The 40 Most Snuggable Dog Breeds

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Whether you’re thinking of adding a furry friend to your family or just need a dose of delightful doggos to brighten your day, you’ve come to the right place. From the tiny, button-nosed pups to the fluffy giants with eyes that sparkle with innocence, we’ve rounded up a list of breeds that are sure to evoke endless “awws” and perhaps even inspire your next pet adoption.  Let’s get started!

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40. Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel, affectionately known as “Tibbie,” is a small, intelligent breed with a history as a monastery watchdog in the Himalayas. This breed possesses a lion-like mane, expressive eyes, and a playful yet dignified demeanor. Tibbies are affectionate companions, known for their alertness and strong bond with their owners.

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39. Maltipoo (Maltese-Poodle mix)

The Maltipoo, a popular designer dog, is a charming mix of Maltese and Poodle. Known for their affectionate nature and hypoallergenic coats, they make excellent companions. Maltipoos are playful, intelligent, and adapt well to various living situations, thriving on interaction and love from their human families.

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38. Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is an endearing mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, boasting a friendly and affectionate nature. This hybrid is known for its intelligence, minimal shedding, and often hypoallergenic coat. Cockapoos are adaptable, sociable pets who bond closely with their families, making them ideal for a wide range of households.

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37. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is a spirited and sturdy small dog breed hailing from Scotland. Renowned for its tenacity and strong-willed nature, this breed was originally bred for hunting vermin. With a wiry coat and expressive face, the Cairn is a loyal and loving companion, full of energy and curiosity.

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36. Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is an elegant, miniature sighthound with a graceful build and a sleek coat. Known for their affectionate and gentle nature, they crave companionship and bond deeply with their owners. Despite their delicate appearance, they are playful and agile, enjoying bursts of speed during playtime and cozy cuddles afterward.

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35. American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog, with its striking white coat and plumed tail, is a member of the Spitz family. This breed is known for its intelligence, agility, and friendly disposition. American Eskimos are alert and make excellent watchdogs. They enjoy being part of the family and excel in obedience and companionship.

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34. Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a delightful crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, cherished for its friendly nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coat. These sociable dogs are often good with children and other pets, making them fantastic family companions. Their playful and affectionate demeanor is complemented by an eagerness to please.

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33. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, energetic breed renowned for its athleticism and spirited personality. Originally bred for fox hunting, these dogs are bold, intelligent, and full of vigor. With their keen hunting instincts, they are also known for their digging prowess and love for interactive play and exercise.

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32. Norfolk Terrier

The Norfolk Terrier is a small, sturdy, and spirited breed with a wiry coat and expressive eyes. Recognized for their courage and hunting ability, they are one of the smallest working terriers. These affectionate dogs are sociable, adaptable, and make loyal companions, thriving in various environments with proper exercise and engagement.

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31. Samoyed

The Samoyed is a large, fluffy breed with a friendly “smile” and a striking white coat that was bred for herding and pulling sleds in Siberia. Known for their gentle and playful nature, Samoyeds are affectionate family dogs that are good with children. They require regular exercise and grooming.

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30. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is a toy breed known for its distinctive, almost human-like facial expression and confident demeanor. Originating from Belgium, these small dogs have big personalities, often displaying a blend of curiosity, affection, and self-importance. Their coats come in rough or smooth varieties, and they bond deeply with their owners.

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29. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear, named for its cotton-like coat, is a small, cheerful companion dog from Madagascar. This breed is known for its bright, friendly personality and gentle disposition. Cotons are sociable, adaptable, and form strong bonds with their family, thriving on human interaction and affection. Their soft, hypoallergenic fur requires regular grooming.

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28. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed from Tibet, revered for its role as a monastery sentinel. This small, hardy dog is recognized by its flowing coat and noble bearing. Lhasa Apsos possess a calm, confident temperament, and are independent yet affectionate with their owners, often exhibiting a watchful nature.

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27. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is an elegant toy breed with a distinctive pushed-in face and a profuse, silky coat. Prized for their grace and charm, these dogs carry themselves regally, reflecting their aristocratic heritage. Chins are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and cat-like behaviors, making them delightful and loving companions.

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26. Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd, often known as the “Aussie,” is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog. Despite its name, the breed developed in the United States. Aussies are recognized for their striking merle coat and attentive eyes. They excel in agility, obedience, and are loyal, affectionate companions when given ample exercise and mental stimulation.

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25. Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is a small, rugged dog breed with a wiry coat and an otter-like face. Originating from the borderlands between England and Scotland, these terriers are known for their tenacity and affectionate nature. They are energetic, intelligent, and make excellent family pets when provided with plenty of exercise and companionship.

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24. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a small to medium-sized Japanese breed known for its fox-like appearance, confident demeanor, and spirited personality. This ancient breed exhibits independence, intelligence, and a strong hunting instinct. Shibas are clean, sometimes aloof, but also loyal and affectionate with their families, making them a popular companion dog.

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23. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, affectionate breed with a striking tri-colored coat, native to the Swiss Alps. Known for their gentle, calm nature, they make excellent family pets. Bernese are strong, hardworking dogs, originally bred for drafting and herding. They require space to roam and enjoy outdoor activities with their owners.

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22. Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the “Scottie,” is a small but sturdy breed with a distinctive profile and a dignified beard. These terriers are known for their bold, confident personality and their wiry coat. Scotties are loyal and protective, often reserved with strangers but affectionate with their family. They require regular grooming.

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21. West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier, commonly known as the “Westie,” is a small Scottish breed with a bright white coat and a vivacious personality. These terriers are friendly, courageous, and full of self-esteem. Westies are active and enjoy playtime, but they also love being the center of attention within their families. Regular grooming is essential.

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20. Pekingese

The Pekingese is a small, regal breed once cherished by Chinese royalty. This dog is characterized by a lion-like mane, flat face, and confident carriage. Pekingese are affectionate and loyal, often forming a strong bond with a single person. Their long, luxurious coat requires regular grooming to maintain its splendor.

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19. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, or “Sheltie,” is a small, agile herding dog resembling a miniature Rough Collie. Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, Shelties are excellent family pets. They have a beautiful, flowing coat and a gentle expression. Eager to please and highly trainable, they excel in obedience and agility.

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18. Papillon

The Papillon is a small, elegant toy breed named for its distinctive butterfly-like ears. Known for their intelligence and friendly disposition, Papillons are lively and affectionate companions. They boast a fine, silky coat and a plumed tail that curves over their back. This breed excels in agility and enjoys mental stimulation.

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17. Havanese

The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog breed with a long, silky coat and a cheerful demeanor. Originating from Cuba, they are the national dog of the country. Havanese are known for their affectionate nature and adaptability, thriving in various living situations. They make devoted companions and are good with children.

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16. Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier, affectionately known as the “American Gentleman,” is a compact, muscular breed with a tuxedo-like coat pattern. These dogs are characterized by their friendly, sociable nature and a distinctive square head with large, round eyes. Boston Terriers are intelligent, affectionate, and make excellent, adaptable companions for various lifestyles.

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15. Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized breed known for its long, luxurious ears and silky coat. Originating as a hunting dog, Cockers are now cherished family companions, displaying a sweet, gentle disposition. They are sociable, eager to please, and enjoy being active with their families, requiring regular exercise and grooming.

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14. Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle is the smallest variety of the Poodle breed, known for its intelligence, elegance, and hypoallergenic curly coat. These diminutive dogs are active, alert, and trainable, excelling in a variety of dog sports. Toy Poodles form strong bonds with their owners, making them excellent companions for those who appreciate a lively, affectionate pet.

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13. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge personality, known for its apple-shaped head and expressive eyes. This breed is fiercely loyal and forms strong bonds with its owners, often showing a preference for one person. Chihuahuas are confident, spirited, and adaptable, making them ideal urban pets and companions.

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12. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, robust breed with a distinctive beard and eyebrows, and a wiry coat. Originally bred for farm work and hunting vermin, these dogs are alert, spirited, and friendly. Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and trainable, making them excellent family pets who thrive on human companionship and regular activity.

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11. Maltese

The Maltese is a toy breed esteemed for its long, flowing white coat and gentle, affectionate nature. This ancient breed is graceful and charming, thriving on companionship and affection. Maltese dogs are playful and intelligent, responding well to training. They make excellent lap dogs and are well-suited to apartment living.

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10. Dachshund

The Dachshund, affectionately known as the “wiener dog,” is characterized by its long body and short legs. This breed is lively and curious, with a bold and tenacious temperament. Originally bred for hunting, Dachshunds are courageous and clever. They make devoted companions and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

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9. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie,” is a small, confident toy breed with a silky blue and tan coat. Originally bred for catching rats, Yorkies have become beloved companions, known for their bold and affectionate nature. They are adaptable, suitable for apartment living, and make vigilant watchdogs despite their diminutive size.

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8. Beagle

The Beagle is a small to medium-sized hound known for its incredible sense of smell and tracking instinct. This breed is friendly, curious, and has a distinctive bay. With their tri-colored coat and gentle expression, Beagles make excellent family pets. They are energetic and require regular exercise to stay content.

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7. Pug

The Pug is a small, charming breed with a wrinkled face, prominent eyes, and a curled tail. Known for their playful and loving nature, Pugs are sociable, even-tempered, and enjoy being the center of attention. They adapt well to various living environments and are devoted companions, often following their owners around.

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6. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, small breed known for its white, fluffy coat and playful demeanor. These dogs are affectionate, gentle, and thrive on human company. Bichons are hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. They require regular grooming and enjoy engaging in activities that stimulate their minds.

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5. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a toy breed renowned for its luxurious coat, friendly disposition, and distinctive underbite. Originating from China, these dogs were royal companions. Shih Tzus are affectionate, outgoing, and adapt well to various lifestyles, making them popular pets. They require regular grooming and enjoy being pampered by their owners.

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4. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, intelligent herding breed known for its short stature, foxy face, and perky ears. Pembrokes are active, affectionate, and have a strong instinct to herd. Their double coat comes in various colors and patterns. These dogs are loyal companions and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

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3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a graceful, small dog with expressive, large eyes and a silky coat. This breed is renowned for its friendly, affectionate nature and is often referred to as the ultimate lap dog. Cavaliers are adaptable, sociable, and enjoy both relaxing with their owners and participating in light exercise.

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2. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog, with its distinctive bat-like ears and compact, muscular body, is a playful and affectionate breed. Known for their even-tempered nature, Frenchies are adaptable, thrive on human contact, and make excellent companions. They require minimal exercise and are well-suited for apartment living, although they can be prone to overheating.

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1. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a tiny, vivacious breed with a plush, puffy coat that resembles a little lion. Known for their spirited and inquisitive nature, Pomeranians are alert and intelligent. Despite their small size, they have a bold personality and can be quite vocal. They make charming companions and require regular grooming.