July 19, 2024 | Samantha Henman

The Cutest Dog Breeds To Ever Exist, Ranked


Cuteness Overload

Sure, all dogs are adorable in their own way—but the annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest wouldn’t exist if there weren’t some dogs who are just way cuter than others. We’ve gathered all of our resources to compile this highly unscientific ranking of the absolute cutest dog breeds out there.

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Mastiffs

They snort. They drool. They snore. They pass gas at an alarming rate. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right? Despite the abovementioned flaws, their droopy faces and sweet, calm personalities more than make up for it.

English Mastiffocean yamaha, CC BY 2.0 , Wikimedia Commons

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Shetland Sheepdog

This cousin of the collie is absolutely stunning, with its long, sharp features and fluffy coat that looks like a lion’s mane. The only caveat? Don’t get one if you don’t want a dog that’s smarter than you.

Shetland SheepdogJędrzej Koralewski, Pexels

Siberian Huskies

Siberian huskies are the supermodels of the dog world, with their striking faces, beautiful coats, and bright, clear eyes. But with great beauty comes great responsibility: AKA, their larger-than-life personalities, energy levels, and yelps.      

Siberian HuskyKateryna Babaieva, Pexels

Vizsla

You might think “fiery personality” when you see the distinctive red coat of a vizsla, but they’re actually one of the sweetest, most affectionate dogs out there.

Vizsla puppysarowen, Flickr

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Doberman Pinschers

Dobermans may appear to be intimidating, but on the inside, they’re as soft as can be—almost as soft as their slick coat.

doberman dog portraitTim Johnson, Flickr

Boston Terriers

Whoever it was that called dogs “man’s best friend” may have been thinking of Boston terriers. These little rascals are fun and friendly, and they practically invented “puppy dog eyes”.

Boston terrierdaphenator, Flickr

Cocker Spaniel

These beautiful, sentient mops make for incredible family dogs. They’re affable, patient, and great with children.

Closeup of Cocker Spaniel DogSlimMars 13, Pexels

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Rottweilers

Many people unfamiliar with a Rottie friend of their own might see the Rottweiler as intimidating, but they’re actually huge, gentle teddy bears with the sweetest demeanors.

Rottweiler portraitPedro Simões, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Havanese

Havanese are a true couch potato’s dream. These beautiful fluffy creatures are true Velcro dogs and love being by your side—a passion that is only matched by their distaste for the great outdoors.

Belgian Malinois

Havanese Dog Running on Flower FieldAlexas Fotos, Pexels

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois look a lot like German shepherds with different coloring. They’re also incredibly smart, and unlike other dog types that have been overbred, generally have great health.

A Belgian Malinois DogDiana ✨, Pexels

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Basset Hounds

If you can resist the plaintive “bow wow” of a basset hound calling out for attention—or a treat—you’re a better person than I am. Their droopy ears and eyes are just another way they pull at people’s heartstrings.

Basset HoundsMarilyn Peddle, Flickr

Rhodesian Ridgebacks

These beautiful, red-brown wonders have a distinctive coat, with a strip running backward along their spine. They’re chill and gentle, despite their large stature.

Rhodesian RidgebackHarold Meerveld, Flickr

Poodles

They come in all sizes, but from teacup to standard, they’re all cute. Their faces have a distinct teddy bear quality and their curly fur is irresistible.

white poodledomat33f, Flickr

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Saint Bernard

Forever popularized by the movie Beethoven, these gentle giants are a pleasure to be around—just stay away with their sticky, inescapable drool.

Saint BernardATIS547, Flickr

Shih Tzus

To know a shih tzu is to love a shih tzu—whether they’re fresh from the groomer, looking like a puppy again, or with their mops of fur all grown out. These little wonders have hearts of gold and make for a truly loyal companion.

Shih Tzu DogMostafameraji, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Great Danes

Their big, soulful eyes are matched by their calm, loving demeanor—but the one thing that’s out of place? Their height. Why? Because they totally think they’re lap dogs and will try to fold all 30” of their frame onto you.

blue Great DaneJonathan Willier, Flickr

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French Bulldogs

When it comes to the Battle of the Bulldogs, the Frenchie comes out on top every time. Their sweet, stubby faces and perky ears give them an adorable perma-curious look.

French bulldogCliff Judson, Flickr

English Springer Spaniels

These bundles of joy have the silkiest fur and most beautiful markings. They love playing almost as much as they love jumping into mud puddles, so be prepared for frequent baths.

English Springer SpanielPedro Lopez, Flickr

German Shepherds

German Shepherds aren’t everyone’s cup of tea—but to know them is to love them. Between their thick, plush coats, soulful eyes, and incredibly loyal personalities, they’re the total package.

Beautiful German ShepherdMark Youso, Pexels

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West Highland White Terrier

You know the cute dog from the Cesar dog food can? Yeah, that’s a West Highland white terrier. Westies are high energy, fun, and loving.

West Highland White TerrierEvolution7gsr, Flickr

Chihuahua

Many people balk at the idea of adopting a chihuahua because of their larger-than-life personalities—but that’s just because they haven’t met the right chihuahua to boss them around yet.

ChihuahuaAlfredovilla, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

Schnauzer

Whether they’re mini or standard, it’s hard to deny just how cute a schnauzer can be, with their fluffy fur and distinctive beard.

Schnauzer on grassPsiberfunk, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Collie

Who wouldn’t want to have their own Lassie in their household? With a distinctive face, teddy bear eyes, and a fluffy coat, collies are an absolutely stunning breed.

Border Collie█ Slices of Light ✴ █▀ ▀ ▀, Flickr

Maltese

Maltese are the perfect choice for the cute-dog aficionado with allergies, as their lack of undercoat makes them hypoallergenic.

MalteseAnn, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chow Chows

These fluffy giants are as distinctive as it gets, with their oversized noses and distinctive blue-purple tongues. It’s no wonder they’re a favorite of Martha Stewart.

Dog Show Chow ChowLlima Orosa, Flickr

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Dachshunds

Our short-legged, wiener-shaped friends have so much to offer with their sweet yet stubborn personalities. And yet, they aren’t the only stumpy contender on this list…

DachshundТомасина, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Weimaraner

Beyond their distinctively-colored coat, Weimaraners have the ideal personality for a dog. They’re fun, clever, cheerful, fearless, and curious.

Weimaraner in TallinnТомасина, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Akitas

Akitas aren’t just beautiful—they also serve as an example of one of the most loyal dogs in the world, Hachiko, the dog who waited for years for his owner outside of the Shibuya station in Tokyo. There’s even a statue there commemorating the famous dog!

Akita DogToshihiro Gamo, Flickr

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Newfoundlands

The phrase “gentle giant” was likely invented for the Newfoundland. These massive dogs are as sweet as they come—basically a giant, sentient, furry beanbag of love.

NewfoundlandsTony, Flickr

Norwegian Lundehunds

On first glance, these adorable pups look like a slightly different Shiba Inu—but look closer, and you’ll notice they have 6 toes on each foot. Additionally, they can also turn their heads 180 degrees like Regan in The Exorcist!

Norwegian lundehundBenoni, Flickr

Beagles

On the surface, beagles are open-faced, floppy-eared cuties who served as the archetype for many a cartoon dog—but on the inside, each one is a stone-cold freak in the best way. Their sweet faces and quirky personalities make for a truly endearing combo.

the beagleRuth Ellison, Flickr

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Chesapeake Bay Retriever

These water wonders are ideal for anyone who wants to spend their life on the beach or by the lake. They were bred to retrieve in water and have a waterproof coat. Beyond that, they’ve developed lovely, sweet personalities.

Chesapeake Bay RetrieverWill Thomas, Flickr

Shiba Inu

If you’re looking for a dog that looks like it walked straight out of a cartoon and into your home, look no further than the Shiba Inu. They basically look like airbrushed foxes! Though they can be aloof, they definitely grow to love their owners.

The Shiba Inushin--k, Flickr

Boxers

Boxers start out life with the cutest little puppy faces—which is something they basically retain as they grow into adult dogs. On top of that, their sweet, goofy personalities make them a perfect companion.

Boxers dogsNic Adler, Flickr

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Pugs

Sorry—if you don’t love the kind gaze and sweet face of a pug, you’re not really a dog lover. Sadly, these adorable angels have to deal with a host of health issues due to breeding.

Pug DogAlex Brown, Flickr

Bernese Mountain Dogs

These dogs are lifesavers—literally. Bred for rescue, they now spend their lives lolling about wherever they can, sharing their calm yet loving nature with whoever needs a pick-me-up.

Bernese Mountain DogBernard Spragg. NZ, Flickr

Australian Shepherd

If you asked someone to design the cutest possible dog in a lab, they might come up with the Aussie shepherd, with its fluffy spotted coat and beautiful blue eyes. The only caveat? Their nearly endless energy.

Australian ShepherdSlideless in Seattle, Flickr

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Brittany

What do you get if you (ostensibly) mix the instincts of a retriever, the looks of a Cavalier King Charles, and the spots of a German shorthaired pointer? You’d have a Brittany. These stunning dogs were bred to retrieve ducks in the hunt and are incredibly gentle.

Yorkshire Terriers

Many small dogs have personalities that are far too big for them—but not Yorkshire terriers. See, they do have big personalities—but who could blame them for it, when they’re that cute?

Yorkshire terrierBala Sivakumar, Flickr

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Is it any wonder that Queen Elizabeth II had so many of them? You think these stubby wonders couldn’t get any cuter, but then you see one walking, with its fluffy little bottom…and boom! Even cuter.

Pembroke Welsh CorgiBernard Spragg. NZ, FLickr

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These tiny dogs have it all—open, charming faces, soft fur, distinctive markings, and the loveliest personality you could imagine.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppyRadovan Zierik, Pexels

Bichon Frises

Is the Bichon the King of all the Tiny White Fluffy Dogs? Absolutely. Their teddy bear faces, snow white, soft coats and loving personality can’t be beat.

Bichon FriseAlex JD, Flickr

Border Collies

Border Collies are one of the ultimate crowd pleasers when it comes to dogs. Everyone likes them, and everyone thinks they’re cute—and for good reason. They’re affectionate and hardworking.

Border Collie7575u, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Brussels Griffons

Who’s always up for a good time? Brussels griffons are always up for a good time. These adorable squish-faced wonders are an absolute joy to be around, and the life of the party.

Brussels GriffonThomas Cizauskas, Flickr

German Shorthaired Pointer

Have you known true friendship if you haven’t known a German shorthaired pointer? They’re great on a hike or a walk and even better curled up on the couch with you at the end of the day. Their gorgeous chocolate brown patches and spotting and soulful eyes make them real lookers, too.

german shorthaired pointerHarold Meerveld, Flickr

Pomeranian

If you want a dog that’ll have people stopping you as you walk down the street to tell you how cute it is or asking to pet it, get a Pomeranian. They’re so cute that people find them absolutely irresistible.

PomeranianThanate Tan, Flickr

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Labrador Retrievers

Some people say these platonic ideals of a dog come to life are overrated. They’re wrong. Despite their love for food being so strong that they can’t be trusted around garbage cans, they are perfect dogs, and thus, could never be overrated, only underrated or simply perfectly rated.

Black Labrador RetrieverGolden Retriever - Labrador, Flickr

Japanese Chin

It’s impossible to look at a Japanese Chin and not smile. Though many you see have black and white fur, there are other fur colors as well, including red and white and lemon (!) and white (basically, blonde and white).

Japanese Chin dogsPeter Remnemark, Flickr

Golden Retrievers

What if a golden lab, an already perfect dog, had silky long hair and the sweet, curious demeanor of a puppy, forever? Then you’d have the golden retriever—and, one assumes, endless happiness.

Dog layingLeticia Roncero, Flickr


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