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15+ Cutest Dog Breeds

By Kerry
Updated on

There are many different types of dogs out there. Some are cute, some are funny, and some are downright adorable.

Dog in the park sitting

With this in mind, we are going to be taking a look at more than fifteen absolutely adorable dog breeds that are sure to melt anyone’s heart. Let’s take a look. 

1. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniel

This breed is known for its friendly personality and playful nature, as well as for being a particularly popular breed. The Cocker Spaniel has a long history behind it as a breed, having originally been bred as a hunting dog.

Cockers are small, medium-sized dogs. They weigh between 10 and 20 lbs. The average lifespan of this breed is about 12 years. 

2. Chihuahua

Chihuahua (2)

Chihuahuas are very tiny dogs that have been around since the late 1800s and originated in Mexico. These dogs were originally bred by farmers who wanted a small companion animal.

Today, they are still used as companions or pets. Chihuahuas can be found in all colors, but they most commonly come in black, tan, white, and chocolate. 

They usually weigh between 2-5 pounds. Their lifespan is typically 8-12 years. Chihuahuas also come in two varieties: short hair and long hair, and they tend to be extremely energetic and playful (despite the stereotype surrounding their crankiness!) 

3. Pomeranian

Pomeranian (2)

Pomeranians are small dogs that come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. They are often referred to as “the little people” because of their size.

Pomeranians have a lot of energy despite their small form. They were originally bred as show dogs, but they can also be good pets if you have a dog that is smaller than a standard breed. 

These dogs are very active and have plenty of exercises. Their coats can be both short and smooth. A Pomeranian will grow to an average weight of 5-10 pounds. The average lifespan of these dogs is about 7-8 years. 

4. Maltese

Maltese (2)

Maltese are loyal, loving, and affectionate cuties. They make great companions because of their calm demeanor, intelligence, and trainability.

Maltese come in various colors, including black, brown, fawn, and white. They are medium-sized dogs with an average weight of 9-14 pounds. The average lifespan is about 11-13 years. 

5. Pug

Pug (3)

Pugs are small dogs that come either in short hair or long hair. They are known for their wrinkled face and rounded chubby bodies.

The pug is another cute breed that originated in China and is considered to be a lapdog due to their close relationships with their owners. 

They are very intelligent and usually pretty easy to train, and they are excellent watchdogs. Their coats come in a variety of colors, including fawn, black, cream, and brindle.

They can weigh anywhere from 30-50 pounds. The average lifespan for this breed is about 13-16 years. 

6. Shih Tzu

Shih tzu (3)

The Shih Tzu is another small and adorable dog that originated in China, with its history spanning as far back as the Ming Dynasty. They are known for being very gentle and sweet-natured as well as having a somewhat quiet and shy demeanor. 

Despite this, they can become energetic, boisterous, noisy, fun-loving pets once they feel comfortable with their owner. They are not typically aggressive towards other animals and are perfect family dogs as they get along well with children.

They are medium-sized with an average weight of 15-20 pounds. The average lifespan in this breed is about 10-12 years. 

7. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terrier (2)

Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs with both long and short coats. This super cute breed is somewhat unique as they can be medium-sized with long muzzles, but they can also be tiny- such as teacup Yorkshire Terriers- with small muzzles.

Either way, this breed tends to be very friendly and energetic and adores attention from humans. 

They are also very social animals when it comes to other dogs. Yorkshire Terriers come in different colors, but they are most well known for their black and tan coats. The average lifespan for this breed is about 13-16 years. 

8. Papillon

Papillon (2)

The Papillon is another small and fluffy cutie that makes for great family pets due to its active and playful nature. They are very agile and fun-loving pups. The Papillion has a very distinctive coat color called a “mask,” which covers half of its head.

It was first introduced into Europe at the end of the 19th century and came from the island of Madagascar. They are medium-sized dogs, weighing around 8-10 pounds. The average lifespan of this breed is about 12-15 years

9. Dachshund

Dachshund (2)

Dachshunds are small dogs that come mainly in short hair. They have a very squat and compact body that has earned them the title “sausage dog”. Despite their tiny, adorable legs, these pups are relatively fast and agile.

Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train. The average lifespan of this breed is about 12-14 years. 

10. Bichon Frisé

Bichon frisé (3)

Bichons are small dogs that are known for their fluffy coat. They are very friendly, gentle, and lovable. The Bichon Frisé originated in France and is one of the oldest breeds dating back to the 1800s. It was originally bred to help farmers keep track of their livestock. 

These dogs are known for their round faces and large eyes, and they often possess floppy ears. They are medium-sized dogs weighing less than 25 pounds. The average lifespan is about 11-13 years. 

11. Bulldog

Bulldog (3)

Bulldogs are a dog breed that has gained a reputation due to having a somewhat grumpy look, but this only adds to their cuteness! They were originally bred to guard livestock.

They are extremely loyal and protective of their families as well as affectionate and known for their snub faces. 

Furthermore, they make excellent companion pets and are family-friendly thanks to their laid-back attitude.  These dogs tend to weigh up to 100 pounds and are medium-sized. The average lifespan for bulldogs is about 14-18 years. 

12. French Bulldog

French bulldog (4)

French Bulldogs are small dogs that- as their name suggests- originated in France. They are known for their big heads and short bodies, emphasizing their cute nature.

They are very intelligent, loving, and playful puppies. They are medium-large dogs, weighing between 40 and 60 pounds. The average lifespan for French Bulldogs is about 14-17 years. 

 13. Pekingese

Pekingese (2)

Pekingese are small dogs that hail from China and were originally bred to resemble miniature lions. They are known for being very friendly and docile, as well as for their distinctive flat faces, similar to the Shih Tzu.

They are medium-weight dogs, weighing between 30-50 pounds. The average lifespan varies depending on the individual and ranges from 9-16 years.

14. Boston Terrier

Boston terrier (3)

Boston Terriers are small, cute, energetic dogs with an independent spirit. They were developed by crossing the English Bulldog with the American Pitbull Terrier. This combination creates a dog that is both sturdy and lively. 

They are known for having a thick double coat that comes in various colors, including black, tan, brown, red, or silver. They are medium-medium-sized dogs weighing between 15-25 pounds.

The average lifespan depends on the individual and can range from 10-20 years. 

15. Maltipoo

Maltipoo

Maltipoos are small dogs and crossbreeds that were bred from the Maltese and the Poodle. They are very friendly and smart, making them perfect companions for children.

They are medium-sized dogs, weighing between 15-35 pounds. The average lifespan can vary depending on the individual and may be anywhere from 12-22 years. 

16. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa apso

Lhasa Apsos are small dogs that were originally bred to hunt rats. They are known for possessing a long body and tail, which makes them appear larger than they actually are. They are very intelligent, energetic, and playful. 

Furthermore, they are also very protective of their owners, and their coats come in many different colors, including black, cream, and white. They are medium-sized dogs, weighing between 20-40 pounds. The average lifespan of a Lhasa Apso is around 13-15 years. 

17. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke welsh corgi (2)

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small dogs that originated in England and Wales and were originally used to herd sheep. They are known for their super cute, squat bodies as well as their big, bat-like ears and their rounded fluffy butts! 

They have a unique personality that combines intelligence, energy, and playfulness. They tend to weigh between 25-45 pounds and are medium to small-sized. The average lifespan for Pembroke’s is around 11-14 years. 

18. Beagle

Beagle (2)

Beagles are super cute pups that come mainly in short hair and make for great family pets, particularly for those with children. They have a very high energy level and are very active, and whilst they are incredibly smart, they require plenty of training. 

Their personalities are very friendly, loyal, and affectionate. They are medium-sized dogs, weighing between 15-30 pounds. The average lifespan is around 8-12 years.

19. Shiba Inu

Shiba inu (2)

Shiba Inus are small, athletic dogs that originate from Japan. They are known for sporting a long face and a large head, as well as being the source of the Internet’s infamous “Doge” meme!

They are extremely intelligent and love to play, and they are very loyal, loving, and gentle towards people. 

They are medium-sized dogs that come in short or long-hair varieties. Furthermore, they are also very smart, so it’s best to start training early. They are medium-sized (weighing between 20 and 40 lbs) and live between 10-15 years.

20. Every Single Dog Breed!

The breeds we have mentioned above are particularly noteworthy cuties, but the honest truth is that every single dog breed is adorable in its own way!

So in our final spot, we have chosen to place every single dog breed just so that they know we love them just as much as they are all-natural cuties!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to cute dog breeds, there are so many choices that it would be impossible to list them all here. It is important to remember that a dog is not merely a fashion accessory to be used for their looks.

They are living creatures that need love, care, and attention to be happy and healthy. Do not opt for a dog purely because of the way that they look. There are various factors to consider, such as temperament, size, health issues, etc.

If you are looking for a new furry friend, then take your time and do some research before making any decisions. You want to make sure that you get a dog that fits your lifestyle and that you will be able to devote time and effort to it.

Remember that no matter what type of dog you choose, they will still be part of your family, and you need to ensure that you treat them like it, too.

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About the author

Kerry

Kerry White is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Kerry has been writing for PetDT for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners.Kerry has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Kerry knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.