35 Cute Dog Breeds That Will Melt Your Heart

• Size: Extra small, small, medium 
• Life expectancy: 13–15 years 
• Temperament: Social butterfly, energetic, super smart 

An American Eskimo Dog has a plush white coat that’s super soft to the touch and dark, expressive eyes that take in the world. Whether you bring home a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Eskie—these pups come in three sizes!—expect your dog to be eager to earn your attention with playful antics and a friendly temperament. 

• Size: Medium 
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years 
• Temperament: All-day energy, up-for-anything sidekick, intelligent 

The Australian Shepherd is a superstar canine athlete who happens to be super cute, too. These medium-size dogs often have striking blue eyes (or one blue eye and one brown eye) that will draw lots of compliments when you’re out on a walk. 

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 10–15 years 
• Temperament: Courageous, energetic, friendly 

The poster child for puppy dog eyes, you’ll melt when you see the Beagle’s large brown peepers. The breed’s short, smooth coat comes in a slew of colors, but tricolor and bicolor Beagles are the most common. Beagles also come in two sizes: under 20 pounds or up to 30 pounds.   

• Size: Extra large 
• Life expectancy: 7–10 years 
• Temperament: Affectionate, fun-loving, loyal 

The big Bernese Mountain Dog easily earns a spot as one of the cutest dogs thanks to the breed’s rich-looking tri-color coat, expressive oval eyes, and fluffy tail.  

The Berner, as the breed is affectionately known, is one of the largest cute dog breeds. (Expect your furry friend to weigh 70 to 100 pounds!) But don’t be intimidated, because Bernese Mountain Dogs have a huge heart that makes them affectionate family dogs and gentle with children.  

• Size: Small, medium, large 
• Life expectancy: 12–18 years 
• Temperament: Friendly, smarty pants, playful 

As a Bernese Mountain Dog-Poodle cross, the Bernedoodle is born with cute genes. The fluffy puppies look like teddy bears, and frequently have a curly or wavy tricolor coat.  

Pick from a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Bernedoodle: All three varieties are known for being friendly and quick to learn tricks.  

• Size: Medium 
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years 
• Temperament: Active, confident, genius 

Aside from being lightning-fast at learning and quick enough to excel in canine sporting events, the Border Collie is cute to boot. 

These dogs have a silky, medium-length coat that’s frequently black and white, but can also be a combination of other colors, including merle. The Border Collie has an alert, engaging expression that makes it hard not to gaze into this breed’s eyes—especially if they happen to be bright blue.  

• Size: Large 
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years 
• Temperament: Loyal, life of the party, goofy 

Put down the gloves—it’s useless to try and resist the charm of a Boxer. These dogs naturally have folded, floppy ears; a short muzzle; and dark, engaging eyes. When a Boxer is really excited, it’s not uncommon for them to wiggle from head to tail.  

• Size: Medium 
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years 
• Temperament: Energetic, social butterfly, smart 

The Brittany is a type of spaniel best known for bird hunting, but these athletic and agile dogs are adorable as well. These medium dogs have long legs, folded ears with feathering, and an inquisitive gaze with brown or amber eyes.  

A Brittany usually sports an orange and white, or liver and white, coat—and it’s not uncommon to see small freckles of color (known as ticking), especially on the muzzle and legs.  

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years 
• Temperament: Gentle, sweet, jolly 

One of the smallest and cutest dogs in the spaniel family, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a true lap dog. These cuddly companions soak up affection and have a way of (softly!) demanding that you stroke their wavy ears or give uninterrupted belly rubs while sitting on the sofa.  

• Size: Medium 
• Life expectancy: 8–12 years 
• Temperament: Bright, loyal, stoic 

The fluffy Chow Chow looks a bit like a big teddy bear. This stocky dog has dark, squinty, almond-shaped eyes with cute prick ears that poke out from the breed’s dense double coat.  

While some think the smooshed face is the cutest thing about a Chow Chow, fans of the breed also point to the blue-gray tongue as the dog’s biggest claim to fame.  

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 10–14 years 
• Temperament: Gentle, playful, snuggly 

The good-natured Cocker Spaniel has all the makings of a cute dog: soft, floppy ears; big and kind eyes; and an affectionate personality. Cocker Spaniels come in a rainbow of coat colors, like black, red, brown, and buff. Picking the cutest puppy might be your biggest challenge, since they’re all adorable.  

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years 
• Temperament: Clever, funny, mischievous 

All Dachshunds have petite legs and a long body, but their coat can be wildly different from dog to dog. Some Doxies have a short and smooth coat, while others sport long and wavy locks, and some have fur with a wiry texture. Make sure you have the right dog brush for your Dachshund’s coat! 

• Size: Medium 
• Life expectancy: 11–13 years 
• Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, regal 

The Dalmatian’s spotted coat makes them one of the most unique (and cute!) dog breeds. Covered from snout to tail in a coat of white splashed with black or liver spots, these large dogs are sure to turn heads every time you leave the house for an adventure. 

• Size: Medium 
• Life expectancy: 8–10 years 
• Temperament: Charming, cuddly, silly 

An English Bulldog is stout with a short muzzle and wrinkles around the face. Pair those attributes with the breed’s amicable and affectionate nature, and you have a lovable, cute dog who does great in homes with other pets and kiddos. 

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years 
• Temperament: Quirky, bubbly, BFF 

With large, bat-like ears and a flat face accented by wrinkles, some say the French Bulldog is the cutest dog in the world. In fact, they’ve been named the most popular dog breed in the U.S. two years running.  

These dogs are compact and adaptable, which makes them popular dogs for people in apartments or other small spaces.  

• Size: Large 
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years 
• Temperament: Smart, silly, social 

The Golden Retriever is equal parts cute and cheerful. These gregarious dogs have gentle, kind eyes and a relaxed, happy demeanor that makes them irresistible—not to mention their gorgeous medium-long coat of golden fur that could make a hair model jealous.  

You can try and resist the charm of a Golden Retriever, but these dogs are hard to ignore: The breed is an outgoing social butterfly who makes friends wherever they go.  

• Size: Small, medium, large 
• Life expectancy: 10–15 years 
• Temperament: Amiable, energetic, quick learner 

You’d expect a Goldendoodle to be social and smart based on their parent breeds, but the Golden Retriever-Poodle mix is also positively adorable. Goldendoodles are cute puppies who look like small teddy bears, thanks to their curly or wavy coat of hair. They come in different sizes depending on the size of their Poodle parent. 

• Size: Small, medium, large 
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years 
• Temperament: Bright, affectionate, always up for fun 

A Labradoodle is a bundle of energy and affection. Another curly-coated contender for the world’s cutest dog, Labradoodles usually have round dark eyes, a black button nose, and a long tail. This Labrador-Poodle mix comes in a range of coat colors, and might have tight curls or loose waves from head to tail. 

• Size: Extra small 
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years 
• Temperament: Charismatic, friendly, gentle 

The petite Maltese weighs no more than 7 pounds and has a long, white, silky coat accentuated by a pair of dark eyes and a black button nose. These cute little dogs carry their tail upright, creating a plume of white hair that arches over their back.  

• Size: Extra small, small 
• Life expectancy: 13–16 years 
• Temperament: Loveable, spunky, quick learner 

A Maltipoo dog owes their cuteness to their parents: the silky white Maltese and the curly-coated Poodle. Put those two breeds together, and you get a fluffy pup with good looks and big brains! Pet parents will adore the breed’s cuddly personality and fast learning ability. 

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 10–18 years 
• Temperament: Smarty pants, adaptable, joyful 

The Miniature Poodle looks just like their full-size counterpart, the Standard Poodle. The Poodle hallmarks—curly coat, pendant ears, dark shiny eyes, and a long, tapered muzzle—remain the same. But the petite version stays small (only reaching about 15 pounds), which is good news for apartment dwellers who want a stylish pet. 

• Size: Medium 
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years 
• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, devoted 

Also known affectionately as a Toller, this athletic retriever stands out for having a plush red coat tipped in white and webbed feet that give the dog an edge in the water.  

Although Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers may be the smallest retriever breed, don’t let their cute appearance and compact stature fool you. These dogs are athletic and energetic, so lace up your sneakers or prepare for other off-leash activities, like playing fetch with a ChuckIt! ball or swimming in a lake. 

• Size: Large 
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years 
• Temperament: Gentle, intelligent, active 

A gentle giant, the Old English Sheepdog is one of the cutest dogs thanks to the breed’s thick, fluffy fur and sweet disposition. One of the breed’s best-kept secrets is the fact that they sometimes have blue eyes; you just can’t usually see their pretty eyes through their long, double-layered coat!  

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 12–13 years 
• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, social butterfly 

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the doggy definition of “perky.” This low-to-the-ground breed has a happy attitude and always seems to be smiling.  

It’s a toss-up as to whether the Corgi’s short legs or tail-free toosh are the breed’s cutest features. Whichever way you see it, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an affectionate and adorable dog breed. 

• Size: Medium 
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years 
• Temperament: Active, loyal, eager to please 

Pit Bulls may be lean and muscular, but that doesn’t mean they’re not cute and cuddly. These dogs have a large head with eyes that will melt your heart and a friendly expression that looks like a smile.  

Amping up the cute factor: their fast-moving tail that wags to signal their delight when they catch sight of their favorite person. (That’s you!) 

• Size: Extra small 
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years 
• Temperament: Bright, cheeky, opinionated 

A true fluff ball, the Pomeranian is a cute little dog, and it’s not hard to see why. These chipper companions are as social as they are adorable, and they love to play with kids or learn new tricks.  

Just be prepared to brush out their thick, double coat throughout the week, and make regular visits to the groomer every four to six weeks to keep your pup looking their cutest. 

• Size: Medium 
• Life expectancy: 11–13 years 
• Temperament: Dynamo, super smart, people pleaser 

The Portuguese Water Dog is a standout swimmer, thanks in part to the breed’s webbed paws and a curly coat. These same features, along with the dog’s folded ears and attentive eyes, propel this breed into cute dog territory and make them a worthwhile pick if you want an adorable and athletic pooch to call your own.

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 13–15 years 
• Temperament: BFF, friendly, optimistic 

The Pug is easily recognized for their flat, wrinkly face; large round eyes; and coiled tail. The Pug’s delightful personality only adds to the breed’s appeal—they’re known for being affectionate, goofy, and adaptable to a variety of living situations.  

And while Pugs generally don’t bark much, be forewarned that part of a Pug’s charm is a bit of snoring and snorting, which are common for brachycephalic breeds. 

• Size: Medium 
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years 
• Temperament: Active, cheery, outgoing 

As a puppy, the Samoyed looks like a tiny puffball. And as the dog grows, not much changes—eventually, you’ll have a larger puffball to join you on hikes or long runs!  

Aside from the white or cream-colored fur, these dogs are recognized by their perky triangular ears, dark almond-shaped eyes, and the “Samoyed smile,” which refers to the dog’s relaxed and happy expression. 

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 13–16 years 
• Temperament: Affectionate, aloof, quirky 

Frequently compared to a fox, the Shiba Inu is a cute Japanese dog breed. Known for looking and acting like a smarty pants is part of the Shiba Inu’s appeal, and these dogs exhibit an almost catlike personality.  

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years 
• Temperament: Eager to please, energetic, affectionate 

Also known as a Sheltie, the Shetland Sheepdog might be mistaken for a small Collie, but these agile herders stand on their own as one of the cutest dog breeds. Shelties have a long and straight coat that comes in colors like black, sable, and blue merle that’s sure to grab attention. 

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 10–18 years 
• Temperament: Affectionate, charming, playful 

The Shih Tzu’s sweet, round face and long, silky coat are the breed’s cutest features. But these dogs also have an adaptable, easygoing personality that’s sure to win you over—if their puppy dog eyes haven’t already done so! 

• Size: Medium 
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years 
• Temperament: Cheeky, outdoorsy, social 

A natural-born athlete, the sporty Siberian Husky has a gorgeous double-layer coat, which can be solid but often includes white markings. Just keep both of your eyes on these mischievous dogs, and prioritize mental stimulation and exercise, since Huskies are known to seek trouble if they’re not busy enough. 

• Size: Extra small 
• Life expectancy: 10–18 years 
• Temperament: Social butterfly, intuitive, eager 

The spunky Toy Poodle is cute as a button and sharp as a tack. These dogs learn quickly, and they’ll gladly perform tricks on cue—and look adorable in the process. The breed’s soft, curly fur and bright, round eyes make these tiny Poodles a favorite companion pet.  

• Size: Extra small 
• Life expectancy: 11–15 years 
• Temperament: Clever, cuddly, spirited 

The tiny Yorkshire Terrier has cute covered: These petite pups weigh no more than 7 pounds and have round eyes, a button nose, perky ears, and silky hair that grows as long as you let it.  

Although they’re cute as can be, this breed isn’t a pushover. The Yorkie is a spirited little dog who needs adequate exercise, plus consistent training and socialization.