30 Dog Breeds that Begin with S

Saint Bernard

This dog breed originated in 1660 near the Great St. Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. Saint Bernards were originally developed for rescue operations.

Saluki

Saluki is the royal dog breed of Egypt that originated in the Fertile Crescent, in 329 BC. This iconic breed is regarded as the very first dog breed that was tamed.

Samoyed

This beautiful dog was brought into England by Arctic explorers in the late 18^th century. Samoyeds were bred for pasturing and are known for their adorable ‘Sammy smile’.

Schapendoes

Also known as Dutch Sheepdog, this breed was brought to light in 1870. Although they were originally a herding dog, Schapendoes are an active part of many dog sports, like flyball and agility.

Schipperke

This Belgian dog breed originated in 1600 AD. The name ‘Schipperke’ means “little shepherd” that clearly indicates the primary purpose of these canines. Additionally, these dogs were also kept for guarding boats at the canals of Brussels and Antwerp.

Scottish Deerhound

This dog breed originated in Scotland in the 16^th century. However, it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. Scottish Deerhound was originally bred to hunt deer.

Scottish Terrier

This Scottish breed is closely linked with West Highland White Terriers and was first raised in 1860. These dogs were initially bred as ferocious hunters of foxes and badgers.

Sealyham Terrier

This small-sized terrier originated in Wales (in the late 19^th century) and was bred for hunting. This breed was first raised by Captain John Edwardes at Sealyham House in Pembrokeshire.

Shetland Sheepdog

This breed finds its root in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It gained recognition from the Kennel Club of England in 1909. These sheepdogs are renowned for their obedience.

Shiba Inu

It is an ancient Japanese dog breed that was introduced in the USA, in 1954. Shiba Inus have a well-built body and were originally used for hunting. They can hunt even in uneven terrain of hilly areas.

Shih Tzu

According to an estimate, this toy breed originated in China, as early as 1000 BC. These pups are adorable family pets that are always ready to please their family members.

Shikoku

This dog breed originated in the Shikoku Island of Japan. These canines are quite similar to Shiba Inus in appearance and purpose (hunting).

Siberian Husky

This dog breed was first bred by Chukchi people in Eastern Siberia. In 1908, Siberian Huskies were taken to Nome (in Alaska) for participating in sled tugging races. The story of “Balto” is famous in this stead.

Silky Terrier

This small breed hails from Australia and was developed in the late 1800s. The Silky Terrier is the result of a cross between imported Yorkshire Terriers and native Australian Terriers.

Skye Terrier

Skye Terriers originated in the Isle of Scotland, some 400 years ago. They got a lot of fame in the 19^th century when they were used for hunting foxes, badgers, and otters.

Sloughi

This dog breed came to light when two German Sloughis were imported to California in 1979. These agile sighthounds were employed for hunting hare, fox, jackal, gazelle, and wild pigs.

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointers were first bred in the 1950s, in Czechoslovakia. This hybrid dog is the combination of the Wirehaired Pointer, Český Fousek, and the Weimaraner. The members of this breed can retrieve and hunt a variety of small animals on land and water.

Slovensky Cuvac

This breed was first bred in Slovakia, in the 17^th century. Slovensky Cuvacs were originally developed to be used in sheep farms. However, natives also kept them at homes for guarding, pulling the carts, and as companion dogs.

Slovensky Kopov

This hunting breed was first discovered in Czechoslovakia, back in the 1870s. These dogs fall in the category of scenthounds and were used for hunting deer and wild boar.

Small Munsterlander Pointer

The first Small Munsterlander Pointer was developed by a German health club in 1912. These pups were used to hunt hare, deer, fox, quail, pheasant, geese, ducks, and other fowl and small game. 

Smooth Fox Terrier

This dog breed originated in England, in the 17^th Century. Smooth Fox Terriers were initially used to hunt mice and rats on farms. However, they were also able to pursue and hunt bigger animals, like deer.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

In 1934, a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Club was developed in Ireland. The main motive of this club was to develop a breed that could work as an all-purpose farm dog. Their efforts resulted in this fun-loving and sturdy canine.

Spanish Mastiff

It is one of the ancient breeds that first came to sight in the Arabian Peninsula, some 2000 years ago. Spanish Mastiffs were specifically used to protect livestock against fierce predators, like wolves.

Spanish Water Dog

This breed originated in the mountainous area of Andalusia, in Spain. This first Spanish Water Dog was bred in 1980. These sturdy dogs were used for various purposes, such as herding, hunting, and assisting fishermen.

Spinone Italiano

As the name suggests, these pups originated in the piedmont region of Italy. In the early days, Spinone Italianos were used to pursue prey in the hilly terrain of Alpine Italy.

Stabyhoun

This dog breed originated in Friesland, a province in the northern part of the Netherlands. Stabyhouns were developed in the early 1800s and were used for hunting foxes, small game, and birds.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

This terrier was developed in the 19th-century (in England) for fighting other dogs in pits. The well-muscled body of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is ideal for participating in combats.

Sussex Spaniel

In the 19^th Century, the first Sussex Spaniel was developed in Sussex, England. The primary purpose of developing this breed was to use them for hunting purposes. Their slow pace allowed the hunters to follow them.

Swedish Lapphund

It is the national dog breed of Sweden that was developed by the Sami people of Lappland, in 1944. Swedish Lapphunds were primarily kept for herding reindeers.

Swedish Vallhund

This ancient dog breed was developed by Marilyn Thell of Jonricker Kennel in 1986. These pooches were originally bred for herding cattle.