No dog truly stays a puppy forever. However, some breeds maintain more puppy-like characteristics into adulthood than others. These dog breeds that look like puppies are very popular companion dogs, and it isn’t hard to see why!
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies can be cut very short or kept long, depending on how much grooming you want to do.
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Yorkshire terriers are some of the smallest dogs around, so it is no surprise that they ended up on this list. They’re best known for their longer fur but can be clipped short to reduce the required brushing. If you do decide to keep your dog’s locks flowing, plan on brushing them daily (or even more) to prevent tangles.
Yorkies are lapdogs, first and foremost. However, they are more active than many people give them credit for, maintaining their playfulness even into their senior years. Their small size makes them very easy to exercise, though.
2. Toy Poodle
Standard poodles are massive, but toy poodles stay a much more manageable size.
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If you’re looking for an intelligent, small companion, a toy poodle may be exactly what you want. While these dogs maintain their smaller size and playfulness into adulthood, you shouldn’t overestimate them. They are exceptionally athletic and intelligent.
They’re rather easy to train and are known for excellence in agility courses. However, this means you must do more with them to keep them entertained, as they’re very prone to boredom. With boredom often comes destructive behaviors, like digging and chewing.
3. Bichon Frise
When properly groomed, these dogs look like tiny, fluffy crowds. (When not properly groomed, they look like a mess!)
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Bichons are more gentle and laidback than the dogs we’ve discussed thus far. Their zest for life makes them entertaining companions, but their exuberance is slightly toned down. A Bichon may be a great option if you want a little fluffy dog to cuddle with.
Their white coats do require grooming, though. However, it’s absolutely worth it for their adorable teddy bear look.
4. Maltese
You can’t get much cuter than the white, fluffy Maltese.
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Maltese are known for their elegant poise and long fur. However, many people get them clipped short, making grooming less hassle. Otherwise, you’ll need to brush them at least a few times a week to keep the tangles away.
While these dogs love cuddles, they stay very playful into adulthood. They tend to be more mischievous than other breeds we’ve discussed, making them great for families that want a more interactive dog.
Sadly, Maltese also tend to be rather expensive. They’re healthier than many other toy breeds, causing demand (and prices) to increase over the last decade.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These dogs may get a bit larger than other toy breeds, but who can resist those eyes?
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If you don’t mind having a bigger “puppy,” the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may be the best dog for you. This breed is exceptionally gentle and often wants to spend their time in someone’s lap. They’re very people-oriented and tend to follow their family around their house. Human interaction is what they live for.
Their big, floppy ears and expressive eyes are incredibly charming. Plus, they’re much lower maintenance than many other small breeds. Surprisingly, their grooming requirements are pretty minimal.
6. Pug
While Pugs can get a bit larger, they were bred to look like babies and keep their puppy-like traits into adulthood.
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Lately, pugs have been getting a bit of a bad reputation. They’re the center of many memes thanks to their flat faces and insistent snorting. However, both traits were purposefully bred into them to make them look like cute puppies into adulthood.
Pugs are still pretty popular companion dogs. Their smaller size makes them plenty suitable for apartments, and they’re much lower maintenance than other breeds. They’re also one of the few shorter-haired dog breeds on this list.
7. Papillon
Papillons are one of the smallest breeds out there, so they were a no-brainer for this list.
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This dog breed was named after the French word for “butterfly,” thanks to their very furry ears. Papillons remain very small into adulthood, making them the size of a puppy for their lifespan. Despite their fluffy ears and feathered coats, they have minimal grooming needs. The occasional trim helps shape up their ears, though.
Plus, unlike many toy breeds, Papillons are exceptionally healthy. They aren’t prone to many health problems and have a long lifespan.
8. Shih Tzu
When groomed properly, Shih Tzus can remain adorably fluffy well into adulthood – just like these puppies.
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Shih Tzus were bred to be lapdogs for hundreds of years, so it is no surprise that they love people. They always want to be the center of attention and will follow you around the house. They also retain playfulness into their adulthood but tend to be much more laidback than other toy breeds.
This breed does have higher grooming needs. You need to trim your dog regularly or brush daily, depending on the length of their coat. Those who want a more puppy-like appearance should consider a shorter clip.
Honorable Mention
The canine cotton ball—the Coton de Tulear—is nicknamed the “royal dog of Madagascar.”
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Described as charming, bright, and happy-go-lucky by the American Kennel Club, the Coton de Tulear is known as the “royal dog of Madagascar.” Its role within the royal household? Court jester. This dog spends its time clowning and cavorting around the royal gardens (ahem, your home). They were bred to amuse, comfort, and be a companion to their humans, a job they take seriously.
Their history isn’t entirely clear, although myth suggests they are the descendants of white dogs that were shipwrecked off the coast of Madagascar several hundred years ago. The name, Coton de Tulear (cotton of Tulear, a city in Madagascar), reflects the breed’s soft white fluffy coat, which resembles a cotton ball. This dog minimally sheds, making it a solid choice for allergy sufferers.
