8 Dog Breeds that Look Like Puppies Forever

The post 8 Dog Breeds that Look Like Puppies Forever appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Some dogs seem to withstand time, holding onto their adorable puppy-like appearance long after they’ve reached full maturity. With their large eyes, soft expressions, button noses, and compact builds, these breeds feel like permanent puppies (minus the bad behavior). It’s no wonder they consistently steal hearts thanks to their youthful looks and playful personalities. These cuties are endearing to families, dog lovers, and just about everyone.

But behind those forever cute faces is more than just coincidental cuteness. Genetics, coat type, body proportions, and facial features all play a role in why certain breeds retain their “forever puppy” aesthetic. While their looks may stay puppy-like, their care needs and energy levels change with age. Take a look at these breeds to better understand what life is really like with a dog that appears perpetually puppy!

1. Yorkshire Terrier

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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.

How Much Is a Yorkshire Terrier?

The total Yorkshire terrier cost will range from $500 to $4,000. However, owning a pet is more than just purchasing them. Medical expenses will include payments of $240 to $690. Medical conditions can occur despite good health, adding $1,000 to $5,000. Pet insurance can help owners manage unexpected health issue expenses.

Then, you must add supplies ranging from $440 to $1,015. Of course, the price can be higher or lower depending on what you purchase. Being frugal can help cut costs by getting used items. However, higher quality items are always worth it, as they last longer.

How Much Is a Yorkshire Terrier? (Cont.)

As a total, you can expect to pay a first-year expense of $1,180 to $5,705. Owners can reduce costs by making frugal purchases with supplies or getting used items. In addition, buying from a reputable breeder can ensure fewer medical costs throughout the dog’s life.

2. Toy Poodle

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.

How Much Is a Toy Poodle?

The average price for a Poodle from a reputable breeder ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. This higher price tag justifies all the efforts put into selecting and caring for the parent dogs, providing necessary healthcare, and early socialization of the puppies. Additionally, factors such as the Poodle’s pedigree, coat color, the type of Poodle itself, and the breeder’s location and reputation can influence the final price.

3. Bichon Frise

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.

Cost of a Bichon Frise

As popular as this breed is, don’t be surprised if you have to go to a breeder to adopt one. As with the adoption of any animal, be sure to properly vet the breeder of your choice for legitimacy prior to your purchase. Sometimes, puppy mills may try to persuade you to support their business by offering an unusually low adoption cost.

Once you’ve found a trustworthy breeder, don’t be surprised if the costs are fairly significant. These prices vary, but the lower end of the price bracket is in the $1,000-$1,200 range. In some instances, the price of a purebred Bichon Frise from a breeder can be as high as $2,500. A hefty number, but one that some households believe to be well worth the new family addition.

4. Maltese

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.

Maltese Cost

Many folks opt to bring home a puppy from a breeder or pet shop. This enables folks to ensure the puppy’s pedigree and family health history. These purchases for Maltese puppies typically run between $600 and $2400. The more “superior” the lineage, the more expensive the puppy is likely to be. So, if you’re looking for a more affordable pup, don’t worry about the excessive lineage factors. Instead, focus on finding the right puppy personality.

Most puppies will be closer to the $600 — $1000 range. Just be sure the breeder is verified and reputable or you may wind up with a pup that has poor health or other problems.

If you’re not sure where to look, find the best pet shop near you that deals with dogs. They’re likely to have a breeder they work with if they don’t have any Maltese puppies available currently.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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

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

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

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.

The post 8 Dog Breeds that Look Like Puppies Forever appeared first on A-Z Animals.

November 29, 2025 at 06:32PMChristian Drerup