While all dogs are special, some breeds are simply more beautiful than others.
There are a number of factors that contribute to this beauty. This can include physical traits, such as coat color or type, as well as behavioral traits, like trainability or friendliness. Certain breeds have also been bred specifically for their looks, which has resulted in certain aesthetic standards becoming associated with them.
This list celebrates the most stunning and beautiful of all dogs.
37. Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a very beautiful spitz-type breed that was used as a herding dog by the Vikings. It is similar in aesthetic to a large number of breeds, including the Alaskan Malamute and the Shiba Inu, despite not being directly related.
The resemblance is due to the triangular face and fox-like features, as well as the short, perky ears. However, the Icelandic Sheepdog is often stockier, with a thicker and fluffier coat and sharper facial and ear features.
36. Dachshund
Doxies are the best-known sausage dogs and are easily the most beautiful in this regard. Their long torsos and disproportionately short legs are just a part of their unique charm that has captured the hearts of so many dog lovers.
Their long, droopy ears are also incredibly cute, especially when covered with feathery wisps of fur.
When it comes to personality, Dachshunds are quite clever and therefore easy to train. However, they can be very mischievous and stubborn, thereby requiring obedience training from an early age.
35. Lhasa Apso
This little beauty was bred in Tibet for work as a watchdog in monasteries. The spirited little ball of fur is known for its thick, long coats, which are often allowed to grow wild. Nonetheless, the Lhasa Apso is still as adorable when groomed down to medium-length or short-length coats due to its facial features.
These features include their large, deep-set eyes and prominent foreheads. One glance, and you cannot help but fall in love.
34. Affenpinscher
Affies are black beauties in every sense of the word and are known for their pure, jet-black coats. However, according to American Kennel Club standards, an Affenpinscher can have other coat colors, including grey, silver, and red.
They are commonly referred to as monkey terriers due to their monkey-like faces. They are also known for having long, coarse fur that is particularly shaggy around the face giving the dog a sort of mane aesthetic.
33. West Highland White Terrier
The most striking features on a West Highland White Terrier are on the little, white pooch’s face. They have large, round, black eyes that contrast perfectly with the white fur giving the Westie a stuffed animal look.
They are laid-back dogs that mostly keep to themselves. However, they can get a little feisty when agitated, which happens a lot when they come into contact with children or strangers who rough handle them.
32. Sheltie
Also known as the Shetland Shepherd, these dogs are adored for their unique coat colors and markings. For the most part, a Sheltie will have a single, double, or tricolor pattern. However, it is options like the merle coat type that have gained such fame and popularity in pop culture.
According to Dr. Stanley Coren, the best part is that Shelties are beauties, with brains being considered the 6th most intelligent dog breed in existence.
31. Border Collie
The Border Collie is another option on our list that is steadily rising in popularity due to merle and brindle coat characteristics. These go perfectly with the medium to long, smooth fur that a lot of these breeds have.
This, however, is not a fantastic starter breed. They are very energetic, confident, and prone to stubborn outbursts. You, therefore, have to start training early and be consistent with your handling to keep the dog in check.
30. German Short-Haired Pointer
This is one of those dogs whose beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. However, if you stare at it long enough or, better yet, get to spend time with the dog, their unique aesthetic will inevitably grow on you.
The German Short-Haired Pointer has a large, proportional body and a unique coat with a combination of white and different shades of brown. The distribution of both colors varies from dog to dog, contributing further to their unique charm.
29. Saluki
The Saluki is unlike any other breed you will ever see with its lean, elegant form and unique head and facial features. The long, furry ears, in particular, stand out, giving this breeds its iconic pigtail aesthetic.
When these dogs are not being devastatingly cute, you will find them begging for exercise and playtime. This is because they are a naturally athletic breed that definitely needs a lot of physical engagement to avoid frustration.
28. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is very often confused for a Lhasa Apso, and at first glance, it may be a little difficult to tell them apart. However, there are enough subtle differences to land the Shih Tzu its very own spot on our list.
The main difference is in the build. Shih Tzus have a considerably stockier build and have rounder, fuller faces. This definitely makes it more adorable, especially when groomed to the teddy bear cut aesthetic.
27. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the oldest pure breeds on our list, with roots as far back as 2000 years ago in Roman society. These large, fluffy beauties have a unique chest marking referred to as the Swiss cross, which is definitely a conversation starter as the pet owner.
In addition to its rich history and cool features, the Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its laid-back, good-natured, and generally very social personality.
26. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is the very representation of elegance, strength, and confidence. This massive dog stands at 25 to 28 inches with a muscular, proportional body and silky, short fur. If you want a dog that just screams power from a mile away, this is the aesthetic for you.
Dobermans, however, require very special care as they have the potential to be very aggressive. So if it is your first time owning a dog, you may want to consider a different starter breed.
25. Cairn Terrier
The first thing that may come to mind when you see a Cairn Terrier is “aww.” These dogs are just so adorable with their cute little bodies and adorable little faces. There is just nothing not to love about them.
This is why it comes as a surprise to many that Cairn Terriers were used in Scotland as hunting aids. Fortunately, they have settled into calmer and easier to manage personalities since that era making them a wonderful family dog breed to consider.
24. Chihuahua
When it comes to the Chihuahua’s aesthetic, you either love them or hate them. The fact is that most people love these little firecrackers with their apple-shaped heads and massive eyes.
If you are not a fan of the short-haired variety, there are longer-haired chis for you to ogle at, including some with teddy bear cuts that instantly increase the cuteness factor.
However, you will have to deal with their less than cute personalities with all the yapping and feisty behavior.
23. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers have consistently appeared on the American Kennel Clubs’ top 10 highest-ranked dogs in terms of popularity. These dogs are truly beautiful inside and out. They are large and fluffy with different shades of gold and a few cream varieties of their long, luscious locks.
However, it is in terms of personality where these breeds shine the most. They are super friendly, nurturing, and very even-tempered. This makes them particularly awesome for families with kids.
22. Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a reputation for being fierce and often very scary. This has a lot to do with their large, foreboding forms and their history in aggressive positions in the military and police forces. However, there is so much more to a Rottie than intimidating bad guys.
As with the Doberman Pinscher, a Rottweiler is a thing of beauty, particularly for dog lovers who love the majesty of large, confident dogs. This is what this breed exactly brings to the table.
21. Beagle
The tricolor Beagle is one of the most popular of the breed. The combination of black, white, and tan on short, smooth fur gives these dogs the well-put-together appearance that they are so popular for.
Something important to note with these dogs is the fact that they have very obsessive personalities. Due to their bloodhound history, they tend to become fixated on items or ideas and will need early training to be controllable.
20. Pug
Pugs are easily the most adorable dogs. There is just something so irresistibly endearing about their large eyes and smooshed faces. Their little, stocky bodies also contribute to this heart-melting effect.
Unfortunately, this adorable aesthetic comes at a high price that the dog will have to pay for with their health. This is because of the brachycephalic facial structure that predisposes them to health issues like respiratory distress and eye injuries.
19. Dalmatian
A lot of us fell in love with these spotted beauties from their appearance in the hit Disney films 101 Dalmatians and 102 Dalmatians. However, if you have seen them in real life, you know that these animated adaptations do not even come close to doing these literal masterpieces justice.
They are also very intelligent and social dogs. However, they do not get along the best with children and other pets, requiring early socialization.
18. Alaskan Malamute
If you like the whole wolf aesthetic in dogs, then this is a breed that you will definitely love. The Alaskan Malamute is often compared to its relative, the Siberian Husky, but you will see shortly how different these two beauties are.
The breed is known for its thick, wooly coat that comes in different combinations of black and white. They also have a signature double-arched facial marking, which definitely contributes to their physical appeal.
17. Irish Setter
With their dark red coats, silky fur, and feathery details, these dogs quickly earned their spot on our list of most beautiful breeds. The feathery fur on their long ears and tails, in particular, give them their very unique and endearing look.
The Irish Setter is also a friendly dog and will get along very well with children, strangers, and other pets. However, you will have to put up with their high maintenance demands, especially when it comes to grooming and exercise.
16. Maltese
This is yet another breed also often confused with the Shih Tzu. However, a Maltese tends to have more compact, square-ish silhouettes. They also have larger eyes and less prominent eyebrows. Finally, the Maltese has a single-layer coat, unlike the double coat seen on a Shih Tzu.
Speaking of coats, the Maltese is a hypoallergenic breed due to its very minimal, if any, shedding. It is therefore ideal if you or someone in your home has allergies. This also makes them much easier to manage.
15. Chow Chow
You know a dog is stinking cute if its nickname is something like “the puffy lion dog,” and that is what the Chow Chow is exactly. They are known for their large, stocky bodies and thick cover of fluff all over.
When it comes to temperament, the Chow Chow can be a little aloof and generally very protective of their family members. It is best to start socialization when they are young to avoid any unpleasant mishaps.
14. Samoyed
This fluffy marshmallow Samoyed is often referred to as the white version of the Alaskan Malamute. With its perky ears, long snout, and wolf-like resemblance, it is not so hard to see why this relationship is made.
However, Samoyeds are gorgeous in their own right with their thick fluff and pure white fur. They also have beautiful personalities to match and have been known to be very friendly and playful, with a few stubborn streaks now and then.
13. Australian Shepherd
Whether it is a merle pattern, bicolor, or even tricolor coat type, these Australian Shepherds never disappoint as far as aesthetics are concerned. They are mainly known for their bright-colored eyes, which are associated with the merle gene mutation.
Taking care of an Aussie dog requires a lot of energy and intentional effort. These dogs are highly energetic and require a lot of attention. They also love the outdoors, so if you are living in an apartment-style setup, you might want to find a park to take them to on a regular basis.
12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the second dog breed on our list with “pigtail” ears. The long, droopy ears are covered in thick fur, giving the dog a very endearing appearance. Whether they are black, red, or even tan, these ears are easily the stars of the show as far as the Cavalier Spaniel is concerned.
They also have beautiful personalities and are known to get along really well with everyone, including strangers. They are very intelligent and eager to please, making them very easy to train.
11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
There is a good reason why Queen Elizabeth II has had about 30 of these beautiful Corgis. Their weird, sausage-shaped bodies and docked tails take a little getting used to, but it is an aesthetic that is sure to grow on you.
In addition, these Pembroke Welsh Corgis have perky ears and intelligent expressions that will undeniably tug at your heartstrings.
These breeds tend to be very affectionate and playful with their families. They could be a little standoffish and are prone to aggression with strangers, so early socialization is key.
10. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is in no way cute but a truly beautiful creation. With its strong, muscular body, thick coat, and signature face markings, this dog definitely has its undeniable aesthetic charms.
Owning a German Shepherd is not for the faint of heart. These dogs are very confident and are prone to aggression. If they sense any hesitation in their handling, they will not think twice about taking on the alpha role in your home. This specific trait in asserting dominance is probably why the 46th POTUS has not one but two of them.
9. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu has a fox-like face with a long snout, small eyes, and short, perky ears. This is complemented perfectly by their nearly constant “smiling” appearance to make them among the most beautiful dogs there are. Whether white, black and tan, or even tan and white, these dogs always manage to impress.
Other than their looks, Shiba Inu dogs have fantastic personalities and are known for being keen, confident, and loyal almost to a fault.
8. Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is in many ways similar to the Shiba Inu, but it has its own unique charms. Studying its facial features, you will notice that the Akita has a fox-like face but has more of a bear-fox hybrid aesthetic with its long snouts, perky ears, and triangular faces covered by thick coats of fur when compared to the Shiba.
Their personality is also different, as Akita Inus tend to be more reserved and even aloof towards strangers. They are also loud and prone to aggressive outbursts if they are emotionally or physically frustrated.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers have held the number one spot on the American Kennel Club’s ranking of most popular dog breeds for several years now, and they are showing no signs of letting up. One of the main reasons for their popularity is their aesthetic.
They’re medium to large dogs that have thick bodies covered with short, smooth coats. They come in a variety of colors, mainly black and chocolate, but they can also be tan and even yellow.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
As one of the popular terrier dog breeds, Yorkies are every toy breed enthusiast’s dream. The spirited little dogs arguably have the cutest faces of all dog breeds out there. The crazy manes around their faces and all over their bodies also contribute to their heart-melting cuteness.
When it comes to temperament, Yorkshire Terriers have a very stubborn and mischievous side. However, they tend to love their families deeply and get along with pretty much anyone who will show them some love and attention.
5. Bichon Frise
If you have ever seen a teddy bear groomed by Bichon Frise, you know exactly why they are on our list. These little dogs literally look like actual clouds with eyes, noses, and a mouth. And if you like cute dogs, these are definitely going to scratch the itch for you.
Personality-wise, you will be dealing with a feisty little darling that is prone to being aloof towards strangers. However, if they love you, then yours will be a bond for the ages as these pups are very loyal and affectionate.
4. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles took the internet by storm several years ago and, to date, remain the cutest of all toy breeds. Maybe it is the thick, curly coat that buries their cute little faces leaving only the beady eyes on display. It could be the long, fluffy ears drooping down to their jawline.
Whatever it is, we simply cannot get enough of these little lap pups. The best part is that they are friendlier and more affectionate than Standard Poodles and perfect for families with children.
3. Pomeranian
Pomeranians may not have been named after pom poms, but they definitely look the part. They have a characteristic ring of thick fur around their neck, which is why they are so beautiful.
Even when this ruff is groomed off, these dogs are still very adorable with their little faces and large, beady eyes.
The cherry on top here has to be their friendly personalities, high intelligence, and eagerness to please, which is easily the main reason they are on this list in the first place.
2. Papillon
Papillon is “butterfly” in French. These dogs are named for their butterfly-like ears. This effect is created by a combination of their long, perky ears and the feathery wisps of fur that hang from them, giving them the appearance of spread-out butterfly wings.
The little pups tend to be shy and even aloof around strangers, especially if they are not socialized as young puppies. Fortunately, they are generally very friendly and just need a little warming up time to get along with most people.
1. Siberian Husky
If you know and love huskies as much as most of the dog-lover community does, it is no surprise that Siberian Huskies are top on our list of the most beautiful dog breeds. The best part is that their beauty is both internal and external with their combination of aesthetic appeal and awesome personalities.
The wolf-like dogs are especially popular for their high intellect and tendency to form very close bonds with their human families.
Related Questions
What Breed Of Dog Is The Ugliest?
The Mexican Hairless Dog is considered by many as one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world. This generalization is attributed mainly to its hairless body, with awkward patches of thin fur scattered all around the body. Their unusually small heads also give them a disproportionate look which further contributes to this poor rating.
What Is The Most Expensive Dog?
The Tibetian Mastiff is one of the most expensive dogs and can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000 for a puppy. In fact, the most expensive of these sold for almost $2 million. This high price is due to a combination of factors, including its beautiful aesthetics and general rarity. The latter means that you may not have any luck looking for it in a shelter for free.
What Is The Least Popular Dog?
According to the American Kennel Club, the English foxhound is one of the least popular dog breeds as of 2019. Despite being so adorable in terms of aesthetics and social when it comes to personality, they are considered quite a handful. They require a lot of exercise and attention, which not many busy dog parents today can afford.
