Getting a dog is undoubtedly a big choice that has to be thoroughly thought out. Choose a breed suitable for homes, and seek a puppy that fits your demands and the needs of your household. Each dog breed is distinct because they were all created with a certain function in mind, just like their names! Any breed may make an excellent pet, but the one you pick will mostly rely on a number of characteristics including their physical features, origin, personality and cost. Scroll down to check out the list we have prepared with 20 dog breeds starting with the alphabet ‘ S.’
1) Samoyed
Breed Traits
- Group: Working (AKC)
- Height: 19 to 23.5 inches
- Weight: 35 – 65 pounds
- Coat: two layers, a thick undercoat and a long, straight topcoat.
- Color: White, Cream, Beige
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years
- Temperament: Friendly, happy, gentle, alert
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Price: USD 1500 to 3000
- Origin: Russian
Samoyeds were bred in Serbia to hunt, tow sledges, and herd reindeer. This breed is versatile, sociable, and all around gregarious and playful. Since they get along so well with kids and other dogs, Samoyeds are ideal companions for almost everyone. They belong to the Spitz dog subgroup and are a base breed. Because of their extremely thick white coats, Samoyeds were able to stay warm in the subzero Siberian cold. A Samoyed may start to engage in harmful behaviors if their high activity level and desire for exercise aren’t addressed. Dogs like Samoyeds are hypoallergenic. Even so, they still shed a lot, especially in the course of their shedding season.
2) Shar Pei
Breed Traits
- Group: Non sporting (AKC)
- Height: 18-20 inches
- Weight: 40-55 pounds
- Coat: stiff bristly coat; of either brush or horse type
- Color: Black, Blue, Brown, Cream, Red, or Fawn
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 13 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, reserved, devoted
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1100 to 1500
- Origin: China
The Chinese Shar Pei is a protective and loyal friend, and people who have the chance to be in its presence often comment on how distinctive its wrinkled skin is. The Shar-Pei is highly independent, confident, serious, and uncompromising. It is dedicated to and fiercely protective of its family while not being overly demonstrative. It is wary of strangers, if not downright suspicious. This particular breed of dog needs to be socialized early on since it is more distrustful of strangers than hospitable. This breed is not your greatest option if you want a dog to go with any young children you may have. These dogs are renowned for having an independent nature that frequently tries to defy their master’s authority, despite being playful and sensitive toward their owners.
3) Shiba Inu
Breed Traits
- Group: Non Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 12-16 inches
- Weight: 15-25 pounds
- Coat: Water-proof; soft undercoat and a firm, straight outer coat
- Color: Black & Tan, Cream, Red and Red Sesame
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: Alert, fearless, confident, outgoing.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1500 to 2700
- Origin: Japan
The Shiba Inu is a small-sized breed of alert, energetic, and faithful dogs. They are regarded as one of the most well-liked breeds in Japan and are known for their intelligence. The Shiba is stubborn, independent, and bursting with self-assurance. Although they may be incredibly quiet and peaceful indoors, these companions can be lively without coming across as unduly exuberant or loud. Families with extremely young children are not advised to get a Shiba. For young children, they could be a little much, but they might work nicely with older, responsible kids. Even though they like being with their hoomans, they can be left alone since they are independent and don’t turn aggressive.
4) Shih Tzu
Breed Traits
- Group: Toy (AKC)
- Height: 7-12 inches
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Coat: double coat, a shorter inner coat and a long outer coat.
- Color: Black, Blue, Brindle, Gold, Red, Silver
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 16 years
- Temperament: Active, intelligent, happy, courageous
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Price: USD 1000 to 3000
- Origin: China
If you’re seeking a friend who is lively, devoted, and playful, the Shih Tzu dog breed could be the ideal choice. The energetic Shih Tzu is a loving lap dog as well as a spirited friend. It enjoys playing and romping around and has a positive outlook. It treats its family with affection and gets along well with kids. Shih Tzu dogs are eager to please and respond well to kind, upbeat, and patient owners. It is remarkably resilient and does exhibit some stubbornness. Food rewards typically work effectively because of their tendency to be stubborn and have a “what’s in it for me” mentality. Housebreaking may be challenging, and setbacks are common. Although older dogs may be effectively trained as well, training is most effective when it is begun young and continued continuously.
5) Siberian Husky
Breed Traits
- Group: Working (AKC)
- Height: 20-24 inches
- Weight: 35-60 pounds
- Coat: medium-length double coat with a straight outer coat and a thick, thick undercoat.
- Color: Agouti & White, Black & White, Gray & White, Red & White, White
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
- Temperament: Alert, playful, gentle, outgoing.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1300 to 3000
- Origin: Russia
According to the American Kennel Club, the Siberian Husky is the tenth most popular dog breed because of its outgoing temperament. Due to their distinctive look, Siberian Huskies are also among the breeds that are frequently purchased wrongly, according to statistics. Understanding the Siberian Husky personality is crucial. They make great pets for the lively family because of their active and pleasant nature. If given a chance, this breed would roam since it enjoys running. Although it could be hostile toward unfamiliar dogs, it normally gets along well with other family dogs. It is actually a very gregarious dog that requires canine or human company. It could pursue odd cats or animals—some chew, growl and dig. If you have the right understanding of the Siberian Husky temperament, you can find a wonderful dog that will do all in its power to keep you happy.
6) Shikoku
Breed Traits
- Group: Working (AKC)
- Height: 10-27 inches
- Weight: 30-50 pounds
- Coat: fairly thick coat with usually a mixture of white
- Color: Black, Black and tan and cream
- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
- Temperament: Agile, loyal, affectionate, energetic
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 2500 to 4000
- Origin: Japan
It is a courageous and intelligent dog with sound judgment. The Shikoku is also highly obedient and devoted to its owner; it enjoys being petted and frequently gives kisses. However, it could come out as a little aloof with strangers. To prevent developing aggression against other dogs, this breed must be socialized from a young age. Dogs that develop aggression require a knowledgeable owner or trainer who can convey to the animal that this is inappropriate behavior. If they are raised appropriately, Shikokus can bond with kids and vice versa. They may only be suitable for some because of their powerful hunting drive.
7) Spanish Water Dog
Breed Traits
- Group: Herding (AKC)
- Height: 16-20 inches
- Weight: 30-50 pounds
- Coat: wooly long curls from head to toe that covers their eyes
- Color: Black, White, Brown
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, trainable.
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1600 to 2700
- Origin: Spain
The Spanish Water Dog is a responsible, devoted, loving, and clever breed. They naturally have very strong instincts for herding and defending themselves, which causes them to “appoint” themselves as the protectors of their homes. Work and pleasure are essential for Spanish Water Dogs. They thrive in a variety of activities because of their physical prowess and intense work ethic. They would perform best with a family or energetic individual that is accustomed to spending a lot of time training, playing with, and exercising dogs. As long as they obtain a proper amount of physical and cerebral stimulation, he can usually adjust to any environment. A well-adjusted, sociable dog needs early and ongoing socialization with a variety of people and animals since they might be distrustful of strangers.
8) Sussex Spaniel
Breed Traits
- Group: Working (AKC)
- Height: 12-16 inches
- Weight: 37-45 pounds
- Coat: thick coat and water resistant undercoat
- Color: Brown and Red
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
- Temperament: Calm, cheerful, friendly, loyal
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 2000 to 3500
- Origin: United Kingdom
The Sussex Spaniel is a small, amiable family dog with a kind disposition toward its loved ones. They may be friendly among people they know, yet they are wary of strangers. This breed is well recognized for having this distrust, which is one of the reasons they are notorious for being so loud. These canines are perfect for families with kids. They make fun, harmless pets because of their size and calm, kind demeanor. The Sussex spaniel has a lower energy level than other spaniels and is prone to being less lively and outgoing. This makes it more adapted to city life, yet it still values the opportunity to get into the woods and go bird hunting. It has less popularity among hunters than other breeds since it frequently barks when hunting; some also bark or wail while not hunting. Although a well-socialized Sussex may be eager to build new relations, these dogs are more wary of meeting strangers.
9) Spanish Greyhound
Breed Traits
- Group: Sighthounds & Pariahs
- Height: 20-30 inches
- Weight: 40-60 pounds
- Coat: smooth, wiry coat with or without markings
- Color: Black, Cinnamon, Red, White, Yellow
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, calm, gentle
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1000 to 1400
- Origin: Spain
Spanish Greyhounds resemble Greyhounds in appearance but differ significantly from them in terms of structure. For the most part, all Greyhounds get along well with other dogs, including small dogs. They are also excellent with kids, being quiet indoors, so there is less chance of a kid getting pounced on or pushed down than there would be with a more hyperactive breed. They are quite gentle and endure children’s sometimes over-exuberant attentions without much threat of the dog biting back. As a result of their reserved nature and propensity for shyness, it is crucial that they are socialized from an early age so that they may grow up feeling at ease among unusual people, pets, and environments.
10) Skye Terrier
Breed Traits
- Group: Terrier (AKC)
- Height: 9-13 inches
- Weight: 25-40 pounds
- Coat: hard outer coat and dense undercoat
- Color: Black, Blue, Cream, Fawn, Gray, Silver
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years
- Temperament: Loyal, fearless, intelligent, friendly
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1500 to 2500
- Origin: United Kingdom
The Skye Terrier is a sophisticated and refined canine that is, first and foremost, a working terrier. The smooth exterior of the Skye terrier conceals its strong inside. It is a relentless predator of rodents. It is also one of the few terriers that are calm enough to live in a city setting and makes a good house pet. However, it still needs regular exercise in a secure place or while being restrained. It is delicate yet also unyielding. The Skye is devoted to its family yet reserved among outsiders. It gets along well with other home pets but cannot get along with unfamiliar dogs. It is quite brave and tenacious and makes a reliable watchdog.
11) Spinone Italino
Breed Traits
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 20-29 inches
- Weight: 61-87 pounds
- Coat: single coat – rough, dry, thick hair
- Color: Brown Roan, Orange Roan, White
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years
- Temperament: Gentle, playful, affectionate, courageous
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1000 to 2700
- Origin: Italy
With its huge, drooping ears, pendulous lips, and relatively long head and nose, the Spinone Italiano has a hound-like appearance. It is a large, powerful dog that can trot quickly all day long and then recover anything on land or in the water. Due to its thick, wiry coat, it can hunt in any environment. Longer hair on the lips and brows offers additional safety while also increasing their intellectual and gentle look. This dog is dedicated, kind, and eager to please. It is kind and friendly, getting along well with other dogs, pets, and kids. It also exhibits bravery. Compared to most pointing breeds, Spinone is more relaxed and easygoing.
12) Saint Bernard
Breed Traits
- Group: Working (AKC)
- Height: 25-30 inches
- Weight: 120-180 pounds
- Coat: Long hair has a delicate wave, whereas short hair is sleek and has thick fur.
- Color: White, Ginger Red, Black
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
- Temperament: Gentle, intelligent, friendly, loyal
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1500 to 2500
- Origin: Switzerland
Saint Bernard is a gentle giant in every sense of the word. These enormous animals are renowned for both their size and their composure. They are not only a simple breed to own because of this, but they are also perfect for hectic families. Even if they are a little sluggish, these dogs make wonderful, sociable friends. For families, the Saint Bernard breed is a great option. Their social nature makes them excellent for children, and they like being around other people. These dogs will also make visitors feel welcome, which frequently dispels any doubts about whether the breed is violent. However, because of the dog’s size, smaller kids are clearly at risk and need to be supervised when playing.
13) Scottish Terrier
Breed Traits
- Group: Terrier (AKC)
- Height: 8-13 inches
- Weight: 20-24 pounds
- Coat: hard, wiry outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat
- Color: Black, Black Brindle, Brindle, Red Brindle, Silver Brindle and Wheaten
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
- Temperament: Independent, feisty, playful
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Price: USD 1500 to 2200
- Origin: United Kingdom
One of the tallest breeds in the world, the Scottish Deerhound is nearly as tall as the Irish Wolfhound. It has a short, matted coat that gives it an untidy appearance, and it is robust and powerfully built. The clan heads of Scotland utilized this ancient breed for hunting and killing large Red Deer, which might weigh up to 400 pounds. This breed is calm, kind, and delicate. They are wonderful family dogs since they are eager to please their human family. Despite being excellent and tolerant of youngsters, their bulk and weight may accidentally scare or topple a young child. They are perhaps best recognized for their tenacity and unwavering focus. Your Scottish Terrier won’t give in a tug-of-war match, no matter how long you go on. You’ll give up before he does in this game!
14) Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Traits
- Group: Herding (AKC)
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 10-18 pounds
- Coat: a double coat consisting of a long, straight, rough outer coat and a short, thick underneath
- Color: Black, White, Sable, Blue Merle, Tan
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years
- Temperament: Responsive, playful, affectionate, gentle
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1100 to 2800
- Origin: United Kingdom
The Shetland Islands, the most northern part of the United Kingdom, are where the Shetland Sheepdog breed. They often resemble a miniature Rough Collie. Shetland Collie was the breed’s initial name, but because of disagreements it generated with Rough Collie breeders of the time, the name was legally modified. These canines have a lot of energy and are bright and playful. The abbreviated form “Sheltie” is used to refer to Shetland Sheepdogs. Shetland Sheepdogs possess a high level of intelligence. The Sheltie placed ninth out of 138 breeds assessed in a battery of tests for canine intelligence. They are simple to teach and rapidly pick up new commands. They are initially wary of strangers and need some time to warm up to someone new.
15) Sloughi
Breed Traits
- Group: Hound (AKC)
- Height: 24-30 inches
- Weight: 33-60 pounds
- Coat: smooth coated
- Color: Black, Brindle, Cream, Fawn, Spotted
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Temperament: Alert, faithful, playful, sweet, sensitive
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1500 to 2400
- Origin: Morocco
The Sloughi is a highly motivated and sophisticated predator that pursues what it perceives as moving prey at first sight while also using smell and audio clues to guide its pursuit. The Sloughi is a working dog that is mostly employed for hunting in Africa. With family, the Sloughi is normally devoted, lively, and loving, yet cautious and vigilant around strangers. The Sloughi responds best to a firm, constant, fair, and encouraging hand rather than harsh training methods.
16) Saluki
Breed Traits
- Group: Hound (AKC)
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 10-18 pounds
- Coat: smooth and silky coat
- Color: Black, Chocolate, Cream, Fawn, Golden, Silver
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: Aloof, gentle, reserved, intelligent
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 2500 to 3500
- Origin: Middle East
The Saluki dog breed, also known as the Persian Hound, is a sighthound, meaning it prefers to hunt primarily by sight as opposed to smell. They could come out as independent and initially be wary of strangers. It is not especially outgoing, but it is incredibly loyal to its own family. Although the Saluki is quite friendly among kids, many of them might not find it amusing enough. Extremely delicate, it does not take to rough play or handle harsh criticism well. Some Salukis are reticent. This breed prefers a nice, warm location indoors and is quite calm and subdued. The clever Saluki breed is prone to boredom if left alone or given basic activities like fetching a ball or stick. Because of its history as a hunter, it likes to follow after prey and will usually pursue anything moving quickly.
17) Swedish Vallhund
Breed Traits
- Group: Herding (AKC)
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 10-18 pounds
- Coat: medium-length double coat
- Color: Gray, Red, Black, Blue, White
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: Alert, playful, watchful, fearless
- Hypoallergenic:No
- Price: USD 1500 to 2500
- Origin: Sweden
Although the minimal dog may look like one of his Corgi relatives, the Swedish Vallhund is a unique breed that has been around for a while. One of the most talkative breeds in the world, Vallhunds is kind and even-tempered. They speak in yips, howls, and barks, and their conversational dialect has its own term: “argle-bargle.” These intelligent, active dogs thrive with owners who are ready to include them in work or sports. Vallhunds become lively friends. The Vallhund is devoted and simple to train, diligent and playful and has everything but numbers: It is a breed that is quite rare.
18) Spanish Mastiff
Breed Traits
- Group: Guardian Dog
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Weight: 10-18 pounds
- Coat: thick coat
- Color: Black, Brindle, Fawn, Sable, Yellow
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
- Temperament: Gentle, playful, affectionate, courageous
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1000 to 2000
- Origin: Spain
Massive and strong, the Spanish Mastiff is a breed of dog. This noble giant is aloof, respectable, collected, and knowledgeable. It is dedicated to its family and, if properly socialized, may kindly tolerate outsiders, though it will still be apprehensive of them. It could not be very friendly to other dogs. The Spanish Mastiff would not make the best companion for an urban environment because of its loud voice and large stature. It is an excellent guardian of its house and family. Although the breed is highly vigilant and food driven, it can become bored rapidly; thus, constant, tough, but kind training is required.
19) Smooth Fox Terrier
Breed Traits
- Group: Terrier (AKC)
- Height: 12-16 inches
- Weight: 13-22 pounds
- Coat: flat, hard and dense coat and fine undercoat
- Color: Black, Brown, Tan, Red, White
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
- Temperament: Active, playful, affectionate
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1500 to 3000
- Origin: United Kingdom
The Smooth Fox Terrier is outgoing, vigilant, energetic, and vibrant without being overly sensitive. The Smooth Fox Terrier conveys the image of a canine ready to travel everywhere and take on whatever task with his keen countenance and alert stance, ears erect, and tail vibrating. The Smooth Fox Terrier is confident with people but not aggressive. Although they are kind to kids, some people can find them to be excessively animated. The Smooth Fox Terrier still has a high prey drive and will relentlessly dig for any subsurface vermin, despite no longer being frequently utilized for hunting.
20) Schipperke
Breed Traits
- Group: Non Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 8-15 inches
- Weight: 10-19 pounds
- Coat: double coat
- Color: Apricot, Black, Blue, Cream, Brown
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Temperament: Curious, confident, agile, intelligent
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Price: USD 1500 to 2500
- Origin: Belgium
Even though it occasionally exhibits independence and rebellious behavior, the schipperke is a brave friend. The fox – like face is curious, cunning, and even brave. The trot is beautiful and fluid. This dog was created to be an active watchdog. This tiny dynamo enjoys being busy, exploring every nook and cranny, and constantly on the search for excitement. Although it requires regular activity, it may make a friendly and comfortable home dog.
Summary
The above article summarizes a list of dogs starting with the letter’ S.’ The list not only includes some of the cutest and well known breeds but also those we were unaware of and yet are still as cute. A dog’s group, life expectancy, size, and environment at your home matter when deciding which breed to bring into your life. Go ahead, gather as much information as possible and get home a furry friend!