The cutest dogs in the world (in our opinion)

Cuteness is subjective, but certain dog breeds consistently make people go "aww." Maybe it’s because they’ve got fluffy coats. Maybe it’s their playful personalities or their expressive eyes. Or maybe it’s all of the above.

Whether you prefer a tiny lap dog or a gentle giant, we've rounded up the cutest dogs in the world.

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What makes a dog breed “cute”?

The ability to perceive cuteness isn’t just something that humans learn—it’s deeply ingrained in our DNA. Kindchenschema, an influential framework proposed by ethologist Konrad Lorenz, suggests that features in babies like large eyes and round faces trigger caregiving instincts.

But here’s the thing: dogs and puppies might be even cuter.

Research shows that even children as young as three are drawn to these traits in puppies and kittens. And a 2009 study found that viewing cute images of puppies and kittens improved people’s fine motor skills, suggesting that cuteness may promote careful behaviour (which is possibly linked to caregiving).

In other words, the cuteness of canines simply inspires us to take good care of them.

The secret behind a dog’s cuteness lies in a few key factors:

1. Big, round eyes that create an expressive face.

2. A fluffy or silky coat.

3. A friendly, approachable personality.

Here are our top cutest breeds of dogs, in no particular order.

Top cutest dog breeds

Pomeranian

• Size: Toy (9.5-11 inches long / 3-7 lbs)

• Grooming needs: High. They need frequent (3-4x weekly) brushing of the thick double coat to prevent matting and regular professional trims.

• Temperament: Bold, lively, intelligent, and, at times, a little bossy (in a good way). They'll let you know what's best, and they're devoted to their family.

• Why they're cute: Fluffy coat, fox-like face, and perky, animated expressions.

If you’re a fan of fluff, Pomeranians are bound to steal your heart. These tiny pups pack a huge personality into a small, silky package. With their foxy faces, big eyes, and plush coats, Poms resemble walking teddy bears.

Despite their small size, they have big energy and love to be the centre of attention. Poms are known for their confidence and their mischievous streak, which makes them endlessly entertaining. Their lively, fearless nature combined with their compact, cuddly appearance has made them one of the most beloved dog breeds worldwide. Whether they’re trotting around proudly or snuggling up, Pomeranians bring joy wherever they go.

Their intelligence also adds to their appeal—Pomeranians love learning tricks and showing off. Don’t be surprised if your Pom quickly becomes the household star, charming everyone they meet.

French Bulldog

• Size: Small-medium (18-21.5 inches long / 16-28 lbs).

• Grooming needs: Low to Moderate. They have a short coat that's quite easy to brush, but they're need daily cleaning and drying of any facial folds to prevent infection.

• Temperament: Playful, affectionate, charming, and, sometimes, low-energy. They love their people.

• Why they're cute: They have large, cute ears, short, sturdy bodies and a cute, expressive face.

French Bulldogs are the epitome of cute with their bat-like ears, wrinkled faces, and stocky little bodies. These little charmers have expressive eyes that seem to say, “Just one more treat, please,” and their loyal, affectionate nature makes them a top choice for city dwellers.

Frenchies are incredibly loyal and bond closely with their pet parents, making them wonderful companions. Their fun-loving, clownish behaviour keeps things light, and despite their sometimes serious expression, they’re always ready for playtime. French Bulldogs’ compact size makes them well-suited for flat living, and they tend to be low-maintenance in terms of exercise needs, though they love a good stroll.

Their signature snorts and snuffles only add to their charm, making them a unique and endearing breed. French Bulldogs may have a bit of an independent streak, but their affection for their pet parents is unmatched.

St. Bernard

• Size: Large/Giant (Massive, deep-bodied / 120-200 lbs)

• Grooming needs: Moderate to High. Needs regular brushing to manage heavy shedding. May need regular face wiping if yours drools.

• Temperament: Gentle, patient, friendly, and very loyal.

• Why they're cute: The contrast between their big, strong bodies and kind, wise eyes, plus their gentle, loving temperament.

Big dogs can be cute too—just look at the St. Bernard! These gentle giants are known for their massive size, fluffy coats, and droopy, soulful eyes. Despite their large stature, St. Bernards are calm, affectionate, and often referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their gentle demeanour with children.

Their fluffy, bear-like appearance combined with their loving nature makes them hard to resist. St. Bernards are famous for their work in alpine rescues, but at home, they’re just as happy to relax and cuddle. Don’t let their size fool you—they’re incredibly patient and kind-hearted, making them ideal family companions.

Their protective instincts also shine through, and they’re known to form deep bonds with their families, keeping a watchful eye while being incredibly gentle. Whether they’re romping in the snow or lounging indoors, St. Bernards have a heart-melting charm that’s impossible to ignore.

Bedlington Terrier

• Size: Medium (23-27 in long / 17-23 lbs)

• Grooming needs: High. Coat has a unique 'lamb-like' texture. Requires weekly brushing and professional clipping regularly.

• Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, sensitive, and playful, and keeps their Terrier-like energy and drive. Often reserved around strangers.

• Why they're cute: Their shy, reserved temperament around strangers, unique, cute looks and bursts of playful energy.

The Bedlington Terrier might not be as well-known as some other breeds, but their unique appearance definitely earns them a spot on this list. With their curly coat and sheep-like look, they stand out in the cutest way possible. Their combination of a soft, wooly coat and graceful frame makes them both elegant and adorable.

Bedlington Terriers are more than just a pretty face—they’re intelligent, playful, and affectionate. They have a calm and gentle nature, making them wonderful companions for families, especially those with children. They’re also known for their loyalty, and their protective instincts come out when it comes to their loved ones. They’re also one of the cutest hypoallergenic dog breeds, which is always a plus.

Despite their delicate appearance, Bedlington Terriers are quite energetic and love to play, especially when it involves running or games that challenge their agility. Their distinctive look and charming personality make them a great choice for anyone looking for a dog that’s a little off the beaten path but brimming with love and character.

Finnish Lapphund

• Size: Medium (23-28 in long / 30-55 lbs)

• Grooming needs: High. Thick double coat needs weekly thorough brushing to prevent mats. Sheds heavily twice a year (blowing coat), needs daily brushing during those periods.

• Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, calm, and very loyal. They can be vocal and reserved around strangers.

• Why they're cute: Their thick, fluffy coat, loving eyes and devoted temperament.

Rounding out our list is the fluffy and friendly Finnish Lapphund. With their thick, soft coats, curled tails, and bright, expressive eyes, these pups exude cuteness. Originally bred as reindeer herders in Finland, Finnish Lapphunds are known for their intelligence, agility, and playful nature.

They’re also famous for their kind-hearted, gentle personalities, making them wonderful family dogs, especially around children. Finnish Lapphunds love to be active, whether it’s running in the yard or joining their families on outdoor adventures. Their eagerness to please and affectionate demeanour makes them highly trainable and loyal companions.

Their striking appearance, with their fluffy coats and bright eyes, combined with their sweet, playful disposition, makes them a top contender for the cutest dog. If you’re looking for a cuddly, intelligent companion with a big personality, the Finnish Lapphund won’t disappoint.

The cutest big dog breeds

Golden Retriever

• Size: Medium/Large (37-42 in long / 55-75 lbs)

• Grooming needs: Moderate to High. Needs brushing two to three times a week.

• Temperament: Very social, loves to please and an ever-surprising level of intelligence. Excellent family dogs.

• Why they're cute: Unique personality, soft, expressive eyes, enthusiasm and the classic Golden smile.

Labrador Retriever

• Size: Medium/Large (36-42 in long / 55-80 lbs)

• Grooming needs: Low to moderate. They have a short, dense, double coat that's easy to care for but sheds often, and they do have a heavy seasonal shed. Weekly brushing is enough

• Temperament: Extroverted, energetic, patient and loyal. They work hard and play hard.

• Why they're cute: Their always wagging tail, beaming smile and buckets of enthusiasm.

Siberian Husky

• Size: Medium (Varies, but can get quite tall/ 35-60 lbs) Moderate to High.

• Grooming needs: A thick, dense double coat. Sheds once or twice year, and needs daily brushing.

• Temperament: Independent, confident and energetic with a desire to explore and experience new things.

• Why they're cute: Their striking, blue eyes, beaming smile and relentless energy.

The cutest low-shedding, hypoallergenic dog breeds

Bichon Frisé

• Size: Small (18-22 in long / 12-18 lbs)

• Grooming needs: High. While they're non-shedding, they need daily brushing and professional grooming every four to eight weeks.

• Temperament: Funny, gentle and adaptable, forming strong bonds with their chosen family.

• Why they're cute: Their soft, cloud-like coat, tiny noise and expressive, cheerful faces.

Maltese

• Size: Small (Approx. 7-10 in long / 3-10 lbs)

• Grooming needs: High. Their long, silky coat needs daily gentle brushing.

• Temperament: Playful, gentle, charming and, despite their size, quite fearless.

• Why they're cute: Their lovely coat, small size and the level of unwavering companionship they offer.

Shih Tzu

• Size: Small (15-17.5 in long / 9-16 lbs)

• Grooming needs: Very High. Long, double coat requires daily brushing to the skin to prevent matting. Most pet owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut." Needs frequent face cleaning.

• Temperament: Affectionate, outgoing, lively, and a little bit stubborn. They are bred solely for companionship and are happy lap dogs.

• Why they're cute: Their long, dramatic hair (when kept long), their sweet, flat face with a clear underbite, and their proud, confident, "lion-like" gait.

Cutest dogs for flats and apartments

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Size: Small (19-20 in long / 13-18 lbs)

• Grooming needs: Moderate. They have a nice, silky coat, but they'll need brushing a few times a week.

• Temperament: Affectionate, graceful, proud and family-friendly.

• Why they're cute: Their soft, long ears, gentle expression and eagerness to please.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

• Size: Small/Medium (22-26 in long / 22-31 lbs)

• Grooming needs: Moderate to High. They have a thick double coat that will need weekly brushing. and they shed quite a lot. We recommend daily brushing when they're having their seasonal sheds.

• Temperament: Very intelligent, brave and playful, with a strong herding instinct.

• Why they're cute: Their expressive faces, short, stocky body and expressive, regal face.

Pug

• Size: Small (15.5-20.5 in long / 14-18 lbs)

• Grooming needs: Low to Moderate. They have a short coat that needs weekly brushing, but they can shed quite a bit. Will need regular cleaning, especially around the facial wrinkles.

• Temperament: Comical, devoted and easygoing. They love human attention and making those they love laugh.

• Why they're cute: Their expressive face, charming looks and comedic style.

How to choose the cutest dog for your family

Choosing the cutest dog isn’t just about appearance—personality, size, and energy levels all play a part in finding the perfect fit.

So, what dog is the cutest? While fluffy coats and big eyes can certainly draw you in, it’s a dog’s temperament that will make them the best companion for you. Whether you prefer a tiny, playful breed like the Pomeranian or a gentle giant like the St. Bernard, finding the right match is key to building a happy life together.

Bringing home a cute dog means more than just cuddles and fun—you’ll also want to make sure your new friend stays healthy and happy. We offer dog insurance to help cover accident and illness costs, so you can take care of your adorable pup no matter what.

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