The only dog breed specifically mentioned in the Bible is the Greyhound , in the King James Version translation.

Quick Scoop: Short Answer

  • The Bible mentions “dogs” many times, but only one recognizable breed by name: the Greyhound.
  • This appears in Proverbs 30:29–31 in the King James Version (KJV), where the Greyhound is listed among noble and impressive creatures.

“There be three things which do well, yea, four are comely in going;
A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.” (Proverbs 30:29–31, KJV)

Where It Appears in the Bible

  • Location: Proverbs 30:29–31 in the Old Testament, in the sayings attributed to Agur son of Jakeh.
  • Translation note: The word “greyhound” appears in the KJV, a historically influential English Bible first published in 1611.

Other English translations often render the underlying Hebrew phrase differently (for example, “a strutting rooster” or “a war horse”), but in the KJV tradition this verse is widely cited as the one place a specific dog breed is named.

Why Only This One Breed?

  • Culturally, Greyhounds were known in the ancient Near East and later admired in royal courts for their speed and elegant movement, which fits the verse’s focus on creatures that “go well” or move impressively.
  • Historically, the KJV translators likely chose “greyhound” because it matched both the image of graceful motion and a familiar, noble hunting dog of their time.

So if you see quizzes or forum discussions asking, “What is the only dog breed specifically mentioned in the Bible?” —the answer they’re going for is Greyhound (Proverbs 30:29–31, KJV).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.