Naming your dog is one of the first things you think of when you bring home your new best friend, and it’s an important decision to make because it will be your dog’s name forever (unless you decide to change it).
If you’re looking to give your dog an original name, look no further than this list of dog breeds that start with the letter N. In this list, you’ll find ten breeds that are all relatively rare in the United States—and all share the same starting letter with your pooch!
1) Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are a breed of large working dog from Canada. They are known as Nature’s Babysitters because they are so gentle and good with children and other pets.
Newfoundlands are not generally used as guard dogs or police dogs, but they were once used for rescue work and pulling carts to market. They were also a popular choice for sailors in Newfoundland who wanted a dog to help them keep watch for icebergs.
Newfoundlanders need plenty of exercise, both physical and mental, so they do well in homes where someone will take them on long walks or runs at least once a day. They require regular brushing and grooming, but their water-resistant coat is easy to maintain.
2) Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a medium-sized dog breed originating from Holland. These dogs are renowned for their intelligence, trainability, and versatility.
This breed is generally good with children and other pets, but may not be suitable for homes with small animals due to its hunting instincts. The coat of this dog is typically black and tan in color. The ears should stand up straight and be triangular in shape.
3) Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is a small dog breed originally bred for hunting, ratting and vermin control. They come in three colors: silver, black and tan, or brown. Their eyes are either hazel or brown and their coat is short and close to the body, which makes them great for hunting rodents in tight spaces. If you’re looking for an active dog who enjoys spending time outside, this might be a good breed to consider!
4) Norrbottenspets
Norrbottenspets are a beautiful, medium-sized spitz dog breed from Northern Sweden. They have a dense double coat of fur and come in colors of white, black, brown, gray or any mix thereof. These dogs are affectionate and loyal companions to their owners.
They do well living in apartments and enjoy playing outside as much as they like lounging on their owner’s lap. Norrbottenspets make great family pets because they enjoy being around kids and other dogs.
However, they are also capable of guarding their home if necessary. If you’re looking for a new pet to join your family, consider adopting one of these wonderful dogs!
5) Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized, square dog. It has a double coat, consisting of a thick, long outer coat and a short undercoat. The color varies from white to black and it can be solid or have markings in certain areas. Its head is wedge-shaped and its muzzle is pointed but not too long. Its ears are triangular in shape and stand up straight against its head.
The tail is usually curled over its back when relaxed or carried high when excited. This breed originated in Norway as an all-around farm dog used for guarding livestock, hunting vermin, pulling sleds, herding sheep and other general farm work.
6) Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier is a small breed, typically weighing in at around 17 pounds. However, they are also very muscular and strong, making them a tough little guy to handle! They have a long head and body with a thick coat of fur.
The Norwich Terrier can be black and tan or dark brown in coloration. These pups are quick learners and are eager to please their owners. With their intelligence and athleticism, these pups make for an excellent hunting companion or family pet.
7) Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are a medium to large sized dog breed, weighing between 50-60 pounds when fully grown. Their coats range in color from brown to black, and they have a long tail that they use as they move through water.
They were originally bred to retrieve game birds such as ducks and geese from the water by throwing them off balance or into flight; their name reflects this activity, which is called tolling. These dogs are loving and very playful, but can be stubborn at times. T
hey have an excellent sense of smell and are known for their intelligence. This breed does not enjoy being alone for extended periods of time and should be provided with mental stimulation such as puzzle toys or games to keep them happy!
8) Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs are one of the world’s heaviest dog breeds, with males weighing up to 200 pounds. This breed is a descendant of a Roman war dog and has been used as a guard dog for centuries. They’re loyal and devoted to their family members and make wonderful companions when socialized properly.
Neapolitan Mastiffs need plenty of exercise, but they don’t require too much grooming. Some owners will brush them every week while others might only brush them once or twice per year depending on their coat type and how much time they spend outdoors. It’s important to keep their nails trimmed so they don’t overgrow and become painful for your pup.
9) Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a breed of dog that lives in Norway and on some islands in the Arctic. They are known for their use as a breed to hunt puffins. These dogs have seven toes on each foot, which they use to grip narrow cliff faces.
Their name is derived from the Norwegian word lunde meaning puffin. The Norwegian Lundehund was first recognized by kennel clubs in 1930 and was originally used as a hunting dog. Today, this breed of dog is mostly used as a pet due to its rarity.
10) Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhound – Norwegian Elkhounds are a medium-sized breed of dog originally from Norway. The breed is used for hunting, tracking and herding. Their name comes from the word Elg, which means moose in Norwegian.
Norwegians were bred to hunt wild moose and other large game found in Norway. They typically have a thick coat to withstand the cold winters of their native country, but they should be brushed regularly to avoid matting. These dogs are high energy and will need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Wrap up
Nifty! There you have it, our list for the top dogs that start with N. All are recognized by the AKC. Run! Don’t walk and get your new best fiend at a shelter or rescue. You’ll be glad you did.
Check out our post: THE TOP DOG BREEDS THAT START WITH M: AKC APPROVED