Adorable Dog Breeds That Always Look Like Puppies

 

Research shows that dogs make humans happier, more active and even more patient and responsible. And when does this seem to be the truest? The puppy years!

Thankfully, there are tons of dog breeds that always have that adorable puppy face. But while these always puppies look forever young, pet experts want caregivers to remember that they need adult care and attention when they grow out of that puppy phase.

With that in mind, check out our list of 35 dog breeds that always look like puppies.

Pomeranian

 

The Pomeranian is a small but lively dog and is one of the most popular Toy breeds. While they require a lot of socialization and training, this breed makes an ideal (and cute!) companion.

“These sweet bundles of fluff will never lose their puppy faces, and the fact that they remain so small certainly helps with this,” says professional dog trainer Jeff Carbridge. “Descended from the German Spitz and rising in popularity during the Victorian period, these little firecrackers are known for their willful personalities and loyal nature.”

 

Pomeranian Overview

Temperament: Inquisitive, Bold, Lively

Height: 6-7 inches

Weight: 3-7 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

 

Maltese

These small dogs have quite a history as forever puppies. They were a popular lapdog choice for the Ancient Greeks and Romans, even being featured on vases and in murals under the name Melitaie, according to Carbridge. They are famous for their long smooth coats that often reach the floor. Many humans adorn their Maltese with bows because they look so regal.

“Their natural coat is long and silky, although many owners opt to have it clipped to make maintenance easier,” Carbridge adds. “They can be quite noisy, but this is easy to rectify with training from a young age.”

 

Maltese Overview

Temperament: Gentle, Playful, Charming

Height: 7-9 inches

Weight: Under 7 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

 

Corgi

Perhaps the most famous Corgi fan is Queen Elizabeth II. But this smart and affectionate breed ranks high with the rest of us, too, as the 13th most popular dog breed of the 196 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

“A stumpy favorite, the Corgi is a herding dog used for cattle. While their legs were a little longer in the past, they still remain masters of their craft,” Carbridge says. “They have incredibly young faces and a small size that retain that puppylike look. What people often forget is that Corgis are active herding dogs that need a lot of physical and mental exercise to remain happy and healthy.”

 

Corgi Overview

Temperament: Affectionate, Smart, Alert

Height: 10-12 inches

Weight: Up to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-13 years

 

Swedish Vallhund

 

An ancestor of the Corgi, these Spitz dogs date back to the Viking Age. Their sweet and youthful faces leave them with that puppy glow for their entire life.

“A favorite of the Nordic people, they were used for herding cattle, which they are still used for today. They are incredibly active, needing a good deal of exercise each day despite their small size,” Carbridge says.

 

Swedish Vallhund Overview

 

Temperament: Friendly, Energetic, Watchful

Height: 12.5-13.75 inches (male), 11.5-12.75 inches (female)

Weight: 20-35 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

 

Pug

 

“Pugs look like they did when they were puppies throughout their lives. Since they have their face wrinkles from birth, you cannot really tell an 8-month-old from a 2-year-old,” says Jay Scott, who runs the pug-focused company Pugsquest.

The pug is known for having a charming, loving and mischievous personality. “Their big and smiling eyes also contribute to giving them a youthful look, not to mention their immensely loving nature,” Scott adds.

 

Pug Overview

Temperament: Charming, Mischievous, Loving

Height: 10-13 inches

Weight: 14-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

 

Shi Tzu

Often nicknamed the “lion dog,” these forever puppies often have an older and wiser look because some grow a furry beard. Yet, underneath all that fur, you have an adorable puppy-adult.

“You can always carry and cuddle a Shi Tzu dog even when it is a parent itself,” Scott says. “These dogs keep a similar facial structure throughout their days.”

 

Shih Tzu Overview

Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing

Height: 9-10.5 inches

Weight: 9-16 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

 

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are super popular, ranking No. 10 out of 196 breeds, according to the AKC. And that’s likely because of their perfect carrying size — they’re small enough to tuck under your arm. But if you really want your Yorkie to maintain that youthful glow, you need to keep them in a puppy cut.

“Most Yorkies have long, silky hair, sort of like a human’s. But a minority of the pups come with a ‘cotton coat,’” says Daniel Caughill, a dog expert. “This coat is more curly and doesn’t grow out as long. Cotton coats require a bit more work when it comes to grooming your dog, but they maintain so much more of that youthful, fluffy puppy look.”

 

Yorkshire Terrier Overview

Temperament: Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish

Height: 7-8 inches

Weight: 7 pounds

Life Expectancy: 11-15 years

 

Alaskan Klee Kai

If you love Huskies, but don’t have the proper amount of space for such a large dog, consider adding an Alaskan Klee Kai to your family. Klee Kai is an Eskimo term for “little dog,” according to the AKC, and the breed was bred to be a miniature version of the Alaskan Husky.

Despite their adorableness, Klee Kais don’t love strangers but do well in a family setting. They are known for being quite vocal and making a “woo-woo” sound when they are happy and for screaming when they’re mad. “It’s not a commonly known breed, so people will always be asking you how old your Husky puppy is,” says Laurice Wardini, founder of PuppyWiki. “You can find Toy, Miniature or Standard sizes (similar to a Poodle).”

 

Alaskan Klee Kai Overview

Temperament: Playful, Energetic, Intelligent

Height: 13-17 inches

Weight: 10-15 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-16 Years

 

Parson Russell Terrier

“I have a Parson Russell Terrier (basically a long-legged Jack Russell) who is always mistaken for a puppy,” says Stephanie Campisi, who writes pet-themed picture books. “I tend not to correct people, as it makes it a little easier to explain away his cheeky behavior.”

Parson Russell Terriers are known for their love of life and are considered high-energy. Their humans should plan to provide a lot of daily exercise for Parson Russell Terriers. According to the AKC, these pups are “tough little guys built for England’s traditional sport of foxhunting. They’re fast enough to follow the hounds and fearless enough to dig into the ground and flush a fox from their lair.”

 

Parson Russell Terrier Overview

Temperament: Alert, Inquisitive, Lively

Height: 10-12 inches

Weight: 9-15 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

 

Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is another dog breed that looks like a puppy no matter its age, and it’s also known to be charming and loving. They are typically quiet, but smart and pet experts describe them as amusing. “They love to learn tricks to perform for their adoring public,” according to the AKC.

They don’t require a tremendous amount of exercise but enjoy slower walks and exploring their fenced backyard.

 

Japanese Chin Overview

Temperament: Charming, Noble, Loving

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 7-11 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

 

Beagle

Snoopy is likely the most famous Beagle, but all of these dogs keep a youthful glow about them. The breed ranks No. 6 in popularity, likely due to their merry and friendly nature. But they are also fantastic hunting dogs that make loyal lifelong family members.

While these hounds are known for their loveable personalities, their energetic nature also means their humans should be prepared for daily exercise.

 

Beagle Overview

Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Merry

Height: 13 inches and under, 13-15 inches

Weight: under 20 pounds (13 inches and under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)

Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

 

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a playful and smart breed that always looks like a puppy. Frenchies are known for their large bat ears, large head and many wrinkles above their short nose. Their personalities are generally charming and alert.

“They get on well with other animals and enjoy making new friends of the human variety,” according to the AKC. “It is no wonder that city folk from Paris to Peoria swear by this vastly amusing and companionable breed.”

 

French Bulldog Overview

Temperament: Adaptable, Playful, Smart

Height: 11-13 inches

Weight: Up to 28 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

 

Cocker Spaniel

From Charlize Theron to Oprah Winfrey, the Cocker Spaniel enjoys a large fan base. These gentle and happy dogs are reasonably small and always maintain their puppy appearance. This breed is known for its long, lavish ear and sweet eyes. Though they were bred for hunting, Cocker Spaniels are known as companion dogs nowadays.

Cocker Spaniels love to play with kids, take walks with their humans and are sporty enough for dog competitions. Though they need regular exercise, they aren’t as demanding as other breeds and don’t need a lot of activity.

 

Cocker Spaniel Overview

 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Overview

Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful

Height: 12-13 inches

Weight: 13-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

 

Chihuahua

Taco Bell, Ren and Stimpy, and Paris Hilton have all aided in the Chihuahua’s fame, but the tiny dog is one of the oldest breeds in the Americas, with a lineage that goes back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times. It is even a national symbol of Mexico, according to the AKC.

They’re considered “purse dogs” because they are small enough to fit in a handbag. While this breed is known for its charm and gracefulness, its loyalty can lead to sassy behavior.

 

Chihuahua Overview

Temperament: Charming, Graceful, Sassy

Height: 5-8 inches

Weight: Not exceeding 6 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

 

Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terriers are intelligent pups that are part of the Toy group. They are known for being friendly and loving, and are ideal for training because they love to please their humans. The AKC describes the breed as “a lithe but sturdy little comedian standing under a foot tall but packed with enough charisma for a whole kennel of ordinary dogs.”

They are known for their satin coat, large tall ears and dark eyes. While these terriers are friendly, they’re not known for being particularly outgoing.

 

Toy Fox Terrier Overview

Temperament: Friendly, Alert, Intelligent

Height: 8.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 3.5-7 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

 

Papillon

The Papillon is named after its most noticeable feature: its large, butterfly-shaped ears. After all, “Papillon” means butterfly in French. This tiny breed is known for being quick, happy and curious. They have plumed tails and silky coats.

Known as Paps, these dogs win all kinds of sports competitions and can be trained to do various tricks, according to the AKC. Some famous Paps include those belonging to King Henry II, who allegedly spent 100,000 crowns on them. The history of the Papillon dates back more than 700 years, the SF Gate reports.

 

Papillon Overview

Temperament: Friendly, Alert, Happy

Height: 9-11 inches

Weight: 5-10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

 

Toy Poodle

The Poodle is the national dog of France but also loved in North America. In the United States, it ranks seventh out of the 196 breeds, according to the AKC.

While Poodles are known for their elegant demeanor and fancy hair cuts, they are also quite skilled athletes. They have high energy and should be exercised daily, pet experts say. Since they were bred for hunting, Poodles enjoy fetching in addition to swimming and jogging. “With an abundance of steady character and intelligence, the Toy Poodle is a ‘person’ and expects to be treated like one,” the AKC states.

They’re also crazy cute, especially in festive pjs.

 

Toy Poodle Overview

Temperament: Active, Proud, Very Smart

Height: Under 10 inches

Weight: 10-15 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

 

Samoyed

Perhaps the smiliest of all dog breeds is the Samoyed. These all-white fluffy dogs remain a youthful nature for all of their 12 to 14 years. According to the AKC, they were initially bred for hard work, like drawing sleds in extreme temperatures. We’re talking Siberian towns with temperatures that get to 60 degrees below freezing.

Due to their social nature, they shouldn’t be left alone in a yard unless you want them to destroy it. Known as Sammies, these pups love attention but also respond to firm training.

 

Samoyed Overview

 

Temperament: Adaptable, Friendly, Gentle

Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 19-21 inches (female)

Weight: 45-65 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

 

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise has its small stature and big personality to thank for that puppy glow it exudes throughout life. Bichons are known for being playful, confident and outgoing. They’ve never met a human that won’t soon be their friend.

They have a long history of charming European nobles, too. “Most notably, they endeared themselves to the royal courts of Spain, Italy and France, and came into their own during the Renaissance,” the AKC says.

 

Bichon Frise Overview

Temperament: Playful, Curious, Peppy

Height: 9.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-15 years

 

Boston Terrier

If you spot a small sporty dog with tall ears that looks as if they’re wearing a tuxedo jacket, you’ve likely spotted a Boston Terrier. The friendly and bright dog earned the nickname “The American Gentleman” because of its impressive manners.

“In honor of the city where these happy-go-lucky dogs were so painstakingly developed, the breed name was changed to Boston Terrier,” the AKC says. “The Boston Terrier Club of America was formed in 1891.”

 

Boston Terrier Overview

 

Brussels Griffon Overview

Temperament: Loyal, Alert, Curious

Height: 7-10 inches

Weight: 8-10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

 

Havanese

 

The national dog of Cuba looks like a puppy well into its 14 to 16 years of life. Known for being outgoing, funny and cheerful, these small pups rank 24th out of 196 breeds, according to the AKC. They are growing in popularity among humans who live in bigger cities.

Havanese have a long, silky coat, big brown eyes and an old-man beard. They love attention and will happily perform tricks for their humans. “The native lapdog of Cuba’s aristocrats and wealthy planters was the Havanese, named for the capital city of Havana,” the AKC states. “The pivotal event in the breed’s history came in 1959 … when many well-heeled Cubans fleeing Fidel Castro’s revolution brought their little dogs with them.”

 

Havanese Overview

Temperament: Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny

Height: 8.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 7-13 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

 

Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso’s history goes back a thousand years to palaces and monasteries in the Himalayas and are named after Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

The small breed’s famously lavish coat is what helps them hide their age. This small breed is known for being smart, comical and elegant. While they love comedians for their humans, Lhasa Apsos can be distant from humans.

 

Lhasa Apso Overview

Temperament: Confident, Smart, Comical

Height: 10-11 inches (male), slightly smaller (female)

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

 

Miniature Schnauzer

Schnauzers have such a specific look that they aren’t easily mistaken for any other breed. They’re famous for a ridiculously poofy mustache and bushy eyebrows.

Despite their grumpy stare, the Miniature Schnauzer is friendly and outgoing. They make great family dogs, as they are intelligent and obedient, and they get along with kids, adults and other animals. And they’ll happily enjoy the city or country as long as they get in some daily exercise.

 

Miniature Schnauzer Overview

Temperament: Friendly, Smart, Obedient

Height: 12-14 inches

Weight: 11-20 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

 

Pekingese

Pekingese look like smaller Ewoks from the Star Wars universe. But in real life, the Pekingese was bred to be the lapdog for Chinese royalty. Allegedly they were bred to be small enough to fit into the sleeves of ancient Chinese garments.

“A Chinese legend says the Pekingese was created by the Buddha, who shrunk a lion down to dog size,” the AKC states. “It is said that stealing one of these dogs was a crime punishable by death.”

Their long coats and good manners have helped them earn their status as regal pups. They are also affectionate, sophisticated, extremely loyal and don’t mind being couch potatoes with their humans.

 

Pekingnese Overview

Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner

Height: 6-9 inches

Weight: Up to 14 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

 

West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier (Westie, for short) has entertained humans for hundreds of years. They are known for their bright eyes, pink ears and all-white double coat. In addition to being adorable, Westies were bred to hunt rodents in Scotland.

In addition to being excellent hunters, Westies are fiercely loyal, happy and agreeable. “This terrier independence can make training a challenge, but thanks to their keen intelligence Westies take to patient, consistent lessons that are kept upbeat and interesting,” according to the AKC.

 

West Highland White Terrier Overview

Temperament: Loyal, Happy, Entertaining

Height: 11 inches (male), 10 inches (female)

Weight: 15-20 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

 

Italian Greyhound

 

The Italian Greyhound looks just as elegant as an older dog as it does during its puppy years. The sensitive breed always looks a bit scared, but really they are playful and highly affectionate.

Even though they are a bit taller than your average Toy group dog, these pups love lounging on the couch. Still, they remain hounds at heart and ditch you quickly if they suspect there is something nearby to chase.

 

Italian Greyhound Overview

Temperament: Playful, Sensitive, Alert

Height: 13-15 inches

Weight: 7-14 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-15 years