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.
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.
ocean yamaha, CC BY 2.0 , Wikimedia Commons
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
Cocker Spaniel
These beautiful, sentient mops make for incredible family dogs. They’re affable, patient, and great with children.
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.
Pedro 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mostafameraji, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alfredovilla, 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.
Psiberfunk, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
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.
█ 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.
Ann, 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.
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…
Томасина, 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.
Томасина, 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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These tiny dogs have it all—open, charming faces, soft fur, distinctive markings, and the loveliest personality you could imagine.
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.
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.
7575u, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
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.
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.
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.
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.
Golden 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).
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.
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