There’s something undeniably captivating about dogs with big eyes. Their soulful gazes can easily charm us. If you’re a dog owner like me, you’ll know that those puppy-dog eyes are impossible to resist!
But what is it about these big-eyed dog breeds that make them so irresistible and heartwarming? Is it their unique appearance or the way they use their expressive eyes to communicate?
In this article, we will explore 15 dog breeds with big eyes that are sure to melt your heart and make you fall in love with them.
From playful and friendly pups to noble guardians, these big-eyed dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes. Each breed has its own distinct charm and personality, making them perfect companions for a variety of lifestyles.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of dogs with big eyes and discover the unique qualities that make them so appealing.
Key takeaways
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a soulful gaze.
- Boston Terriers have the largest eyes of any breed, with 28mm in diameter.
- Chihuahuas are tiny but mighty and French Bulldogs are bat-eared charmers!
CONTENTS
- 1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Soulful Gaze
- 2. Boston Terrier: Record-Breaking Eyes
- 3. Shih Tzu: Hidden Gems
- 4. Basset Hound: The Melancholic Look
- 5. Parson Russell Terrier: Secretive Charm
- 6. Japanese Chin: Bug-Eyed Beauty
- 7. Olde English Sheepdog: Watchful Guardian
- 8. Pug: Comical Canine
- 9. Beagle: Master Manipulators
- 10. Great Dane: Wise Giants
- 11. Saint Bernard: Apologetic Destroyers
- 12. Scottish Deerhound: Bushy-Eyed Nobility
- 13. Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Curls and Cunning
- 14. Chihuahua: Tiny but Mighty
- 15. French Bulldog: Bat-Eared Charmer
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Soulful Gaze
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, with its deep, soulful eyes, is known for captivating hearts and making friends wherever they go. When I was a kid, they were the breed that I dreamed about owning one day!
This small breed has an interesting history, dating back to the 1950s when the first Cavalier was brought to the USA from the UK. These loyal companion dogs have a playful, friendly, and affectionate personality, making them perfect for families and even as therapy dogs.
One of the most notable features of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is their big, dark, round eyes that seem to peer right into your soul. These beautiful eyes are a major factor in their popularity and make them one of the most recognizable dog breeds with big eyes.
2. Boston Terrier: Record-Breaking Eyes
Boston Terriers, with their big, expressive eyes, have the largest eyes of any dog breed in the world. In fact, Bruschi, a Boston Terrier, holds the Guinness World Record for the dog with the largest eyes, each measuring an impressive 28mm in diameter.
These small dogs stand between 12 and 15 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 25 pounds. They have a unique appearance that includes a black nose and forehead, a brown eye-ring, and a white blaze on their chest.
Known for their gentle, well-mannered, and intelligent nature, Boston Terriers make great companions for households with kids and seniors. Despite their record-breaking eyes, they’re also energetic and love to play.
Ranked 21st on the American Kennel Club list of most popular dogs in the USA, Boston Terriers are undeniably a big-eyed dog breed that captures hearts with their expressive gaze and lively nature. Any Boston Terrier photo shows their personality clearly in those gorgeous eyes.
The adorable Shih Tzu, with their big, beautiful eyes hidden under their long, silky hair, is a popular choice for families and dog lovers alike. These little dogs stand between 8 and 11 inches tall and weigh 7 to 12 pounds.
The Shih Tzu has a rich history, with evidence of their bones found in China dating back as early as 8000 B.C. Isn’t that amazing? Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, Shih Tzu dogs make excellent companions and are always eager to be the center of attention.
Their gorgeous, big eyes are often hidden beneath their luxurious hair, giving them a mysterious and alluring appearance. A family friend has one of these lovely dogs with a short coat, so you can see those huge eyes gazing at you! She’s so cute!
The name “Shih Tzu” translates to “Little Lion,” which is quite fitting given their bold and fearless personality. With their captivating eyes and playful demeanor, it’s no wonder Shih Tzus have earned their spot as one of the most appealing big-eyed dog breeds.
4. Basset Hound: The Melancholic Look
The Basset Hound, with their droopy, melancholic eyes, are a breed that can easily win over hearts. These dogs were originally bred for hunting purposes. The Basset Hound has an excellent sense of smell, which enables them to hunt small animals like rabbits.
Despite their hunting origins, Basset Hounds are friendly and sociable, making them loyal companions for people and other dogs alike.
Their deeply-set, sad-looking eyes are a distinctive trait of this big-eyed dog breed. Although Basset Hounds have a somewhat mournful appearance, don’t let their looks deceive you – these dogs are actually quite playful and affectionate.
5. Parson Russell Terrier: Secretive Charm
The Parson Russell Terrier, with its large, dark eyes, possesses a mysterious and secretive charm that many dog enthusiasts find intriguing. This small terrier breed originated in England and is known for:
- Its strong and friendly nature
- A lifespan of 10 to 15 years
- Being loyal companion dogs
- Being excellent pets for those looking for an energetic and intelligent companion.
Their large, expressive eyes give them an air of mystery, making them an interesting breed to own. Parson Russell Terriers are always up for a cuddle and a play session, making them a great choice for families and individuals alike. If you’re looking for a dog with a unique and intriguing appearance, the Parson Russell Terrier might just be the perfect breed for you.
6. Japanese Chin: Bug-Eyed Beauty
The Japanese Chin is known for its bug-eyed appearance, which adds to its charm and popularity among dog lovers. This small dog breed has a rich history, with evidence suggesting they were favorites among Chinese and Japanese Imperial courts around 700 to 1000 AD. Their distinctive bug-eyed look sets them apart from other dog breeds, making them a popular choice for those looking for a unique pet.
Japanese Chins are not only known for their big, bulging eyes, but also for their friendly and affectionate temperament. With an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, these beautiful dogs make great pets. If you’re looking for a charming, bug-eyed beauty to join your family, this friendly dog breed could be the one for you!
7. Olde English Sheepdog: Watchful Guardian
The Old English Sheepdog, with its deeply-set, watchful eyes, is an ancient dog breed that is constantly monitoring its surroundings, making them excellent guardians and companions. These large dogs, weighing up to 180 pounds, have a history dating back to the 1700s in England, where they were bred to be herding dogs.
Despite their massive size, Old English Sheepdogs are gentle and affectionate, making them a fantastic option for pet lovers.
Their watchful, big eyes give them a unique and distinguished appearance that I find beautiful. If you’re in search of a loyal companion with a keen eye for their surroundings, the Old English Sheepdog might be your new best friend!
8. Pug: Comical Canine
We all know Pugs with their unique, adorable appearance! I always grin when I see them out and about. They’re famous for their comical, bright eyes that can look in multiple directions at once, adding to their playful and silly nature.
These small dogs, weighing between 14 and 18 pounds, have a big personality packed into their tiny bodies. With a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, Pugs are extremely loyal and loving companions.
Their unique eyes give them a mighty presence despite their small size. This toy breed is good with other pets and younger children, so they’re great for families!
9. Beagle: Master Manipulators
Beagles, with their big, expressive eyes, are known for using their gaze to manipulate their owners and get what they want. These friendly dogs, originally bred for hunting, have a playful and affectionate nature. With a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, beagles make excellent pets for any family or individual.
Their captivating eyes and manipulative nature make them a popular choice for people looking for a charming and intelligent companion. If you’re in search of a dog with big eyes that are active and a joy to be around, the Beagle is ideal.
10. Great Dane: Wise Giants
Great Danes, with their large, wise-looking eyes, might seem like they have all the answers, but more often than not, they just want to claim a lap and cuddle. These gentle giants, weighing up to 200 pounds, are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They’re one of the largest dogs in the world!
Great Danes have a lifespan of 7 to 9 years. Their giant eyes give them a distinguished and noble appearance that many dog enthusiasts find captivating. I love this breed – they’re basically giant lap dogs with a fun, goofy personality!
11. Saint Bernard: Apologetic Destroyers
Another huge breed, these large dogs weigh up to 180 pounds! Saint Bernards, with their big, chocolate eyes, often find themselves needing to apologize for accidentally destroying things due to their massive size. With a lifespan of around ten years, these appealing dogs make great companions and good guard dogs.
Their big, captivating eyes match their massive bodies, giving them an endearing and gentle appearance despite their size. If you’re in search of a large dog with a big heart and even bigger eyes, the Saint Bernard might be the perfect breed for you.
12. Scottish Deerhound: Bushy-Eyed Nobility
Scottish Deerhounds possess bushy eyebrows and big, brown eyes that give them a noble and distinguished appearance. These large dogs, weighing up to 110 pounds, have a rich history of hunting dating back to the 16th century in Scotland. With a friendly and courageous temperament, Scottish Deerhounds make excellent pets as well as working dogs.
Their bushy eyebrows and big eyes add to their regal appearance, making them a popular choice among dog enthusiasts looking for a noble and distinguished breed. They are truly stunning dogs!
13. Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Curls and Cunning
Dandie Dinmont Terriers have the following characteristics:
- Large eyes hidden under white curls
- Part of the terrier group
- Known for their strong and friendly nature
- Lifespan of 10 to 15 years
- Loyal companion dogs
- Energetic and intelligent
These traits make them excellent pets for those looking for a loyal and intelligent companion.
Their big eyes, hidden beneath a mass of white curls, give them a unique and enchanting appearance. Whenever I see them on TV, I’m always captivated by them. Although I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting one in public yet as sadly, they’re quite rare.
14. Chihuahua: Tiny but Mighty
Chihuahuas may be small, but I can assure you that they have a huge personality and big eyes to match. These tiny dogs, weighing between 3 and 6 pounds, have so much attitude packed into their small bodies. With a lifespan of 10 to 18 years, Chihuahuas are incredibly loyal and loving companions.
I had the honor of rescuing my Chihuahua a few years ago now and she has made a huge difference in my life, despite her tiny size. Be warned – this tiny dog will use their big eyes to try and get what they want.
15. French Bulldog: Bat-Eared Charmer
French Bulldogs are known for their large eyes and distinctive bat-like ears, adding to their playful, charming nature. These small dogs, weighing between 40 and 50 pounds, have a friendly and affectionate temperament. With a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds at the moment.
Their large eyes and bat-like ears give them a unique and charming appearance, making them a popular choice among many pet parents.
Summary
In conclusion, dogs with big eyes come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, each with their own unique charm and appeal. From the soulful gaze of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the enchanting eyes of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, these big-eyed dog breeds are sure to capture your heart and make wonderful companions.
Whether you’re looking for a loyal guardian, a playful friend, or an affectionate cuddle buddy, there’s a big-eyed dog breed out there that’s perfect for you. So, why not open your heart and home to one of these captivating canines and experience the joy and love they bring to your life?
Frequently Asked Questions
What breed of dog has the largest eyes?
It’s the Boston Terrier that holds the title for Dog with the Biggest Eyes! Bruschi, a Boston Terrier, was given this honor by the Guinness Book of World Records.
What dogs have prominent eyes?
Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, and Pekingese are just a few of the breeds of dogs that have eyes that capture our hearts with their prominent eyes.
These breeds of dogs have a unique look that is often described as “puppy-dog eyes”. Their eyes are large and round, and they often have a sad or pleading expression. This expression is often used to manipulate their owners into giving them treats or extra attention.
Is it normal for dogs to have big eyes?
Though larger eyes may be part of certain dog breeds’ features, if the size is abnormal for your particular breed then it could be a sign of a medical problem and you should consult your vet.
It is important to be aware of any changes in your dog’s eyes, as it could be a sign of a medical issue. If you notice any changes, it is best to consult your vet to ensure your pet is healthy and happy.
I can tell you from experience that dogs with bigger eyes are more prone to getting debris in their eyes and having other eye problems, so keep a close eye on them!
Which dog breed has big, soulful eyes and a friendly temperament?
If you’re looking for an affectionate companion with big, soulful eyes, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect choice.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has an unmistakable look, with large eyes hidden under its trademark white curls. They certainly stand out from the crowd!