It is well known that taste is highly subjective. That’s why we let our readers pick the 40 most beautiful dogs in the world.
This list also makes it easy to see that the most beautiful dogs are also, for the most part, the most popular breeds in the world. The few exceptions prove the rule.
1. Samoyed
The gentle Samoyed originates from parts of Russia and Siberia and was formerly kept primarily as a shepherd dog for deer.
He has all-white fur, lives between 12 and 13 years, and is a very friendly and beautiful dog who often has a smile on his face.
Although genetically very close to wolves, they belong to the Spitz group and are considered very clean, odorless, and as clean as cats.
Fun Fact: If the Samoyed had a middle name it would be “Hair Monster” because this breed is a particular hair shed breed.
2. Golden Retrievers
The Golden Retriever comes from Scotland and is now one of the most beautiful dogs in the world. It was originally bred to hunt waterfowl.
Today it is mainly kept as a family dog, but also as a rescue and guide dog, as it is easy to train, very intelligent, and reliable.
With its obedient nature, the Golden Retriever is one of the third most popular dog breeds in the world.
Fun fact: Although the Golden Retriever ages quite quickly on the outside, it often stays young at heart. This explains why even older dogs often exhibit cute, puppy-like behavior.
3. Koolie
The Koolie from Australia was primarily bred as a shepherd and working dog. It is therefore one of 56 German Shepherd breeds.
These beautiful dogs with strong guardian instincts also make good family pets as they are trainable, persistent, and energetic.
They love to be busy and showered with attention. At home, they shed a moderate amount and are very affectionate and loyal.
Fun Fact: If a flock of sheep is too big to be herded and it takes too long to run around it, these dogs also like to walk over the backs of the sheep.
4. Pomeranian
The small, lively Pomeranian originated in Germany. As a lightweight, he weighs just about 2 kg and can live up to 16 years.
Also known as the Pomeranian Dog, the beautiful dogs are now very popular as family and guard dogs. Despite their small size, they are watchful companions.
They need a lot of exercises, but because of their size they are great to keep as apartment dogs, you should train them early and keep their stubborn heads under control.
Fun Fact: The lively Pomeranian likes to be given the middle name “Kläffer” among dog owners. The “mini watchdogs” sound the alarm at the slightest hint of danger.
5. Australian Shepherds
The Australian Shepherd is one of the top 20 most popular dog breeds in the world and enjoys a reputation as one of the most beautiful dogs in the world.
No wonder. The trusting and intelligent Australian Shepherd follows its owners everywhere and is fun for everyone.
In the family, he stands out for his protective and active nature. He, therefore, needs a lot of exercise and training. He is also considered to be particularly obedient.
Fun Fact: Paradoxically, the Australian Shepherd isn’t native to Australia, it’s native to the United States.
6. Groenendael
Hailing from Belgium, the Groenendael is also known as the Belgian Shepherd Dog with a long, black coat.
His intelligence and loyalty make him versatile, and he was used in times of war to deliver messages and locate the wounded.
This beautiful black German Shepherd is not suitable for first-time owners, as it often reacts aggressively towards strange dogs and can be easily triggered.
Fun Fact: Almost every year reports of eyewitnesses who are said to have seen “black wolves” surface. In most cases, it turns out that they are free-roaming black Groenendaels.
7. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a member of the German Shepherd breed and is ranked in the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds in the world.
The alert, obedient Cattle Dog can easily drive a herd for half a day. As a house dog, this endurance can be compensated for by tricks and training.
These beautiful dogs make ideal family dogs that want to be kept busy. They have moderate hair, bark little, and look like gray German shepherds.
Fun fact: When tending stubborn animals, the Cattle Dog also likes to pinch their heels. From time to time this can also happen to humans if the Cattle Dog thinks it really wants something.
8. Border Collie
The British Border Collie is one of the smartest and most popular dog breeds in the world today.
The Border Collie is passionate, energetic, and curious with a moderate hunting instinct and the desire for lots of exercise and exercise.
To this day, the Border Collie is a great herding dog. This beautiful dog can also be kept as a family pet if given mental and physical exercise.
Fun fact: Border collies are not only herding professionals, but they are also enthusiastic about tricks. For example, “Jumpy” can skateboard 100m in under 20 seconds. “Striker” even set a world record by opening a manual sliding car window in just 11.3 seconds.
9. Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany and is also known as the “king of the lap dogs”.
The small, fearless dogs live up to 16 years and are ideal for apartment life without small children.
During training, they often show stubborn behavior and find it difficult to be left alone. Nonetheless, these clever, beautiful dogs are also suitable for first-time owners.
Fun fact: If there were a class clown in dogs, it would be the Miniature Pinscher – so it’s a real “breed clown”.
10. Chow Chow
The quiet Chow Chow comes from China and goes by the middle name “black-tongued lion”. The former working and sled dog is one of the top dogs.
It owes its middle name to its resemblance to a lion. Instead of 42 teeth like other dogs, he has 44. He is also one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world.
He is well suited as an apartment dog but needs the right training. Without this, the dogs often become too protective and aggressive.
Fun fact: the chow’s black and blue tongue is said to have been caused by a genetic defect in one of the youngest animals of this breed.
11. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a friendly and very beautiful dog from the United States. Due to its gentle nature, it is ideal as a family dog.
Originally bred as a sled dog, the military primarily used it as a search and rescue dog. Even at sub-zero temperatures, its fur is extremely cold-resistant.
Huskies owe their wolf-like appearance to their genetic proximity to the North Asian wolf. Nevertheless, they belong to the top group.
Fun fact: watch out, huskies are real escape artists. It doesn’t matter whether they have to dig or bite their way or even jump over fences up to 2 m high. If a husky wants to escape, he can do it.
12. Saluki
The Saluki comes from the Middle East and is one of the second fastest and oldest breeds in the world. Its racing speed is up to 69 km/h.
Salukis have a very strong hunting instinct. They are so-called sight hunters, who hunt their prey with their eyes and not – as is typical – with their noses.
However, these beautiful dogs do well as family dogs, as they get along well with children and other dogs. They are also known to be calm and trainable.
Fun fact: Saluki is like the princess on the pea when it comes to his crib. If this is not particularly fluffy or cuddly enough, then a Saluki will always make use of your sofa.
13. Shiba-Inu
The Shiba Inu from Japan is a charming, alert, and self-confident dog who likes to be reserved with strangers.
At around 9 kg, this beautiful dog is one of the smallest and most popular Japanese dog breeds and is very popular as a house dog with its cat-like behavior.
Due to their strong self-confidence, the Shiba Inu is difficult to train; his fox-like appearance nevertheless inspires many on various social media.
Fun Fact: Shiba Inus are the “drama queens” among dogs. At the very first thought that something might be awkward, these dogs start screeching furiously.
14. Maltese
The Maltese Dog is one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world and, with its trusting nature, is ideal for first-time owners.
He was bred as a lap dog with a pure white coat. The Romans even considered this breed to be sacred.
The affable Maltese gets along great with strange dogs but is rather reserved towards strangers. With good training, he can also be used as a therapy dog.
Fun fact: If a Maltese is sick, you can tell by the nose. For example, if he doesn’t get enough sunlight, his otherwise black nose turns increasingly pink.
15. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog comes from Switzerland and weighs up to 50 kg when fully grown. Its life expectancy is around 6-9 years.
The beautiful dogs shed a lot, so a good vacuum cleaner is urgently needed here. They used to be used as working dogs, but today they are very popular with families.
The good-natured and loyal Bernese Mountain Dog matures a little more slowly than other dogs and therefore always seems a bit immature even when fully grown.
Fun Fact: These dogs are true clowns. They memorize any behavior that makes their owners laugh and then repeat it purposefully. This phenomenon has its own name and is referred to as “Berner Chuckle”.
16. Yorkshire Terriers
The Yorkshire Terrier originated in England and is the 10th most popular breed. With its long, human-like hair, it is considered one of the most beautiful dogs in the world.
The “Yorkie” is a highly trainable lightweight at just 3kg and is significantly more confident than other lap dogs. He learns quickly and demands a lot of attention and workload.
It is well suited for first-time owners with older children, but should not be left alone very often and should be protected from heat and cold.
Fun Fact: The Yorkshire Terrier likes to take in too much air at once and can use it to sneeze backward, sounding like a duck to us.
17. Rough Collie
The Rough Collie originally comes from Scotland and was bred primarily as a shepherd and family dog.
This beautiful, long-snouted dog gets along very well with children and other pets and loves to be social.
The active, protective collie does not like solitude. He wants to be everywhere, needs a lot of attention, and wants to be kept busy.
Fun fact: the collie is such a herding professional that he could herd a herd without any contact with herd animals and without any training.
18. Papillon
The cheerful, little Papillon with the butterfly ears has its origins in Belgium and France, where it was allowed to hunt rats and mice from the house and yard.
He has retained the strong hunting instinct but is still well suited as a family and apartment dog because he is very intelligent and easy to train.
Without early social contact, Papillons can be aggressive towards other dogs and people – but otherwise, they are very sociable and willing to learn.
Fun Fact: If you like talkative dogs with big mouths, get a Papillon! Because this small, beautiful dog barks a lot when the day is long.
19. Bichon Frize
Playful and gentle, the Bichon Frize was once commonly kept on sailing ships and has its origins in Spain, Belgium, and France.
Today, with its soft, white fur, it is one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world. Some of the little shepherd dogs live up to 21 years.
They are ideal for living in an apartment as they are very trusting toward the family and get along well with children, dogs, and strangers.
Fun Fact: If you love petting dogs, then you won’t be able to keep your hands off the Bichon Frize. Its fur is so soft that it is also referred to as cotton.
20. Boston Terriers
Originally from the USA, the Boston Terrier is nicknamed the “American Gentleman”. He lives up to this name with his friendly and loving nature.
Because this intelligent, beautiful dog is so playful, he also makes a great playmate for children. He is very trainable and loves attention.
Boston terriers don’t breathe as well because of their short noses, which makes them sensitive to both cold and heat. They shed little but drool a lot.
Fun fact: You don’t have to have a keen nose with this candidate, because after feeding you can always look forward to a few “hot breezes”. This is due to the short nose through which the Boston Terrier takes in a lot of air when eating.
21. Irish Red Setters
The Irish Red Setter comes from Ireland. It is used as a hunting dog as well as a family and therapy dog.
This good-natured, beautiful dog is rather unsuitable as a guard dog. By the way, his playful nature makes him a great play partner for children.
He is particularly noticeable because of his red-brown fur and long floppy ears. This friendly four-legged friend needs a lot of exercise and activity.
Fun Fact: The Irish Red Setter could also be called the eternal dog child. Even if he optically matures quickly, he keeps his playful puppy behavior even when fully grown.
22. Afghan Hound
As the name suggests, the Afghan Hound comes from Afghanistan. It was originally kept there as a hunting dog.
This beautiful breed of dog is also great as a family dog. These quadrupeds are very loyal and make great dogs for children.
This long-haired four-legged friend is the fifth fastest dog breed and can reach speeds of up to 64 km/h on the racetrack. This makes him as fast as professional racehorses.
Fun fact: If you are a hobby hairdresser, then you have found the perfect dog with the “Afghan”! The fur of these four-legged friends is ideal for trying out different haircuts.
23. Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is an alert, confident little dog. Tibetan monks used to like to keep him as a companion dog.
This beautiful dog breed is still very expensive and rare today as it is believed to be one of the oldest. The headstrong Tibetan Spaniel usually behaves very cat-like at home.
He is limitedly suitable for life as an apartment dog, as he is alert to strangers and has difficulty staying alone.
Fun Fact: Don’t be fooled, although there are 28 spaniel species worldwide, the Tibetan Spaniel is not one of them. At least it’s true that he comes from Tibet.
24. Icelandic Dog
The curious Icelandic dog belongs to a relatively rare, very beautiful breed of Icelandic dog. It is the only native breed there.
In Iceland, only about 100 puppies of these dogs are born each year. There are currently only around 5,000 Icelandic dogs worldwide.
These quadrupeds belong to the Spitz group. They behave alert and fearless but are never aggressive. They are ideal for working but also for family dogs.
Fun fact: With the Icelandic dog, you bring a true “cloud gazer” into your home. Since they used to protect young sheep from birds of prey as shepherd dogs, even today they often look to the sky for protection.
25. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever comes from Canada and is one of the smallest of a total of six retriever species.
The small, beautiful dog was bred for hunting ducks and waterfowl. They are excellent swimmers, even having webbed toes.
They are well suited for beginners because they are trusting and easy to train. They get along very well with children, but they can also be aggressive with other animals.
Fun fact: Don’t be alarmed the first time you hear this dog scream. This is how his bark sounds. You won’t hear a “woof-woof” or “woof-woof” here.
26. Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd originated in the USA. He is a very easy-to-train, beautiful dog with a strong instinct to guard and herd.
It is one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. The little German Shepherd can live up to 15 years and weigh 12 kg.
This dog is not suitable for living in an apartment. He needs a lot of exercise, as well as a physical and mental exercise.
Fun Fact: The Miniature American Shepherd is an energy junkie. Sleep is totally overrated for this dog. Instead of the normal 18 hours, this energy package suffices for 5-6 hours a day.
27. Rottweilers
The Rottweiler (“Rottie”) originated in Germany. By nature, he is courageous, alert, and friendly. He has a strong hunting instinct and barks a lot.
At first, they were kept exclusively as shepherd dogs, later also as rescue, guard, and police dogs.
These confident, beautiful dogs have a very strong bite. At 330 PSI (“pounds per square inch”), they are about half as strong as a shark.
Fun Fact: Ever heard of “Rottweiler Metzgerhund”? In the past, the Rottweiler was not only allowed to protect cattle but also to pull carts with slaughtered cattle to market stalls.
28. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from England is an adaptable, beautiful dog. With his long ears and big eyes, he looks particularly cute.
His career began as a lap dog. Today he even makes it into the top 20 most popular dog breeds.
These friendly, sociable four-legged friends are well-suited for first-time owners. They bark little, but their fur requires a lot of care and they find it difficult to be left alone.
Fun Fact: This breed used to be used as a “flea magnet”. Since fleas felt very comfortable in the long fur of the dogs, the heads of the owners were spared.
29. pug
The pug is an intelligent, playful four-legged friend from China. He was originally bred as a lap dog.
As a family dog breed, they are ideal these days as they form close bonds with children. They are friendly towards strangers.
The small, beautiful dog needs a lot of love and attention and does not cope well with heat due to its short nose. They shed a lot and like to snore loudly.
Fun fact: buy some hearing protection! YouTubers once had the fun of measuring the volume of a snoring pug. The canine circular saw managed a whopping 96 decibels!
30. Dalmatians
The spotted Dalmatian should be known to everyone from the movie “101 Dalmatians”. He was first bred in Croatia as a carriage dog.
Once a protector for horses, he was later widely kept as a guard, hunting, and family dog. Today he is one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world.
These sociable, energetic four-legged friends are not really suitable for living in an apartment. Many owners underestimate the urge to move.
Fun Fact: The Dalmatian is a quick-change artist because it has completely white fur at birth. The black or brown spots appear later.
31. Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle does not come from France – as many people think – but from Germany. By nature, he is intelligent, obedient, and active.
This beautiful dog breed ranks among the seven most popular in the world. Poodles live up to 18 years and are considered to be particularly clean and hypoallergenic.
These dogs are perfect for allergy sufferers and first-time owners with children. They learn quickly and with pleasure. They are very trainable and shed very little.
Fun Fact: Attention hobby hairdressers! The cute poodle’s fur never stops growing, it grows like weeds, so this dog needs regular grooming.
32. American Cocker Spaniel
As the name suggests, the American Cocker Spaniel comes from the USA. There he was bred as a hunting dog. Today he enjoys his popularity as a family dog.
He is playful, open, and relaxed by nature. This makes him the ideal companion for families with children or other dogs.
Without socialization, however, this medium-sized, beautiful dog can become a bit nervous and tend to bark constantly. With early training, you can get it under control.
Fun fact: when it’s really happy, this pretty dog with the long floppy ears literally “wet its panties” every now and then. So you should be able to overlook one or the other “puddle of joy”.
33. Beagles
The lovable Beagle was originally bred as a tracking dog for hunting. This cheerful, beautiful four-legged friend has one of the best noses of all dogs.
Despite a strong barking instinct, the Beagle is not suitable as a guard dog. As a family dog, he is curious, friendly, and open-minded.
They love children and get along well with strangers as well as other dogs. Because of their good nose, they love to dig and track down tracks.
Fun fact: “Beagle” probably comes from French and means “open mouth”. These four-legged friends are real singing talents! They can make more than 20 different sounds.
34. Doberman
The Doberman from Germany is considered an ideal guard dog. He is now in the top 20 most popular and beautiful dog breeds in the world.
They are alert, obedient, and very loyal. They don’t deserve the reputation as “aggressive dogs”. In the family, they behave very trustingly.
Good socialization is still important so that they don’t cause problems with children or strange dogs later on.
Fun Fact: As the #1 bodyguard among dogs, the Doberman pinscher has only one real nemesis… the cold. Because they have very little body fat, they find it difficult to keep warm in the cold.
35. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog from Scotland is better known by the name “Sheltie”. They are one of 56 German Shepherd breeds.
These beautiful dogs need a lot of exercises and want to be kept busy. They get along well with children and other pets.
With their active and eager nature, they are only conditionally suitable for the apartment. Due to their past, these four-legged friends are used to barking a lot and loudly.
Fun Fact: Shelties are known for pinching their heels. They used to do this to guide sheep in the right direction. Today it can also be the heel of the owner or a visitor.
36. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner comes from Thuringia (Weimar) and was originally bred for hunting. They are very trainable and bark little.
As a family dog, they are very affectionate, usually do not tolerate other pets, and find it difficult to be left alone.
These beautiful dogs are very active and can sprint at up to 56 km/h. Not really suitable for couch potatoes.
Fun Fact: Weimaraners are born with blue eyes that turn gray over time. They are also born with dark gray “tiger stripes” that disappear after a few days.
37. West Highland White Terriers
The West Highland White Terrier (“Westie”) originated in Scotland. Originally it was bred to get rid of vermin and rats.
The small, beautiful dog with a pure white coat is very suitable for first-time owners and apartment life.
The Westie is highly trainable but has strong hunting and digging instincts. It would be good to set up a corner for the playful terrier to dig in.
Fun Fact: Nothing is safe from the curious Westie nose. So their heads get stuck somewhere all the time. At least her rod is so stable that you can use it to pull her out.
38. Akita
The Akita from Japan was originally bred as a hunting dog for moose, wild boar, and bear. It is still considered a symbol of health, longevity, and happiness.
Because of his fox-like appearance, this beautiful dog is also popular as a pet. They shed a lot but are easy to care for and clean.
This courageous and loyal four-legged friend belongs to the Spitz group and is loyal to its owner. So maybe the movie “Hachiko” means something to you?
Fun Fact: An Akita’s fight is similar to a bear fight. They stand on their hind paws and punch the opponent with their front paws.
39. Flat-Coated Retrievers
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a very friendly, submissive four-legged friend from England. He was bred for water & land hunting. He is also suitable as a family dog.
This beautiful breed of dog comes in either all black or tan. This type has the longest coat of any retriever.
Due to their friendliness, these dogs are unsuitable as guard dogs. They are friendly to everyone and find it difficult to stay alone.
Fun Fact: Colloquially, the Flat-Coated Retriever is also referred to as the “Peter Pan dog.” It seems he never wants to grow up. Because it can take up to 5 years until he is fully grown.
40. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tuléar hails from the city of Tulear in Madagascar. This beautiful dog breed is also known as “Cotie”.
This playful, intelligent dog with its cotton-like coat is one of the most expensive breeds in the world. You rarely get them for less than €2,000.
This people-oriented four-legged friend gets along very well with children, animals, and strangers and loves to swim, run and play.
Fun Fact: The Cotie is known for jumping for joy. You can see this especially when you offer them food or have visitors.