Dogs are undeniably beautiful animals, but while some hide their beauty on the inside, the most beautiful dog breeds in the world aren’t afraid to flaunt their good looks on the outside!
We love dogs for all manner of reasons, whether it’s their quirky personality, their fun-loving nature, or even their stubbornness. While some owners look for a cute character, other owners take no shame in the fact that they are searching for an aesthetically pleasing pup.
In this article, we take a look at what humans consider to be “beautiful” in terms of how a dog looks – we then list the most good-looking pups in the world for your inspiration!
What Makes a Dog Beautiful?
The idea of beauty is very subjective. While owners shouldn’t focus exclusively on the look of a dog, for many, the idea of a “beautiful” dog is appealing. But how do we define beauty?
One person’s idea of a beautiful dog might be a strong, wolf-like look, with piercing blue eyes. Some people might prefer curly haired dogs, while others go for the cutest puppies, even if they are round and tubby and covered in loose folds of skin!
While beauty is subjective to an extent, there are several distinct features that are traditionally used to define a dog as beautiful:
- Luscious, long coats
- Beautifully curled coats
- Unique colorings, markings, or color schemes
- Athletic, slender builds
- Piercing blue eyes
- Wolf-like looks
- Pudgy, yet cute body shapes
Our list below tries to show a range of beautiful dogs, from more conventional beauty to less conventional beauty. Remember, though, that many conventionally beautiful dogs require a lot of expert grooming to look the way you’ve seen them in magazines or on the television.
Dogs grow old, too. Your dog is for life, not just for when they are cute dogs as a puppy. To really love your pet pup, you need to appreciate their character and their personality, too!
Here are the most beautiful dog breeds in the world.
#1. Samoyeds
Samoyeds (or “Sammies”) are definitely one of the most beautiful large dog breeds in the world. Known for their endearing “Sammie Smiles,” dark facial features, and unbelievably white thick coats, this is one good-looking pup!
Standing up to 25 inches tall and weighing up to 50 pounds, these dogs are not prized as much for their looks as they are for their athletic ability. Behind that thick white fur is a powerful working dog that was bred to pull sleds and hunt game in the cold tundra of the Arctic.
Samoyeds are often purchased as tiny puppies, but owners need to be aware that while this is always going to be one of the cutest dog breeds, these pups don't stay small for long!
#2. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a breed of dog that literally looks like a wolf (and is often mistaken for a wolf when seen out in the country!). Siberian Huskies were bred from wild wolves in the cold climes of Siberia and retain many distinctly wolf-like features, such as pointy ears, blue eyes, thick winter coats, and primal hunting instincts.
Siberian Huskies are athletic, powerful, and highly regarded for their work ethic as much as for their piercing blue eyes. These dogs are still found pulling sleds through the snow but have also become prized companion dogs with a reputation for loyalty and intelligence.
#3. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the most beautiful dogs in the world, and perhaps that’s because this unique breed is also one of the most ancient. Afghan Hounds were bred thousands of years ago to hunt in the high altitude mountains of Central Asia, leaving them with a long, luscious coat and a slender yet powerful build.
While they were bred to hunt, Afghan Hounds have also become prized show dogs. Their sleek, long coats are often straightened to perfection, while their regal look and noble character ensure they always stand tall and proud on the podium.
#4. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a large, powerful working dog that’s beloved for its beautiful red coat and red floppy ears. Irish Setters can stand up to 27 inches tall and weigh 70 pounds, and as they were originally bred to be gundogs, they certainly have an athletic look and ability.
Irish Setters are proud dogs, and they have an almost noble air about them as they bound around the park. Equally, these dogs can be just as mischievous and curious when they want to be. Their coats need some brushing to be kept clean and pristine, but it’s well worth the grooming to raise such a beautiful yet friendly breed of dog.
#5. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a lively, energetic, and fun-loving dog that’s known for its aesthetic looks and charming character. The Shiba Inu originated in Japan, where it was originally bred to hunt down small game, like rabbits and birds.
Their coat is red-brown in color, and their pointy ears and fox-like facial features ensure that they are often mistaken for a real fox if seen out in the woods. Like all Japanese dogs, the Shiba Inu is famously loyal and intelligent but fairly stubborn to train!
#6. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are certainly one of the most beautiful small dog breeds in the world. Pomeranians stand just 7 inches tall and weigh no more than 7 pounds, but these little bundles of furry joy have some of the biggest characters in the dog world.
Pomeranians are often described as tiny lions, and not only because they have large, furry, golden manes that need regular clipping to keep tame. Pomeranians are also famously independent, and despite their small size and stature, they are ready to take on anyone or anything that gets in their way.
#7. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest known breeds of dogs in the world, having been bred many thousands of years ago to work in the cold conditions of the Arctic.
The Alaskan Malamute has changed little over the centuries too, and they are best known for their uncanny likeness to wild wolves. Alaskan Malamutes have beautifully thick coats, piercing eyes, and large pointy ears.
These dogs look like wolves, but they are entirely domesticated. They are intelligent, hard-working, and lovers of human companionship.
#8. Pug
The humble Pug could well be the cutest dog in the world, but this tiny pup isn’t necessarily beautiful by conventional standards. These small to mid-sized dogs are energetic, friendly, and simply adorable (although they might need a bed ramp for dogs to get out of bed in the morning!). They love being cuddled, and they love to bring joy into your home.
Pugs have a distinctive “Pug” face: squashed facial features, droopy skin, big eyes, and a wizened look. Pugs aren’t athletic, they don’t have sleek, long coats, and they certainly don’t look like wolves, but these are some of the most kind-hearted and cute dogs you could ever ask for.
The Pug is the greatest example of beauty being found inside and then radiating outwards. One look into those big Pug eyes, and you’ll instantly see the beauty in this pup!
#9. Poodle
No list of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world would be complete without including the Poodle. This classic dog comes in several distinct sizes, from the large Standard Poodle right down to the miniature Teacup Poodle. Whatever their size, though, they retain those distinctive Poodle looks.
Poodles are elegant, proud dogs with an athletic definition and incredibly thick coats. Poodles are perfect for grooming and styling, and there is a wide range of Poodle hair cuts and clips that you can try out.
At the same time, Poodles are descended from hard-working farm dogs. You can dress them up, but really they just want to run around outside!
Most Beautiful Dog Breeds: The Final Verdict
Is one dog more beautiful than the next? That’s always going to be a difficult question to answer. While several breeds, such as the sleek Afghan Hound or athletic Irish Setter, are certainly good-looking, every dog has its own endearing qualities, both inside and out.
Ultimately, every dog owner has their own idea of what a beautiful dog is, and even the “ugliest” pups have many beautiful characteristics or unique features that are so easy to love. Whether it’s a wolf-like Husky or a pudgy Pug, you’ll find beauty in every pup!
If you’re searching for your four-legged companion, then why not bookmark our guide to the most beautiful dog breeds for future inspiration?
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