20 Dog Breeds that Start with K (with Pictures)

Updated on Jan 5, 2024

If you’re looking for a dog to add to your family, you’re in luck! There are hundreds of different breeds available, all with unique personalities and looks all their own. Here is a complete list of all the dog breeds that start with the letter K.

While most of these breeds are recognized by the AKC, some are designer breeds that have yet to be made official. Here are the 20 dog breeds that start with K:

Top 20 Dog Breeds That Start with K

1. Kai Ken

kai ken puppy — Image Credit: Melissa Grisham, Shutterstock

A medium-sized dog, the Kai Ken is a rare Japanese breed that was originally developed to hunt a wide array of game in the mountains of eastern Asia. Super smart and quick to learn, this wolf-like dog grows to be about 20 inches in height and weighs up to 40 pounds. Their life expectancy is 14 to 16 years.

2. Kangal Dog

Kangal shepherd dog sitting on grass grassland_FOTMA_shutterstock — Image Credit: FOTMA, Shutterstock

Also known as the Turkish Kangal Dog, this large livestock dog hails from Sivas, Turkey, and continues to be a very popular breed in the region. Calm, self-controlled, and independent, the Kangal Dog can grow to weigh up to 150 pounds and comes in light golden, grey, fawn sable, and dun colors.

3. Kanni

Kanni Indian dog lying on the ground — Image Credit: Sadasivam Chelladurai, Shutterstock

With a name meaning “pure,” the Kanni is a rare breed that is indigenous to South India. Used mainly for catching game animals with their swift speed, the Kanni resembles a Greyhound with long legs, a lean body, and a tapering snout. Agile and protective, this breed grows to be about 1.8 feet in height at the withers.

4. Karakachan Dog

Karakachan Bear Dog in the snow — Image Credit: Nataliya Nazarova, Shutterstock

Big and fluffy, the Karakachan Dog is a gentle giant that originated in Bulgaria. Named after a group of Greek nomadic shepherds, this intelligent and independent breed comes in a variety of different colors, including white, black, tan, and brown.

5. Karelian Bear Dog

Karelian Bear Dog in the snow — Image: Louise Ekeblad, Shutterstock

A Finnish breed, the Karelian Bear Dog is considered a national treasure. Growing to weigh more than 50 pounds, this dog has pointed ears and a fluffy, curly tail. With quick reflexes and a brave disposition, the Karelian Bear Dog is used for hunting large game, including bear, moose, and wild boar.

6. Karst Shepherd

A compact, sheepdog, the Karst Shepherd is extremely friendly and family-oriented. Originally developed in Slovenia, this fluffy breed can reach 25 inches in height and weigh up to 88 pounds. The Karst Shepherd does best with active families who have a large backyard.

7. Keeshond

Keeshond in snow — Image Credit: Herbert Bieser, Pixabay

A medium-sized dog with a thick, double-layered, plush coat and curled tail, the Keeshond is a Dutch breed that can live up to 13 to 15 years. Once used as a watchdog on boats and barges, the Keeshond is mainly used as a companion breed today. Alert and lively, this breed can easily develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

8. Kerry Beagle

Kerry Beagle dog laying down — Image Credit: DannyWalsh, Shutterstock

Believed to be one of the oldest Irish hound breeds, the Kerry Beagle is the only extant scent hound native to Ireland. Weighing up to 60 pounds, the Kerry Beagle makes both an excellent hunting partner and an affectionate family pet.

9. Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terrier in a spring garden — Image Credit: Radomir Rezny, Shutterstock

With a stunning blue-colored curly coat, the Kerry Blue Terrier was originally bred to hunt vermin. An adaptable, alert, and animated breed, this dog is used for a variety of different jobs, including herding sheep and acting as a watchdog.

10. King Charles Spaniel

2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — Image Credit By: BIGANDT.COM, shutterstock

The 19^th most popular breed in the U.S., the King Charles Spaniel is a small dog with a big personality. Available in a wide array of colors, this loyal and loving breed makes the perfect family pet.

11. King Shepherd

king shepherd in the backyard — Image Credit: Daltonifer, Shutterstock

A fairly new breed that was originally developed in the 1990s, the King Shepherd is very similar in looks and nature to the German Shepherd. Not officially recognized by the AKC, this dog has an imposing appearance yet a sweet, easy-going personality.

12. Kintamani

Kintamani Bali Dog, Indonesian National Breed_adi dharmawan_shutterstock — Credit: Adi Dharmawan, Shutterstock

Also known as the Kintamani-Bali dog, this breed is native to the Indonesian island of Bali. With perky ears and a fluffy coat, the Kintamani was originally developed from feral street dogs that freely roamed the island. Independent and alert, this dog is available in black, beige, and white hues.

13. Kishu Ken

Kishu ken dog on dark background — Image Credit: Molica_an, Shutterstock

Sometimes called the Kishu Inu, the Kishu Ken is a Japanese breed that was once used for hunting large game such as wild boar. A headstrong hunter, the Kishu Ken is independent and reserved, making it a breed better reserved for experienced pet parents.

14. Komondor

Komondor_Shutterstock_BORINA OLGA — Image Credit: BORINA OLGA, Shutterstock

Famous for its long, corded coat, the Komondor is a large Hungarian breed that looks like a mop on four legs. Tipping the scale at 80 to 100 pounds, this breed was originally developed to guard livestock. Calm and affectionate, the Komondor makes the ideal family companion.

15. Koolie

A type of herding dog, the Koolie is a uniquely colored breed that can be black, red, blue, chocolate, or tri-colored. Extremely intelligent, highly trainable, and very diligent, this breed would do best in an active household where it can get plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

16. Korean Jindo Dog

Loyal, intelligent, and loving, the Korean Jindo Dog is a medium-sized breed with pointy ears and a curly tail. Native to the South Korean island of Jindo, this breed can live to be up to 15 years old and weigh over 40 pounds.

17. Kromfohrlander

Black Kromfohrlander — Image Credit: bluelightpictures, Pixabay

Despite the complicated name, the Kromfohrlander is a pretty straightforward Germanic breed. Mostly used as a companion breed, this dog is docile, easy-going, and very smart. They are available in white and chocolate or white and tan color patterns and can grow to weigh around 30 pounds.

18. Kunming Wolf Dog

If you’re seeking the ultimate guard dog, look no further than the Kunming Wolf Dog. A wolf-dog hybrid, this breed is often used as a military assistant or police dog. Protective and intelligent, the Kunming Wolf Dog can grow to be 27 inches tall and weigh up to 85 pounds.

19. Kuvasz

Kuvasz sitting in the snow — Image Credit: La Su, Shutterstock

An ancient breed originally developed to guard livestock in Hungary, the majestic Kuvasz is a large dog with flowing white fur. Better suited to be the only pet in the household, this fiercely loyal breed is very protective and wary around strangers.

20. Kyi Leo

Cute and cuddly, the Kyi-Leo is a hybrid breed that is the result of mixing the Maltese with the Lhasa Apso. Sweet, sociable, and smart, this designer dog makes the perfect pet for almost anyone.

Featured Image Credit: King Charles Spaniel | BIGANDT.COM, Shutterstock