If you ask me (or any dog lover, for that matter) every single good boi and girl out there is adorable in their own right – even if they’re not.
Sometimes especially if they’re not.
Science, though, says that some breeds are objectively cuter than others, and it’s all down to the Golden Ratio.
The Golden Ratio is the number that shows up when the ratio of two quantities is the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger of the two quantities – when the smaller is to the larger as the larger is to the whole.
That’s a lot of math for someone like me, so let me assure you, it’s a thing – and even if you don’t understand it, your brain responds to it when it sees it.
According to this principle, human brains find the Dalmatian the cutest dog around, with a face that adheres to 67% to the Golden Ratio.
The Irish water spaniel, wire fox terrier, Labrador retriever, and basset hound round out the top five, and you can check out the rest of the top 20 below.
Of course, there’s more to what makes a dog lovable than looks, so don’t feel bad if your pooch’s face doesn’t make the cut. We all know that personality does matter when it comes to relationships (especially with your pooch) and sometimes a dog is so ugly it’s actually cute.
I’m just saying.
20. Bloodhound
Look at those ears on the big boi!
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Image Credit: iStock
19. Old English Bulldog
I think the wrinkles have something to do with it.
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Image Credit: iStock
18. Bernese Mountain Dog
They just always look so happy.
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Image Credit: iStock
17. Siberian Husky
They might be cute, but what about the shedding?!
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16. Springador
This picture explains a lot about why.
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Image Credit: iStock
15. Cavapoo
I mean honestly. That thing can’t be real.
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Image Credit: iStock
14. Leonberger
That thing is ginormous!
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Image Credit: iStock
13. Schnauzer
I’ve never thought these were cute at all, if we’re being honest.
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Image Credit: iStock
12. Pug
These dogs are a crime against nature, however cute.
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Image Credit: iStock
11. Newfoundland
Gentle giants, to be sure.
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10. Golden Retriever
These had to make the list – they’re perfect.
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Image Credit: iStock
9. St. Bernard
All of that drool, though…
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Image Credit: iStock
8. Rottweiler
They’re strong but still adorable.
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Image Credit: iStock
7. Jack Russell Terrier
These guys get into so much mischief.
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Image Credit: iStock
6. Samoyed
I do thinks these dogs are downright adorable.
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Image Credit: iStock
5. Basset Hound
Something about the eyes, I think – they see into your soul!
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Image Credit: iStock
4. Labrador Retriever
They really are man’s best friend.
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Image Credit: iStock
3. Wire Fox Terrier
The best little dog around town!
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Image Credit: iStock
2. Irish Water Spaniel
Their coat seems like an awful lot of work.
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1. Dalmatian
I hear they’re pretty high strung, though!
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All of these dogs are cute, but have they seen every dog? And what about mutt love?
Do you agree with this list? Think something is missing? Sound off down below!