Research shows that dogs make humans happier, more active, and even more patient and responsible. And when does this seem to be the truest? The puppy years!
Thankfully, there are tons of dog breeds that always have that adorable puppy face. But while these always puppies look forever young, pet experts want caregivers to remember that they need adult care and attention when they grow out of that puppy phase.
With that in mind, check out our list of 35 dog breeds that always look like puppies.
Maltese
These small dogs have quite a history as forever puppies. They were a popular lapdog choice for the Ancient Greeks and Romans, even being featured on vases and in murals under the name Melitaie, according to Cambridge. They are famous for their long smooth coats that often reach the floor. Many humans adorn their Maltese with bows because they look so regal.
“Their natural coat is long and silky, although many owners opt to have it clipped to make maintenance easier,” Carbridge adds. “They can be quite noisy, but this is easy to rectify with training from a young age.”
- Maltese Overview
Temperament: Gentle, Playful, Charming
Height: 7-9 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Corgi
Perhaps the most famous Corgi fan is Queen Elizabeth II. But this smart and affectionate breed ranks high with the rest of us, too, as the 13th most popular dog breed of the 196 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
“A stumpy favorite, the Corgi is a herding dog used for cattle. While their legs were a little longer in the past, they still remain masters of their craft,” Carbridge says. “They have incredibly young faces and a small size that retain that puppylike look. What people often forget is that Corgis are active herding dogs that need a lot of physical and mental exercise to remain happy and healthy.”
- Corgi Overview
Temperament: Affectionate, Smart, Alert
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: Up to 30 pounds (male), up to 28 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Swedish Vallhund
An ancestor of the Corgi, these Spitz dogs date back to the Viking Age. Their sweet and youthful faces leave them with that puppy glow for their entire life.
“A favorite of the Nordic people, they were used for herding cattle, which they are still used for today. They are incredibly active, needing a good deal of exercise each day despite their small size,” Carbridge says.
An ancestor of the Corgi, these Spitz dogs date back to the Viking Age. Their sweet and youthful faces leave them with that puppy glow for their entire life.
“A favorite of the Nordic people, they were used for herding cattle, which they are still used for today. They are incredibly active, needing a good deal of exercise each day despite their small size,” Carbridge says.
- Swedish Vallhund Overview
Temperament: Friendly, Energetic, Watchful
Height: 12.5-13.75 inches (male), 11.5-12.75 inches (female)
Weight: 20-35 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Shi Tzu
Often nicknamed the “lion dog,” these forever puppies often have an older and wiser look because some grow a furry beard. Yet, underneath all that fur, you have an adorable puppy-adult.
“You can always carry and cuddle a Shi Tzu dog even when it is a parent itself,” Scott says. “These dogs keep a similar facial structure throughout their days.”
- Shih Tzu Overview
Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing
Height: 9-10.5 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are super popular, ranking No. 10 out of 196 breeds, according to the AKC. And that’s likely because of their perfect carrying size — they’re small enough to tuck under your arm. But if you really want your Yorkie to maintain that youthful glow, you need to keep them in a puppy cut.
“Most Yorkies have long, silky hair, sort of like a human’s. But a minority of the pups come with a ‘cotton coat,’” says Daniel Caughill, a dog expert. “This coat is more curly and doesn’t grow out as long. Cotton coats require a bit more work when it comes to grooming your dog, but they maintain so much more of that youthful, fluffy puppy look.”
- Yorkshire Terrier Overview
Temperament: Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish
Height: 7-8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-15 years
Alaskan Klee Kai
If you love Huskies, but don’t have the proper amount of space for such a large dog, consider adding an Alaskan Klee Kai to your family. Klee Kai is an Eskimo term for “little dog,” according to the AKC, and the breed was bred to be a miniature version of the Alaskan Husky.
Despite their adorableness, Klee Kais doesn’t love strangers but does well in a family setting. They are known for being quite vocal and making a “woo-woo” sound when they are happy and for screaming when they’re mad. “It’s not a commonly known breed, so people will always be asking you how old your Husky puppy is,” says Laurice Wardini, founder of PuppyWiki. “You can find Toy, Miniature, or Standard sizes (similar to a Poodle).”
- Alaskan Klee Kai Overview
Temperament: Playful, Energetic, Intelligent
Height: 13-17 inches
Weight: 10-15 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-16 Years.
