Who doesn’t love a furry friend who not only steals your heart but will also become the star of your Instagram feed? The best-looking dogs are basically the supermodels of the canine kingdom, and they sure know how to work it. With one of these pooches, it will be even harder to resist showering them with affection at every moment.
It’s no secret that our dogs are like our children. They are so important to us. In fact, a recent study shows that six in 10 people would rather snuggle with their dog than their partner. They are called “man’s best friend” for a reason.
Speaking of “man’s best friend,” seven in 10 people really do consider their dogs their best friends, new research reveals. So, if you are looking for a new furry friend in your life, the list below is chock-full of some breeds that not only make great pets but are cute as a button, too!
Have you ever wondered which dogs are lauded for their good looks? StudyFinds pulled from 10 expert reviews to reveal the best-looking dogs that were mentioned most. Which breed gets your vote? Share with us in the comments below!
The List: Best-Looking Dogs, According to Experts
1. Samoyed
The number one expert recommendation for the best-looking dog is the Samoyed. “Their gorgeous white coats and constantly ‘smiling’ faces make it easy to see why the Samoyed is a beautiful dog. They were developed in frigid Siberia as sled dogs, and the upturned mouth of the Samoyed keeps them from drooling because the liquid would’ve quickly frozen in their Arctic homeland. Samoyeds love attention and can be a bit mischievous. Their playful, energetic nature makes them a nice family pet, but they can be a bit stubborn, like many sled dog breeds,” writes Hepper.
These pups are the perfect companions for a brighter day. “Few dogs have a prettier coat than the Samoyed. Long, dense, and fluffy, these gorgeous white coats helped the breed’s ancestors stay warm in their Siberian homeland. But, this makes the breed somewhat poorly suited for places with hot summers, and they need regular grooming. However, those who live in cool climates and are willing to pay for regular trips to the groomer will surely find Samoyeds to be wonderful and loving companions. They must be kept busy, as these dogs were bred to work, but they are very affectionate with their families and typically get along with everyone they meet,” says K9ofmine.
Curious about the secrets behind the Samoyed’s snow-white charisma? “Samoyeds aren’t too large in body size. It’s disguise because all their fur can make them look bigger than they really are. Originating in Siberia, these dogs were bred to be herding dogs. They are known for their fluffiness and majestic look. With a thick, white coat, you can’t miss the beauty of the Samoyed dog breed,” shares Top Dog Tips.
2. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is also known for its stunning looks. “You will often see the dogs in this breed working, whether on the police force, on the fire team, or as a guard dog. These aloof canines are not easily distracted. German Shepherd Dogs are energetic and love playtime, but they are also calm and restrained. German Shepherds know there is a time and place for everything,” shares Top Dog Tips.
These dogs have a natural flair for leaving everyone starry-eyed. “German Shepherds are the world’s leading police, guard, and military dog. However, contrary to their appearance, they are not hostile. Instead, they are confident, self-assured, and ever-so-slightly aloof. These fearless dogs are very affectionate toward those they consider family members but may not seem personable to strangers because they are unlikely to make the first move. However, when approached by a stranger they find acceptable, they will respond with affection. The temperament of a German Shepherd is one of quiet confidence and maturity. They are very loyal, forming strong bonds with family members. They have been known to defend owners against large animals such as bears. However, be sure to socialize your German so that it does not become overprotective of family members. German Shepherds were bred for their intelligence,” says Pet Helpful.
Which breed brings the “wow” factor to the dog park? “As one of Hollywood’s favorites, the German shepherd has probably graced the big (and small) screen more often than any other breed. Their intelligence and work ethic certainly make them well-suited for this type of work, but the real reason they are so popular is quite simple: They’re gorgeous. German shepherds have a gentle, loving facial expression that contrasts nicely with their wolf-like coat and build. They come in a variety of colors, ranging from all-white to all-black and everything in between. Unfortunately, this beautiful coat sheds profusely, so you’ll want to take them out and give them a vigorous brushing once a week or so,” writes K9ofMine.
3. Golden Retriever
With their luscious blonde locks, the Golden Retriever is next on the list. “The Golden Retriever was first bred in Scotland as a hunting companion but is now one of the most popular family dogs in the world. With flowing coats in shades of gold and red, these dogs are as beautiful as they are friendly. Their feathered tails seem constantly wagging, which only adds to their appeal. Golden Retrievers make friends with people and pets alike and are easily trained. They can serve as guide dogs, in search and rescue, and as therapy dogs and companion pets. It’s vital to research breeders carefully if you’re considering a Golden Retriever since their popularity has unfortunately led to poor breeding practices and unhealthy dogs,” writes Hepper.
Explore the fabulous realm of dogs that are simply irresistible. “Golden retrievers are the ultimate family dog you’ll want to have. They’re charming, strong, heavily built, and yet gentle. Their sleek bodies are covered in dense, flawless blonde coats. That, coupled with a friendly face, makes it one of the most beautiful dog breeds. Just as their name suggests, their water-resistant coats come in several hints of golden undertones. Goldens don’t just boast elegance without brains. They’re intelligent dogs, and that’s why they’re ideal for rescue operations. They quickly learn new tricks and love to accomplish tasks from their owners. In a nutshell, they’re great all-rounders; intelligent, agile, loyal, and friendly. They need training at an early age. If you intend to have goldened (and you should), be prepared to comb them daily to maintain their beautiful coat,” shares The Coolist.
Is the Golden Retriever the ultimate “smile and wag” expert? “The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They were bred to retrieve birds undamaged. This led to the development of a soft mouth, which basically means that the dog doesn’t bite down hard. They also have an instinctive love of water – a requirement for the work they were bred for. This breed is most suited for suburban or country living, as they require quite a bit of exercise. They are quite intelligent and train easily, making them suitable dogs for first-time owners. The typical Golden Retriever is calm and very eager to please. They will do practically anything you say and respond readily to commands. These dogs are quite healthy and typically live up to 15 years. However, they are susceptible to certain problems, including cancer and hip dysplasia,” says Pet Keen.
4. Australian Shepherd
The number four expert recommendation for the best-looking dogs is the Australian Shepherd. “The Australian Shepherd was developed in California – not Australia. This herding dog was originally used throughout the western United States but has become one of the most popular companion dogs. This canine is typically known for being intelligent and active. They require a lot of exercise. They are not suitable for families that are not active. We wouldn’t recommend them for first-time owners, as they require quite a bit of training and activity. They can become destructive if they do not have enough exercise or mental stimulation—plan on spending plenty of time with this dog,” says Pet Keen.
These dogs redefine what it means to be pawsitively gorgeous. “The multicolored and fluffy coats of Australian shepherds grant them instant access to the beautiful dog club, and they often have striking eyes to boot. Their coats shed heavily and do require a fair amount of maintenance, but they don’t require quite as much as some of the other long-haired breeds. Be sure you’re ready for a high-energy dog if you select an Aussie shepherd – these little guys and gals can run for days, and they won’t be happy with couch-potato parents. Left to their own devices, these dogs can be a bit destructive,” writes K9ofMine.
Who’s the breed that herds hearts and steals the show with style? “This striking dog has longer fur, that shines and flies in the wind, making for a picture-perfect pup! The Australian Shepherd is the sweetest of breeds, and their medium compact size will suit most families. Good with children, these pups will steal the limelight at the dog park, and matched with their friendly attitude, they will most likely charm the on-lookers as well,” shares Wag Walking.
5. Pomeranian
The number five expert recommendation for the best-looking dogs is Pomeranian. “If a small beauty is what you want, the Pomeranian might be the pawtastic pup for you! Portable and playful, these pups have a thick dense coat in a beautiful mix of colors that will make others take a second look! Brushing is a must, but this smart little pup is otherwise easy to groom. They love their families, but strangers won’t feel welcomed,” shares Wag Walking.
Embrace the charm and elegance of this loving breed. “Go ahead, look at a Pomeranian and try not to smile – I’ll bet you can’t do it. Pomeranians are obviously very pretty dogs who have very dense and attractive coats (which require surprisingly little maintenance compared to some other long-coated breeds), but they also have plenty of personality, which makes them even more endearing. In fact, Pomeranians are rather intelligent dogs who are easier to train than most other tiny breeds. They aren’t especially friendly with strangers, and you’ll want to watch them closely around kids, but they are quite loving with their families,” writes K9ofMine.
Who’s leading the pack in the quest for ultimate doggy cuteness? “Poms are alert and curious and make great pets for kids. These brave pups make great watchdogs. They will not hesitate to stand their ground. Fluffy and cute, Pomeranians come in various colors, so you can choose your favorite. These dogs are hard to housebreak, so you may need puppy pee pads,” says Top Dog Tips.
6. Poodle
The number six expert recommendation for the best-looking dogs is the Poodle. “Personally, I think of poodles as ‘cute’ more than ‘beautiful,’ but that’s simply another example of the subjective nature of aesthetic beauty. Poodles have some of the most fabulous coats in the entire canine world, and they can be coiffed in any of several different ways. Poodles do require a good bit of grooming, but the final results are usually worth the effort. Despite their comical appearance, poodles are actually very intelligent dogs. They can be used for agility trials, nose work (they’re often used to seek out truffles hidden on the forest floor), or anything involving water, as they love to swim. They’re also fantastic therapy dogs, and standard poodles are occasionally used as guard dogs,” writes K9ofMine.
These dogs prove that true beauty is more than skin deep. “Poodles are the stereotypical pretty dog. Their curly fur and unique appearance make them very popular. However, they are a working dog and require quite a bit of exercise. They can be extremely active and require hours of exercise each day. They love water, as they were bred to be water retrieval dogs. They are an extremely intelligent breed. This makes them easy to train. However, they also need a fair amount of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Otherwise, they will get bored and can often become a bit destructive. They are a bit reserved with strangers and aren’t quite as friendly as other dogs. They are not typically aggressive, though. The Standard Poodle is very good with children. Their large size prevents them from getting hurt at the mishandling of young children. However, they are very gentle and love to romp around,” says Pet Keen.
Have you ever wondered why Poodles are known for their elegant appearance? “Poodle dogs have long been a fan favorite at the dog shows because of their exquisite movement and coats that are flawlessly groomed. Their small, medium and large sizes make for quite a choice among pet owners, and their friendliness is top-notch. Wash, rinse and fluff are what these beauties need. Almost non-shedders, these pawtastically-pretty pups are perfect for allergy sufferers,” shares Wag Walking.
7. Chow Chow
Finally, number seven on the list of expert recommendation for the best-looking dogs is the Chow Chow. “The Chow Chow is a unique beauty of thick, dark fur that surrounds them and shields their skin from harm. Black bodies and a black/purple tongue make this pup one to watch. They are strong-willed and prefer to do their own thing, but their loving attitude makes them a great family protector. Exercise is appreciated, and a daily brush is mandatory,” shares Wag Walking.
Meet the photogenic pups that are taking the internet by storm. “A chow with a full, well-kept coat is a sight to behold. They have a lion-like appearance, as the long fur around their heads and shoulders resembles a mane. And while chows may not have faces you’d call classically beautiful, their perma-squint is pretty darn cute. Chows are a bit aloof, and unfortunately, they aren’t exactly ‘cuddly.’ They keep to themselves more than many other breeds, and they won’t hesitate to wander off and explore the world. But, while these traits may not be ideal for all owners, chows are great pets for those who spend lots of time away from the home,” writes K9ofMine.
Is the Chow Chow your go-to breed for canine charisma? “Dogs in this breed look regal, like a lion. These fur babies are not energetic and do not need a lot of exercise. Chows do well with alone time as they are independent and self-willed. This also makes them hard to train. If you own one of these, you will need to use strong, ‘pack-leader’ training. Keep in mind that this breed will also need a significant amount of grooming,” says Top Dog Tips.
Is your dog cuter than the ones mentioned above? If so, leave their name in the comments!
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Sources:
- Pet Helpful
- Hepper
- The Coolist
- Pet Keen
- Wag Walking
- K9ofMine
- Top Dog Tips
- Best Life Online
- Good HouseKeeping
- A-Z Animals
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
My vote is for the Samayoed. I had three. Wonderful. Someone managed to send me a photo of 5 of these pups. How the photographer managed to get these pups lined up and all smiling. The phrase on the photo said “nothing says love like a smile.”