Puppy Love: The 25 Cutest Dog Breeds In The World
All dogs are adorable, especially as puppies, but everyone has a different opinion on which breeds are the cutest. Some people prefer large dog breeds while others prefer small breeds, fortunately, there’s an overflow of cuteness for us all to enjoy. Below we’ve rounded up 25 of the cutest dog breeds in the world.
1. Samoyed
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Size: 46 - 56cm
Weight: 23 - 30kg
Character: Gentle, friendly, adaptable
Colour: White
Life Expectancy: 11 - 15 years
The Samoyed is a graceful and loyal family pet. This breed is known for its fluffy white coat, dark eyes, and a smiley face. Samoyed dogs are extremely cute but they are functional too, Samoyeds are sled dogs that can withstand extreme conditions and their smile helps to stop them from drooling to prevent icicles from forming on their face.
Check out our guide on Samoyeds.
2. French Bulldog
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Size: 27 - 33cm
Weight: >12kg
Character: Adaptable, playful, smart
Colour: White, Cream, Fawn, Brindle
Life Expectancy: 10 - 14 years
The French Bulldog is a small dog with large ears, a short nose, and an even disposition. These popular dogs are charming with their big eyes and playful personalities. Frenchies are low-energy lap dogs that love to snuggle and keep their owners warm.
Check out our guide on French Bulldogs.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
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Size: 25 - 28cm
Weight: 6 - 9kg
Character: Sprightly, affectionate, feisty, adaptable
Colour: Black & Tan, Black & Gold, Blue & Tan, Blue & Gold
Life Expectancy: 13 - 16 years
Yorkshire Terriers are small, sassy dogs that were originally used to chase rats in the 19th century. However, these terriers have more of a lap dog reputation now but they do enjoy playtime too. Yorkies are puppy-like, have gorgeous silky coats and make great family pets.
Check out our guide on Yorkshire Terriers.
4. Siberian Husky
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Size: 51 - 61cm
Weight: 20 - 27kg
Character: Outgoing, loyal, mischievous
Colour: Black & White, Brown & White, Black Tan & White, Grey & White, Sable & White, Red & White, White, Black
Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 years
The Siberian Husky is a compact sled dog that is known for being friendly, intelligent, and very cute. These fluffy dogs have a distinctive wolf-like appearance and they can have blue, or brown eyes (or one of each). Siberian Huskies are used to being in packs and have lots of energy so enjoy life with an active family.
Check out our guide on Siberian Huskies.
5. Labrador Retriever
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Size: 29 - 36kg
Weight: 56 - 61cm
Character: Outgoing, friendly, active, dependable
Colour: Black, Yellow, Chocolate
Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 years
Labrador Retrievers are friendly, easy-going, and extremely cute. While Lab puppies are adorable, they grow fast and reach adulthood at around 6 months old. Labradors thrive on an active lifestyle and love to be social.
Check out our guide on Labrador Retrievers.
6. Pomeranian
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Size: 13 - 28cm
Weight: 1 - 3kg
Character: Bold, lively, inquisitive
Colour: Black, Chocolate, Orange, Red, Cream, White, Sable, Tri-Coloured, Chocolate & Tan, Blue Merle, Blue & Tan, Black & Tan
Life Expectancy: 12 - 16 years
The Pomeranian is a small breed with a big personality. This breed is loyal, affectionate, and highly adaptable. Pomeranians are the smallest Spitz-type dog and share ancestry with the German Spitz. Poms are fluffy with sweet, smiling faces.
Check out our guide on Pomeranians.
7. Golden Retriever
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Size: 51 - 61cm
Weight: 29 - 34kg
Character: Intelligent, friendly, devoted
Colour: Golden
Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 years
The Golden Retriever is a Scottish gundog that has a versatile history of being used for hunting, fieldwork, search and rescue, and as guide dogs. Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the world thanks to their friendly personalities and cute faces. Golden Retrievers are slow to mature so remain puppy-like for a long time.
Check out our guide on Golden Retrievers.
8. Shiba Inu
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Size: 36 - 41cm
Weight: 8 - 11kg
Character: Attentive, alert, active
Colour: Cream, Black & Tan, Red, Red Sesame
Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years
The Shiba Inu is an ancient breed from Japan and was once used for hunting. Shibas are extremely popular in Japan and are growing in popularity in the rest of the world. This breed is loyal, loving, and highly adaptable. Shiba Inus are one of the smaller Spitz-type dogs and are very cute with their soft, furry faces and curly tail.
Check out our guide on Shiba Inus.
9. Cairn Terrier
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Size: 23 - 33cm
Weight: 4 - 6kg
Character: Cheerful, alert, busy
Colour: Brindle, Black, Grey, Cream, Red, Silver, Wheaten
Life Expectancy: 12 - 17 years
Cairn Terriers originate from Scotland and were used to hunt rodents and vermin. These terriers are happy, endearing, and inquisitive. Remember Toto from the Wizard of Oz? Adorable Toto was a Cairn Terrier.
Check out our guide on Cairn Terriers.
10. Pomsky
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Size: 25 - 38cm
Weight: 9 - 13kg
Character: Intelligent, playful, social, adaptable
Colour: Grey, Cream, Brown, Tan
Life Expectancy: 13 - 15 years
The Pomsky is a cross between a Husky and a Pomeranian; they are playful, loyal, and extremely cute. Pomskies are charming dogs that have kind, loving natures and adorable looks. Pomskies can inherit traits from either parent’s breed so they can differ considerably in appearance but they are eye-catching, fluffy and often look like toy-sized Huskies.
Check out our guide on Pomskies.
11. Bichon Frise
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Size: 23 - 28cm
Weight: 3 - 5kg
Character: Curious, playful, intelligent
Colour: White
Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years
The Bichon Frise breed is incredibly cute and highly adaptable. These intelligent little dogs are affectionate, loveable and known to be great with children. Bichons originate from the Mediterranean and are one of the most popular small dog breeds.
Check out our guide on Bichon Frises.
12. Australian Shepherd
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Size: 46 - 58cm
Weight: 23 - 29kg
Character: Exuberant, work-oriented, smart
Colour: Black, Blue Merle, Red, Red Merle, Red Tricolour, Black Tricolour
Life Expectancy: 13 - 15 years
Australian Shepherds are pretty dogs with striking blue or amber eyes. This breed is traditionally used for herding, guarding, and protecting which means they have plenty of energy and attentive natures.
Check out our guide on Australian Shepherds.
13. Dalmatian
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Size: 56 - 61cm
Weight: 23 - 25kg
Character: Outgoing, intelligent, dignified
Colour: White & Black, White & Liver Brown
Life Expectancy: 10 - 13 years
Dalmatians are famed for their spotted coats and loveable natures. These brown-eyed pups are energetic, playful, and win hearts everywhere they go. Dalmatians are unique and were originally used to run alongside carriages including horse-drawn fire engines which is why they are sometimes referred to as Firehouse Dogs.
Check out our guide on Dalmatians.
14. German Shepherd
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Size: 55 - 65cm
Weight: 30 - 40kg
Character: Smart, confident, courageous
Colour: Black, Blue, Grey, Sable, White, Liver, Bi-Colour, Black & Cream, Black & Silver, Black & Tan, Black & Red
Life Expectancy: 9 - 13 years
German Shepherds are known for their high energy, keen intelligence, and loyalty. They are used for search and rescue, military service, and police service too. German Shepherds capture people’s hearts with their soulful eyes and large ears.
Check out our guide on German Shepherds.
15. Griffon Bruxellois
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Size: 18 - 20cm
Weight: 3 - 4kg
Character: Curious, alert, loyal, mischievous
Colour: Black, Beige, Black & Tan, Red
Life Expectancy: 9 - 15 years
Griffon Bruxellois are fun-loving dogs with adorable looks and mischievous faces. The Griffon is an enchanting looking dog that is lively, amenable, and people-orientated. Griffon's history goes back to the early 1800s when the breed was a rat dog in Brussels.
Check out our guide on Griffon Bruxellois.
16. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Size: 30 - 33cm
Weight: 4 - 8kg
Character: Graceful, affectionate, gentle
Colour: Ruby, Blenheim, Black & Tan, Black & White
Life Expectancy: 10 - 16 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are energetic, playful, and have a heart of gold. One look into their expressive, soulful eyes is enough to make you fall in love with the breed. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels enjoy cuddles and adapt well to many lifestyles.
Check out our guide on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
17. Shetland Sheepdog
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Size: 33 - 44cm
Weight: 6 - 11kg
Character: Energetic, playful, bright
Colour: Black & White, Black White & Tan, Blue Merle & White, Blue Merle White & Tan, Sable & White, Sable Merle & White
Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 years
With thick manes and a beautiful double coat, Shetland Sheepdogs are eye-catching herding dogs. These smart dogs are fast learners and are considered one of the most trainable breeds. Shetland Sheepdogs are devoted to their families and their fluffy coats mean they give the best cuddles.
Check out our guide on Shetland Sheepdogs.
18. Papillon
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Size: 20 - 28cm
Weight: 3 - 4kg
Character: Happy, social, alert, outgoing
Colour: White & Black, White Black & Tan, White & Lemon, White & Sable, White & Red
Life Expectancy: 13 - 15 years
Papillons are small dogs with large, wing-shaped ears and a silky coat. Papillons are confident, smart, and adaptable. The breed is eager to please and they are incredibly elegant which makes them popular in the show ring.
Check out our guide on Papillons.
19. Poodle
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Size: > 38cm
Weight: 30 - 35kg
Character: Proud, intelligent, active
Colour: Black, Apricot, Blue, Cream, Grey, Brown, Red, Silver, White
Life Expectancy: 11 - 13 years
The fluffy, curly-haired poodle makes the perfect snuggle companion as their hair doesn’t shed too much or produce much dander. Poodles were originally bred to retrieve prey from water and the breed is known for being intelligent, athletic, and elegant.
Check out our guide on Poodles.
20. Shih Tzu
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Size: 20 - 28cm
Weight: 4 - 7kg
Character: Outgoing, affectionate, playful
Colour: Black, Blue, Brindle, Gold, Liver, Red, Silver, Black & White, Blue & White, Gold & White, Liver & White, Red & White, Silver & White
Life Expectancy: 10 - 16 years
Shih Tzus are confident little dogs with social natures, big dark eyes and sweet expressions. They have long, luxurious silky coats that need regular grooming. Shih Tzus have a history of life with royalty and emperors; these cute dogs would warm the laps of their owners. Shih Tzus are natural entertainers and are happiest when they are around their family.
Check out our guide on Shih Tzus.
21. Finnish Lapphund
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Size: 41 - 52cm
Weight: 15 - 24kg
Character: Alert, friendly, agile
Colour: Black, Cream, Brown, Tan, Blonde, Wolf Sable
Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 years
Finnish Lapphunds are cute and fluffy with kind expressions. Originally bred to hunt and later to herd reindeer, Finnish Lapphunds have long been highly prized thanks to their courage and loyalty.
Check out our guide on Finnish Lapphunds.
22. Beagle
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Size: 33 - 41cm
Weight: 6 - 8kg
Character: Curious, merry, friendly
Colour: Black & Tan, Black White & Tan, Black Red & White, Brown & White, Brown White & Tan, Lemon & White, Red & White, Blue Tan & White
Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years
Beagles have a puppy face for most of their lives, keeping them looking cute long into adulthood. These skilled scent hounds are curious, charming, and affectionate. Beagles enjoy the company and are generally laid-back, happy-go-lucky characters.
Check out our guide on Beagles.
23. Boxer
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Size: 53 - 63cm
Weight: 30 - 32kg
Character: Active, fun-loving, bright
Colour: Fawn, Brindle
Life Expectancy: 9 - 10 years
Boxers are adorable puppies and you can enjoy this for a lot longer than usual as the puppy stage lasts around 3 years. After this period, Boxers grow into calm, dignified dogs. Boxers have big, bright eyes and are entertaining extroverts that will keep you smiling all day long.
Check out our guide on Boxers.
24. German Shorthair Pointer
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Size: 53 - 64cm
Weight: 25 - 32kg
Character: Eager to please, friendly, smart
Colour: Black, Liver, Black & White, Liver & White, Liver Roan, Black Roan
Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 years
The German Shorthair Pointer is a hunt-and-retrieve breed that is athletic, dedicated, and elegant in appearance. These dogs, even when puppies, will point by lifting one foot off the ground and pointing their bodies and tails to signal they have prey in their sight. German Shorthair Pointers have dark eyes that shine with friendliness and their eyebrows that add to their overall charm.
Check out our guide on German Shorthair Pointers.
25. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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Size: 25 - 30cm
Weight: 9 - 12kg
Character: Alert, affectionate, smart
Colour: Black & Tan, Fawn, Sable, Red
Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years
With short legs, pointy ears, and bright eyes, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is very cute. These charming Corgis are also highly intelligent and have fun-loving natures. Pembroke Welsh Corgis thrive in a family environment.
Check out our guide on Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Looking For A Cute Puppy For Your Family?
Feeling inspired by our roundup of the cutest dogs? When looking for your new dog, use Puppies to ensure they come from a responsible, reputable breeder.
