Adorable Dog Breeds That Always Look Like Puppies

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.

Temperament: Playful, Curious, Peppy

Height: 9.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-15 years

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.”

Temperament: Friendly, Bright, Amusing

Height: 15-17 inches

Weight: 12-25 pounds

Life Expectancy: 11-13 years

Their adorable whiskers make the Brussels Griffons look like a grumpy old man and earned it the nickname “bearded dog.” These Toy group dogs are known for being loyal and attentive.

Also known as Griffs, these sweet pups only grow to be 7 to 10 inches tall and 10 pounds at their heaviest. Their larger-than-life personalities make up for their small size, though, and the AKC calls them “comically self-important.” “The Griff’s body is thickset and sturdy, and he moves with the purposeful trot of a fellow who knows what he wants,” the AKC adds.

Temperament: Loyal, Alert, Curious

Height: 7-10 inches

Weight: 8-10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

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.”

Temperament: Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny

Height: 8.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 7-13 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

The Lhasa Apso’s history goes back a thousand years to palaces and monasteries in the Himalayas and is 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.

Temperament: Confident, Smart, Comical

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

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

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.

Temperament: Friendly, Smart, Obedient

Height: 12-14 inches

Weight: 11-20 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

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.

Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner

Height: 6-9 inches

Weight: Up to 14 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

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 the patient, consistent lessons that are kept upbeat and interesting,” according to the AKC.

Temperament: Loyal, Happy, Entertaining

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

Weight: 15-20 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

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.

Temperament: Playful, Sensitive, Alert

Height: 13-15 inches

Weight: 7-14 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-15 years

The “King of Toys” is the 8- to 10-pound Miniature Pinscher. Known for their compact physiques and lustrous coats, the Miniature Pinscher only grows to weigh 10 pounds.

Min Pins are excellent watchdogs, as they are intelligent and fearless. They are also great companions because they love fun. They can be immensely proud, though, so training is recommended.

Temperament: Fearless, Fun-Loving, Proud

Height: 10-12.5 inches

Weight: 8-10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

If you grew up watching PBS as a kid, you may remember the famous Jack Russell Terrier named Wishbone, who went on adventures with his human friends. Wishbone remained ageless throughout his life.

Bred to hunt foxes, Jacks are brilliant and lively. Due to their healthy independence, though, they can be tough to train, so humans new to cohabiting with dogs wouldn’t be an ideal fit. They are known for their high energy and need regular exercise.

Temperament: Alert, Inquisitive, Lively

Height: 10-12 inches

Weight: 9-15 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

The Lancashire Heeler dates back to the 17th century, but its exact history is unknown. Nowadays, the little pup is popular in the United States, Australia, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The Lancashire Heeler also goes by the name Ormskirk Terrier. This ageless pup is rare, and only 5,000 are known to be alive worldwide.

They are known to be affectionate and intelligent, according to the AKC. The organization also notes that Lancashire Heelers are alert, versatile, and always happy. “Heelers have been known to draw back their lips in an effort that emulates a human smile,” the AKC says.

Temperament: Affectionate, Versatile, Intelligent

Height: 10-12 inches

Weight: 9-17 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

The German Spitz is a perfect addition to any home. This adorable pup is known for being lively, intelligent, and devoted to its humans. Their lack of interest in hunting makes the German Spitz a perfect watchdog.

These dogs are incredibly eager to please their humans, which makes them easy to train, but they’re not terribly outgoing with strangers.

Temperament: Devoted, Lively, Attentive

Height: 12-15 inches

Weight: 24-26 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

OK, we know, Golden Retrievers grow to be quite large, but their childlike glee makes them act just like big puppies. They are famous for their devotion and eager-to-please behavior.

“They take a joyous and playful approach to life and maintain this puppyish behavior into adulthood,” the AKC says.

Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted

Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (male)

Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

While not technically a standard breed, this mix of a Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel is beloved by many. They are great for families, active couples, and new dog owners and are known for being friendly, social, enthusiastic, and eager to please.

“Some people believe this dog breed ages backward because there is no single identification factor on the age of a Golden Cocker Retriever,” Scott says. “Their eyes remain as bright and innocent, their ears cute and droopy, and their size as small and compact as in their puppy days.

Another mixed breed, the Pomsky is rare but gaining in popularity thanks to social media. They grow to be 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh 20 to 30 pounds. “There are many Pomeranian-Husky mixes that look like small fluffy Huskies,” Wardini says. “Well-bred dogs will have the coloring of Huskies with the fluffy fur of Pomeranians.”

While their small size makes them perfect for apartments and condos, it is worth noting that the Pomsky will need exercise daily. Some have more energy than others, but humans should expect to schedule at least an hour of exercise a day for these cute dogs.