The Cutest Dog Breeds That Will Melt Your Heart

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Whether you like small dog breeds or prefer larger ones, there are many cute dogs to choose from as pets. It’s only natural to be unsure about what kind of dog you want as your friend and companion. So we’ve compiled a list of 10 dog breeds that we consider the cutest.

What Makes the Cutest Dog Breeds?

Some dogs are more pleasant to look at than others, but, ultimately, the cuteness level in a dog is determined individually. Nonetheless, we have chosen 10 dog breeds that are universally considered cute. We’ve made our selection based on their physical characteristics and temperament. Even though they differ in size and shape, these dogs are renowned for being smart and devoted to their owners. And there’s nothing cuter than a dog that loves you.

Some cute dog breeds have tall, pointy ears, while others are recognizable for their floppy ears. Some have large, thoughtful eyes; others adorn slightly bulging eyes. And a few breeds have a coat that differs in color and fluffiness. Whatever type of dog you choose, rest assured, you’ll gain a friend for life.

DID YOU KNOW? It’s estimated that people have had dogs as pets and companions for 40,000 years. So it’s safe to say that wanting a dog as a pet is nothing new.

Top 10 Cutest Dogs 

Consider the following list of our most adorable dogs.

1. Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu became popular as an internet meme when featured as the logo of Dogecoin. Originally from Japan, Shiba Inus were imported to the US in 1954 and have been winning the hearts of Americans ever since with their fox-shaped face and attentive personality. These dogs are small- to medium-sized with an average weight of 23 and 17 pounds for male and female dogs, respectively. Their average height ranges from 14.5 to 16.5 inches and 13.5 to 15.5 inches for males and females, respectively.

What makes the Shiba Inu the cutest dog in the world is its vibrant, playful personality and thick, soft, creamy-white double coat. These dogs are very independent and excellent for novice dog owners. But since they are quite active, they require daily exercise. Additionally, their lifespan ranges from 13 to 16 years, and when they get older, they can experience joint pain—something that CBD oil could aid with.

2. Samoyed

Samoyed

The Samoyed is distinguished by its white, fluffy fur, making it impervious to the cold. The male dogs grow 21 to 23.5 inches tall, and females reach between 19 and 21 inches. Their average weight is around 45 to 65 pounds for males and 35 to 50 pounds for females.

Besides being one of the cutest dogs in the world, the Samoyed is very friendly and intelligent. It does, however, require a lot of grooming since it sheds a lot, but you’ll be able to overlook this when you see their perpetual smile. Its smile is not just for aesthetics; it also prevents the dog from drooling—one less thing to deal with.

In their 12 to 14-year lifespan, these dogs like to keep active and engage in outdoor play. And they’re especially suitable for playing with children. (If you wish to adopt a Samoyed, a pet screen could detect if it might have been stolen.)

3. Akita

Akita

When considering the cutest dogs ever, we must mention the Akita. This powerful dog hails from Japan, where its main task was guarding royalty. The Akita is a large dog at 26 to 28 inches tall for males and 24 to 26 inches for females. They also weigh quite a lot, with males ranging from 100 to 130 pounds and females topping 100 pounds.

Akitas have dense coats with cream, white, and light brown colors. But they’re distinguished by their plush tail, making them even cuter. They do need grooming, but they lick their bodies to keep clean, much like cats.

Although not too fond of strangers or other dogs, the Akita is keen to protect its owner, which compels us to put it on the list of the top 10 cutest dogs of many breeds. They’re not, however, very active and require some training—so they’re not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. In addition, Akitas have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years and are susceptible to infections. So it might be a good idea to look into great pet insurance policies.

4. Pomsky

Pomsky

The Pomsky is a relatively new dog breed, crossbred (via artificial insemination) between a Siberian Husky mother and a Pomeranian father—acquiring all the best genetic features from both breeds. (To find out more about dog pregnancies, click here.)

Among the cute dog breeds, the Pomsky stands out with the appearance of a miniature wolf, small enough for your lap. Pomskies have a thick double coat—much like their Husky mothers—making them suitable for colder climates. Their coats are typically black and white but can sport gray, brown, or red intermingled with their ever-present white color.

The Pomsky weighs between 20 and 30 pounds and grows 10 to 15 inches tall. These dogs are very intelligent and have high energy levels. They do, however, shed a lot—so daily brushing is recommended. Being a new crossbreed, there are no precise numbers for their expected lifespan, but experts assume a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.

5. American Eskimo

American Eskimo

Our cutest dog breeds ranking includes the American Eskimo (or Eskies), positioning it somewhere in the middle with their smiley faces, black noses, pricked ears, and pronounced eye-rims. The American Eskimo is a Nordic dog belonging to the Spitz family, sporting profuse white coats and fox-like faces.

Eskies come in three sizes: toy (9 – 12 inches, 6 – 10 pounds), miniature (12 – 15 inches, 10 – 20 pounds), and standard (15 – 19 inches, 25 – 30 pounds). These dogs are curious and intelligent, making them one of the most trainable dog breeds. Not only are they one of the top ten cutest dog breeds, but they’re also very good with children, eager to please, and barking only when necessary. Eskies shed seasonally and require occasional grooming. They can also be good trick dogs and live 13 to 15 years.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) is an intelligent dog with Scottish origins. They belong to the same family as the Collie—thought of as cousins.

The Sheltie’s height ranges from 13 to 15 inches and weighs between 15 and 25 pounds. These types of cute dogs have long, straight, double coats that can be black, blue merle, or sable, with white marks. The Sheltie is renowned for its obedience and agility, as well as its reservation with strangers and fondness for barking—all reasons why it’s often kept as a watchdog.

Shelties are sensitive and affectionate dogs—always getting along with children—making them one of the most family-friendly dogs. Shetland Sheepdogs are also highly active during their lifetime, spanning 12 to 14 years.

7. Beagle

Beagle

The Beagle is one of the cutest dog breeds in the world. Not only is it cute, but it’s also funny and easygoing. Loyalty is a prominent trait in this dog breed, and they make for excellent hunting dogs.

Two Beagle varieties include one that grows 13 inches tall and weighs less than 20 pounds, and the other between 13 and 15 inches tall and 20 to 30 pounds. The Beagle’s coat is short and can be black and tan or brown and white. Its cuteness is evident in their big brown or hazel eyes and long ears. Their snout, however, is what sets them apart from other dogs, which is highly sensitive to scents, hence their use in hunting.

Beagles are one of the cutest adult dog breeds but are challenging to train in their infancy, especially crate training. Fortunately, they’re very tolerant dogs by nature, making them the perfect companions for kids. The Beagle craves attention and often barks when it wants outdoor time. The life expectancy of these dogs ranges from 10 to 15 years.

8. Pug

Pug

The Pug has been long-associated with royalty. They’ve been loyal companions to Chinese emperors and have served as mascots for Holland’s royal family. A Pug— boasting a muscular body—hails from a small breed of dogs, sporting a short silver or apricot coat, topped with its trademark black face mask.

As one of the cutest dog types, Pugs are excellent house pets, growing between 10 to 13 inches tall and 14 to 18 pounds. But they don’t fare well outside and prefer moderate climates. So if you’re a pug owner, it might be a good idea to look into how pet insurance works and what it covers since they are sensitive to outdoor influences.

A Pug’s round eyes and wrinkled brows give it a comical look, but the brows also allow them to mimic human expressions—which is why they’re so beloved in the US and globally. Pugs are not overly active but are exceptionally playful, friendly, and adventurous. They have a lifespan between 13 and 15 years.

9. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

You’ll hardly find a list of the top 10 cutest dog breeds where the Golden Retriever isn’t featured. These large dogs are popular pets in the US, not only for being pretty but also for their reliability and eagerness to please.

Male retrievers reach a height of 23 to 24 inches, weighing 65 to 75 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, with a maximum height of 22.5 inches and 55 to 65 pounds. These dogs have lustrous, gold coats (wherein they got their name) and feathery tails.

The Golden Retriever has excellent coordination skills, often used as a guide dog for the blind. So they’re not just one of the cutest dog breeds ever but are also very useful.

Retrievers are energetic, powerful dogs that gladly engage in play, especially with children and other dogs. They particularly enjoy swimming and fetching, but their life expectancy is comparatively short, from 10 to 12 years. (Losing a dog is heartbreaking, so sometimes it’s beneficial to seek advice on how to cope with your dog’s death.)

10. Collie

Collie

Thanks to its frequent appearances in pop culture, the Collie is one of the most well-known dog breeds globally. In addition, people often list it as one of the top cutest dog breeds, praising its loyalty and impeccable behavior towards its owner.

Male Collies grow to be 24 to 26 inches tall and 60 to 75 pounds, while the females are between 22 and 24 inches tall and 50 to 65 pounds. The Collie’s coat can be smooth or rough, with four recognized coat colors: sable and white, blue merle, tri-color, and white.

Collies are athletic and so need regular exercise. But they’re also happy to spend the remainder of their time at home. They’re very good with children, making them ideal family pets. As fitting for one of the cutest dog breeds, they enjoy companionship and are quick learners. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years.

DID YOU KNOW? Petting a dog for 15 minutes can lower your blood pressure by 10%. It can also reduce anxiety, lower stress levels, and help you fight loneliness. So dogs are not just cute; they’re also good for your health.

Key Takeaways

The Shiba Inu dog is one of the cutest dog breeds with an attentive personality.
The Samoyed and Akita are large, friendly dogs that are popular pets in the US.
The Pomsky is a crossbreed between a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian.
The Shetland Sheepdog and Collie are cousins.
The Beagle and Golden Retriever have been pet owners’ favorites for decades.

Conclusion

Choosing the cutest dog as a pet is subjective; we all have different cuteness meters. So what are the cutest dog breeds? Our guide should help you choose a companion that makes you a proud dog parent.

FAQ

What are the top 10 cutest dogs?

The 10 cutest dogs include the Shiba Inu, Samoyed, Akita, Pomsky, American Eskimo, Shetland Sheepdog, Beagle, Pug, Golden Retriever, and the Collie.

What is the number 1 cutest dog breed?

We ranked the Shiba Inu as the cutest dog breed, closely followed by the Samoyed and Akita. But ultimately, you should get a dog that’s most appealing to you.

What is the cutest dog breed for 2022?

Some trends indicate that the Dalmatian’s popularity will rise in 2022, closely followed by the Samoyed. The Beagle and Golden Retriever, however, currently lead the list of cutest dog breeds.

ABOUT AUTHOR

When she couldn’t decide between being a nurse, a psychotherapist, and a financial genius, Ofelia decided to do all three. Her interests run far and wide, and she loves researching about everything you get to read on our website. Credit cards or top-notch software, she’s here to tell it all like it is.

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