Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies at Any Age

Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown.

You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them.

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Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier—also known as a Yorkie—is known for its affectionate behavior. While their hair can get really long, most people will have them groomed to have short hair. Yorkies reach to 7 to 8 inches tall at adulthood and rarely weigh more than 7 pounds.

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Puggle

Puggles are a mix between the pug and the beagle. They tend to get along with kids and have a playful spirit. If you get the toy-sized version of the puggle, they weigh between 8 to 17 pounds and are less than 13 inches tall. Regular puggles reach 13 to 15 inches and 18 to 30 pounds, but their faces remain puppy-like no matter their size.

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Toy Poodle

These little poodles get no bigger than 10 inches and weigh no more than 4 to 6 pounds. Toy poodles have self-confidence and agility that make them perfect companions for first-time dog owners or people who just want a smaller dog.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

king charles cavalier — FOTYMA / GETTY IMAGES

Their floppy ears will get you every time. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for being a breed of gentle pups that have plenty of affection to give their caregivers. Their fur is moderate length and silky.

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Japanese Chin

What's better than a bushy tail and long, fluffy ears? The Japanese Chin offers both, as all as a puppy-like appearance for its entire lifespan and a charming personality that will make you fall immediately in love.

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Maltese

Maltese dogs are truly small. They get no bigger than 7 pounds with a height of no more than 7 to 9 inches. Maltese dogs have expressive faces, too, and will bring you puppy-love joy their entire lives.

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Shih Tzu

Known for its luxurious long hair, the Shih Tzu is a lovable little dog. Shih Tzus are as playful and outgoing as puppies throughout their lifespan of 8 to 10 years. These dogs have a history of being bred as companions for the palace in China.

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French Bulldog

While bulldogs can become fairly large, French Bulldogs only grow to about 11 to 13 inches tall and rarely surpass 28 pounds. The adult dogs look like slightly bigger versions of the puppies.

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Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge personality. These alert and amusing "purse dogs" stand among the oldest breeds of the Americas, with a lineage going back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi

There's a reason that Pembroke Welsh Corgis have been beloved by everyone, including the Queen of England. These little dogs are adorable, puppy-like, and playful. Corgis grow to between 10 and 12 inches in height and up to 27 pounds in adulthood.

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