Meet the 25 Cutest Dog Breeds Ever

Here’s the truth about cute dogs: Each dog is cute in their own way. Sure, it’s subjective, but let’s be honest, some dogs just have that classic kind of cuteness. A kind of cuteness that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you grinning from ear to ear. So, whether you’re a dedicated dog-lover in need of a daily dose of adorable inspiration or looking for your next BFF, get ready to meet some of the most irresistible pups around.

These pups are living, breathing bundles of cuteness who will make your day a little brighter. And when you’re ready for even more cuteness, check out some additional, adorable big dog breeds and small dog breeds.

Cutest dog breeds

From short-legged scene-stealers to big, fluffy, smiling dogs, we’ve got a whole lineup of breeds that’ll make your heart do backflips. Of course, we’re kicking things off with the most adorable kind of pups: mixed breeds. Read on for a list of some of the cutest dog breeds out there.

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Mixed-breed dog

These all-American dogs come in every shape, size, and color — and yes, they’re all cute. These dogs have a combination of traits from different breeds that make them one-of-a-kind. They can obviously be just as lovable, loyal, and yes, cute as purebred dogs and can even have fewer health problems due to genetic diversity. If you are looking for a canine companion, consider visiting a shelter and giving a mixed-breed dog a chance at a loving home.

Traits

• Height: 5 to 30 inches

• Weight: 5 to 190 pounds

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Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus are a compact, foxy breed with red coats and a signature curled tail. Their independent and spirited nature makes them quite the escape artists. These internet-famous dogs tend to do what they want.

Traits

• Height: 13 to 16 inches

• Weight: 15 to 29 pounds

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Brittany

Brittanys have an athletic build with a happy-go-lucky expression and feathered ears. These adorable pups make fantastic companions for families who love the outdoors. And they’re smart to boot.

Traits

• Height: 18 to 19 inches

• Weight: 27 to 50 pounds

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Chiweenie

The Chiweenie is a cross between two very cute breeds: A Chihuahua and a Dachshund. Both parents are loyal and have big personalities, which translates into a pint-sized but feisty offspring. Chiweenies have a lot of energy and make great watchdogs. Make sure they get exercise and play to keep them in good spirits, and allow them to get to know new people slowly. Then go home and cuddle on the couch.

Traits

• Height: 7 to 11 inches

• Weight: 5 to 20 pounds

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Beagle

With floppy ears and adorable, big eyes, the Beagle isn’t just cute, they’re also known for being a gentle and friendly breed. These dogs are great companions but can have a bit of a stubborn streak. Though they do need regular walks, they love mental stimulation even more: Exploring scents with their sharp noses using treat puzzles or playing tracking games will keep them very happy.

Traits

• Height: 13 to 16 inches

• Weight: 17 to 37 pounds

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Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz turns heads with their fox-like appearance, including red coats, perky ears, and floofy tails. This medium-sized northern breed is great for families with children and other dogs, because they love company and are loyal, playful, good watchdogs. Since the breed is of Scandinavian origin, they do best in colder climates and enjoy a good romp in the snow, which also makes a stunning backdrop to their gorgeous coat.

Traits

• Height: 15 to 20 inches

• Weight: 23 to 48 pounds

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Bernese Mountain Dog

Big dogs can be cuties, too, and the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the most adorable large breeds out there. These dogs love being with their families, children, and other pets and are super eager to please. They’re also quite smart and enjoy positive reinforcement training. This breed needs exercise and socialization to stay happy, so enjoy this funny, happy companion and make sure they can live their lives to the fullest.

Traits

• Height: 23 to 26 inches

• Weight: 70 to 123 pounds

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Pomeranian

Pomeranians are sometimes described as living teddy bears because of their adorable facial features set in a puffball body. These pups are wildly cute but also quite delicate, so be careful with kids who might not know how to handle small pets. This breed is super smart, and many Pomeranians love canine sports, such as trick training and obedience.

Traits

• Height: 7 to 12 inches

• Weight: 3 to 10 pounds

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Dalmatian

The Dalmatian’s signature black spots on a white coat give them an instantly recognizable and almost timeless appeal. Made famous by movies like 101 Dalmatians, these pups can be a great fit for active and energetic families.

Traits

• Height: 23 to 24 inches

• Weight: 45 to 70 pounds

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Maltese

The Maltese is a small, white, and cute dog breed. They’re friendly dogs who love sitting in your lap and luxuriating in your company. These pups are smart and are pretty adaptable to their environments. These dogs want to take a nice walk and then get back on the couch with you.

Traits

• Height: 8 to 10 inches

• Weight: 5 to 13 pounds

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Dachshund

Dachshunds, the famous “wiener dogs,” originated in Germany and are very recognizable: They have long, tubular bodies and very short legs, which many consider beyond adorable. They come in all different shades and have different coat types: smooth, wirehaired, and long-haired. There’s even a miniature version. Dachshunds are intelligent, curious dogs with big personalities and are also affectionate and, in general, enjoy people.

Traits

• Height: 8 to 11 inches

• Weight: 16 to 32 pounds

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Yorkie Poo

A mix of Yorkshire Terrier and Mini Poodle, Yorkie Poos are small, cute dogs who don’t require a lot of exercise. But they do need playtime to stay happy — and lots of cuddles. They are known for their friendly personalities and are easy to train because they love to please their people. They’re also considered mostly hypoallergenic dogs because of their low-shed coats, but they still need to be bathed and brushed regularly.

Traits

• Height: 7 to 15 inches

• Weight: 5 to 15 pounds

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Husky

The Siberian Husky will win your heart with their beautiful, thick coat and gorgeous eyes. These pups love the cold and follow their own impulses. They’re also extremely vocal, yodeling and wooing to communicate with their pack (i.e. you). They love being a part of families and love kids. Huskies can run fast and far without becoming tired, so their parents will need to get strong leashes.

Traits

• Height: 21 to 23 inches

• Weight: 34 to 67 pounds

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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Another adorable pup with an eye-catching smile is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This breed is the definition of a Velcro dog and makes for gentle, loving companions. These muscular and athletic dogs have short coats in various colors, including black, blue, fawn, red, and brindle. Bonus: They are intelligent dogs and easy to train because they love to please their pet parents.

Traits

• Height: 13 to 16 inches

• Weight: 23 to 46 pounds

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Chihuahua

Small size? Check. Miniature face? Check. Button nose? Check. Chihuahuas aren’t just one of the cutest dog breeds, but they are also the smallest — weighing in around six pounds at their biggest. These tiny pups still pack a punch in cuteness and personality, though: Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal to their humans, making them the perfect companion for anyone seeking unconditional love.

Traits

• Height: 6 to 9 inches

• Weight: 2 to 9 pounds

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Pomsky

Could there be a cuter dog than a Pomsky? A mix of Husky and Pomeranian, they’re generally somewhere in between the breeds in size, with the markings of a Husky on their faces. They have plenty of fluff, which translates to lots of shedding. But they make up for that by being incredibly fun-loving, people-oriented pups. And when properly socialized, they can be great with children and other dogs.

Traits

• Height: 10 to 15 inches

• Weight: 20 to 30 pounds

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Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a sturdy dog with tiny ears and a very dense, fluffy double coat — it’s no wonder they're often mistaken for living teddy bears. They may not be the most playful or patient breed, but they make up for it with their loyalty and regal demeanor. They’re also quite strong despite their soft-looking bodies, so they’re best suited for families with older children. Many enjoy city life, so even if you have an apartment, as long as you devote time to giving them exercise, they could be a great fit.

Traits

• Height: 18 to 22 inches

• Weight: 42 to 69 pounds

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was originally a cattle-herding dog from Wales, but they are now better known for being cute low riders who are highly affectionate, loyal pups. This breed loves people, so they’re good in homes with lots of folks around to keep them company. They are very easy to train if you start them from a young age and are better at canine sports than you might think, given their short legs.

Traits

• Height: 10 to 12 inches

• Weight: 18 to 42 pounds

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Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees were bred to guard livestock on the hillsides of Spain and France. They still have strong protective instincts underneath their thick, beautiful, weather-resistant coat, which can be white, gray, and tan and requires a lot of brushing. This breed is intelligent, independent, and can be willful, but they make great family pets with training. As mountain climbers, they need a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of space to roam. They also have a strong prey drive, so keep them on a leash outside.

Traits

• Height: 25 to 27 inches

• Weight: 66 to 138 pounds

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19. American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terriers are muscular, tenacious canines with cute, blocky heads. These dogs boast adorable, expressive eyes that can melt your heart. They form deep bonds with their people and are often dubbed “Velcro dogs” due to their unwavering loyalty and affection.

Traits

• Height: 17 to 22 inches

• Weight: 30 to 66 pounds

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English Setter

English Setters are the ultimate combination of elegance and cuteness with their distinctive, long, silky coat that boasts feathering on the ears, legs, and tail. Originally bred as bird-hunting dogs for grouse and quail, these pups have a gentle nature and love nothing more than spending time with their humans. English Setters don’t like being left alone for too long, though — they adore long walks and attention, and are always up for a good play session with kids and other pets.

Traits

• Height: 23 to 27 inches

• Weight: 49 to 77 pounds

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Havanese

The Havanese, a small breed originally from Cuba, is famous for their long, silky, wavy, as well as their fairly hypoallergenic coat, long, floppy ears, and tail carried high over their back. The lap-dogs are typically pretty small and have friendly, outgoing personalities. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a good choice for families with children.

Traits

• Height: 8 to 11 inches

• Weight: 7 to 16 pounds

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Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is known for their massive size — males can grow up to 150 pounds — but they are adorable, gentle giants with sweet, loyal temperaments that make them excellent family pets. They’re excellent swimming dogs who love water and have thick, waterproof coats that keep them warm in the water. This breed has even been used in rescue operations to save people from drowning.

Traits

• Height: 26 to 28 inches

• Weight: 86 to 163 pounds

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Papillon

The Papillon’s name honors their very cute and distinctive butterfly-shaped ears, which are long and fringed with fur. Papillons are fine-boned, delicate, and small but also sharp — this breed is intelligent, trainable, and can excel in obedience competitions and agility courses. They have lively, friendly personalities and make great lap dogs. They are adaptable to different living situations and do well in apartments as long as they receive daily exercise and mental stimulation (just like people).

Traits

• Height: 8 to 11 inches

• Weight: 4 to 12 pounds

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Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise are adorable small white pups who are friendly and eager to please their pet parents. They love hanging out with their people, cuddling, or romping through the park. They’re also known for being fairly quiet, unlike a number of other small dogs — though they will let out a yap if they want your attention.

Traits

• Height: 9 to 11 inches

• Weight: 6 to 16 pounds

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Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffons are a small breed with a big personality. These adorable pocket pups weigh in at eight to 12 pounds, and sport a comical mustache. While these pups may not be suitable for families with rambunctious young children (due to their delicate nature), they make excellent companions for people who are looking for a tiny affectionate friend.

Traits

• Height: 7 to 8 inches

• Weight: 6 to 14 pounds

Matching with the right pup

Here are a few things to keep in mind beyond those cute little faces:

• Activity level: Just because a dog is cute doesn’t mean they’re low-energy. Sure, some breeds are more laid-back and only need a couple of walks a day. But many — especially working breeds — need over an hour (or more) of daily activity to stay happy. They would be a better fit for active people or families, so ask yourself: do you want a hiking buddy or a couch companion?

• Grooming and maintenance: Let’s be real, some dogs are high-maintenance. We’re talking regular grooming, wipe-downs, wrinkle cleanings, ear care — being a dog parent for some pups can be a lot of work. So, despite those adorable faces, there’s no shame in realizing that a small, low-maintenance dog might actually be a better fit for your lifestyle. Always ask shelter staff, fosters, or volunteers about the level of upkeep a dog needs, and definitely do your research before bringing a dog home.

• Health: All dogs can face health issues, but purebred dogs such as Bernese Mountain Dogs and Dachshunds are more likely to inherit certain conditions. It’s important to be financially ready before adopting. Look into low-cost vet services, pet insurance, and other ways to keep pet care affordable.

• Personality: Some dogs, such as many Shibas, just aren’t into cuddling random strangers. But it’s also important to remember that every dog is an individual, even within the same breed. Some are velcro-level clingy, others are more independent. Some are goofballs, some are anxious introverts. What matters most is finding a dog whose personality fits with yours. Compatibility is everything.

Interested in adopting a dog?

If you’re set on getting a purebred dog, like one of the breeds listed above, check out dog rescues that focus specifically on helping purebred dogs who were given up for adoption or abandoned. You can start your search on Adopt a Pet.

And keep in mind that some breeds have very specific needs, including health issues or behavioral demands, that not everyone is prepared to meet. So even if you have fallen in love with how a dog looks, do your research before becoming their pet parent.