The Top 35 Cutest Dog Breeds That Redefine Adorable
Beauty is subjective, but you might agree that these are some of the cutest dog breeds. Dogs are adorable and arguably, all dogs are cute but if you’re looking for a stunning pup as your pet, we have you covered. There’s a look for everyone to love, from big shaggy dogs and dogs with wrinkled faces to tiny pups with perky expressions.
Here are 35 of the cutest dog breeds with looks sure to make you go “awwww!”
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Maltipoo
This breed is a cross between a Maltese and a toy poodle or miniature poodle. Super cute and fun, this friendly dog can quickly become your best friend and loyal companion, and is small enough to sit in your lap. Be sure you give them enough time and attention, as they can have separation anxiety.
Breed Overview
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Chow Chow
Often described as resembling a small bear or lion, the Chow Chow is a breed from China that dates back to 206 B.C. Known for their protective nature—historically serving as temple guards in Asia—they tend to form a strong bond with one family member. Their adorable appearance is sure to win you over.
Breed Overview
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Beagle
Beagles are one of those breeds that maintain their puppy looks. Beagles are excellent hunting dogs, but did you know their ears can improve the performance of their noses? Beagles’ long flappy ears push smells toward their noses, so they can better process scent information. These dogs need an active household and are often great for families with children.
Breed Overview
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French Bulldog
French bulldogs were bred to be little warming blankets for artisans working in chilly shops. The Frenchies would sit in their laps, keeping them cozy. These dogs still love laps today. These big-eared, scrunchy-faced pups are very affectionate and loyal dogs that often get along well with children and other animals.
Breed Overview
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Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers have a personality that matches their face—gentle, loving, and sweet. It’s no wonder they are one of the top breeds in the U.S. year after year. As puppies, they melt your heart; as adults, the trend continues.
These dogs are active, and should have access to a yard for playing and exercising daily. They also prefer being around their family rather than left alone. Plus, they are kid-friendly.
Breed Overview
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Border Collie
Border collies are medium sized, intelligent, athletic dogs that enjoy working. They love being around people and need a lot of exercise to let their energy out. With an expressive face and fun personality, they are a great choice for active families.
Breed Overview
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Samoyed
The Samoyed’s perpetual smiley face instantly makes anyone with a sweet spot for dogs say, “Aww.” This super-fluffy dog may be a dog allergy sufferer’s nightmare, but for others, this happy canine is the greatest buddy ever. They are also accustomed to cold temperatures, so you can let them play in the snow.
Breed Overview
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Dalmatian
A Dalmatian is an energetic, playful polka-dotted canine pal that wants to be at your side. This is one of the cutest dog breeds, as well as one of the most fun. They will run with you, fetch, play a game of hide and seek, and nap at your feet, always with a happy look on their face and smile to go along with it.
Breed Overview
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Pug
Pugs likely date back to 400 B.C. in China, where they were called fu dogs or lo-chiang-sze. For thousands of years, this scrunchy-faced pup has endured as a favorite cutie. The word “pug” meant “little cutie” in English in the 1500s. By the 1600s, it took on the meaning of “monkey,” “sprite,” or “imp.” It wasn’t until the mid-1700s that the word “pug” meant “a dwarf type of dog.” Pugs are affectionate and love to clown around.
Breed Overview
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Siberian Husky
The distinctive wolf-like look of huskies makes some swoon for all things wild and furry. This giant ball of fur relishes the cooler temps and bounding through the snow. This is another dog breed with an expressive face for days and interesting vocalizations that some swear is “talking.”
Breed Overview
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
According to Welsh legend, corgis are associated with cute, little fairies that loved Pembroke Welsh corgis. Stories of corgis pulling fairy coaches, herding fairy cattle, and carrying fairy warriors abound in Wales. Corgis are playful, intelligent, and affectionate dogs. They need lots of exercise and attention.
Breed Overview
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Pomeranian
Pomeranian faces look like they’re constantly smiling. Pomeranians today have gained somewhat of a stuffy reputation for being lapdogs, but they were initially herding dogs that pulled massive sleds over rough terrain. Poms used to weigh about 30 pounds and were packed with muscle. Modern Poms are affectionate but need consistent training to keep their stubborn nature in check.
Breed Overview
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Yorkshire Terrier
Puppy-faced Yorkshire terriers have a lap dog reputation these days. But in their heyday, these petite pups worked hard to keep workspaces pest-free. Their small stature enabled them to squeeze into tight spaces to chase after rodents, and their big-dog attitudes made them fearless when it came to the hunt.
Breed Overview
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Old English Sheepdog
Despite their name, Old English sheepdogs are only a few hundred years old. They were developed to drive livestock, among other farm work. Nowadays, they’re primarily adorable pets who are alert, intelligent, and very playful. To keep them looking their best, they typically need a daily brushing and regular bathing.
Breed Overview
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American Staffordshire Terrier
You can’t get much cuter than a pit bull puppy. “Pit bull“ isn’t a breed but rather a category for several breeds, including American Staffordshire terriers. These dogs tend to be affectionate, friendly, and playful. But they do need vigorous daily walks and play sessions to channel their high energy.
Breed Overview
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Labrador Retriever
From their sweet personalities to their happy smiles, there’s a lot to love about Labrador retrievers. According to American Kennel Club, Labs have been the No. 1 dog in the U.S. for more than two decades. These dogs are good-natured, sociable, and highly trainable. They are also kid-friendly. But they do prefer an active household.
Breed Overview
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Boston Terrier
Boston terriers look similar to Frenchies sporting the same giant ears. They are a fun-loving, affectionate breed that is full of enthusiasm for life. They’ve been nicknamed the “American gentleman” due to their tuxedo-like markings, which help make them even more lovable. These dogs can make great family pets and tend to respond well to training. They prefer a household in which they can have company for most of the day.
Breed Overview
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Maltese
The Maltese is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. It has been depicted in artwork and literature from many ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Today’s Maltese is an adorable, affectionate, and friendly companion that loves to hang out in their favorite person’s lap. This breed gets by with daily walks and playtime to satisfy exercise needs.
Breed Overview
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Bernese Mountain Dog
Big and fluffy and weighing between 80 and 110 pounds (females are on the lighter end), Bernies (or Berners) are steady-tempered and easygoing. Their sweet puppy eyes make this very big dog feel like an instant friend. This thick-coated dog is not a fan of hot weather but can pull a snow sled with kids any day of a winter week.
Breed Overview
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American Eskimo
Eskies love attention. They formerly entertained crowds with their spectacular tricks as circus dogs in the 19th century and early 20th century. They have sweet, puppy-like faces and look like they’re smiling, so they melt hearts instantly. They can be reserved around strangers, and can be stubborn, so training and socializing them is important.
Breed Overview
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Australian Shepherd
Aussies have pretty faces, often blue-eyed (sometimes one blue and one brown, aka heterochromia). They’re smart, playful, and a giant ball of energy. They love learning tricks and pleasing their human companions.
Breed Overview
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Cocker Spaniel
The Disney classic “Lady and the Tramp” launched cocker spaniels into the spotlight in the 1950s. Their cute puppy face stays with them throughout their life with long pendulous ears and expressive eyes. These dogs are full of energy, loving walks, hanging out with their human family, and playing with the kids.
Breed Overview
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Dachshund
Dachshunds are the hot dogs of the bunch. Their squat legs and long bodies make them so unique-looking that they’re adorable. In addition to their standout appearance, Doxies are the best alarm system you could ever have in your home. Their barks will alert you to anyone within 50 feet of your home. This smart, energetic dog needs outdoor exercise and mental stimulation to be happy.
Breed Overview
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Cairn Terrier
If you remember how cute Toto from the “Wizard of Oz” was, well, that’s a Cairn terrier. These inquisitive little dogs have a cheery disposition and make you fall in love with them with a cock-of-the-head look, a quick lick to the face, and a tongue-hanging smile.
Breed Overview
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Papillon
A papillon is a lot of dog in a dainty frame, and this is one of the cutest dog breeds for good reason. The fluffy, distinctive butterfly ears look like they can lift the dog in flight. The dog’s beautiful, feathery coat completes their refined toy pooch appearance. They’re perfect for those looking for a lap dog, are great for those living in apartments, and are even good for first-time dog parents.
Breed Overview
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The dog with looks to melt is the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. It’s all in the eyes. With their mouths closed, it looks like this dog is wearing a frown, but no matter. The eyes have it. Their expression-filled eyes make you know that your dog understands how you feel. These playful pups enjoy a romp as much as a cuddle in your lap.
Breed Overview
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Shetland Sheepdog
Shetlands look a lot like collies, only smaller. Collies have endeared people for decades since the famous collie “Lassie.” Shelties look like even smaller, cuter rough collies. They have a lion’s mane surrounding their head, and fluffy, puffball bodies for ultimate cuddles. These alert dogs have a lot of energy and need one to two hours of exercise daily, so they’re best for active households.
Breed Overview
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Havanese
Bred in Cuba to be companion dogs, these happy little dogs love their people. As loyal companions, they do not like to leave the side of their adopted family members. These adorable pups can get separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long.
Breed Overview
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Shih Tzu
The small shih tzu has a lion-like appearance—in fact, the breed’s name means “little lion” in Mandarin. These friendly and affectionate dogs get along with everyone, including children and other pets. And because they’re hypoallergenic, they could be the ideal choice for those with allergies.
Breed Overview
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Shiba Inu
The attractive Shiba Inu is a breed from Japan known for a fox-like appearance and curled tail that makes them ultra-cute. These friendly dogs are smart and loyal, but can also be stubborn. Once trained and socialized, they are wonderful companions.
Breed Overview
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Welsh Springer Spaniel
With adorable floppy ears and a silky coat, it’s hard to resist the Welsh springer spaniel. Related to the English springer spaniel, this breed is known for energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to work. These happy, loving dogs have more than just good looks to offer; they also make great family pets.
Breed Overview
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Basenji
The basenji is a breed from Africa known as the “barkless dog,” so this is also one of the quietest breeds. With their almond eyes, pointy ears, and curly tail, basenjis are irresistibly cute, and they’re even said to have a catlike personality. They groom themselves, and have easy grooming needs. However, they need a lot of exercise every day.
Breed Overview
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Brittany
Developed in France, the Brittany is another one of the cutest dog breeds. This is a medium-sized dog that’s eager to please and has a lot of energy. These cute dogs have a puppy-like expression and feathering on their ears. Just bear in mind that they require a lot of exercise, so they are best for active families.
Breed Overview
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Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is another irresistibly cute little dog with curly white fur that provides the perfect contrast to their dark nose and eyes. These dogs get along well with everyone in the family, including other pets. To keep their coat looking healthy and clean, though, grooming on a regular basis is required.
Breed Overview
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Chihuahua
The tiny chihuahua is full of personality. These dogs enjoy being spoiled, so they are great for pet owners who want to cuddle with their dogs and carry them around. Whether longhaired or shorthaired, they always maintain a puppy-like appearance because of their size.
Breed Overview
Breeds to Avoid
There are so many cuties that, really, it’s hard to go wrong with any of them. However, you can foul up big time if you get a dog that does not match your energy level.
Fancy yourself a runner and want a running companion? Steer clear of bulldogs, pugs, and most toy breeds. Bulldogs and pugs have short muzzles and flat faces that are not built for running for long; they are prone to overheating. Toy breeds have shorter legs, and some have less stamina. Although beagles are small, these hunting hound dogs can run for days.
If you’re more of a couch potato, some breeds may not suit your lifestyle. Most herding or hunting dogs need plenty of exercise to exert their high energy levels. They can work for you if you plan on sending your dog to daycare every day, but avoid them otherwise. Examples include:
Australian shepherds
Corgis
Labradors
Golden retrievers
Cocker spaniels
Terriers
15 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
