Our definitive ranking includes small pups, medium pooches and big ones, too!
Just like their human counterparts, every single dog in the world is perfect and adorable in its own way. Picking the cutest among them is like picking the cutest baby in the nursery. That is to say, the one that belongs to you and your family is undoubtedly the most breathtaking, irresistible creature in the lot!
Still, we’ll take any opportunity to scroll through pictures of precious pups in a futile but fun effort to identify the cutest dog breeds on the planet. Those paws and pads! Those fuzzy bellies and tails! Those wet noses and floppy ears and happy tongues… we could just eat them all up. Every last one of these doggos is the goodest boy or girl — hands down. Which one is the cutest isn't a matter of fact, but rather a matter of personal opinion. And absolutely all dogs deserve a lifetime of play, treats, love, and loyalty as essential members of the family.
The dog breeds on our list include some pure breeds, some mixed breeds and some perfectly lovable and adorable dogs hardly deserving of their less-than-flawless reputations! Don't forget the next great love of your life might be waiting for you right now at your local animal shelter.
Are you looking to add a new member to the family — or just can’t get enough dog pics? Check out our roundups of the best family dogs, best small dog breeds and best large dog breeds for more inspiration.
1
Maltipoo
This cross-breed pup is the result of breeding a miniature poodle with a Maltese. They’re known to be lively, energetic and just plain adorable.
2
Chow-chow
Good thing chow-chows are so cute: they’re notoriously stubborn and difficult to train.
3
Shih Tzu
If those big, soulful eyes and floppy ears don’t do it for you, the attitude will. This breed is known for showering its humans with affection and devotion.
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4
Border Collie
This medium-sized herding dog isn’t just cute, but presents an air of sophistication, too. Apropos of a breed from across the pond!
5
Pug
Just try to resist that wrinkly face and smooshed-up muzzle! The curly tail seals the deal when it comes to cuteness.
6
Siberian Husky
The only thing better than one adorable husky is an entire sled team of 'em. Just be prepared for their outsized energy.
RELATED: 45 Large Dog Breeds for People Who Want Impressive Pets
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7
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Trust the Queen of England to have an excellent taste in dogs. Elizabeth II's love for corgis goes unmatched — she's had over 30 of them in her lifetime!
8
Australian Shepherd
Beauty and brains, Aussies have got it all. These intelligent pups like having a job to do, so the people-pleasers pick up new tricks right away.
RELATED: The 10 Smartest Dogs That Would Ace Any IQ Test
9
American Staffordshire Terrier
Am Staffs are just one of the breeds popularly called pit bulls, but don't let stereotypes fool you. These good-natured and smart pups love being a part of the family.
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10
Beagle
Snoopy may be the world's most popular beagle, but the three-dimensional ones are just as charming. The lovable hounds like to follow their noses, occasionally right into trouble.
RELATED: 43 Small Dog Breeds That Make Perfect Companions
11
Shetland Sheepdog
Shelties love kids and cuddles. And with that face, what more could you need?
12
Golden Retriever
They're one of the most popular dogs in the country for a reason. Goldens look photo-ready no matter what.
RELATED: 22 Healthiest Dog Breeds With the Least Health Problems
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13
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies started off working in Victorian factories, but their gorgeous (and hypoallergenic!) fur soon earned them a reputation in elite circles as an adorable companion.
14
French Bulldog
It's no surprise city dwellers spot Frenchies on almost every block. The low-energy, big-eared pups are probably the cutest roommates you could have. Plus, they never leave dishes in the sink.
RELATED: 15 Lazy Dog Breeds That Love the Sofa as Much as You Do
15
Dachshund
Smooth, wirehaired or longhaired, there's a type of dachshund for everybody. They even come in two different sizes: standard and miniature.
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16
English Setter
Called the "gentleman of the dog world," the English setter is known for both its style and its strength. Just don't describe their coats as spotted. The speckled pattern is known as "belton."
17
Bernese Mountain Dog
Picture giant, friendly fluff-balls and you've got Bernese Mountain Dogs down to a T. Swiss farmers originally raised them as good-natured helpers, so they're super strong.
18
Dalmatian
Whether they're in fire stations or Disney movies, Dalmatians' distinctive coats win hearts wherever they go. The pups only develop the spots later in life though; the litters start out completely white.
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19
Labrador Retriever
It's clearly impossible to get tired of those cute faces. Labs have been the number one dog breed in America for more than 25 years in a row!
20
Cairn Terrier
If you've ever seen the Wizard of Oz, you'll know these little guys are the sweetest sidekicks around. An abandoned Cairn terrier named Terry went on to become one of the biggest canine movie stars in history.
