Top 10 Cutest Dog Breeds

Let’s face it… we all think that our dog is the absolutely cutest dog in the entire world. Of course they are! But, if we take our own pets out of the equation, there has always been plenty of talk about what the “cutest” dog breeds are. While there is no absolute, scientific way to decide this, we wanted to throw our own hats in the (dog show) ring and come up with our own list of what we think are the top 10 cutest dogs breeds out there. Here they are, in no particular order!

1.. The Japanese Chin

While the Japanese Chin isn’t the most well-known dog breed (ranking 104th out of 196 in popularity according to the American Kennel Club), it is by far one of the cutest. These charming dogs are in the toy group, standing no more than 11 inches tall and generally weighing under 11 pounds. Chins have long, silky hair and large, round, dark eyes. They’re often described as having “feline” personalities, as they are fairly aloof and very graceful. However, don’t let their quiet attitude fool you. Japanese Chins are also known for being bright, friendly dogs. 

2. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Not to be outdone by the little dogs, another entry on our cutest dog breed list is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. While some people are still under the impression that these dogs are “scary” and not cute, Staffordshire Bull Terriers (or “Staffies” as they are more commonly known) are actually very gentle dogs known for their playful, often silly, personalities. With a natural smile, these dogs are often the life of the party. They’re also known as “Nanny” dogs because of their especially gentle, protective nature with children. Here is a perfect example of the Staffie spirit, and why we think they’re so cute. They definitely haven’t earned their reputation of being big, mean, scary dogs.

3. The Irish Setter

Joining the cutest dog breed ranks is the Irish Setter. These dogs are known for a beautiful, silky red coat that anyone would envy. A member of the sporting group, Irish Setters are full of playful energy, but are just as happy to curl up on the couch with their family. They are one of the tallest dogs on our list, standing around 25 inches tall, but don’t let their size trick you. Irish Setters are often puppies for life, maintaining their drive and desire to play for their entire lives. They also make great hunting companions, unafraid to get that silky coat dirty in their race to find or retrieve gamebirds. 

4. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (or “Cavie”) is one of the most popular toy dogs out there. Although some people may mistake them for cocker spaniels, Cavies are definitely their own, unique creature. With a sweet, gentle expression and a connection with British royalty you’ll be sure to notice in this picture, Cavies have an incredibly soft, silky coat and large, dark eyes that could melt anyone’s heart. They are so well loved because of their extreme adaptability - calm, loving lap dog one minute, sporting dog the next. Cavies are known for being incredibly affectionate, friendly, and outgoing. 

5. The Shar-Pei

This may be controversial, but we don’t think there is a dog much cuter than the wrinkly, squishy face of a Shar-Pei--see for yourself!. They may be cute, but their lineage also stretches all the way back to the Han Dynasty in China in the early 200s BC, where they were fierce protectors known for their hunting prowess. Shar-Peis still have those same protective tendencies, but that also makes them incredibly loyal to their owners. With their tiny, triangular ears and blue-black tongue, they definitely have earned their place on our cutest dog breeds list.

6. The Pomeranian

While this may be an obvious entry, you have to love the vivacious little ball of fluff that is the Pomeranian. This dog has been popular for years and, taking just one look at them, most people understand why. Poms are inquisitive, intelligent, and lively, a big dog packaged in a toy sized frame. Their faces are often described as being “fox-like,” and they actually have a double coat, which is why they look so incredibly fluffy. Poms are also very sociable and outgoing, which is part of what makes them such good family pets and adorable photo subjects--see what we mean?. 

7. The Maltese

The incredibly luxurious hair of the Maltese, as well as their regal nature, earns them a place on our cutest dog breeds list as well. With a face as cute as a button (check it out!) and long, silky, white hair that reaches the floor, the Maltese is just as sweet as it is adorable. Weighing in under 7 pounds, these dogs are just as happy sitting on your lap as they are working their way through an agility course. They’re known for being peaceful and affectionate dogs, with bright, friendly, trusting personalities. 

8. The Border Collie

Another of the larger breed entries on our list, the Border Collie more than belongs among the cutest. In addition to being packed full of energy and extremely intelligent, Border Collies are known for their smooth coat and quirky personalities. These dogs do require a lot of work, but they are excellent for people with a lot of space and time to give them the mental stimulation that they need to be happy housemates. Border Collies are among the breeds most likely to pick up new tricks quickly, so they can often not only sit, stay, and roll over but also play dead, catch a frisbee, and even learn to be a great dance partner.

9. The French Bulldog

The face of a French Bulldog, or Frenchie, is irresistible. With their large, bat-like ears and their wrinkly, “smooshy” faces, Frenchies are just as cute as they are personable. Frenchies are the “charmers” of the dog world, ready, willing, and able to find their way into your heart with a moment’s notice. They get along well with both humans and dogs alike, maintaining a playful attitude for most of their lives. However, they are not known for accepting criticism well, letting you know how they feel about it with their signature talking “bark”. What’s more cute than a small dog throwing a temper tantrum?

10. The Yorkie

We’d be remiss to not mention the fan favorite Yorkie on our list of cutest dog breeds, and it’s easy to see why. They easily break the top 10 most popular dog breeds as well. These pint-size terriers may look small, but they still have the heart of the much larger members of their terrier group which makes them equally as tenacious and feisty. It’s often said that you don’t own a Yorkie, a Yorkie owns you. They’re full of personality, and it will take just a few seconds for them to earn a permanent place in your heart. Yorkies take up plenty of space for a dog that often weighs in under 7 pounds soaking wet.

What’s Your Favorite?

Big or small, fluffy or silky, each of us has an idea of what we consider “cute.” Ultimately, the cutest dog in the world is the one you choose to take home and let into your heart. There truly is nothing cuter, or special, than the bond we have with our own special pets. 

Celebrate your own cutest pet by having a custom pet painting done like the ones we shared above, to showcase not only how beautiful they are, but also their charming personalities. You won’t regret it. 

Sources:

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/japanese-chin/

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/border-collie/

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/french-bulldog/