1. Bichon frise
These adorable fluffballs are full of character. | iStock.com/F8grapher
If your idea of “cute” is a little fluffball of a dog, you can’t go wrong with the bichon frise. The American Kennel Club reports that the breed’s “name (pronounced BEE-shon free-ZAY) is French for ‘fluffy white dog,’ which is a very accurate way to describe these 10- to 20-pound four-legged cotton balls.” They take well to training and have a charismatic personality. Plus, the AKC notes that these dogs’ short bursts of energy typically alternate with cuddly, lovable periods. (Perfect if you want a dog who’s both a cheerful adventurer and a cuddle bug.)
These adorable fluffballs are full of character. | iStock.com/F8grapher
If your idea of “cute” is a little fluffball of a dog, you can’t go wrong with the bichon frise. The American Kennel Club reports that the breed’s “name (pronounced BEE-shon free-ZAY) is French for ‘fluffy white dog,’ which is a very accurate way to describe these 10- to 20-pound four-legged cotton balls.” They take well to training and have a charismatic personality. Plus, the AKC notes that these dogs’ short bursts of energy typically alternate with cuddly, lovable periods. (Perfect if you want a dog who’s both a cheerful adventurer and a cuddle bug.)
2. Boston terrier
The Boston terrier numbers among the cutest dog breeds not only for his distinctive tuxedo coat, but also for his big eyes and cute face. The AKC describes the Boston terrier: “The muzzle is short and the eyes are large, dark, and round, giving Boston terriers a kind and intelligent expression that can melt the coldest heart.” The group adds that these dogs have a friendly and amusing personality. It also notes, “Their many charms have made Boston terriers a true American favorite for more than a hundred years.”
The Boston terrier numbers among the cutest dog breeds not only for his distinctive tuxedo coat, but also for his big eyes and cute face. The AKC describes the Boston terrier: “The muzzle is short and the eyes are large, dark, and round, giving Boston terriers a kind and intelligent expression that can melt the coldest heart.” The group adds that these dogs have a friendly and amusing personality. It also notes, “Their many charms have made Boston terriers a true American favorite for more than a hundred years.”
3. Bernese mountain dog
Not all the cutest dog breeds are tiny lap dogs. To the contrary, the giant Bernese mountain dog earns his spot thanks to his cheerful face and calm disposition. According to the AKC, these dogs love playing sports and spending time with their family. Plus, they get along well with children and other dogs. And the AKC notes, “Although Bernese Mountain Dogs will get along with the entire family, they’ll often become more attached to one lucky human.”
Not all the cutest dog breeds are tiny lap dogs. To the contrary, the giant Bernese mountain dog earns his spot thanks to his cheerful face and calm disposition. According to the AKC, these dogs love playing sports and spending time with their family. Plus, they get along well with children and other dogs. And the AKC notes, “Although Bernese Mountain Dogs will get along with the entire family, they’ll often become more attached to one lucky human.”
4. Brittany
Don’t know the Brittany yet? You’ll want to get acquainted as soon as you see his adorable face. The AKC reports that this breed occupies a unique niche in the realm of sporting dogs. “Smaller than setters but leggier than spaniels, they stand about 20 inches at the shoulder. Known for their beautiful, boldly patterned coat, Brittanys come in combinations of white and vivid orange and liver (reddish-brown),” the group explains. They have upbeat personalities and make enthusiastic workers (or athletes). And they love exercising alongside their favorite humans.
Don’t know the Brittany yet? You’ll want to get acquainted as soon as you see his adorable face. The AKC reports that this breed occupies a unique niche in the realm of sporting dogs. “Smaller than setters but leggier than spaniels, they stand about 20 inches at the shoulder. Known for their beautiful, boldly patterned coat, Brittanys come in combinations of white and vivid orange and liver (reddish-brown),” the group explains. They have upbeat personalities and make enthusiastic workers (or athletes). And they love exercising alongside their favorite humans.
5. Cairn terrier
The cairn terrier isn’t the most common terrier breed, but his cheerful face gives any dog lover plenty of reasons to get to know him! As the AKC explains, most people have actually seen a cairn terrier, as one played Toto in the Wizard of Oz. That might give you a pretty accurate idea of this active and curious breed. The AKC also notes that they appreciate going on long walks and getting to explore new places. They characterize the breed as “cheerful, alert, busy, and independent-minded.”
The cairn terrier isn’t the most common terrier breed, but his cheerful face gives any dog lover plenty of reasons to get to know him! As the AKC explains, most people have actually seen a cairn terrier, as one played Toto in the Wizard of Oz. That might give you a pretty accurate idea of this active and curious breed. The AKC also notes that they appreciate going on long walks and getting to explore new places. They characterize the breed as “cheerful, alert, busy, and independent-minded.”
6. Cavalier King Charles spaniel
The cavalier King Charles spaniel has broken many hearts with his cute face and big eyes. As the AKC puts it, “You can’t help being enchanted by the big, twinkling eyes of the cavalier.” The group characterizes this little dog as “a gentle, pint-sized bundle (13 to 18 pounds) of tail-wagging joy.” These dogs are friendly and easy to train. Plus, they get along well with kids and even with other pets. What’s not to love?
The cavalier King Charles spaniel has broken many hearts with his cute face and big eyes. As the AKC puts it, “You can’t help being enchanted by the big, twinkling eyes of the cavalier.” The group characterizes this little dog as “a gentle, pint-sized bundle (13 to 18 pounds) of tail-wagging joy.” These dogs are friendly and easy to train. Plus, they get along well with kids and even with other pets. What’s not to love?
7. Dachshund
Another quintessentially adorable dog that we just have to include on the list of the cutest dog breeds? The dachshund. As the AKC explains, these dogs are known for their long and low bodies. Less commonly known? They come in three coat varieties: smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired — all of which are equally adorable, if you ask us. These dogs can also be either miniature or standard size. In either case, they’re smart and spunky.
Another quintessentially adorable dog that we just have to include on the list of the cutest dog breeds? The dachshund. As the AKC explains, these dogs are known for their long and low bodies. Less commonly known? They come in three coat varieties: smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired — all of which are equally adorable, if you ask us. These dogs can also be either miniature or standard size. In either case, they’re smart and spunky.
8. English setter
English setter | Rjgunn007/Wikimedia Commons
The English setter numbers among the cutest dog breeds not only because of his beautiful coat, but also thanks to his friendly but mellow personality. As the AKC puts it, “Beneath the showy coat is a well-balanced hunter standing about 25 inches at the shoulder. The graceful neck carries a long, oval-shaped head proudly, and the dark brown eyes convey a soft expression that reflects the breed’s sweet soul.” The AKC also notes that you could call the English setter “the gentleman of the dog world.” These dogs have a happy, agreeable temperament, but they’re also mellow and eager to please.
English setter | Rjgunn007/Wikimedia Commons
The English setter numbers among the cutest dog breeds not only because of his beautiful coat, but also thanks to his friendly but mellow personality. As the AKC puts it, “Beneath the showy coat is a well-balanced hunter standing about 25 inches at the shoulder. The graceful neck carries a long, oval-shaped head proudly, and the dark brown eyes convey a soft expression that reflects the breed’s sweet soul.” The AKC also notes that you could call the English setter “the gentleman of the dog world.” These dogs have a happy, agreeable temperament, but they’re also mellow and eager to please.
9. Finnish Lapphund
Another lesser-known breed, the Finnish Lapphund, ranks among the cutest dog breeds thanks to his beautiful coat and adorably alert face. The AKC reports that these dogs stand only 20 inches at the shoulder but have surprising strength for their size. They also have calm and friendly personalities, though many act reserved toward strangers. They have sweet faces and beautiful curved tails, and they’re alert and energetic without getting hyper.
Another lesser-known breed, the Finnish Lapphund, ranks among the cutest dog breeds thanks to his beautiful coat and adorably alert face. The AKC reports that these dogs stand only 20 inches at the shoulder but have surprising strength for their size. They also have calm and friendly personalities, though many act reserved toward strangers. They have sweet faces and beautiful curved tails, and they’re alert and energetic without getting hyper.
10. French bulldog
You’d have to have a heart made of stone to think that the French bulldog isn’t one of the cutest dog breeds of all time. These dogs are widely loved for their affectionate nature and playful personalities. Plus, their big, bat-like ears, bright eyes, and wrinkly faces are enough to win anybody over. The AKC reports that French bulldogs make great companions, whether you’re living alone or have young children in your house. However, the group does note, “Because of their somewhat stubborn nature, they require a bit of patience during training but are incredibly intelligent and eager to please.”