Can you guess the dog breed based on its puppy picture?

Take your pick – black, white, or apricot because you can’t go wrong with one of these adorable curly breeds. Another hint, this breed comes in three sizes: a standard (20 to 32 kilograms), miniature (7 to 8 kilograms) and toy (3 to 4 kilograms). Perhaps its popularity has to do with the cuddle factor. It’s hard to resist a cheek rub with that curly and soft coat – which by the way, is actually hair, not fur. And bonus – its hypoallergenic. Are these the best dog breeds in the world? Reader’s Digest readers think so!

Poodle

You can just tell this pup is going to be a big one when it grows up. Take a closer look, and you might just guess the breed from the tell-tale traits of the broad head, almond-shaped eyes, and black canvas coat with defined rust-coloured markings on the muzzle, paws, and chest. Tipping the scales between 36 to 61 kilograms and standing at 56 to 68 centimetres let’s just say this pup probably won’t be a lap dog for long. These are the 13 quietest dog breeds that won’t bark too much.

Rottweiler

Just gaze into those big, sweet puppy dog eyes, and you’re hooked. This compact little nugget of cuteness is just about the height of ruler and only weighs six to eight kilograms, ideal for lap sitting and snuggling. Also, characteristics of this breed are the silky, medium length, coat with patches of red, chestnut, jet black, or black and tan. Check out these 28 ways your pet is trying to say ‘I love you’.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This posh pup has a noble Chinese ancestry and to this day, carries itself with a bit of playful arrogance. Although it’s a toy breed and tiny (4 to 7 kilograms, and standing between 20 and 29 centimetres), the body is sturdy and compact. Pet parents may opt for shorter cuts or go all out for a long flowing look with the hair on top of the head gathered up into a pretty bow. Here are 13 of the tiniest dog breeds.

Shih Tzu

The wrinkles and short, blocky body are characteristics of a few well-muscled breeds, but this particular pup will always be close to the ground, given his short, stocky legs, and adult height of around 38 centimetres. But if you think you can carry him around like a short toy breed, you may need to beef up your own muscles because this tenacious bruiser will weigh between 18 to 22 kilograms once he’s grown. Here are 6 tips to help your dog live longer.

Bulldog

This pup already has something to howl about, and it likely involves hunting. You can’t get past the large expressive eyes, floppy ears, and melt-your-heart puppy face, without snagging a cuddle – as long as you don’t try to snuggle too long. This hound has a wanderlust quality. But what kind of hound it is? The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognises two heights of 33 centimetres (under 9 kilos) and 38 centimetres (9 to 14 kilos). Check out these 9 etiquette rules every dog owner should follow.

Beagle

This pup commands attention immediately with its exceptional good looks. Even as a puppy, you can see the broad face and chiselled cheekbones, that are typical of this breed. And take a gander at that strapping chest and burgeoning athletic build. It’s not a lap dog with a mature weight between 25 to 36 kilograms, but this family favourite will want to sit on your lap and cuddle. Find out the 14 things you do that your dog actually hates.

Labrador retriever

The saddle coat is also a trademark of the Corgi, but this breed gets a lot taller (56 to 66 centimetres) and heavier (22 to 40 kilograms). The colours of the saddle coat are different in this breed – usually a black and tan or a black and red. It carries its head high, and it’s tail low. Here are 7 unexpected reasons your dog might have anxiety.

German shepherd

Aww, just look at those big, round puppy eyes on that scruffy yet delicate little head. The puppy cut is quite popular unless she’s in the show ring, then it’s a full length, to the floor. Always black and tan, this short-legged breed won’t grow too big. In fact, you can probably carry its entire body weight of three kilos fairly easily around town, which this diva pooch wouldn’t mind at all. Look out for these 10 silent signs that your healthy dog might actually be sick.

Yorkshire terrier

This pup is inquisitive from birth, but when it’s not on active duty as a super sniffing sleuth, it is typically lazy as the day is long. The pup’s long ears grow as does its body to a hefty 36 to 50 kilograms and 58 to 69 centimetres tall. No doubt the thin and loose skin folds and ridges along the face contribute to its renowned tracking ability, but we like them because they’re adorable.

Bloodhound

These clues may narrow it down for you – the breed comes in two sizes (standard and miniature) and either a wire-haired, long-haired, or smooth coat. The tapered muzzle sits atop a broad chest with a body longer than it is tall at 13 to 15 centimetres for a mini version or 20 to 23 centimetres for the standard size. Check out the 53 mistakes every dog owner makes.

Dachshund

This pup will be huge one day and could easily tower over you when it stands on its hind legs. It may even outweigh you with a full-grown weight between 50 to 80 kilograms. But while its size could be alarming to strangers, the good looks of its nicely chiselled, broad face will help win people over. Head here to check out the world’s largest dog breeds.

Great Dane

Fans lovingly refer to the backside of this breed as a “loaf of bread.” And those short legs carrying a long body aren’t going to get much taller growing into just 25 to 30 centimetres tall. Other hallmark traits are the tulip shaped ears, a bushy curly tail and a fox-like face with a smile fitting of royals. Read more about Queen Elizabeth II and her corgis here.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

A couple of things will change on this pup right away. Tails are docked shortly after birth and ears are cropped from floppy to erect and positioned high on the head (if the pet parent is following AKC breed standard). Always black and tan, this lean breed will weigh between 27 and 45 kilos when fully grown. Find out the only thing cuter than puppies – these police puppies!

Doberman pinscher

The variety and individuality of this pup’s coat are pretty unique with colours such as blue merle, black, and red with white markings and copper points. But even more distinguishing are the “ghost eyes” of blue, pale blue, brown, or amber with cool flecks and marbling. When it matures, it will reach about 18 to 27 kilograms.

Australian Shepherd

Look closely, and you can see the beginnings of two hallmark traits of this breed: bushy eyebrows and beard. In time, the eyebrows and beard will feature prominently with the deep-set eyes. Another hint, its larger cousin is almost identical to this smaller version which stands at a mere 30 to 36 centimetres tall and weighs five to nine kilograms. Check out these crazy expensive dog houses that would make humans jealous!

Miniature Schnauzer

The farmlands of Ireland were the ancestral home of this pup. It will grow into a sturdy and square shaped body of about 14 to 18 kilograms and around 43 to 48 centimetres tall. Interestingly, the low-shedding, wavy coat starts dark and gets lighter – resembling the colour of wheat. The goatee is a signature trait of this breed as are the eyes, which are always somewhat hidden behind its hair.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Some pet parents opt for a shorter shaggy cut while others go all-out for a glamourous longer style. Either way, if the big dark eyes and gumdrop nose don’t tip you off, here’s a few more clues: standing between 18 to 23 centimetres and weighing under three kilos this pup is in the toy group and its coat is never any colour but white.

Maltese

We know what you’re thinking – the distinctive colouring and handsome, hunky face sure looks like some dog found in the Swiss Alps. You might be right because this pup will grow into mountain-like proportions of 30 to 52 kilograms and stand tall in the snow at 58 to 71 centimetres. But this particular Swiss mountain variety is the only one to have a long, silky coat.

Bernese Mountain Dog

You know it’s some type of spaniel right? But the spaniels look so much alike, especially when they’re pups, that it’s difficult to differentiate between the varieties. So, here’s a hint: It is medium size and will get about 51 centimetres tall and weigh from 18 to 23 kilograms.

English Springer Spaniel

You’ve seen this foxy-like face and curled bushy tail before, but this pint-size feisty demeanour pup won’t get much bigger. In fact, fully grown it will only be about 18 centimetres tall and weigh under five kilograms. It is a spitz variety of Nordic descent with a stand-off coat – a thick undercoat that makes the outer coat stand out from the body. That comes in handy for chilly weather, but this diva won’t be pulling sleds like her larger cousins anytime soon.

Pomeranian

This pup is well-known for its hypoallergenic coat that is wavy and white. At just under 30 centimetres tall and five to eight kilograms fully grown, this pup is a dog-show favourite. Its soft and luxurious coat makes it look like a powder puff with legs. But under the fluff, you’ll recognize the peppy gait and playful and inquisitive eyes of this breed.

Bichon Frise

A whole lot of charm and a bit of mischievousness are packed into this stocky stunner. The wrinkles seem to form human expressions to let us know if the pup is happy, sad, or about to get into something it’s not supposed to. This pup comes in apricot-fawn, all black, or silver and all have the trademark black muzzle and tightly curled tail. It certainly has similar traits to certain bulldogs and Mastiff, but its size says it all: At a petite six to eight kilograms and 24 to 33 centimetres, many breeds are ruled out.

Pug

Go ahead, scoop up this delightful tiny pup and put it in your pocket. Whether long-haired or short-haired this teensy-weensy breed barely registers on the scale at under three kilograms and a petite 13 to 20 centimetres. The big saucy eyes set far apart on its apple-dome head already give this pup a distinctive look that is matched by its feisty and sassy personality.

Chihuahua

Hmm, the broad-scale face and wrinkles set on a tri-coloured face could suggest a couple of breeds at this puppy stage. But what will become of its ears? That’s where a big clue lies: Ears that are cropped to be long and tapered, standing high erect on the head, will give the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead, while ears kept natural will lay flat and close to the cheeks. Make a list…

Boxer

With a striking wolf-like face and piercing blue eyes, you’ll be mesmerized immediately with its good looks and ability to “talk” at a young age. Its alert and somewhat mischievous expression continue from puppyhood to adulthood, and its thick coat that loves cooler climates contributes to its maximum of weight of around 27 kilograms. They are known to have an overwhelming desire to run, so never let this pup off leash in an unfenced area.

Siberian husky

This robust and hefty pup could be a real lifesaver someday, but there’s not many of them registered with the AKC, maybe because having one live in your home is the equivalent of having another human sharing your space. It is after all, colossal in size, towering above young children at 66 to 76 centimetres and weighing a whopping 54 to 82 kilograms. But hey, if you have space, wouldn’t it be great to wake up to that huge chunky sweet face drooling on you each morning?

St. Bernard

Those velvety smooth ears that frame the mournful eyes and wrinkled brows are just too much! And can you believe the size of their paws? They need them to carry and balance their heavy-boned body and powerful short legs. Speaking of short, this pup will only grow to about 36 centimetres tall, but at 18 to 30 kilograms, it’s not a lightweight by any means.

Basset hound

The most telling trait of this pup’s breed identity is on found on its back, where a ridge of hair grows in the opposite direction of the rest of its coat. Another clue: it only comes in one colour – wheaten, like the colours seen in a wheat crop, though some pup’s coats may be paler while others have a more reddish colour. They command an alert status in their height of 61 to 69 centimetres tall and their strong, muscular body rounds out between 32 to 39 kilograms.

Rhodesian ridgeback

These pups won’t get very big – just 25 to 28 centimetres tall and seven to nine kilograms – but their personality and self-confidence far exceed their body size. This lively and handsome little breed is known for its all-white double coat, which looks fluffy (but it’s not) and adorable white-whiskered face with a black nose and dark brown eyes that always suggest a smile.

West Highland White Terrier

Do you even need to know the breed to fall in love with those dreamy eyes and curly, long ears that accentuate a darling sweet fact? But if you must, this is the smallest breed of the sporting group (35 to 38 centimetres tall and nine to 14 kilograms). They were bred to hunt woodcocks with paws that are defined as “cat paws,” compact and round in shape that are ideal for endurance and stability when hunting in fields.

Cocker Spaniel

An intense gaze is a hallmark for this breed and its extreme intelligence gives it the capability to learn numerous words and commands, which is why it’s a star of the silver screen. The bi-colour coat is another trait, but more telling is that its predominant ear always matches the primary body colour. And it’s a perfect medium size at 46 to 56 centimetres tall and 14 to 25 kilograms.

Border Collie

Admit it: You would quit your day job if you could snuggle and play with this happy-go-lucky pup every day. The gold wavy, lustrous coat is oh-so-huggable, and the broad head with the ever-present smile are hallmark traits of the breed. As an adult, it looks longer than it is tall and it will have a strong back that is slightly rounded over the rear. It’s the perfect size to ride in a canoe (it loves to swim!) standing at 56 to 61 centimetres and weighing 25 to 34 kilograms.

Golden Retriever

You might say the ears on this pup look tulip-shaped or like bat ears and they’ll always stand out, even as an adult – just like the wrinkles on its head and muzzle and those big, wide-set eyes on its square head. They’re all accessories that offset the compact, muscular package that’s just 30 centimetres tall and nine to 13 kilograms.

French Bulldog

Are those speckles or freckles? Whatever you call them, they are distinctly cute on this little pup. The coat may have a lot of variations with its patches of solid colour and speckling, but the colours can only be liver and white. Its coat is short and thick and feels a little rough, which is ideal because this breed points to a gun dog heritage.

German shorthaired pointer

Let’s see; we have the chestnut and white patchy coat with a side of adorable freckles on the muzzle; these freckles or “ticking” as the AKC calls it may also appear on the legs and body as pups mature. If the colours and markings don’t give it away, think about this – it is a leggier hunting breed and taller than some of its spaniel cousins at around 51 centimetres and with only 14 to 27 kilograms to carry, it’s quick and agile at fieldwork.

Brittany

If it is not apparent, this pup is going to bust out and be a dog of mammoth proportions. At a whopping adult weight of 45 to 68 kilograms (and 66 to 71 centimetres tall), it’s basically like having an adult human in your house – well, except for its webbed paws. But as far as family members, this furry and ginormous lifeguard couldn’t be a sweeter, patient, and more devoted family member.

Newfoundland

Always dressed for a night on the town in its “tuxedo” coat this pup with a charming and comical personality is party portable even when fully grown at around at 38 to 43 centimetres and up to 11 kilograms. Here are two more clues – it hails from a famous East Coast city and the droopy puppy ears will eventually stand erect on the head.

Boston Terrier

A cute little burly bruiser already, this spitz-type pup is native of Japan and a symbol of health, happiness, and long life. As with all spitz-type dogs, it will have a muscular body, narrow muzzle, short and dense coat, and the trademark curled, plum tail. It will tip the scale between 32 to 59 kilograms and tower between 60 to 71 centimetres. Also, this breed has webbed toes which make them highly skilled walkers on ice and snow.

Akita

Sign up here to get Reader’s Digest’s favourite stories straight to your inbox!

Source: RD.com