You can always find hope in a dog’s eyes. Isn’t it?
As a dog owner, you would have experienced it. Your pooch can just stare up at you with his big wide eyes, and you can’t resist giving him a hug or his favorite treat.
So it seems, that dogs with big eyes can move mountains. Let us dive in and look at the dogs that have big and cute eyes.
Popular dogs with big eyes
1. Boston Terrier
An intelligent, small dog with big eyes. Boston Terrier were originally bred in the latest 1800s in Boston, Massachusetts.
There are many stories about their origin but what we know is that they were bred for fighting by cross-breeding English White Terrier and Bulldog.
It is believed that a dog named “Judge” existed then and all modern Boston Terriers came from him.
Modern Boston terriers are lively, smart, and affectionate dogs having large eyes.
An interesting fact
Bruschi, a Boston Terrier, holds the Guinness World Record for the dog with the largest eyes. Each of his eyes measures 28mm in diameter.
They can be stubborn. Consistent training and early socialization are recommended which helps in making a more balanced dog.
They come in a smooth, fine coat which is often a combination of three colors: black, brindle, and white.
A full-grown Boston terrier can reach a height of 12 to 15 inches and weigh approximately 10 to 25 pounds. Their average lifespan is around 13 to 15 years.
He ranks 21 in the list of most popular dogs in the USA by AKC.
2. Pug
Pugs are large dogs with small bodies. They have a good sense of humor to please you. They are also called “Clowns of the canine world“.
Pugs are quite an old breed. They are considered to be originally bred around 200 BC during the Han dynasty. Choice of emperors and nobility, Pugs used to live their life luxuriously.
They are greedy for both food and affection. As much as you give them your love, they would shower their affection as well. They are not too active and would love to idle around if not playing with you.
They are small dogs with big eyes and wrinkles on their flat face. It is best to avoid exercise or playing in a hot climate as they may have breathing trouble.
Pugs are mostly double coat (Fawn pug) and seldom single coat (black coat). Though their coat is short, they shed around the year.
If you own a pug, you may be interested in our best food for pugs.
They may grow to a size of 10 to 14 inches in height and weigh approximately 14 to 18 pounds. Their average lifespan is around 12 to 15 years.
They rank 28 in the AKC’s list of most popular dogs in the USA.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breeds in the world and part of the Toy category. They are also called “Purse dogs”.
They have a very big personality in their toy-like size. This makes them quite popular dogs. A study done by Atlantic has shown that Chihuahuas are more aggressive than Pitbull.
There are many theories as to how they originated. But for Chihuahua dogs that we know today, were first seen in the Chihuahua state of Mexico from which they derive their name.
They are bold and alert dogs with big eyes who can do well as a watchdog to alert you. They tend to bond with one person.
Be cautious and avoid him if you have young children at home. They may not know how to carefully handle him and may treat him as a toy.
These dogs can grow to a height of 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh approximately 3 to 6 pounds. They are healthy dogs who can live up to 10 – 18 years.
They rank 33 in the “most popular dogs of USA” list by the AKC.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their constant wagging tail and large dark round eyes.
They originated in the 1920s in the United Kingdom when they were separated from the toy spaniel. The history of the breed in America is relatively recent.
The first Cavalier was brought from the UK to the USA in 1956 by W. Lyon Brown and Elizabeth Spalding. They founded the Cavalier King Charles Club in the USA which exists today.
They are very playful and affectionate and enjoy human company. They should not be left alone and are not the right dogs if you plan to leave them in the backyard.
Though small in size, they may still try to chase a bird or rabbit having the traits of a spaniel. They are not good guard dogs or watchdogs as they may even love strangers.
Cavaliers sport a medium-size silky coat that can be in four distinct types.
Blenheim (chestnut markings on a white background), Tricolor (black markings on a white background with tan color around eyes), Black and Tan (black with tan markings), and Ruby (a rich red).
They can grow to a size of 12 to 13 inches in height and weigh approximately 13 to 18 pounds in weight. Their average lifespan is around 9 to 15 years.
They are the 18th most popular dog in the USA as per AKC.
5. Japanese chin
This small dog has big eyes and is more cat-like. They can jump upon high furniture with a single leap.
Chins are an old dog breed. They were considered to be popular in Chinese and Japanese Imperial courts from around 700 to 1000 AD. They were brought to the UK in the 1600s and to the USA in the 1900s.
Japanese chins are quite catlike with alertness, intelligence, and also in terms of their grooming. They love to self-clean by licking. They are loyal dogs with a friendly demeanor.
Chins have a long silky single coat with a thick mane. Often they come in black and white, red and white, or black and white with spots of tan.
These dogs can grow to a height of 8 to 11 inches and weigh approximately 4 to 9 pounds. Their lifespan is around 10 to 14 years.
They are at 104 among the 195 dogs on the most popular dog list by AKC.
6. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu means Little lion in Chinese. Quite opposite to a lion, they are friendly and affectionate dogs with big eyes. They are happy to be your shadow and run behind you from room to room.
Shih Tzus are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. There is evidence of dog bones found in China that indicates they were present around 8000 B.C. It is documented that they were favorites of the Chinese royal family.
They were bred to be companion dogs for being affectionate but they are also alert and may bark at strangers.
Shih Tzus have a long, silky double coat that comes in many colors like solid-black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white. They are not easy to groom and require a lot of time maintaining their coat.
They can grow to a height of 9 to 10 inches and weigh approximately 9 to 16 pounds. Their lifespan is around 10 to 16 years.
Their rank is 20 in the 195 most popular dogs list by AKC.
7. Basset Hound
Basset hounds are medium-sized dogs with large eyes known for their long body on short legs. These dogs are intelligent and have excellent scent tracking abilities which are considered second only to Bloodhounds.
They trace their origins in France and Belgium. Basset in Fench means “low” which defines its low height body.
They were originally bred for hunting small animals like rabbits by tracking them with their scent.
Like other hounds, they can be obstinate and are considered difficult to train. You would need to be persistent with positive reinforcement training. Harsher methods are likely to make him more stubborn.
It is important to note that they also drool a lot. This is a common reason why they are left in the rescue centers.
These dogs are known for their large domed head with big eyes, wrinkles on the face, and long silky ears. They have a short coat that is dirt and water-resistant, easy to groom and comes in varying colors.
Basset Hounds can grow to a height of 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh approximately 50 to 65 pounds. Their average lifespan is around 10 to 12 years.
They rank 39 on the AKC’s most popular dog list.
8. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
These small dogs are part of the terrier group known for their long body, short legs, and distinct hairstyle. They are also one of the rarest purebred dogs.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier originated in the borders of Scotland and England in the 1600s. They were bred for hunting small animals like badgers, and rabbits.
True to terrier spirits, Dandies are active and energetic dogs. They are also independent dogs who can be obstinate. They are affectionate to the family but are wary of strangers and do well as watchdogs.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers have big eyes and a double coat. An approximately 2 inches long thick topcoat and soft water-resistant undercoat. They are hypoallergenic dogs and shed very less but it is not easy to maintain their coat.
The common coat colors are reddish-brown and bluish-black with a white topknot.
They have large, domed heads, with dark and big eyes that are set low. They can grow to a height of 8 to 11 inches and weigh approximately 18 to 24 pounds. Their average life span is around 12 to 15 years.
They rank 176 out of 195 on the most popular dog list in the USA.
9. Old English Sheepdogs
The old English Sheepdog is a large dog known for its long, thick, and shaggy tail and docked tail.
As the name suggests, they originated from England in the 1700s. They were bred as shepherd dogs to herd the cattle.
Nowadays, they are bred as companion dogs. They are loving and affectionate dogs who would love to play with the family. They are smart dogs who are easy to train.
They have a large compact square body with a thick muscular coat and expressive large eyes.
Old English Sheepdogs have a double coat. A long shaggy coat above and a soft inner coat. Common colors are gray, blue, brown, and fawn with white markings.
An adult OES can grow to a size of 21 to 24 inches and weigh approximately 65 to 100 pounds. They can live for approximately 10 to 12 years.
They rank 72 out of 195 most popular dogs by AKC.
10. Parson Russell Terrier
They are small dogs of the terrier category.
They are also known as Jack Russel Terrier named after John Russel who developed this dog breed in the 1800s for hunting along with the hounds.
Russell Terriers are energetic dogs who can surprise you with their speed. They are part of our top 20 fastest dogs. They are also friendly and clever. You would need to keep them engaged in physically and mentally stimulating tasks.
Their intelligent mind makes them obstinate as well and difficult to train. They are friendly and playful with people but are aggressive towards other dogs.
Parson Russell Terrier has a balanced body and big expressive eyes. They mostly have a white double coat which could be smooth or rough. Their coat requires regular brushing ideally twice a week.
They can grow to a size of 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh approximately 13 to 17 pounds. Their average lifespan is around 10 to 15 years.
They come 117 in the 195 most popular dogs list by AKC.
11. Beagle
Beagles are small scent hounds known for their big dark expressive eyes and large floppy ears.
Their origins are clouded with many theories that trace it back to ancient times. Modern beagles as we know them today were bred by Phillip Honeywood in Essex county of England in the 1830s.
They are gentle, lovable, and naughty dogs who are wary of strangers but soon become friends with them. They are smart dogs who love to play along with children.
They are not the right dogs if you plan to leave them alone for long hours as they are prone to separation anxiety.
Beagles look like miniature Foxhounds with a broad heads, short muzzles, and black noses. Their ears are long and low set.
They come in varied colors. Most often in the tricolor of black, white, and tan or only red and white. They have a smooth, dense water-resistant double coat. They do shed and should be groomed once a week.
An adult beagle can grow to a height of 13 to 15 inches tall and weigh approximately 18 to 30 pounds. Their average lifespan is around 10 to 15 years.
They are quite popular in the USA and come 6th in the AKC’s most popular dog list.
12. French Bulldog
French bulldogs are small affectionate dogs that adapt well to apartment living and are known for their large eyes and bat-like ears. The breed is also known as Frenchie.
Their origin traces to Nottingham city of England. The lace makers from the city moved to southern France along with miniature English bulldogs as Industrialization happened.
It is in France that old English bulldogs were bred with small local dogs and the French bulldog was developed.
They are playful, smart, and loving dogs who love to be in the company of humans. At the same time, they suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long. They are easier to train with an eager-to-please attitude.
They are a flat face, square-headed dogs with short muzzles. They have a short and smooth single coat that comes in a variety of colors like brindle, fawn, cream, or white. They are easy to groom.
Want to read about blue French Bulldog. Read here.
An adult Frenchie can grow to a height of 11 to 12 inches and weigh approximately 16 to 28 pounds. The average lifespan of Frenchie is around 11 to 14 years.
They are one of the most popular small dogs and rank 4th among the 195 most popular dogs in the USA.
13. Great Dane
Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. Often you see a Great Dane making the world record for being the tallest dog.
They are an ancient dog breed and there are records of similar dogs in Egyptian, Babylonian, and Tibetan artifacts. They were originally bred to hunt boars and were then also called Boar Hounds.
Great Danes are also called “Gentle Giants“. Though they may look dominating and intimidating with their size, they are very calm, gentle, and affectionate. They are easier to train with their eager-to-please attitude.
They love human company and would treat strangers also as friends. But if they sense some danger to the family, they can be fiercely protective.
Great Danes are large dogs having deep chests and muscular bodies. They have large eyes and long ears that are set high.
They have a single coat which does shed but is easier to groom. They often come in Fawn, Brindle, Harlequin, Steel Blue, Black, or Mantle color.
Want to know about Harlequin Great Dane. Read here.
These dogs can grow to a size of 28 to 34 inches tall and weigh approximately 100 to 200 pounds. They have a short life span of about 7 to 9 years.
They rank 16 in the most popular dogs list by AKC.
14. Scottish Deerhound
Like Great Dane, Scottish deerhounds are one of the tallest dogs with big eyes.
They were originally bred to hunt deer by chasing them. The exact origins are unknown but we know of their existence as far as the 16th century in Scotland.
They were a prized asset back then and there was once a rule that no one lower than the rank of Earl can own them.
Scottish deerhounds are considered noble and polite. Yet they are loyal and brave. They are not aggressive but quite courageous in difficult situations.
They are large dogs with slim bodies. Their head is long with a flat skull. These dogs have big dark eyes and soft floppy ears that are set high.
Scottish deerhounds have a thick, harsh, and wiry coat that often comes in dark blue-gray. They do shed and require regular grooming.
They can grow to a height of 28 to 32 inches and weigh approximately 75 to 110 pounds. Their average lifespan is around 8 to 11 years.
They rank 158 in the dog popularity list by AKC.
15. Saint Bernard
Another gentle giant of the canine world, these large dogs are powerful and muscular with big eyes.
Their origins trace back to Switzerland and it is believed that St Bernards were developed by crossing Alps local dogs with Mastiffs.
It is believed that a monk named Bernard of Menthon used the dogs for the hospitality of pilgrims near the St bernard pass at 8000 feet.
Saint Bernard dogs are intelligent and friendly and do well as therapy dogs. They are gentle and patient with children and are not aggressive unless they see a risk to the family.
These are large dogs with strong, muscular bodies. They have a powerful head, a wide skull, and a short muzzle. They have high-set medium-size ears and a keen expression on their big eyes.
St Bernard has a dense thick coat that can be long-haired or short-haired. He comes in a combination of red and white. He does shed and you should groom him at least three times a week.
These dogs can grow to a size of 24 to 30 inches in height and weigh approximately 120 to 180 pounds. The average lifespan of St Bernard is 8 to 10 years.
They come 48 in the list of most popular dogs in the USA by AKC.
Hope we gave you some good insights!
Now let us ask you a small query.
Which dog with big eyes in this list do you think is the cutest? Or did we miss any?