Looking for a special companion in your life? Sometimes, the cutest dog breeds also happen to be some of the sweetest partners in life we could ask for.
While a dog's appearance often affects our decision to adopt, both consciously and inadvertently, it's important to remember there's a whole lot more to man's best friend that simply looks alone. In fact, some of the most special canines on the Internet have quirks that makes them unique: sometimes, they've been mistreated and need that little extra love and other times they've merely been born to look different.
Essentially, all dogs are equally deservant of our love and affection. Whether your pup is one of the smartest dogs around, or the most playful dog in the neighborhood, there's so many ways dogs bring joy to our life. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, as these cutest dog breeds will attest to!
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PetsRadar's guide to the cutest dog breeds
1. Golden Retriever
Often regarded as one of the friendliest dog breeds around, the wonderful Golden Retriever just has so many attractive qualities. Alongside his luscious golden locks and wide smile, this breed is known for being patient, loving, loyal and highly social with both other dogs and their human companions.
2. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler might not the be the first breed of dog you think of as "cute" due to their often unfair reputation as being aggressive, dangerous, aloof and unpredictable. However, when given appropriate training and socialized early on, you'll likely find these majestic dogs can be obedient, calm and loyal. Some are even giant softies!
3. Jack Russell
Full of fun, this high energy breed is perfect for active pet parents who have plenty of time on their hands to give this breed the exercise they crave. They need at least an hour of exercise each day but they'll reward you with more than your fair share of joy in life. Their mischievous grins and sheer love of life makes them one of the cutest hounds around.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
With their calm demeanor and large puppy dog eyes, who couldn't love a Bernese Mountain Dog? These gentle giants make for wonderful companions providing you have plenty of space to give them the exercise they need.
Originally bred as working farm dogs, you'll find this breed eager to please their human companions. They even make excellent dogs for calming anxiety if you suffer from panic attacks; they’re happiest flopping down beside their favorite human and chilling out.
5. Dalmation
With his trademark spotty coat and sensitive intelligence, it's no surprise that this breed frequently comes out on top as one of the cutest dog breeds in the world. Of course, a lot of that public image is helped by having a starring role in Disney film 101 Dalmations.
While they're accurately portrayed as being a little mischievous, sensitive and full of fun and energy, you might be surprised by just how much attention and exercise these dogs require. Always bursting with energy, a Dalmation is best suited to those who lead an active lifestyle.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle in nature and miniature in size, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has won over royalty with their sweet personalities and adorable good looks. They were named after King Charles II and Queen Victoria was never without her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dash, by her side.
While they'll happily potter after you to catch your attention, they're also full of affection so you're just as likely to have them snuggle up on your lap as you are to enjoy long walks together.
7. Bichon Frise
Ranked as one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners, the sweet Bichon Frise has risen in popularity thanks to his unique, powder-puff appearance and cheerful personality. He's highly social and eager to get involved with those around him, bringing smiles to whoever encounters this cuddly cute canine.
Tolerant of kids, this is one to consider as a family dog, as they dislike being alone for long periods of time.
8. French Bulldog
With their adorable Pug-like faces complete with mischievous grin, the French Bulldog is now one of the most popular small dog breeds in the world and it's easy to see why.
Though small in stature, these perfect pups have huge bags of personality and are deeply loving. For anyone considering adding one to their life, the French Bulldog is typically highly adaptable, but their attractive facial structure comes at a cost. These wonderful pets do suffer from ill-health due to their flat faces, which can cause them breathing difficulties.
9. Pug
In blockbusting movie, Men in Black, Will Smith meets Frank the Pug, an alien disguised as a dog which really sums up what many people think about this popular breed. With their unusual faces and tiny stature, there's something oddly adorable about this sweet-natured breed.
Like French Bulldogs, Pugs also have their fair share of health issues due to their flat-faces and you'll want to ensure they're given plenty of attention, which they'll show you back by the bucket in return.
10. Greyhound
With their doleful eyes and sweet, calm personalities, it's difficult not to fall in love with the Greyhound. They're frequently associated with racing but this lovable breed actually makes for a gentle and loyal companion at home.
In the looks department, there's certainly plenty of choice. The Greyhound has a staggering 18 primary colors and 55 different color combinations, while their narrow faces and long skinny legs will make you want to shower them with love.
11. Shiba Inu
It's not difficult to see just why the Shiba Inu is regarded as one of the cutest dog breeds. They're frequently beloved as social media stars thanks to their gorgeous, fox-like appearance. Being a Japanese dog breed also gives them somewhat of an exotic appeal around the world.
In saying that, to have one in your life requires careful consideration. Though majestic in appearance, these dogs are definitely feisty and sometimes aggressive so require firm handling to get the best from them.
12. Beagle
It's easy to see why the Beagle is simply adorable. Alongside their floppy ears and big puppy dog eyes, is a sharp intelligence and keenness to please their human companions. Beagles are often found as working dogs, using their amazing sense of smell to track down everything from contraband food to illegal drugs.
13. Samoyed
Another popular breed finding fame online is the Samoyed and it's not too much of a stretch to see why this lovely companion is regarded as cute, as he happens to look like a giant cloud of white fluffiness.
Hailing from Siberia, their coats are as white as winter snow but good looks require plenty of care and attention. You'll want to ensure regular, almost daily grooming, or your home may start to resemble a snow field itself.
14. Pomeranian
One of the smallest Spitz dog breeds, the Pomeranian may be tiny but he's certainly mighty in attitude. This adorable little breed resembles a miniature fluffy fox but they also have plenty of other attributes that make them such an ideal pet. They are incredibly intelligent, obedient, and social, making them a wonderful companion.
Typically we think of a Pomeranian as having an orange or tan coat but actually this breed comes in white, red, gray, and black too.
15. Goldendoodle
A popular family dog, the loving and loyal Goldendoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, two adorably cute breeds in their own right, and was bred specifically for the desirable traits of its parent breeds.
However, these marvellous mutts are not just adorable in the looks department, the Goldendoodle is well-known for being sociable, playful and smart.
