36 dogs that always look like puppies + pictures [2024] –

The following dogs still look like puppies even when fully grown:

In addition, some dogs have a genetic defect that leads to dwarfism. [1] Affected animals always remain visually like puppies due to a hormone deficiency. However, this is relatively rare.

However, the following breeds retain their puppy-like appearance even without the genetic defect.

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#1 Toy Poodle

Poodles come in 3 different sizes. The toy poodle is the smallest species with a height of around 23 cm and a weight of 3 kg. [2]

Their size hardly changes after birth. This results in the dogs always looking like puppies. They are also considered intelligent, alert, highly trainable and active.

Fun fact: Poodles' fur never stops growing. Without a regular haircut, dogs become a walking mop relatively quickly. [3]

#2 Maltese

Maltese are one of the most popular dogs in Germany due to their cute appearance. Since they hardly grow, they still look like puppies even when fully grown.

Otherwise, the dogs are considered very sociable, friendly and playful. Despite their size, they are also relatively fearless and courageous. They are therefore the ideal family dogs. [4]

Fun fact: Maltese are often arrogant when they are young. Because they more often dare to jump that exceeds their jumping strength. It's rare to see anything sweeter!

#3 Jack Russel Terriers

The Jack Russel Terrier was once used for fox hunting. The dogs are already relatively large after birth. Even when fully grown, they still have a puppy-like appearance.

Otherwise, the English breed is considered fearless, athletic and intelligent. However, the latter often leads to the animals quickly becoming bored and often being stubborn. [5]

Fun fact: Jack Russel Terriers are one of the few dogs that you can put sunglasses on without them immediately throwing them off – ideal for vacation photos.

#4 Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is considered to be particularly calm, playful and loyal. Since the dogs hardly grow in size, they almost always look like puppies.

They also shed very little, are excellent racers and hardly bark. This makes them popular family dogs. However, a garden should not be missing here. [6]

Fun fact: As a puppy, this breed is considered particularly shy. When visitors visit, it often happens that the dogs hide in the house. [7]

#5 French Bulldog

French Bulldogs retain much of their puppy-like appearance as they mature. Even when fully grown, the dogs are still small and cute.

According to statistics, they are the fourth most popular dog breed in the world. [8] They also shed relatively little, hardly bark and need little exercise – ideal for living in apartments.

Fun fact: French Bulldogs are relatively immobile and have very little stamina. Natural reproduction therefore only works very rarely. This explains why most dogs of this breed are conceived through artificial insemination. [9]

#6 Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tuléar not only look like puppies when fully grown, but they also behave like puppies. Because they are considered very active, lively and playful.

The dogs are also easy to train and shed little. These features combined with their ease of care make them ideal for first-time owners. [10]

Fun fact: Translated, the name means “Cotton from Madagascar”. Because of a genetic mutation, their fur is particularly soft compared to other dogs. [11]

#7 Alaskan Klee Klai

If you are a fan of Huskies then you will love the Alaskan Klee Klai. This breed looks like Husky puppies even when fully grown.

They are also available in miniature size. This means they weigh less than 5 kg. In addition, the dogs are considered loving, reserved and easy to train. [12]

Fun fact: Due to their size, the animals are also known colloquially as “Husky Lite”. Just like Diet Coke is a lighter version of Coke.

#8 Chihuahuas

Of all the dog breeds in the world, Chihuahuas are by far the smallest. This explains why the dogs still look like puppies even when fully grown.

The animals weigh an average of around 2 kilograms and live up to 18 years. They are also considered active, alert, courageous and good-natured – the ideal lap dog. [13]

Fun fact: If there's one breed I can't imagine living in the wild, it's Chihuahuas. However, in some US states there are still thousands of wild Chihuahuas today. [14]

#9 Pomeranian

Pomeranians not only look like puppies, but they also sometimes behave like a living teddy bear. Because they are considered particularly playful and friendly.

The dogs are also easy to train and are very trusting. For this reason, they are also used as therapy dogs. However, the animals shed relatively heavily. [15]

Fun fact: The mouth of many Pomeranians is curved slightly upwards at the back. From the front it often looks as if the animals are permanently grinning.

#10 American Toy Terriers

The American Toy Terrier remains relatively small throughout its life. Even in their old age, some of the dogs still look like puppies. Plus they behave like that too.

This breed is considered friendly, playful and loyal. They are also easy to train and are very open and trusting towards strangers. [16]

Fun fact: You probably know people who like to be the center of attention. Well, the American Toy Terrier also falls into this category. This also explains why he is so popular as a circus dog. [17]

#11 Pug

Pugs mature behaviorally, but not visually. Even when fully grown, the dogs still have a puppy-like appearance. They are also particularly loving.

Otherwise, the dogs are considered very playful, clever and calm. However, they can sometimes react stubbornly. And yet they are ideal dogs for apartments. [18]

Fun fact: Fourth place! “Snookie” was 27 years old, making him the fourth oldest dog in the world. Normally, however, pugs only live to be 12-15 years old. [19]

#12 Pekingese

Pekingese still look like puppies when they get older. Apart from their fur length, they hardly change visually. Because of their size, they are also popular lap dogs.

However, their behavior can vary greatly. In general, the dogs are considered loving and good-natured, but some dogs are stubborn or even aggressive. [20]

Fun fact: Depending on the species, Pekingese can have very long hair. The fur is so dense that sometimes even the legs are no longer visible. [21]

#13 Golden Cocker Retrievers

What scares many people away from Golden Retrievers is their size. However, the Golden Cocker Retriever is a cross with a Cocker Spaniel, which always remains small.

When fully grown, the dogs look like Golden Retriever puppies. They are also considered loving, trusting and playful. The ideal little family dog. [22]

Fun fact: The dogs inherited their hunting instinct and swimming skills from Golden Retrievers. An open pond with fish in the garden is therefore not a good idea.

#14 Bolognese

Bolognese dogs still look like puppies even in old age. They are also considered to be one of the shyest breeds in the world. They are particularly shy towards strangers.

Otherwise, the dogs are considered very loyal, gentle and easy to care for. This couch potato is therefore ideal for apartments and first-time owners. [23]

Fun fact: Bolognese originally come from Italy and are predominantly referred to as “Bolo”. When most people think “Bolognese” they automatically think of spaghetti Bolognese.

#15 Papillon

The Papillon gets its name from the shape of its ears. Because the name translates as “butterfly”. Furthermore, these dogs almost always look like puppies.

This breed is also considered active, cheerful and alert. They also shed little, are easy to train and are said to be very intelligent. [24]

Fun fact: In the past, dogs were purchased, among other things, to keep rats away from the house through their presence and barking. This explains why the little dogs still have a big mouth to this day.

#16 Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most popular lap dogs in the world due to their cute appearance. Even in old age, the animals still have a puppy-like appearance.

In addition, this breed is also available with very long hair. She is considered very self-confident, fearless and intelligent. They are also particularly easy-care dogs. [25]

Fun fact: When you sneeze, a lot of air is usually blown out. Well, Yorkshire Terriers often sneeze backwards. Specifically, this means that you take in a lot of air through your nose and at the same time make a duck-like noise. [26]

#17 Samoyed

Although Samoyeds grow a little larger after birth, they never lose their cute puppy-like appearance. Their fur also remains as cuddly as they get older, as it was as a puppy.

In addition, these animals are very friendly, trusting and playful. They are also considered to be very clean and have little odor because they care for their fur in a similar way to cats. [27]

Fun fact: If you howl like a wolf in front of Samoyeds, the animals will usually howl with you. Two Samoyeds in particular in the house like to give a concert.

#18 Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are one of the few dogs where even professionals can hardly estimate their age visually. Because even at 10 years old, they still look like puppies.

Most often, this breed is purchased for apartment living. Because they need relatively little exercise and shed very little. They are also considered loving and cheerful. [28]

Fun fact: Shih Tzus grow very long hair around their mouths and on their foreheads. The animals are therefore particularly popular with hobby hairdressers.

#19 Parson Russell Terrier

Parson Russell Terriers are descended from the much larger “Fox Terrier”. However, this breed is significantly smaller and almost always retains its puppy-like appearance. [29]

Otherwise the animals are considered very…