What are the cutest dogs? As far as dogs are concerned, all puppies are cute. But there is no denying that there are some breeds that have that unique look that makes them some of the most adorable or must have dogs.
So get ready to feel all sorts of emotions with our cutest dog breeds list.
We dare you to get past the first few pups without falling in love.
1. American Eskimo
Affectionately referred to as «the dog beautiful,» the American Eskimo is a soft, white, and fluffy dog. Eskies as they are popularly called are clever, active and mischievous. The breed originated from Europe and is a member of the Spitz family. Eskies are well built, balanced and come in three sizes, toy, miniature and standard and ranges from 6 to 35 pounds.
True to their appearance, Eskies have white, biscuit, or cream coats with erect triangular shaped ears, distinctive black noses, eyes and lips and plumed tails. Their coats are easy to care and only needs to be brushed once a week. They are adaptable and can function in both cold and warm climates.
Eskies are alert, watchful, and suspicious of strangers. As such they make excellent guard dogs. These pups are quite affectionate, friendly and devoted to their families. Playful by nature, Eskies are known to be good with children and they are always eager to please. These fun loving dogs also enjoy running and playing and will love to go for walks or jogging.
Eskies also like to work and are happiest when they have something to do. Maybe it’s their beautiful fluffy coat or it is their intelligence, who knows? But whatever it is, the American Eskimo has lots of it, which is why these dogs are one of if not the cutest breed of dogs.
- Loves vigorous exercise
- Adaptable
- Beautiful
2. Golden Retriever
Another cute dog breed is the Golden Retriever. Everyone loves these dogs, they are irresistibly nice and it should be no surprise that the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in America. Of course, they have lovely personalities and the puppies are some of the cutest you will ever see. This active and energetic breed is highly intelligent, sociable, beautiful, loyal and makes an active companion.
A sweet, calm nature and a soft mouth are the hallmarks of the breed. Their dense, long, water-repellent coats are gorgeous and come in all shades of gold, from light to dark gold. Golden Retrievers also have a thick undercoat and the breed’s eyes are always brown with a lot of emotions. The Golden is eager to please and if you love to hike or jog, your Golden will be happy to join you. Even when they are grown these dogs are usually goofy as they still retain their puppy-like curiosity and love for play.
It’s all good with the Golden, with their friendly temperament and beautiful color, these pups are not just beautiful to look at, but they are a joy to own and will be your friend for life. See our post on the Golden Retriever and find out more about this wonderful breed.
- Beautiful feathered coat
- Always cheerful
- Dependable and peaceful with other animals
- Eager to please
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Glamorous and feisty, the Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed dog that is famous for its long, silky coat. Lovingly referred to as the «Yorkie,» this breed is the ultimate cutie of the small breeds. Yorkies are sure to attract attention wherever they are. A lover of comfort, these little show dogs enjoy cuddling on laps and can often be seen sporting little bows in their hair or wearing jeweled collars. Apart from dress-up and play, Yorkies are normally carried around in designer bags.
Yorkies come in a steel blue and tan color, while the puppies are brown, black and tan. Their long coat needs regular brushing. Fully grown, these pups won’t weigh more than seven pounds, which makes them great if you have a small apartment. Despite their small size, these dogs have a big personality that truly endears them to their families.
Yorkies are eager for adventure, very protective of their territory and this with their big dog attitude makes them great watchdogs. They’re also curious, quick to figure out how to get what they want and their gentle nature makes them a good fit for children. Yorkies love to keep busy and the breed prefers warm climates.
- Inquisitive
- Glamorous
- Big dog attitude
Is this adorable pooch for you? Find out when you read our profile on the Yorkshire Terrier.
4. Icelandic Sheepdog
A native Icelandic breed, the Icelandic Sheepdog is as rugged as its native country. Known for their loyalty and intelligence, these dogs are curious, affectionate and strong. Nicknamed the Icie, these dogs are delightful and usually have smiles on their faces. Although this breed was developed for herding, Icies are extremely social, loving, and patient with children. They also have the energy to tirelessly stalk and chase.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have thick weatherproof coats that can be either short or long and are usually black, gray, chocolate and different shades of tan. The dog’s dominant color is accompanied by white markings on the face, collar, chest, socks, and tail tips. These sturdy, medium-sized dogs have compact muzzles, dark eyes, prick ears and a curly, bushy tail. Tough and energetic, the Icelandic Dog can make an excellent pet and don’t like being alone for extended periods. They need lots of exercise and are best suited for those who love hiking or camping.
Icies are not aggressive toward strangers and are unlikely to bare their teeth to intruders, as such they aren’t suitable guard dogs. In addition, Icies normally have double dewclaws on their hind legs and the breed shed their undercoat twice per year.
- Suitable for all types of climates
- Eager to please — good with children
- Easily trained
- Not hypoallergenic
- Affectionate toward their owners
5. Shetland Sheepdog
Bright eyed and bushy tailed, the Shetland Sheepdog is a beautiful and friendly breed with a face that always seems to be smiling. Often referred to as the long-haired, miniature version of the Rough Collie, Shelties have long been a family favorite. This sheep herding breed originated from Scotland and is known for its lush long, dense, double coat.
Shelties have well-proportioned bodies, tapered muzzles and their long hair creates a mane down the neck. These dogs are available in black and tan with white markings, sable, black-white, and blue-black. Their coat will require daily brushing to keep them looking great.
Shelties love to exercise and due to their playful nature, you will be delighted to have this canine in your home. Well-bred Shelties are gentle, responsive, devoted to the family and have a strong desire to please. Shyness is not a feature of the breed. As a herding dog, they can be inclined to bark at people and they are usually reserved with strangers.
- Variety of striking colors
- Highly intelligent — learns very quickly
- Small enough to suit almost every household
- Sweet, gentle, and sensitive
6. Boston Terrier
Another cute breed is the Boston terrier. Nicknamed «the American Gentleman,» this breed was originally bred to be fighting dogs, but you would never know it today because of their gentle disposition and dapper appearance. The Boston is well-mannered with a gentlemanly personality which makes them suitable as a companion and house pet. Boston Terriers are normally less excitable than other terriers, and their high intelligence makes them easy to train and eager to learn.
The Boston is a clean-cut dog that is compactly built. These short, sturdy and muscular pups have a broad flat head without wrinkles, big black nose, widely set eyes, broad chest, short tail and strong limbs. Their sleek, shiny, straight coat requires minimal grooming and resembles a tuxedo. Boston terriers come in seal and white, brindle and white or black and white.
Boston Terriers are one-person dogs and their lively, loving nature makes them great family pets and companions. Additionally, these pups are slightly stubborn and can be aggressive toward strange dogs. They are reserved with strangers and make dependable watchdogs. Overall, the Boston terrier is a sweet, dapper, gentle and charming little dog.
- Large expressive eyes
- Gentle and well-mannered
- Good with children
- Sleek easy to care coat
7. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a toy dog breed that resembles a tiny, energetic ball of fur. These compact, sturdy and fluffy foxy-faced dogs are the smallest member of the Spitz family of dogs. Poms are an active and playful breed that have strong personalities. They are also one of the top 10 cutest dog breeds and are great dogs for apartment living.
Pomeranians have wedge-shaped heads with straight muzzles and erect ears. They have dark, deeply set almond shaped eyes that sparkle with curiosity and lively expressions. Their curled tails are carried high over the backs. Pomeranians come in a variety of colors, but the most common are red, orange, off-white, brown or black. Their thick coat requires regular brushing.
These intelligent dogs love to please and this combined with their vivacious spirit, means the Pom can be an excellent family dog. Pomeranians are alert and curious about everything and their protective nature also makes them great watchdogs as well. The breed is always an entertaining companion as most pups are friendly, outgoing and eager to please. Although they don’t need much exercise these pups enjoy going for walks.
- Lovely feathered coat
- Elegant
- Willful and headstrong
- Lively and playful
- Inquisitive by nature
8. Papillon
A dainty, breed of toy spaniel distinguished by their beautiful, butterfly-like ears, the Papillon is an elegant, poised dog with an alert look. The Papillon is extroverted and energetic and the dogs are some of the most obedient of the toy breeds. These vivacious little dogs are also gentle, friendly, playful and are regarded as one of the smartest of all dogs. Confident and fun, this little dog is the complete package.
Papillons are lightly longer than they are tall. These little dogs have wide, pointy ears, pointed muzzles and large, black alert eyes. Their long, plumed tails are carried high over their bodies and their long silky, white feathered coats have patches of color. The Papillon’s coat requires occasional combing and regular brushing.
These elegant, friendly toy dogs are highly intelligent and willing to learn just about anything. Despite their small size, the Papillon is no delicate flower and the breed is known to have a big-dog attitude. They also have a high level of alertness, which makes them excellent watchdogs. The Papillon makes an excellent pet for any home and their small size means they are suitable for an apartment. The breed has a long life-span, loves attention and makes interesting companions.
- Apartment friendly
- Good with older children
- Stranger friendly
You can learn more about this fellah by reading on our dog profile for the Papillon.
9. Cockapoo
The Cockapoo is an adorable small dog and one of the most popular designer dog breeds. A mix between the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel, the Cockapoo was the first designer dog. These dogs are known for their curly coats and their outgoing, fun-loving personalities.
Cockapoos are bright-eyed and scruffy coated, most of which are somewhere between that of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. They can also be as curly as the poodle. Cockapoos come in a variety of colors, including white, tan and cream. They can be one solid color or have markings. Most of these pups have docked tails, dark noses and large, dark brown eyes.
Cockapoos are smart and eager to please. They love to play and are usually outgoing, which means they get along well with children and other pets. Cockapoos are of an easy size, as they are the perfect size to cuddle and just big enough to play with bigger dogs. Their size also makes the breed suitable for an apartment or condo. Apart from this, this breed of cute dogs is active and thrives best when they receive regular exercise.
- Moderate maintenance
- Good watchdog
- Good with kids
- Low shedding
10. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffon is a small breed dog that is loved for its human like expression. These pups are popular not only for its looks but because they are energetic, intelligent, inquisitive and make lively companions. They also have a big personality and «Monkey face» is a term that is often used to call these dogs.
There are two distinct types of the Brussels Griffon, the rough and the smooth-coat. The rough variety has wiry coat, while the smooth type has a short and glossy coat. The breed can come in black, red, black and tan, and a tricolor of red, brown and black. Griffons have a domed forehead, a short black nose and black wide set eyes.
Although Griffons usually get along well with other pets, they sometimes have a bossy streak. They also have a clever mind of their own, but are usually happy and spirited. They make fine companion dogs.
- Human-like expression
- Inquisitive
- Friendly
11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beautiful, well-balanced toy dog. Warm and lustrous, with a sweet expression, the Cav is simply elegant. This comfort-loving breed is playful, willing to please and quiet. The Cav is regarded as the sporting toy breed and can be a runner and chaser. The breed is also one of the largest of the toy breeds.
The lovely pups have long, soft, silky hair which is slightly wavy. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have feathered feet, well-proportioned frames, elegant and noble postures and long feathered tails that are carried high. Their feathered coats require regular grooming and the most common colors for the breed is Blenheim, ruby, black and tan, and tricolor, which is black and white with tan markings.
Apart from being pretty to look at, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also very intelligent and eager to please. The dogs of the breed are good with children, naturally well behaved and adaptable to almost any environment.
- Small and attractive
- People oriented
- Affectionate and playful
12. German Shepherd Dog
Hailed as one of the world’s best group of working dogs, the German Shepherd is an handsome breed of dogs. German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds for good reasons, they are regal, stunning, loyal, fierce and considered to be one the smartest breeds of dog. They are also easy-going, approachable and are not usually aggressive.
These dogs have a commanding look and are the image of power and dignity. They are well balanced and have pointed ears, muscular shoulders, almond-shaped eyes, black nose and a bushy tail. German Shepherds come in three types, the medium-haired, longhaired and the rough coat or shorthaired.
The ideal German Shepherd is normally tan with a black back and mask and have a double, medium length coat. However, this breed comes in a variety of colors including solid black, red and black, grey, brown, tricolor and sable. There are also rarer colors like all-White, liver and blue. Most varieties have black masks and their coat need weekly brushing.
Naturally, these dogs are curious, very family oriented and fiercely protective, which makes them excellent guard dogs. They are strong, athletic and extremely territorial, making them among the least likely to run away from a fight.
- Strong-willed and fearless
- Low maintenance
- Handsome and well-built
- Suitable for families
See our article on the ones they call Police dogs to find out why these canines are indispensable to law enforcement.
13. Pug
Pugs are the dogs with the cutest “saddest” little faces that you can’t help but love. This small breed has a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and is loved for its charismatic personality and effortless charm. Pugs are normally mellow, straightforward, outgoing, smart and calm. The breed is strong willed but rarely aggressive and very good with children. This makes them suitable as pets.
These lovable lap dogs have a short, stocky frame, dark bulging eyes, a curled tail and a round head. Pugs have velvety dark ears, wrinkled brows and a compact, muscular body with very strong, straight legs. Their fine, short, glossy coat are smooth and soft and come in a variety of colors. This includes, black, fawn, apricot and silver. These doggies have black markings on their muzzles, ears and cheeks.
Personality-wise, Pugs are even-tempered, frisky, confident, and friendly. They like to show off, crave affection, and have a great sense of humor. They are very intelligent and can be mischievous. Pugs are also good watchdogs. They do not tolerate extreme temperatures well, whether hot or cold. Pugs can catch a cold easily and should be kept indoors.
- Even-tempered
- Charismatic
- Strong willed
14. Siberian Husky
Known for their endurance and willingness to work, Siberian Huskies are beautiful dogs with an exotic look. These attractive dogs are very independent, intelligent, friendly, and funny. Huskies are clever, adventurous, stubborn and are known escape artists. These outgoing pups are pack dogs and they make great family companions.
The Siberian Huskies are balanced, muscular and well-developed dogs. This wonderful breed has a wolf-like appearance and facial expressions that are keen but friendly. Their almond-shaped eyes are normally cunning and can be blue, green, brown, or hazel. Huskies can also have two different color eyes, for instance one blue eye and one brown or hazel eye. Siberian Huskies can come in almost any color and their thick, short coats require weekly brushing. They also have triangular ears that open forward.
Huskies love to wander and their predatory instincts are very strong. This means these beautiful dogs should be supervised around smaller animals. Since Huskies are from a working breed, these pups require daily exercise.
- Joyful demeanor
- Striking appearance
- Beautiful smile
Find out the origin of this breed and other remarkable information by checking out our Husky profile.
15. Bichon Frises
With their beautiful black eyes and white fluffy coats, Bichon Frises is another one of the cutest dogs around. These baby-doll face dogs are often mistaken for Poodles and they carry themselves with an upbeat spirit. This breed loves to play and if you are looking for a cute family pet, this is a great choice.
Appearance wise, Bichon Frises are short with round, dark eyes, round feet, drop ears, curled furry tails. The breed has a long, elegant neck, short muzzles, and a dark nose and lips. They also have an inquisitive facial expression.
Bichons are always white. Their double coat is puffy in appearance and comprises of a soft, silky, dense undercoat and curly, outer layer. Bichons is a high maintenance breed and these doggies’ coats need to be brushed and combed at least every other day. You will need to bathe the dogs frequently in order to keep their coats clean and white.
A cheerful attitude is the outstanding trait of the breed. Because of their small size, Bichons are suitable for small spaces. This affectionate dog also loves to cuddle and doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.
- Intelligent and cunning
- Very good with children
Whether you are looking for your next pet or you just like looking at dogs, one of these cute breeds is sure to find your soft spot. What’s more, these adorable pups are affectionate, suitable for families, and make great companions.