Old Danish Pointing Dog, also known as the Altdänischer Vorstehhund, is a medium to large sized hunting dog breed originating from Denmark. The breed has a long history of hunting game birds and small mammals, and is known for its strong pointing instincts and excellent sense of smell. In terms of temperament, the Old Danish Pointing Dog is generally described as an affectionate and loyal breed that forms strong bonds with its owner. The breed’s standard coat colors are chestnut and white, with some individuals exhibiting markings of black or liver. The breed is considered to be a rare breed, with limited populations found primarily in its country of origin.

female height | 19.5 to 22 inches
male height | 21 to 23.5 inches
female weight | 56.9 to 68.1 pounds
male weight | 65.9 to 77.1 pounds
life span | 13 years
litter size | 4 to 6
shedding | moderate
origin | Denmark

OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG

The Old English Sheepdog, also known as the OES, is a large sized herding dog breed that originated in the United Kingdom. The breed has a rich history as a herding dog, used to manage and protect flocks of sheep in rural England. In terms of temperament, the Old English Sheepdog is known for being gentle, friendly, and highly adaptable. They are affectionate with their family and make excellent companions. The breed’s standard coat colors are seen in any shade of grey, grizzle and blue with white markings and they are characterized by their long, shaggy coat. The Old English Sheepdog is seen in limited populations found primarily in the UK and other countries. Despite this, they remain a popular breed for their unique appearance and gentle nature.

female height | 19.9 to 22.1 inches
male height | 21.9 to 24.1 inches
female weight | 59.9 to 100 pounds
male weight | 64.7 to 65.2 pounds
life span | 10 to 12 years
litter size | 4 to 8
shedding | heavy
origin | United Kingdom

#oldenglishsheepdog

OTTERHOUND

The Otterhound is a large sized dog breed from the United Kingdom with a history dating back to the medieval period when they were used for hunting river otters. With their keen sense of smell and webbed feet, they were adept at locating and retrieving otters from rivers and streams. Today, Otterhounds are friendly, good-natured and boisterous dogs, known for their strong vocalization and energetic temperament. They are known to be great with children and other pets. The standard coat colors for an Otterhound are black, blue, and tan, (all hound colors) with rough, dense fur that requires regular grooming. They are a relatively rare breed, with a small gene pool, and are recognized by the American Kennel Club.