The Cutest Dogs: Our Ranking

Do you also find yourself walking down the street, and as soon as you spot a small dog, you just can’t help but turn around, smile at it, and say “so cute” or “aww”? We’re all the same!

For quite some time now, small dogs have become social media stars! Beyond their adorable looks thanks to their petite size, small dogs are also chosen for their gentle nature, ease of adapting to apartment life, and their strong bonds with humans.

So, among all the breeds out there, which small dogs are considered the cutest according to recent polls and social media trends in 2025?

In this article, we present a ranking based on statistics, along with information on each breed to help you figure out which dog might suit you best. Especially if you’re thinking of adopting! A complete guide!

CONTENTS:

I. Why are small dogs seen as the cutest?

II. The TOP 5!

III. Why are small dogs so popular to adopt nowadays?

 

I. Why do small dogs make everyone fall in love? The secrets behind their irresistible cuteness

Small dogs evoke strong reactions because of their cuteness and small size. Their charm is rooted in biological and emotional triggers deeply ingrained in humans.

If you look closely, small dogs often have traits similar to human babies: big round eyes, button noses, tiny paws, soft fur, etc. These features activate what scientists call the “baby schema” : a set of visual signals that trigger a protective, tender, and affectionate response. It’s an instinctive and universal reaction. When faced with something cute, our brain releases dopamine, the pleasure hormone. The result? We want to pick them up, cuddle them, and keep them close.

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest hugely contribute to this trend. Accounts dedicated to cute small dogs gather millions of followers, and hashtags generate billions of views.

II. TOP 5 cutest small dogs in 2025: meet the stars melting hearts!

Every year, certain small dog breeds stand out with their huge popularity among families, influencers, and pet lovers. Beyond their adorable looks, they have unique personalities that explain why we totally fall for them.

Here is our top 5 cutest small dogs in 2025.

1. Pomeranian (Dwarf Spitz)

With its dense, fluffy coat, small upright ears, and tiny heart-shaped muzzle, the Pomeranian looks like a living plush toy. Its always-happy expression and plume-like tail add to its charm. Very playful, it wins over both young and elderly alike, and its small size makes it easy to carry around.

🐾 Personality: Lively, curious, affectionate, and a bit stubborn. A very smart little dog that loves learning new tricks. Needs attention but adapts well to apartment life.

 

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The first thing you notice about this breed is its big, tender round eyes, short muzzle, and long floppy ears that make you want to play with them all the time.

🐾 Personality: Calm, gentle, quite clingy, and sensitive. Loves cuddles and quiet time. Very sociable and gets along well with children, cats, and other dogs.

3. French Bulldog

Its stocky body, flat face, and big upright ears give it a funny and endearing look. It often has a very expressive face. Very popular, it doesn’t require much exercise and adapts perfectly to apartment living.

🐾 Personality: Very gentle, calm, affectionate, and enjoys the tranquility of home. Barks little, gets along well with kids and other pets, easygoing especially in apartments. Its sometimes stubborn nature requires firm but kind training. Very attached to humans and dislikes being alone.

4. Dachshund

This small dog has a funny shape because it’s longer than other dogs with short legs, making it extremely cute! On top of that, it’s a funny dog!

🐾 Personality: Curious, intelligent, and particularly determined. Very loyal to its owner, loves to explore its environment, and may bark if bored. Can be stubborn and independent.

 

5. Chihuahua

Often adopted for its tiny size, the Chihuahua is easy to carry anywhere. It snuggles up to its owner when feeling insecure, making you want to protect it. Like the Pomeranian, it triggers the “baby schema” with its rounded head, big eyes, and small muzzle.

🐾 Personality: Extremely loyal and protective of its owner, it can sometimes be wary of strangers. Very expressive, smart, and sensitive, loves cuddles and close moments. Beware, it tends to bark a lot and doesn’t like being alone.

III. Adopting a cute small dog in 2025: essential tips

1. Pomeranian (Dwarf Spitz)

🏡 Ideal lifestyle: Apartment or house, with frequent human presence. Doesn’t like being left alone too long.

🎯 Before adopting:

• Needs regular brushing (4-5 times a week)

• Needs mental stimulation (puzzle games, etc.)

• Fragile, so be careful with rough kids or stairs

💡 Tip: Start training when it’s a puppy and teach it to manage being alone to prevent anxiety. Here’s our article on this topic

 

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

🏡 Ideal lifestyle: Perfect for gentle families, singles, retirees, or calm children. Doesn’t tolerate long periods alone.

🎯 Before adopting:

• Prone to hereditary heart disease (check health history)

• Needs moderate daily walks

• Requires regular ear care due to long ears

• Very affectionate but can become dependent

💡 Tip: Don’t leave it alone too much and avoid noisy or unstable environments.

 

3. French Bulldog

🏡 Ideal lifestyle: Indoor living, perfect for apartments. Great companion for city dwellers.

🎯 Before adopting:

• Snores while sleeping and may have breathing issues due to flat nose

• Very sensitive to heat: must be kept cool in summer

• Doesn’t need much exercise but loves calm play and cuddles

• Not comfortable being alone too long

💡 Tip: Avoid walks in direct sun, favor cooler hours especially in summer. Clean facial folds regularly to prevent infections. Provide a quiet sleeping space; it needs lots of rest.

4. Dachshund

🏡 Ideal lifestyle: Adapts well to apartment life if given enough walks and mental stimulation.

🎯 Before adopting:

• Due to its shape, prone to spinal problems. Avoid stairs, jumping from furniture, and keep environment flat and safe.

• Has strong alert instincts and will bark at suspicious noises.

• Can be stubborn, so training requires patience and positive methods.

• Needs both mental and physical exercise despite small size.

• May not get along well with new pets due to possessiveness and desire for attention.

💡 Tip: Prefer harnesses over collars to avoid spine pressure. Engage in tracking or intelligence games—dachshunds love those.

5. Chihuahua

🏡 Ideal lifestyle: Suitable for city life. Avoid in overly noisy families.

🎯 Before adopting:

• Must socialize with other dogs as a puppy to avoid fearfulness or aggression.

• Fragile due to small size; watch out for falls and rough kids.

• Not very sporty but loves time with its owner.

• Can be very protective and possessive.

💡 Tip: Needs gentle but firm training. Encourage regular walks even if small. Socialize well with people and dogs early to prevent mistrust.

 

Conclusion:

Cute small dogs charm us not only with their adorable looks but also as true life companions, each with its unique personality, needs, and qualities. Before adopting a dog, it’s essential to research its temperament and ideal lifestyle to offer a balanced and happy life.

By better understanding the expectations and temperament of these lovely companions, you’ll build a lasting bond and true companionship with your little dog.

And if you’re looking for the cutest dog to adopt… now you have all the keys to make the right choice! 🐶✨