30 most addorable dog breeds
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Forget Pikachu and Jigglypuff, we have a species cuter than any fictional critter you have ever seen. Of course, we are talking about dogs. Labeled as a man’s best friend, a dog brings an unconditional amount of joy to your life. They are happy-go-lucky creatures who are full of compassion and not to mention their extremely adorable faces that you can’t help but smile when you look at them. Having been bred for thousands of years, there are numerous kinds of breeds of dogs. They are further divided into hunting, herding, working, companion, and guard dogs. Whether they are huge and sturdy or small and puffy, dogs are undeniably cute. From pugs and beagles to poodles and chow chows, it is rather hard to pin down your favorite. So, we have decided on 30 of the cutest dog breeds. Do you agree?
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Small, beautiful, and highly intelligent, Pembroke Welsh corgi were first bred in Wales from northern spitz dogs. They are animated and speedy creatures who make wonderful companions to humans. Oh, and if you have sheep and cattle, trust these tiny herders to help you out. What’s more, Pembroke Welsh corgis are the favorite of the Queen of England, who has had about 30 of them!
Even though British royalty still prefers the little tykes, their demand has somewhat decreased in Europe. Despair not, though, for in the USA, the dwarf dogs have gained immense popularity, so much so that even annual meetups are hosted for their enthusiasts.
Golden Retriever
The burly gun dog is not only the most popular dog breeds of all times, it is also the greatest retriever. Throw a ball, trust the golden retriever to catch it. Want a duck or a waterfowl? The sunshine-kissed retriever will bring it to you entirely undamaged!
They love water and thanks to their soft and warm coat, golden retrievers love to stay outdoors for long periods of time. They were first bred in the 19th century in Scotland. Today, they are regarded as the best dogs for disability and hunting assistance.
Basset Hound
Oh, those soulful eyes. You can totally lose yourself into them. Snap! Don’t let the droopy expressions fool you. First of all, no, they’re not perpetually sad. Second, they’re a lot more shrewd than those wrinkled, creasy, lazy faces would tell.
Basset hounds are stubborn creatures that are not easy to train, but their long ears, docile nature, short legs, and doleful faces make them endearing pets that will soon gel in with the family. They are scent hounds that were originally bred for hunting purposes.
Bichon Frise
Proud members of the Toy Dog Group in the United Kingdom, bichon frise are fluffy puffs of endless cuteness. These dogs are affectionate, exuberantly happy, and high on mischief. Don’t leave them alone for too long as they hate being isolated; they enjoy human company a lot.
Make sure to groom them often as these little walking balls of cotton tend to shed a lot. They originated near the waters of the Mediterranean, and as they make awesome travel companions, they were used to accompany sailors on the boat.
Border Collie
Bred in Scotland to herd livestock in farms, border collies have turned out to be among the most affectionate pets and excellent herders. They are obedient, smart, and athletic dogs, and their intense almond eyes stare right into your soul.
Their gaze is known to control the herd, and watching the little master at work is quite a treat. Considered to be one of the top 10 intelligent dog breeds, they rank 1st in Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs. As pets, border collies are gentle, playful, and require daily physical activity.
Old English Sheepdog
Here is the famous overgrown and goofy shepherd’s dog that is known for its excellent herding abilities, and of course, its delightfully shaggy coat. In the olden days, the athletic dog mostly spent its time disciplining the cattle in the countryside.
However, the times have changed, and Old English sheepdog now enjoys a far more domesticated life. They are agile, playful, and smart creatures who easily adapt to changes. You can trust them around children as well — just don’t be surprised when they start to herd them.
Great Dane
For the love of Scooby-Doo, we must mention the great Dane, the mighty breed who appears to be intimidating but has an affable and gentle nature, as you must have seen in the famous cartoon show (although they look nothing like each other).
The giant dog was bred from Mastiff-type species to run down bears and boars in the wilderness. But as time passed, they turned into loveable pets who enjoy the company of kids. If it wants to be petted and hugged, it won’t leave you alone until it has its desired amount of cuddles.
Beagle
Throw in a pair of floppy ears, imploring eyes, superb beagling skills, and an infinite amount of cuteness, and you have a beagle ready. They are small scent hounds that were originally bred in the early 19th century to hunt rabbits and hares. The sport has now been banned, and beagles have switched to being adorable pets and amazing pals.
They have a gentle nature and enjoy the company of humans. While they may appear aloof at the start, they easily come around. This quality has one downside – they don’t make good watchdogs, as they can be readily won over.
Shih Tzu
Cuteness alert! The little lion with its silky coat, deep eyes, teddy bear face, and merry disposition is a perfect companion for those who are seeking a loyal and amiable pet who is bound to follow them everywhere, even to the bathroom.
The toy dog was bred in the region of the Tibetan Plateau, which is one of the highest plateaus in the world. The tiny critters are fun-loving, active, and animated, but don’t be fooled by their small size. Shih tzus are quite sturdy and strong. They are awesome as watchdogs and your lap is most probably going to their favorite spot.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Lavishly freckled and blessed with good looks and friendly nature, the Welsh springer spaniel is your loyal companion and best friend. They are spaniel dogs who are said to be bred in the 15th century in the Welsh valleys for huntsmen. Their silky and soft coat is painted with vibrant patterns of bright red and white that make them stand out.
The coat is not just for looks – it is waterproof and weatherproof and comes handy in all weathers and terrains. Another unique feature is their face, which is tapered and freckled with long floppy ears and big eyes. They are reserved with strangers, but show them affection, and they will be yours!
Lhasa Apso
Born in Lhasa, Tibet, Lhasa apsos are sentinel dogs that were bred to warn the monks of danger and intruders. In Tibet, they were not allowed to be sold. The only way one could have it was through a gift. Lhasa apsos made their way to other countries as presents as well.
In the USA, there is a group of direct descendants of Lhasa apsos who are called ‘Gompa’ dogs. Such a fancy name, right? They deserve it. The wooly goat-like dog is known for its vigilant and watchful qualities who is wary of strangers and faithful to its owners. They are highly observant and intelligent with a great sense of hearing.
Dachshund
The wiener-type scent dog is renowned for its excellent sportsmanship. It can readily hunt down wild boars, foxes, rabbits, and other tunneling critters. The sporty dog has a happy-go-lucky nature and is quite playful with its owners. The amiable quality makes the dachshund one of the best pets for families with kids.
They are curious creatures with high energy levels, and they are always ready to venture out. Previously known as Badger Dog and Little Burrow Dog, they are said to have originated in the 16th century but there has been no definite proof. Their layered coats are silky, wavy, and wiry, at once offering protection and warmth.
Maltese
Here is yet another adorable puff of a toy dog that was bred in Malta, an island nation off the southern coast of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea. They are one of the oldest breeds of dogs. Their fossils were found in Greek amphora and there have been numerous mentions of Maltese in history.
Aristotle appears to be the first one to mention their record. In 370 BCE, he compared them to mustelids, a group of carnivorous mammals, in one of his written documents. History aside, the ancient dogs of Malta are lively companions who are always up for an adventure. Their silky coats and round faces only add to their cuteness.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Hmm, you must be something if you are named after a king. Cavalier King Charles spaniel proves so by its undeniable charm, faithfulness, and sporty nature. Known as the Cavalier King, King Charles II of England bestowed the breed with his name as he was very fond of them.
Cavaliers are highly social and energetic, and they don’t shy away from strangers. Be it children or larger dogs, they want to play with everyone. They are very patient, amiable, agile, and obedient. Cavaliers love being active, and they prefer long walks, runs, and exercises on a daily basis. They love to chase, and it is common to spot a cavalier running after a car on the street.
Siberian Husky
Belonging to the working dog breed, the Siberian husky is an affectionate dog blessed with dashing looks and bright blue eyes. The triangular ears are right on point, and the double fur coat is rather lavish. It is not just for ornamental purposes; it is supposed to keep the dogs warm in frosty temperatures.
Slightly wolfish, Siberian huskies are athletic and intelligent tykes with a stubborn streak. They are not the ones to give up their independence easily and given the chance, they will jump over the fence to escape. For first-time owners, it can be troublesome to train the dog at first, but they come around as time passes.
French Bulldog
The French bulldog is a domestic dog designed to be a faithful companion and an awesome pal. They originated in the 1800s and are a crossbreed of English toy bulldogs and French ratters. They are one of the most popular breeds and as such they are expensive and high on demand.
If you want to acquire a French bulldog, it is no less difficult than catching a rare Pokémon. The waiting lists are long so be prepared to wait. Their unique features are oddly beautiful and even though they might not appeal to everyone, they are considered to be very cute by many people.
Pekingese
The favorites of Chinese emperors and imperial courts, Pekingese are the stuff of legends and royalty. It is said that once a lion and a marmoset (monkeys in some cases) fell in love. As the lion was too big to be with the marmoset, it went to a buddha for a solution. The buddha recognized pure love and allowed the lion to shrink its size so that they can be together. The result was a toy dog, Pekingese.
Whether the legends are true or not, it sure has a lion-like attitude and a rolling gait like a monkey. They are highly sensitive and intelligent with a killer attitude, and while they are super-cute, they can be quite aggressive and won’t hesitate to bite if they feel endangered. This is the reason it is not a good idea to keep them around small children.
Curly-coated Retriever
Dark, tall, and handsome – the curly-coated retriever was bred in the English countryside to hunt waterfowl and upland birds. Even today, they accompany sportsmen on hunting trips in many parts of the world. As they are a sporty breed, curlies are not placid and peaceful unless they have had plenty of exercises.
They are upbeat, lively, and quite active, and it is not easy to bring them down. Wary of strangers, they are loveable with their owners and families. The feature that stands out is their tightly curled coat which repels water, thorns, burrs, and other things that can cause damage to an otherwise thinner coat.
Griffon Bruxellois
Now that’s quite a tricky name, isn’t it? Well, learn it, for they are one of the most affectionate pets you will ever have. They have a big heart and want lots of cuddles and snuggles. Unless someone is harsh with them, griffon Bruxellois prove to be gentle, placid, and friendly.
They are amazing with kids, and if you have cats and ferrets, they are likely to get along with them as well. If you let it grow, the dogs have a marvelous beard that adds a charming touch in their appearance. They are small in size but sturdy and strong.
Havanese Dog
This one has stolen many hearts and why not, the Havanese dog is a beauty with brains… and a lovely heart. The bichon-type dog happens to be the national dog of Cuba and they were by its royalty in the 19th century.
The dogs have silky coats with expressive eyes that will want to make you give warm hugs to them and cuddle to your heart’s desire. While they enjoy being close to their human companions, Havanese dogs are also very energetic with a high preference for outdoors. If trained right, they can master and excel at any dog’s sports.
The Goldendoodle
Even the name is adorable, eh? It is a crossbreed of poodles and golden retrievers and is often known as a groodle, especially in Australia. In 1969, Monica Dickens, a writer and a granddaughter of the famous author, Charles Dickens, bred them.
In the ’90s, the breed became popular due to their mostly hypoallergenic coats that they hardly shed. In addition to their obvious function as walking teddy bears, they also make great guide dogs, particularly for visually-impaired people who are allergic to dander.
Japanese Chin
Favored by Japanese nobles and aristocrats back in 732 CE, the Japanese chin sure retains its royal traits. They have also been traced back to China where they were companions of Chinese nobles. Well-mannered, delicate, and cheerful, Japanese chins make awesome pets.
The toy-sized dog loves to leap and you will be amazed to see their unusually high range. It won’t be surprising to find them on a top of the cupboard or a fireplace mantle at times. Don’t be scared for they are very graceful and won’t break a thing hop around.
Vizsla
The vizsla is an aristocratic breed created in Hungary to serve as both a retriever and a pointer. They thrive on love and adoration and therefore they are the ideal companion for a family with an active and adventurous lifestyle.
The Vizsla craves exercise and attention and is one of the most affectionate dogs. The kid-friendly nature of the Vizsla makes it an excellent dog for families with children. Just be sure that your lifestyle matches its needs, and you’ll be good to go.
Labradoodle
Not over those amazing hybrid breeds? Neither are we! The labradoodle is extremely popular and sociable, which makes it one of the best companion dogs. Originally trained as a hypoallergenic guide breed, it is the first orchestrated cross between Labrador retrievers and poodles.
This hybrid breed is popular for being one of the most affectionate dogs, known for their loving and faithful nature. Of course, they are also rather pretty! They’ve inherited all of the best traits from their genetic forebears, and anyone looking to adopt them can only stand to benefit.
Cairn Terrier
One of the oldest breeds of terriers, the Cairn terrier originated in the Scottish Highlands, and it gets its name from its abilities to hunt and chase across the cairns in the rugged Scottish terrain. This dog is known for its striking intelligence, its independent nature, and courageous aura.
These little muffins are naturally affectionate, which makes an excellent companion for families and children. They don’t shed much, but if needed to be groomed, only hand-strip them as scissors can damage their coats. Make sure to take them on a walk daily!
Cavachon
One of the most adorable designer dogs, the cavachon is cuddly, cute, and tiny. This good-natured dog is popular for its immensely friendly nature. A cross between the bichon frise and cavalier King Charles spaniel, this playful dog originated in Ireland.
Its affectionate and energetic nature makes it an ideal pet for an active family who wants a loyal and amiable dog. Plus, how can you look at that tiny face and not end up falling absolutely head over heels in love?
Maltipoo
A cross between a poodle and Maltese, the Maltipoo is a wondrous breed that is immensely popular for its playful and friendly nature. This insanely adorable dog is strikingly intelligent, and it makes an excellent family pet as it is the ultimate companion for children.
Along with the intelligence of the breeds that gave rise to it, the Maltipoo is extremely low maintenance with little grooming required, which makes it a suitable companion for singles and seniors as well. Don’t you just want to give it a cuddle?
Toy Fox Terrier
A predecessor of the smooth fox terrier breed, the toy fox terrier was originally created to aid farmers and hunters. Exceptionally limber and agile, the toy fox terrier is one of the most popular circus performers and stands unparalleled in its agility and loyalty.
This immensely loyal dog is a devoted partner who is known to entertain children with their amusing antics. Blessed with the added bonus of a sense of humor, this is one dog breed that is sure to go on keeping the ambience light-hearted.
Morkie
These little guys trotting along are so cute that it’s almost unbearable. A cross between the Yorkshire terrier and Maltese breeds, the itsy bitsy Morkie is an adorable mix breed that is popular for its silly, playful, and energetic nature.
These insanely adorable pups are tiny, and as with many breeds, experts recommend adopting them as opposed to buying. They are ideal for families, and thanks to their size, they’re also great for singles living in an urban setting or small spaces.