They say that a dog is a man’s best friend. This is because they were among the first animals to be domesticated. Loved as much for their company and cuteness as they are for their loyalty and protection, dogs of all breeds have a special place in our hearts. However, have you ever wondered which are the most beautiful dog breeds? While every dog is unique in its own way, the very attractive breeds that are sure head-turners will get everyone oohing and awwing over them. And besides natural attractiveness, those are dog breeds with a great temperament, are friendly, and click well with family members and other pets. Let’s look at 17 of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world. Be warned, however, that you may find yourself overcome with the urge to go out and get yourself a few puppies by the time we’re through.
17 Most Beautiful Dog Breeds
Agreed. Beauty can be subjective and our choices may have left out a breed that’s your favorite. We’ll be glad to hear all about it in the comment section. After all, every dog must have his day. Here are the 17 most beautiful dog breeds you’ll want to own in 2023.
17. Chow Chow
With a face closely akin to that of a lion, the chow chow is one of the most beautiful dog breeds you’d love to have as a pet. Powerfully built and compact, they are serene and pleasant to the eye. Chow chows originally hail from northern China. Their beautiful dense coat is either rough or smooth. The thick fur on the neck, somewhat mimicking the mane on a lion, clearly distinguishes the chow chow. Chow chows have a coat that comes in five colors – black, red, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Besides the immense beauty of this dog, it’s a powerful hunter and is a great defender. But these dogs are not recommended for newbies in the dog world. They crave attention and care and can be headstrong and independent. Of course, that means they need training while in the puppy stage. But, if well trained, they make such excellent company in the home. Additionally, chow chows click well with other pets. Apart from the macho lion-like look and stunning coloration, their extremely straight rear legs make them unique. They can grow to 17 inches and weigh up to 70 lbs.
16. Miniature Schnauzer
You can quickly pick out this small cute canine from a large group of canines based on its signature whiskers and beautiful coat. Originally from Germany, it’s a treasured breed throughout the United States and Europe. But just what makes the miniature schnauzer earn a place in the club of the most beautiful dog breeds? The abundant fur on its legs, shaggy beard, and bushy eyebrows. Moreover, this dog breed is exceedingly affectionate. Miniature Schnauzers have a special double coat, with a hard coat on the outside, and a soft undercoat. The coat comes in a spectrum of colors ranging from silver, white, black, and salt and pepper. Miniature schnauzers are small-sized creatures growing to somewhere between 12 and 14 inches. Fully grown adults can weigh up to 15 lbs. They’re loyal, intelligent dogs that love to play. This breed is a perfect family pet that loves to stay indoors and is friendly to children. It’s intelligent and can quickly learn tricks with proper training. It’s also tolerant to other pets if well trained.
15. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are a staple fixture with firefighters who like to honor these dogs’ heroism in the past when they were used to guide horse-drawn fire carts. This dog’s iconic liver-spotted coat is eye-catching and makes it stand out as one of the most beautiful dog breeds. Dalmatians originally inhabited Dalmatia, a region in Croatia where they served as carriage dogs. They’re born spot-free with a pure white coat. The spots begin to appear about three months after birth. The delightful Dalmatians are quite agile and great hunters. They require at least two hours of exercise daily. If you want to keep one, be prepared to have some space and time for the dog to have its runs. If you love jogging, they can make a great running partner who’ll push you through the extra mile. :
14. Icelandic Sheep Dog
When the Vikings conquered much of Europe 1,000 years ago, they introduced the beautiful Icelandic sheepdog to Iceland. The dogs were watchdogs protecting their sheep and lambs. Icelandic Sheepdogs have a thick protective coat that cushions them against intensely cold weather. But it’s these coats that are staggeringly beautiful, and they deliver that elegance in a variety of colors – red, golden, black, and tan. The coats can be short or long, and the dogs shed twice annually. The dogs are of medium size, measuring up to 16 inches with a weight reaching 30 lbs. Besides being among the most beautiful dog breeds, they make great pets. That’s because they’re exceptionally friendly and social. Then, they’re smart, quickly learn tricks from their owners, and love to play.
13. Papillon
When you take a look at Papillons, you’ll be struck at how cute and innocent-looking these tiny canines are. It’s not difficult to see why they are considered one of the most beautiful dog breeds. It’s hard not to smile when you look at a papillon. Their delicate eyes, ears that resemble a butterfly, and an elegant silky coat decorate them. In addition, they come in various color combinations that make them even more beautiful. Don’t be fooled by how cute and adorable they look. Papillons are no lapdogs! They’re remarkably agile and effortless to train. They quickly learn tricks and are fun to be with. If you’re looking for a dog for professional games. Papillions would be a perfect choice.
12. Doberman pinscher
The doberman pinscher originated in Germany. At first, they can look a bit intimidating, but they’re graceful, sleek, and remarkably charming. Their muscular disposition and unusual markings make them uniquely cute dogs. Their pointed ears add to their beauty. But you can easily misjudge them by their powerful look. They’re surprisingly big lap dogs that are affectionate. They’d climb up to the owner for some cuddling on the couch. But, they’re also the sensitive type that can be cowed to submission by a stern command from the owner. Dobermans are perfect guard dogs for your home owing to their size and dominant posture. A big dog that’s loyal and earns a spot on the list of the most beautiful dog breeds.
11. Bernese Mountain Dog
Originally from Switzerland, the Bernese mountain dog is a sizeable pretty dog breed. They can weigh up to 110 lbs and grow up to a length of 28 inches. There are four varieties of Swiss mountain dogs and the Bernese is the most charming in the pack possessing long hair. Its signature tricolor coat makes it easily distinguishable. In addition, they have a black chest marked with an unmistakable white cross. The conspicuously colored coat is thick, keeping the dog warm in extreme weather. A bushy tail with eyes, mouth, and front legs speckled with rusty markings. Cute triangular ears complete its profile. The Bernese mountain dog is a workhorse that’s pulled carts and worked as a watchdog in Switzerland farmlands for years. Apart from being outstandingly gorgeous, they have a welcoming temperament. They are exceedingly protective and loyal. They make excellent pets as they’re tender with other pets and children. They’re also fairly smart and capable of learning new tricks from the owner with ease. Train them early on in puppy-hood.
10. Shiba Inu
You could mistake the Shiba Inu for a fox, except they’re cuter with a more rounded head and tiny ears. The Shibu Inu’s original country is Japan. This dog breed was introduced into the United States just about 60 years ago. The Shiba Inus are naturally curious and love people. So it’s not a surprise that they’re a leading dog breed in Japanese homes and recognized as a natural Japanese monument. Shiba Inus look cozy, and they enjoy petting and cuddling. It helps that they’re pretty adorable dogs. They come in red, tan, black, and cream coat colors. They require little grooming, but they’re heavy shedders.
9. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan malamute drapes a thick, vibrantly colored coat that gives it the look of a wolf. It’s a large, sturdy dog and one of the oldest dog breeds. Initially, Alaskans used these giant muscular dogs for weight-pulling. Today, they’re becoming a popular family pet thanks to their beauty and fondness for people. Alaskan malamutes wear various color shades ranging from sable, black and white, gray and white, to red and white. They also have pretty faces and necks splattered with imposing markings. Due to their friendly nature, they make miserable watchdogs. They can weigh up to 85 lbs while reaching a height of 25 inches. With proper training, they make an excellent family pet. They’re good with children and other family pets. However, since they’re very powerful, they could run over small kids. Children over five years are fine.
8. Labrador retriever
There’s a reason the American Kennel Club has voted the lab as America’s favorite dog for 30 years in a row. The lab seems to be a favorite choice for many families. It’s the dog breed with all the hallmarks of the perfect pet. Its beautiful coat and physique earn it a place among the most beautiful dog breeds. They come in black, chocolate, or yellow. Fine picture-perfect dogs. Furthermore, they’re good with kids and love to play. But beware, they can be dangerous if you keep chickens. Nonetheless, they can be trained.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A Cavalier King Charles spaniel’s silken radiant coat and glorious eyes, coupled with its good nature, make it an excellent pet. The dog’s enthusiasm and beauty are commensurate with its royal heritage. They’ve been royal pets from the days of Charles I to Princess Margaret. You can see portraits of previous canine generations from the Tudor times. Whichever way you look at a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, it’s effortlessly stunning. They love to bond with people and they find a favorite place on the sofa.
6. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter, as the name suggests, is originally from Ireland. Its beauty lies in the elegant build and the flowing silky mahogany coat that makes it easily recognizable. The hyperactive bird dog’s glossy coat ranges from rich red to strawberry blonde and mahogany. The dogs are fantastic pets as they’re friendly and easy to train. But they’re so active and will keep you on your feet. If you don’t give them the attention they deserve, they can destroy your stuff. Keep them busy with exercises. Better still, go with them out there on jogging trails or in the park so that they expend their energy.
5. Akita Inu
Akita Inu is originally from Japan. It was the first of the six indigenous dog breeds to be named a Japanese Natural Monument by the state. It’s one of the most beautiful dog breeds with a muscular stature and a striking physique that radiates energy. The super-dense yet delicate fluffy coats give the dog a softer look that balances out its imposing figure. Historically, the Akitas were great hunters and watchdogs, but they’re primarily pets today for their attractive look. They’re protective and wary of intruders. Akitas in the world today are either Japanese or American. The Japanese variety comes in five distinct color variations – brownish, spotlessly white, fawn, sesame, and scarlet. The American variety comes in a wider spectrum of colors encompassing all common dog colors. Akitas have an irresistible coat for those who love to give their dog a petting treat. On the flipside, Akitas shed heavily and are droolers too. That’s a heads-up if you’re allergic to animal fur. Additionally, they aren’t the most accommodative breed for kids. However, early exposure improves their tolerance toward children. Akitas are massive dogs that can weigh up to 110 lbs (or more) and can grow to a height of 25 inches.
4. Beagle
The Beagle wears a disarming look that seems to beseech for sympathy. It’s a mid-sized dog that’s the favorite among the hound group of dogs, best known for their hunting skills. It’s loved for its beauty, intelligence, curiosity, and adorable nature. It can weigh up to 24 lbs with a height of about 15 inches. The head is wide with enormous eyes and low-set ears. Mostly, beagles will be in tricolor, consisting of a mix of brown, eclipsing white, and black. But sometimes, they can come in pale yellow, red, and white. Beagles make fabulous pets as they’re extremely friendly and social. They get along well with kids and forge formidable bonds with family members. Beagles interact freely with other dogs as long as they’re properly guided. However, the natural predatory instincts of the Beagle can easily kick in when they come across smaller pets.
3. Golden Retriever
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 goldens (and you should), be prepared to comb them daily to maintain their beautiful coat. An adult golden retriever stands at 24 inches and can weigh up to 75 lbs. Due to their docile nature, golden retrievers aren’t ideal as guard dogs.
2. Siberian Husky
Their piercing almond-shaped, ice-blue eyes are simply adorable. Clad in a coat thicker than most breeds, the Siberian husky resembles a wolf in more ways than one. The Siberian husky has a thick coat in a broad spectrum of colors. The unique markings on their face complement an otherwise sleek-looking dog. No wonder they’re on the list of the most beautiful dog breeds. This stunner dog is loyal, intelligent, friendly, and outgoing … just about everything you’ll need for a pet. Right? But because of their friendly nature, the Siberian husky doesn’t perform well as a guard dog. A mature Siberian husky can reach a height of 24 inches and weigh up to 60 lbs. Train them well, give them good exercise daily, and you’ll have an excellent companion for an active life outdoors. You’ll find them great with kids too.
1. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are ridiculously cute. Arguably, the most beautiful dog breed in a field crowded with worthy contenders. They’re small-sized dogs hardly weighing over 7 lbs. Poms are easy to train and quickly learn new tricks. Because of their small size, they make very good apartment dogs. They’ve got a double coat and come in numerous colors, about two dozen actually. The common colors are chocolate, orange, crimson, sable, lavender, cream, mottled, and merle. Poms love the indoors and are loyal and active. They get on well with children and other small pets in the home. They quickly bark at anything that looks strange. And they can bark really loudly. Even though they’re heavy shedders, they’re easy to maintain compared to other dogs with similar coats. A weekly brush will keep the hair in good condition.
Final Thoughts on the Most Beautiful Dogs
Whether it’s an exceptionally stunning physique, endearing personality, or vibrant coat colors, there are dog breeds that simply stand out. Most of you will certainly agree that these are the most beautiful dog breeds. There were several other dog breeds that almost made it, such as the Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire terrier. Each are gorgeous dogs and wonderful breeds. Did we include your favorite dog on this list? Let us know in our comments section below and state your case for why we should have included it.
