35 Most Beautiful Dog Breeds in the World

As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

In a world full of canines, many dog lovers consider the ones on this list the most beautiful dog breeds.

But remember that appearance isn't everything. You can't choose your new forever friend solely based on looks.

Be sure to research a breed's history, common personality traits, and any health issues they may be predisposed to.

Before adopting a certain breed, you must know what you're getting into for the long haul.

RELATED: Adopting A Dog That Fits Your Lifestyle

 

Common Characteristics of Beautiful Dog Breeds

But first things first: How do we classify these beautiful breeds?

Well, these dogs have a few common characteristics, sure.

They don't just look magnificent, but they are also affectionate, loyal, and smart.

Magnificent Coats

When it comes to beautiful dogs, one thing you can't miss is their excellent soft coats. People find this trait attractive.

Their luxurious coats are head-turners, so expect compliments from other pet owners at the dog park.

Unique Color and Pattern

Every dog has different lengths, textures, patterns, and coat colors. And yes, they help them stand out from other dogs.

Beautiful dog breeds have unique colors and patterns that capture people's eyes.

Elegant Body Lines

Similarly to us humans, we love a great body line. But always keep in mind that this can all just be subjective.

Some people like muscular dogs, while others don't. Some pet owners like the aerodynamic build of greyhounds and whippets, which makes them fast.

Loving Eyes

The eyes, Chico, they never lie. 

The same goes for our furry best friends. Beautiful dogs have mesmerizing eyes—and these eyes are full of love!

But then again, these are all preferences. Some pet owners love grey or blue eyes because they describe them as captivating.

On the other hand, some people tend to like brownish or yellowish colors.

35 Most Beautiful Dog Breeds in the World (from large to small breeds)

1. Doberman Pinscher

This famous dog breed is sleek and shiny and well-known worldwide. Brave and loyal, Doberman Pinschers are very graceful and well-placed.

Energetic and playful, the Doberman needs to be exercised regularly to prevent aggression and destructiveness.

These pups make great guard dogs.

2. German Shepherd

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 Shepherds are energetic and love playtime, but they are also calm and restrained.

German Shepherds know there is a time and place for everything.

3. Chow Chow

Dogs of this breed look regal, like a lion. These fur babies are not energetic and do not need a lot of exercise.

Chow Chows do well with alone time as they are independent and self-willed.

This also makes them hard to train. You must use strong “pack-leader” training if you own one of these.

Remember that this breed will also need a significant amount of grooming.

4. Akita Inu

These pups prefer to be the top dog, so they need a strong trainer to convince them they are the “beta.”

The Akita Inu does not get along well with other animals.

While one of the most beautiful dog breeds, they are known to be aggressive without proper training.

If you have kids in the house, they need to be taught not to approach a pooch at feeding time.

5. Alaskan Malamute

A breed that prefers colder temperatures, the Alaskan Malamute is friendly and playful when you know how to handle and care for these dogs.

These personable dogs “talk.”

They will serenade you with “woo-woos” and “rouw-rouws”.

Malamutes love to climb and jump, so you need a tall, sturdy fence for these fur babies. But you also need to be an experienced handler.

6. Rhodesian Ridgeback

An African breed, these dogs are strong and tough. This powerful breed will need training. The Ridgeback is friendly and playful and can easily hurt someone in the heat of the moment.

Pooches in this category are muscular and well-built. They have a distinctive line (ridge) of hair on their spine.

7. Great Dane

Great Danes are loving and loyal to their homes, kids, and other pets. These playful dogs will need to be taught manners while they are still small.

Once grown, the Great Dane can easily hurt kids and break things while just trying to play.

If you think horses are beautiful, you will also think these giants are among the most beautiful dog breeds.

8. Boxer 

While Boxers can look intimidating, they are one of the friendliest breeds around. Muscular and sleek, they make great watchdogs, as their appearance alone is a deterrent to would-be criminals.

These short hair dogs are easy to maintain but shed a lot.

Boxers are also very active dogs and require lots of exercise. Their excess energy could come out in naughty behaviors without an appropriate outlet.

9. Kuvasz

When it comes to the Kuvasz, you must be a strong, experienced trainer to own this dog successfully. Since this is a list of the most beautiful dog breeds, they are very appealing to the eye.

These calm, laid-back dogs need a relaxed, laid-back household.

They do not do well around kids and other pets. Simply put, it's best if your Kusasz is the only pet in the household.

RELATED: 20 Most Expensive Dog Breeds from Around the World

10. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are active and outdoorsy. They love to run, play, get wet, and do tricks. Friendly and cheerful, they are great with kids and other animals.

Their often crystal-clear blue eyes are one of the unique features that make them one of the most beautiful dog breeds. These canines can even have two different-colored eyes.

11. Samoyed

Samoyeds aren’t too large in body size. It's only their fur that makes 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.

12. Shiba Inu

A mid-size dog, the Shiba Inu originated in Japan. Not only do these beautiful dogs look good, but they are also very healthy. These fur babies are neat and dainty and will clean themselves like cats.

Known to be aggressive, these pups do not like kids or other animals.

They may be one of the most beautiful dog breeds, but they certainly are not one of the friendliest.

RELATED: TOP #69: How to Handle Aggressive Dogs

13. Beagle

This breed has found its way into the hearts of many. They are lively and affectionate, making them entertaining companions.

Bred as hunting dogs, Beagles love to bark and howl and will need training to curb this desire.

While not beautiful in the traditional sense, they are definitely easy on the eyes.

14. Azawakh

These sleek canines are almost barkless. They also have a mild manner and calm demeanor. While they don’t like cats and rowdy kids, they are affectionate with their family members.

Although the Azawakh may seem aloof, it is very attached to its owners and does better as an indoor dog.

These dogs have a unique appearance, which is one of the main reasons they are on the list of the most beautiful dog breeds.

15. Siberian Husky

Pups in this breed are fluffy and prefer cooler temperatures. They are mischievous and entertaining, but they will need strict training.

With piercing eyes, Siberian Huskies make all the most beautiful dog breeds lists.

These outgoing and friendly dogs are best suited to an experienced dog owner.

16. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is in the class of working dogs. If you are active and want a dog that can teach all sorts of tricks and jobs, this is the one for you.

Canines in this group are intelligent and easy to train. Unfortunately, they aren't very friendly with strangers.

While they are one of the most beautiful dog breeds, the Belgian Malinois doesn't usually like children and would prefer to be in a calm, quiet home.

17. Pharaoh Hound

The breed that graces the walls of many Egyptian pyramids and temples, the Pharaoh Hound is regal and sleek. Independent and strong-willed, these dogs are harder to train than most.

An ancient desert breed, these good-looking pups do not do well in cold weather.

These dogs have a lot of energy and were traditionally used as rabbit-hunting dogs in the Maltese Islands.

18. Shetland Sheepdog

These healthy dogs have long hair and shed easily. However, to outweigh that, they are highly intelligent problem solvers.

Shetland Sheepdogs also bark little and are not known to want to break out of fences.

Combine those traits with a reputation of not chewing up everything, and this is a great all-around dog.

19. Whippet

Another “barkless” dog, the Whippet, is quiet to live around. These fast, agile dogs are friendly and sociable. However, they need a lot of exercise and do their best with an active, outdoor family.

These intelligent dogs are easy to train. They want nothing more than to be surrounded by happy people.

The Whippet is a good choice for active families.

20. Ibizan Hound

These streamlined, racing dogs are great with children. They also have short, easy-to-care-for coats that keep them healthy in hot weather.

If this is the dog for you, make sure you have a tall, sturdy fence to keep them from constantly running away.

Ibizan Hounds love to run and jump and can easily escape most enclosures.

21. Dalmatian

This is another ancient breed whose origins are spotty. They are believed to be ancient dogs of war. Dalmatians are independent and intelligent, so they are not as needy and clingy as other breeds.

Dalmatians are known as among the most beautiful dog breeds due to their whimsical, spotty coats.

If you get one, you must ensure it gets lots of exercise. Dalmatians fit in well in homes with active humans who enjoy outdoor adventures.

RECOMMENDED: 30 Most Quiet Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for Apartments

22. Bichon Frise

These little dogs are quiet and calm and do not fit the “hyper lapdog” stereotype. Bichon Frise dogs are sociable, curious, furry babies who make great companions.

You will never have to worry about your pet running away; they are clingy and prefer to stay close to their master.

Not only are they one of the most beautiful dog breeds, but the luxurious coat of the Bichon also does not shed.

23. Havanese

A Cuban lapdog, these little pups do the job well. The Havanese are affectionate, inquisitive, and entertaining.

Their no-shed, silky coat means this dog is pretty and hypoallergenic.

A true lapdog; you don’t even have to exercise these pups. Most Havanese are content to sit and be adored.

They make excellent pets for city dwellers living in small apartments and seniors looking for a small, affectionate friend.

24. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkie is brave and confident, and pups in this breed love to explore. These popular dogs have coats of silver and gold.

This is your more typically “yappy” small dog, but they can be trained to pipe down.

Affectionate and friendly, the Yorkshire Terrier does like to play. However, they don’t like things that are too loud and rowdy.

It's best if these dogs aren't in homes around young or rambunctious children.

25. Miniature Pinscher

These dogs have the look of the Doberman but not the size. The “Min-Pin” sheds very little and has a short, easy-to-groom coat. While friendly with its people, these pups do not like strangers.

Socialization training will be necessary if you plan to take Miniature Pinschers around strange people and places from puppyhood onwards.

These little dogs are low-maintenance and become very attached to their owners.

26. Maltese

Fluffy and white, these fur balls are a truly needy breed. They crave attention. Gentle and attentive, they also love to spoil their owners.

The Maltese are great for those who want to treat their dog like a child.

With bows in their hair and painted nails, these beautiful pups garner attention.

27. Pekingese

Like many toy breeds, the Pekingese loves attention and rarely likes being left alone. These “Lion Dogs” are cute and spunky.

Despite being one of the most beautiful dog breeds, the Pekingese makes a great watchdog.

They prefer the company of only a couple of masters and prefer calm, quiet homes.

28. Papillon

The Papillon is instantly recognizable because of its butterfly ears. This intelligent breed is easy to train, making them great for first-time and inexperienced dog owners.

These tiny pups are energetic and sturdy. They are ready for the more rough-and-tumble family.

Healthy and friendly, these “butterflies” have it all.

29. Pomeranian

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 that you can choose your favorite.

These dogs are hard to housebreak; you may need puppy pee pads.

30. Coton De Tulear

This easy-to-house-train breed is the Royal Dog of Madagascar. Most of the show dogs from this breed are white, but you can find them in other colors.

History states that the original Coton de Tulears were many different colors, but the most popular white ones were created by breeding with the Bichon Frise.

31. Japanese Chin

This is the poster dog for lap dogs. They have a cute, inquisitive expression. Many people agree with the traditional Japanese view that they are ascended beings and higher than other dogs.

These little pups are loving and sensitive and act more like cats than dogs.

Japanese Chins are one of the most beautiful dog breeds and a great fit for virtually any household.

32. Bolognese

The Bolognese is a great dog for allergy sufferers. They have long white coats that do not shed. This fur baby is calm and polite to everyone it meets.

This intelligent dog trains easily. The Bolognese learns to be quiet inside and rambunctious outside – just how it should be.

33. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These sturdy pups are one of the few toy breeds that can still go hiking and even hunting. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is said to be naturally obedient and easy to train.

A friendly dog, these handsome pups are ready to go out and meet the world – unless it is a furry little animal. These canines retain a strong prey instinct.

34. Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a very athletic dog. They need owners who are also athletic or have time to devote to satisfy this dog's exercise needs.

An excellent jumper, these pooches need high fences.

Like the larger Greyhounds, the Italian variation is sleek and slender.

35. Chinese Crested Hairless

This dog has enough hair to put in a bow if that is your wish, but the rest of its little body is hairless.

The hair they do have is long and shiny.

In fact, they look like they could grace the cover of a romance novel.

Chinese Crested dogs are also calm and quiet; however, they do have house-training difficulties.

 

FAQs Related to the Most Beautiful Dog Breeds

What's the rarest dog breed?

In this day and age, there are still plenty of dog breeds that you wouldn't recognize.

A few of the rarest dog breeds in the world are:

• Norwegian Lundehund
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Telomian
• Mudi
• Otterhound

We have listed more in this article.

What makes a dog beautiful?

You know what they say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and that's true with dogs.

With their soft fur, floppy ears, and big eyes, we can't resist their very appealing nature.

Beauty also comes from within. With their affection, clumsy, funny side, and wagging tails, we can't help but fall in love with these animals.

What is the best family dog?

The best family dogs are playful, affectionate, and protective.

If you're looking for a new pet, look at a few dog breeds, such as:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Beagles
• Irish Setters
• French Bulldogs, and more.

We have listed more in this article.

Most Beautiful Dog Breeds in the World: Before You Go…

That rounds up our subjective yet researched list of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world.

Do you agree or disagree?

Have you got any other dog breed to be nominated as one of the most beautiful dogs on the planet?

Share them with us in the comments section (and some photos, too!)

You can also check out more of our recommended articles below!

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• 20 Most Friendly Dog Breeds in the World

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