The 35 Cutest Dog Breeds of All Time
There's something about the sweet, cuddly faces of dogs that make them utterly irresistible. Even the coldest of hearts can likely be warmed by at least one favorite breed of dog.
And it's just a hunch, but we believe that one of the reasons dogs are so beloved is that there's no end to their incredible variety. They come in every color, temperament, shape and size, meaning there's an adorable dog out there for everyone.
With that much cuteness out there, it was tough for us to pick just 35 breeds as the most adorable of all time. Keep clicking through to find out what they are.
1. Golden Retriever
When the word "dog" is uttered, many people immediately think of affectionate, kind and beautiful golden retrievers before their minds conjure up any other kind of dog. Not only are they known for being gentle, happy dogs, but their long golden fur and persistent smiles make them a favorite around the world.
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2. Miniature Pinscher
Miniature pinschers are special because they're like a big dog trapped in the body of a little one. Despite their size, they make excellent guard dogs because of their fearlessness and focus. They're also notable for their shiny and smooth coats, with the most famous color combination being a striking black and tan.
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3. Siberian Husky
We believe the popularity of Siberian huskies, and other similar breeds, comes from the fact that they resemble wolves, and people love that sense of wildness. They're also great workers, known for their ability to pull sleds over distances of hundreds of miles, and are bright and friendly—though they have a tendency to stubbornly disobey.
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4. Pug
Like a number of the dogs on this list, pugs can be a bit of an acquired taste, but once you start loving these squat-faced cuties, there's no going back. They're known for their distinctive wrinkles, short noses and curly tails, as well as for being extremely affectionate. Though they're smart, they can be hard to train because they sometimes prefer not to listen.
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5. Samoyed
There's something utterly charming about the thick, white coat of the Samoyed. The white color helped the breed brave the cold, as well as blend into the snow, in its native Siberia. These dogs are loving but independent, and do well in families but aren't always obedient. They're also quite vocal, and will bark at anyone they see as intruders.
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6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originates in the United Kingdom, where the precursors to these dogs were bred for hunting because of their ability to keep up with horses. Over time, they became prized for their sweet appearance, including long and slightly curly red and white fur, feathered ears and tails, and teddy bear-like face.
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7. Great Dane
Great Danes are proof that you don't have to be teeny-tiny to be absolutely adorable. In fact, Great Danes are the biggest dog breed around, and they're just as sweet and gentle as they are enormous. They're good with kids and other animals, and are known for their short, thick coats, square jaws and long, thin legs.
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Also read about: 6 Activities to Do With Your Dog on National Love Your Pet Day
8. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds' unusual look, from their loose skin to their big hanging ears, is all about bringing a scent to their nose and helping them be among the best sniffers in the dog world. In fact, they can follow a scent more than 130 miles. They are born to track, so they're not always super trainable in other regards, but that doesn't mean they don't make loving pets. Their deep-set, soulful eyes also more than make up for it.
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9. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian ridgebacks are handsome dogs from Africa that were originally bred for endurance to help hunt lions. Their most notable physical feature is the unique ridge of hair that runs along the spine, as it faces a different direction than the rest of their fur. These dogs are also as affectionate as they are athletic.
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10. Corgi
Is there anyone who can resist the cute stubby legs and broad chest of the corgi? Though these dogs were actually bred for being strong and agile as herders, it would be easy to assume they were selected for their look. They're beloved by England's royal family, and they happen to be as loyal as they are mischievous.
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11. Schnauzer
The schnauzer is a lean and muscular dog whose most distinctive feature is its stiff and wiry coat. The way its hair grows around its face, the dog appears to have bushy eyebrows, and even a beard. Some say they even resemble little old men. They also happen to be lively and rambunctious, making them a favorite pet.
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12. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian cattle dog, also known as the blue healer, is an extremely hard worker. The broad shape of their head hints at the fact that they're related to Australian wild dogs called dingos, and their posture can be friendly with families, while it's intimidating to strangers and threats to the herds it looks over. They're also known for their speckled coats in red or blue.
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13. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese mountain dog is another breed that was created to work, whether that entails herding, pulling or simply being a guard dog. These muscular dogs are known for their long, fluffy coats and their unique black, tan and white coloring, which certainly sets them apart from the others.
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14. Basset Hound
Like the bloodhound, the Basset hound is born to sniff. Its stubby legs put its nose right next to the ground for enhanced sensory perception, and its wrinkled skin and dangling ears filter scent particles to its nostrils for tracking. Their slow, slightly droopy look is coveted worldwide, and it's not hard to see why.
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15. Rough Collie
Onc look at the sweet and ultra-fluffy rough collie, and it's easy to understand why the iconic fictional dog Lassie belonged to this breed. This dog's flowing coat trails behind it beautifully as it runs—and seeing as it's an active dog, bred for herding and protection, that's a sight that gets seen quite a bit.
16. Beagle
Snoopy may not look much like the beagle he was based on, but these classic dogs are prized nonetheless. They're muscular dogs with cute dangling ears and a tail with a white point, so they can hold it high be seen in tall grass. These dogs are known escape artists and need lots of space to roam, and don't do well if they don't get lots of affection and attention.
17. Pit Bull
Pit bulls tend to have a nasty reputation because they've been used for fighting in the past, but one look at most pit bulls these days, and you'll know you're dealing with a soulful and shy cutie who wouldn't hurt a fly. Their broad, flat heads are very distinctive, as are their muscular and strong bodies.
18. Italian Greyhound
Most greyhounds were originally bred as race dogs, lending them their unique shape and gait. Their body is muscular but extremely slender, with a tapered torso and curved back. Italian greyhounds are also a smaller breed with shy and gentle personalities, though they can be quite hyper and easily excitable because of all their pent-up energy.
19. Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan klee kai is a unique breed that takes all the best qualities of dogs like huskies and puts them into a tinier (and arguably, even cuter) package. These dogs tend to only get to about 17 inches tall—which perhaps explains why they adore their families, but are super distrustful of strangers. Because of this, they make excellent guard dogs.
20. French Bulldog
French bulldogs are sturdily built with precious square heads, squat snouts, wrinkly faces and bat-like ears that make it look like they're always at attention. Their short legs and small size makes them great companion dogs, and they're also incredibly patient with people of all ages, and friendly with other dogs.
21. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland white terrier is a dog with short but quick legs and a dense white coat that helped it to deal with harsh weather in the Scottish highlands (in addition to giving it a distinctively approachable look). They were bred for hunting rats, and their personalities are attentive and bold. They're also friendly, and quite outgoing when it comes to new people.
22. Scottish Terrier
Westies aren't the only terrier from Scotland to grace this list. In fact, the Scottish terrier is probably an even better-known breed. These dogs only grow to about 10 inches tall, with bushy black hair that covers their feet and stomachs in a way that almost makes it look like it's wearing a skirt. Their fur also resembles eyebrows and a beard, making these feisty dogs look even cuter.
23. English Bulldog
Of course the French bulldog isn't the only dog in its family to make this list! English bulldogs have been around much longer, and while they were originally bred to aid in bullfighting, they've since become beloved for their laidback and affable personalities, as well as their appearance. People love their stocky bodies and squished, wrinkled faces.
24. Chocolate Labrador
Technically, chocolate labs are just one unique coloration of the Labrador retriever breed, but we think they're special enough to earn their own slot on this list. These dogs are all built to swim, with water-resistant coats, webbed feet and tails like a rudder to help with swimming. These friendly and intelligent dogs also have a beautiful chocolate-colored coat that sets them apart.
25. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels are dogs that are prized for their appearance, including their solid-colored, often wavy, coats. They have longer fur along their ears, chest and legs, making them look quite regal. They were bred for hunting, but are affectionate and active animals that do very well within families.
26. Bull Terrier
While many people don't quite appreciate the charms of the egg-headed bull terrier, we happen to think it's an underrated dog breed. Known for their strong, stocky bodies and a head shape you don't see often in the dog world, they're certainly unique, and the fact that they're also sweetly protective, as well as stubborn, makes us love them even more.
27. Jack Russell Terrier
Because of their friendly look, as well as their high intelligence and willingness to please, Jack Russell terriers have been popular dogs in films and TV shows that require a lot of tricks and training. They're well-known for their muscular bodies, white and tan coloring and coarse fur that resembles a beard on their faces.
28. Shiba Inu
The shiba inu is perhaps Japan's best-known dog breed, and it's easy to see why. For one, many love its fox-like appearance, with kind eyes and a constantly smiling face that makes it look like it's always having fun. These dogs are known to be charming, but can also be a bit lazy and difficult to socialize and train without the proper attention.
29. Border Collie
Border collies are a totally classic dog breed, recognizable for their long shiny coats, slightly floppy ears and their drive to be hard workers. These are also very smart dogs with a strong attention to detail, and they're amazing at following even difficult commands. They want to succeed, and they always look incredible in the process.
30. Australian Shepherd
Despite the name, the adorable Australian shepherd actually originates in the U.S.. These dogs are best known for their medium-length coats, which gathers luxuriously around their neck and down the backs of the legs, as well as their beautiful and varied coloring. These affectionate dogs are great at herding sheep, or just keeping kids and their families busy.
31. Chow Chow
The chow chow may not look like much of a fighter, but that's exactly what these dogs were bred for in China. In addition to their slightly stubby faces, they're known for their thick fur that grows in a mane around their heads, and for the bold color of their black tongues. While they don't always get along well with other dogs, they're fiercely loyal and protective of their families.
32. Boxer
The boxer is what happens when you combine a bulldog-like face with a more boxy and athletic body, resulting in one sweet companion. They're very muscular and energetic, and they tend to be up for pretty much anything. They're very playful and don't love standing still, and also make great guard dogs.
33. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are another breed with an undeservedly bad rap. These powerful dogs are immediately recognizable thanks to their broad faces and bodies and their distinctive black and tan coloring. Though they can be aggressive under certain circumstances, they've also been known to make great family pets.
34. Dachshund
Dachshunds, also known as wiener or sausage dogs, get their nicknames for their long shape. Thanks to their stubby legs, they are much longer than they are tall, giving them a happy, comical gait. They're known for being as clever as they are stubborn, and being close to the ground gives them the ability to sniff out burrowing animals.
35. Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is another breed initially bred for fighting in China, though happily, these days it's admired mostly for its personality and look. These dogs are notable for being covered in loose, wrinkly folds of skin, which benefited it in fights. Today, people just think those wrinkles look cute. It helps that these dogs are also fiercely loving and devoted.
Now that you've learned all about the cutest dog breeds, click HERE to find out which ones are the dumbest.