Are you looking to get a new pet? The plethora of breeds that exist makes it difficult to keep track of them all. In fact, when it comes to breeds beginning with the letter’ M,’ there are numerous breeds that come to mind! We compiled a list of 20 dog breeds that begin with the letter’ M.’ The list includes purebred and mixed-breed dogs that would make wonderful additions to your family. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
1) Mudi
The Mudi is a Hungarian herding dog known for its lively and energetic personality. These qualities are precisely what makes it an excellent family pet. Unfortunately, they are uncommon outside of Hungary.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Buying Price: USD 2000 to 2700
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1000 to 1500
- Height: 15-18.5 inches
- Weight: 20 to 35 pounds
- Temperament: High energy, affectionate.
- Physical Characteristics: Fox-like head, pointed ears, bushy tail.
- Trainability: Easy to train.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes, but needs sufficient exercise.
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Easy to Groom
- Great watchdog
- Calm and friendly with children.
What’s bad about them?
- Avid wanderer and digger
- Expensive and difficult to find.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a cute and lively dog that is also easy to maintain, the Mudi can be a great addition to your family.
2) Mastiff
The Mastiff, also known as the English Mastiff, is one of the world’s largest dog breeds. The Mastiff, a massive, thick-boned dog of courage and tremendous strength, is docile and dignified but also a formidable guardian of those they love.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
- Buying Price: USD 300 to 2000
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1000 to 1500
- Height: 25 to 30 inches and up
- Weight: 175 to 200 pounds and up
- Temperament: loyal, independent, reserved.
- Physical Characteristics: Square face, short muzzle, droopy jowls.
- Trainability: Medium difficulty.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Good guard dog.
- Easy to maintain.
What’s bad about them?
- Expensive
- Excessive drooling
Conclusion
The Mastiff is the perfect dog for those looking for an easy-to-maintain guard dog.
3) Maltese
Maltese dogs are well-known for being excellent companion dogs. They enjoy being around people and can be significant, even for novice pet owners. Maltese dogs are known to be the “slackers of the dog world.” They’d rather be sleeping soundly on the couch rather than running around.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
- Buying Price: USD 2500 to 4500.
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1500 to 3000
- Height: 7 to 10 inches
- Weight: 3 to 8 pounds
- Temperament: Playful, affectionate, funny.
- Physical Characteristics: Tiny body, curled tail, floppy ears.
- Trainability: Responds well to training.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
What’s good about them?
- Friendly with strangers
- Light shedder
What’s bad about them?
- Physically fragile.
- Separation anxiety.
Conclusion
If you’re someone who enjoys pampering and grooming their furry companions, a Maltese can be your perfect new pet.
4) Manchester Terrier
Manchester Terriers are members of the Terrier breed. Originally bred as ratters in the 1800s, these dogs quickly gained popularity among the nobility. They are well-known for protecting and hunting for families.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 15 to 17 years
- Buying Price: USD 800 to 2500.
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 500 to 1000.
- Height: 15 to 17 inches
- Weight: 12 to 25 pounds
- Temperament: Alert, cunning, affectionate.
- Physical Characteristics: Long muzzle, pointed ears.
- Trainability: East to train.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Easy to groom
- Highly adaptable
What’s bad about them?
- Mischievous
- May bark a lot.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a guard dog that is always up for an adventure, the Manchester Terrier might be the perfect dog for you.
5) Miniature American Shepherd
Miniature American Shepherds are excellent herding dogs with exceptional agility.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years
- Buying Price: USD 800 to 1500
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1000 to 3000
- Height: 14–18 inches
- Weight: 13-35 pounds
- Temperament: Smart, loyal, cheerful.
- Physical Characteristics: Double coat, medium-length nuzzle, almond-shaped eyes.
- Trainability: East to train.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes, with sufficient exercise
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Intelligent
- Low exercise needs.
What’s bad about them?
- Get bored quickly, which may lead to mischievousness
- High grooming needs
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dog that is intelligent and dedicated to its family, the Miniature American Shepherd can be a perfect choice.
6) Malinois (Belgian Malinois)
The Belgian Malinois is a beautiful purebred dog bred to herd livestock. They are widely renowned working dogs in the police and military forces due to their versatility.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
- Buying Price: USD 3400 to 9000.
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1500 to 2000.
- Height: 24-26 inches
- Weight: 55-75 lbs.
- Temperament: Lively, attentive, alert.
- Physical Characteristics: Looks like a smaller version of the German Shepherd.
- Trainability: Highly trainable.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Highly intelligent.
- Great guard dogs.
What’s bad about them?
- High exercise needs
- Wary of strangers.
Conclusion
The Malinois can be your perfect companion if you’re looking for a loyal and energetic dog.
7) Mi-Ki
The Mi-Ki is yet another sophisticated designer dog that is extremely rare and bred solely for companionship.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 16 years
- Buying Price: USD 2500 to 4000
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 600 to 1200
- Height: 11 inches
- Weight: 3–11 lb
- Temperament: Friendly, calm, sweet.
- Physical Characteristics: Winged ears, thin legs, round eyes.
- Trainability: Highly trainable.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
What’s good about them?
- Minimum exercise needs.
- Great around children.
What’s bad about them?
- Very rare.
- Health issues.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a calm and compact dog that will love you conditionally, a Mi-Ki is perfect.
8) Miniature Bull Terrier
The Miniature Bull Terriers look much like their larger cousins and have the same oddly shaped face and snout.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
- Buying Price: USD 1700 and 3500.
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: 1500 to 3500 USD
- Height: 10 to 14 inches
- Weight: 18–28 pounds
- Temperament: Loving, courageous, stubborn.
- Physical Characteristics: Broad back and body, medium-length tail, egg-shaped head.
- Trainability: Need a lot of patience.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes, but they need frequent exercise.
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
What’s good about them?
- Easy to groom.
- Excellent guard dogs.
What’s bad about them?
- Need a lot of exercise
- Not very good with children.
Conclusion
A Miniature Bull Terrier is worth considering if you want an easy-maintenance guard dog.
9) Maltipoo
A Miniature Bull Terrier is worth considering if you want an easy-maintenance guard dog.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Buying Price: USD 600 to 4000
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1000 to 1500
- Height: 6 to 15 inches
- Weight: 5 to 25 pounds
- Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, fun-loving.
- Physical Characteristics: Round head, tiny stature, floppy ears.
- Trainability: Easy to train.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
What’s good about them?
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Low shedding
What’s bad about them?
- Separation Anxiety.
- Heavy Barker.
- Expensive.
Conclusion
If you wish for a tiny and friendly dog, then a Maltipoo can be an excellent choice.
10) Maremma Sheepdog
This large fluffy dog, also called the Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog, is an excellent sheep guardian throughout central Italy.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Buying Price: USD 1500 to 2500
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 2000 to 5000
- Height: 26 to 29 inches
- Weight: 65 to 120 pounds
- Temperament: Confident, alert, courageous.
- Physical Characteristics: Rustic appearance, bear-like head, strong jaws.
- Trainability: Relatively easy to train.
- Apartment Friendly: No
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Highly intelligent.
- Loyal.
What’s bad about them?
- Very independent.
- High grooming needs.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an intelligent and independent dog, the Maremma Sheepdog can be an excellent choice.
11) Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintli)
The Aztecs believed the Xolo, also called the Xoloitzcuintle, could protect a home from evil spirits and human intruders.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 14-20 years
- Buying Price: USD 2000 to 4000
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 500 to 2500
- Height: 15 to 20 inches
- Weight: 10 to 55 lb
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, calm.
- Physical Characteristics: Smooth skin, a patch of coarse hair on its head.
- Trainability: Medium difficulty.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
What’s good about them?
- Requires only a moderate amount of exercise.
- Healthy
What’s bad about them?
- High grooming needs.
- Separation Anxiety
Conclusion
The Mexican Hairless Dog is worth your consideration if you want a hypoallergenic, easy-maintenance dog.
12) Mountain Cur
Another dog that originated in the United States is the Mountain Cur. The breed was developed specifically for tracking vermin like raccoons and squirrels.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
- Buying Price: USD 400 to 3,000
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1500 to 2500
- Height: 16-25 inches
- Weight: 30–65 pounds
- Temperament: Active, intelligent, friendly.
- Physical Characteristics: Long legs, long V-shaped ears, sturdy frame.
- Trainability: Slightly challenging to train.
- Apartment Friendly: No
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Loyal
- Intelligent
What’s bad about them?
- Stubborn
- Not ideal for novice owners
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an intelligent dog and are ready for a challenge, the Mountain Cur can be your ideal furry family member.
13) Munsterlander
The Munsterlander is known to be a versatile hunter-pointer breed that originated in Munster, Germany.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Buying Price: USD 1500 to 1800
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1200 to 1500
- Height:20.5-22 inches
- Weight: 35-60 pounds
- Temperament: Calm, gentle, adaptable.
- Physical Characteristics: Rounded skull, dense and wavy coat.
- Trainability: Easy to train.
- Apartment Friendly: No
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Low grooming needs.
- Loyal and trustworthy
What’s bad about them?
- High prey drive
- High exercise needs.
Conclusion
If you wish for a loyal dog with low grooming needs, the Munsterlander can be the perfect dog for you.
14) Magyar Vizsla (Hungarian Pointer)
This Hungarian sighthound has been closely linked to the Italian Greyhound. Both are hard-working, adaptable pets who thrive on a job, whether jogging alongside you, carrying your bags, or playing fetch.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years.
- Buying Price: USD 1000 to 1800
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1000 to 2000
- Height: 22 to 25 inches
- Weight: 45–66 pounds
- Temperament: Aloof, stubborn, affectionate, assertive.
- Physical Characteristics: Curled tail, long hair.
- Trainability: Tricky.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
What’s good about them?
- Excellent watchdog.
- Friendly.
What’s bad about them?
- High grooming needs.
- Stubborn while training.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an active dog that loves assisting you in all tasks, the Magyar Vizla is the perfect friend.
15) Malteagle
The Malteagle is a Designer Dog that integrates the playful personality of the Maltese with the loving and loyal personality of the Beagle. It is a delicate, affectionate little dog who enjoys being a part of a family and can form strong bonds with his owner.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years
- Buying Price: USD 1,000 to 1,700
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1000 to 1500
- Height: 9-16 inches
- Weight: 15-22 lb
- Temperament: Outgoing, friendly, affectionate.
- Physical Characteristics: Small head, medium-length dense coat.
- Trainability: Moderate difficulty.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: In most cases.
What’s good about them?
- Tiny size.
- Great companions.
What’s bad about them?
- Escape tendencies.
- High grooming needs.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a family-friendly and outgoing dog, the Malteagle can be a perfect choice.
16) Mammut Bulldog
The Mammut Bulldog is a cross between five pedigree Bulldog breeds: American Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, Bullmastiff, English Bulldog, and Bandogge. This traditional Bulldog retains its long coat in the manner of its forefathers. These dogs are of German Origin and are powerful, self-assured, and hard-working animals devoted to their masters.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 11 years
- Buying Price: USD 2000 to 3000
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1500 to 1800
- Height: 15 – 21 inches
- Weight: 50-130 lbs.
- Temperament: Loyal, fearless, bold.
- Physical Characteristics: Wedge-shaped head, pronounced muzzle.
- Trainability: Tricky to train.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Good with children.
- Easy to groom.
What’s bad about them?
- Moderate to high prey drive.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fearsome guard dog that is also great with children, the Mammut Bulldog can be a perfect choice.
17) Majestic Tree Hound
The Majestic Tree Hound, a recently developed bloodhound, and coonhound breed was bred specifically to hunt large game animals such as bears, mountain lions, and bobcats.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
- Buying Price: USD 600 to 800
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1500 to 4000
- Height: 28 to 30 inches
- Weight: 80-110 pounds
- Temperament: Affectionate, sweet, sociable.
- Physical Characteristics: Hanging ears, excess facial skin.
- Trainability: Moderate training.
- Apartment Friendly: No.
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Great sense of smell.
- Friendly towards children.
What’s bad about them?
- Tendency to bark.
- Health Issues
Conclusion
The Majestic Tree Hound is highly suitable for those looking for a friendly family dog.
18) Malchi
The Malchi is a fluffy and tiny hybrid dog breed with a big bark and an even bigger heart that was created by merging the genetic traits of a Chihuahua and a Maltese. This tiny dog is energetic, playful, intelligent, and adores being loved.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Buying Price: USD 300 to 1000
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1000 to 2000
- Height: 13 to 15 inches
- Weight: 7-12 lbs
- Temperament: Happy, outgoing, energetic, and occasionally aggressive.
- Physical Characteristics: Small stature, round head, may have short or long hair depending on which parent they take after.
- Trainability: Stubborn, challenging to train.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Low exercise needs.
- Loyal and playful.
What’s bad about them?
- Social Anxiety.
- Stubborn.
- Not good with children
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a playful and tiny dog with a big personality, a Malchi might be the one for you.
19) Mally Foxhound
The Mally Foxhound is not purebred; instead, it is a cross between the Alaskan Malamute and the Foxhound.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Buying Price: USD 500 to 700
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: USD 1500 to 2000
- Height: 24 to 25 inches
- Weight: 55-95 pounds.
- Physical Characteristics: Can take on the appearance of either the Alaskan Malamute or the Foxhound.
- Temperament: Energetic, easy-going.
- Trainability: Stubborn, challenging to train.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes.
- Hypoallergenic: No
What’s good about them?
- Relatively healthy.
- Friendly.
What’s bad about them?
- Tendency to wander.
- High exercise needs.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an energetic and loving dog, then the Mally Foxhound can be an excellent choice.
20) Mal-Shi
This Shih Tzu/Maltese cross is a much-loved little fluff ball! Malshis are small, social, low-maintenance dogs who firmly believe that their home is where their heart is. It is also known by four other names: Mal Tzu, Malti Tzu, Shima, and Shih-tese.
Breed Traits
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 Years
- Buying Price: 1500 to 2500 USD
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: 1000 to 2000 USD
- Height: 10 Inches
- Weight: 6–13 Pounds
- Temperament: Friendly, playful, doting.
- Physical Characteristics: Toy-sized, soft, and silky wavy coat.
- Trainability: Easy to train.
- Apartment Friendly: Yes
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
What’s good about them?
- Light shedder
- Excellent family dog
What’s bad about them?
- High grooming needs.
- Fragile.
Conclusion
The Mal-Shi can be a great addition to your family if you love grooming and pampering your dog.
Summary
Dogs can be wonderful companions. Every ounce of love you give them will be multiplied many times over. The preceding list included 20 dogs who could be your ideal family member. So be sure to consider these adorable fur balls.