23 Dog Breeds That Start With I [Complete List]

Dog breeds names starting with I alphabet are seldom heard of. In fact, we have only heard of the Irish Terrier.  In this post, we shall list all the dog breeds that start with I letter.

23 Dog Breeds That Start With I at a glance

There are really just a few dog breed with I at the start of their names. And some of these names are actually their unofficial names. In total, we found 23 such names. Here are the dog breeds that begin with i:

  • Ibizan Hound
  • Irish Wolfhound
  • Irish Terrier
  • Irish Setter
  • Irish Red And White Setter
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Idi Hanshee (AKA Azawakh)
  • Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (AKA Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier)
  • Inca Hairless Dog (AKA Peruvian Hairless Dog)
  • Irish Glenn Of Imaal Terrier (AKA Glen Of Imaal Terrier)
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Icelandic Sheepdog
  • Istrian Coarse-haired Hound
  • Indian Spitz
  • Istrian Shorthaired Hound
  • Indian Pariah Dog
  • Irish Blue Terrier (AKA Kerry Blue Terrier)
  • Indian Bully (AKA Bully Kutta)
  • ʻīlio (AKA Hawaiian Poi Dog)
  • Italian Rough Haired Segugio (AKA Segugio Italiano)
  • Irish Greyhound (AKA Celtic Hounds)
  • Irong Bisaya (AKA Askal)
  • Iranian Mastiff (AKA Sarabi Dog)

More on Dog Breeds Starting With I

Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound belongs to the hound family and is a small, lean, agile dog. This breed is characterized by upright ears that are wide at the base.

Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are historic sighthound dogs from Ireland. Like all sighthounds, they were used as chase dogs. In addition to being a guard dog, it was also used for hunting and protection from wolves.

Irish Terrier

It is a compact and active dog that is suitable for both rural and urban environments. Irish Terrier is a very active dog and needs and enjoys challenge.

Irish Setter

It is a type of family dog and gundog. This dog has a long, silky coat of a reddish or chestnut shade. It is necessary for Irish Setters to run off-lead in open areas daily, as they are very active.

Irish Red And White Setter

Irish Red and White Setters are related to  Irish Setter, Gordon Setter, and English Setter and share similar temperament and use. The breed was originally bred to hunt game birds.

Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest breed of dog in the spaniel family. It has dense curls on its coat, and sheds very little. Unlike any other breed, the color is liver/puce with a distinctive purple hue.

Idi Hanshee (AKA Azawakh)

The Idi Hanshee dog breed comes from West Africa. The species is raised in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in the Sahelian zone.

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (AKA Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier)

This is a pure breed terrier and comes from Ireland. Generally, wheatens have either an Irish or a Heavy coat. Irish coats are silkier and softer than heavy coats, which are fuller and thicker. Wheatens tend to be friendly and playful. But they can get along with kids and other animals.

Inca Hairless Dog Viringo (AKA Peruvian Hairless Dog)

This is a hairless dog breed and has its origins in Peru. They are bred as pets. The color of the skin can vary from chocolate brown to elephant grey to copper to mottled.

Irish Glenn Of Imaal Terrier (AKA Glen Of Imaal Terrier)

Glen of Imaal Terriers belong to the terrier family of dogs. They are one of four breeds of Irish Terriers. Breeders name the breed after Glen of Iaal in Wicklow County, Ireland, where it originated. Irish Kennel Club recognized the standard first in 1934 and the American Kennel Association in 2004.

Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are the smallest of all the sighthounds. Giotto, Sassetta, and Tiepolo often painted this dog breed.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Icelandic Sheepdogs are dogs of the spitz type originated in Iceland after the Vikings brought their dogs there. Since June 2010, the breed has been recognized by American Kennel Club.

Istrian Coarse-haired Hound

Istrian Coarse-haired Hound has its origins in Croatia and is a scent hound. It has a rough and wiry coat which is weather resistant, making it a great hunting companion.

Indian Spitz

The Indian Spitz breed is characterized by a soft chest, a fair tail, and a double coat of pure milky white. Their origins are thought to have come from German Spitz, introduced by the British in the 19th century. The Indian Government imposed restrictive import rules on them in 1980s and 1990s, which led to their popularity.

Istrian Shorthaired Hound

Istrian Shorthaired Hound comes from Croatia and is bred for hunting foxes and rabbits. This dog breed has a short coat that is smooth and glossy. There are also orange patches found on the coat. The breed has well-muscled body and long legs with a long tail.

Indian Pariah Dog

Indian pariah dog are found in India. It is a medium-sized dog with a short coat and a rectangular to square build. Pariah dogs are social and alert. Usually guard dogs or police dogs, they are extremely territorial and aggressive in nature.

Irish Blue Terrier (AKA Kerry Blue Terrier)

Kerry blue terriers originated in the Kerry mountains in Ireland. They are fast, strong and intelligent. Their agility, obedience, sheep herding, and tracking skills are also outstanding.

Indian Bully (AKA Bully Kutta)

Bully Kutta is used for both hunting and guarding. They are similar to mastiffs, and are notable for their hardiness and size.The breed is believed to have originated in either Thannivur or Tiruchi in Madras, or in medieval India’s Sind region.

ʻīlio (AKA Hawaiian Poi Dog)

ʻīlio is a pariah dog and comes from Hawaii. However, it is no longer in existence. Its name comes from the word poi which is staple food in Hawaii made from either kalo or taro root. This breed is kept for food as well as lucky charm.