Top 10 Small Dogs with Bulging Eyes (2024)

Bug-eyed dogs are some of the most popular and beloved breeds, not just in the United States but around the world. They are small and beautiful, and they are mostly loved by women and kids. Their big, expressive eyes can’t help but melt the hearts of most pet lovers. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the top 10 small dogs with bulging eyes, shedding light on their unique traits and personalities. So, let’s dive in!

10 Beautiful Small Dogs with Big Eyes

Here are the top 10 bug eyed small toy dogs:

Chihuahua

The first on our list is this cute little breed known as the Chihuahua. Believe me, this breed is a tiny bundle of big-eyed charm with quite an interesting history. According to our sources, Chihuahuas originated in Mexico and are believed to be descendants of ancient Techichi dogs revered by the Toltec civilization. Back then, they were considered sacred and even believed to possess mystical powers. Can you imagine that?

Nowadays, Chihuahuas have become popular pets worldwide due to their compact size and adorable bug-eyed appearance. They usually weigh around 2 to 6 pounds, making them one of the tiniest dog breeds on the planet. But don’t let their size fool you—these little guys have big personalities!

Speaking of personalities, Chihuahuas are known for being sassy and confident. In fact, the one I have in my house is very stubborn and noisy, with an annoyingly big attitude. But aside from that, Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal to their human families and can be quite protective of their loved ones, which sometimes leads to them being wary of strangers.

Despite their bold nature, Chihuahuas also have a softer side. They love snuggling up in their human’s lap, seeking warmth and affection. These pups crave attention and thrive on companionship, so they may not be the best fit for someone who spends long hours away from home.

You may also want to check out these amazing facts about Chihuahua brain size.

Pug

Pugs are also adorable little dogs with big eyes and personalities. They are known for their wrinkled faces, curly tails, and love of cuddles, just like Chihuahuas. This breed has been around for centuries, and they were originally bred in China as companions for royalty.

In the 16th century, Pugs were brought to Europe, and they quickly became popular among wealthy people. In fact, many famous artists like Van Gogh and Renoir featured the breed in their paintings, which also contributed to their popularity, which we are witnessing today. They also have a short, stocky body with a broad, wrinkled face.

When it comes to personalities, I can tell you for free that pugs are all about fun and affection. They’re playful little goofballs, always up for a good time. Their clown-like antics can brighten the gloomiest of days. But even in their silly behavior, they are also incredibly loyal, loving, and pretty cool with kids.

One thing to be mindful of is their tendency to be a bit lazy. Yeah, they can be couch potatoes at times. So, regular exercise is essential to keep those little tummies from expanding too much.

Related article>> Best Dog Beds For Pugs In 2023

Shih Tzu

Another dog breed on our list of small dogs with big eyes is the Shih Tzus. This breed is believed to have originated in Tibet, where they were bred as companions for Buddhist monks. The name “Shih Tzu” means “little lion” in Chinese, and these dogs were often given as gifts to royalty, just like Pugs.

Shih Tzus are a playful dog breed that is very intelligent, and they are also very easy to train. However, their bulging eyes can make them susceptible to eye problems, so it is important to always take them to the vet for regular checkups.

Related article>> Top 5 Best Dog Beds for Shih Tzu to Keep Them Comfy and Cozy

Japanese Chin

I don’t know if you know this, but the Japanese Chin is considered one of the oldest dogs and also the national dog of Japan. This should at least give you a glimpse of how rooted the breed is in the country and how much value they place on it. But that doesn’t actually mean the breed originated in Japan.

According to reports, the Japanese Chin originated in China, where they were prized by royalty for their companionship and beauty. The breed was brought to Japan in the 16th century, and they quickly became popular there as well.

Japanese Chin are known for their bulging eyes, which are one of their most distinctive features. These eyes are actually quite healthy, and they give the dogs a sweet and innocent expression. Japanese Chin are also known for their long, silky hair, which can be found in a variety of colors.

In terms of personality, Japanese Chin are gentle, affectionate, and make great companions for people of all ages, especially children. The bug eyed dogs are also very intelligent, just like the ones we highlighted above, easy to train, and relatively cheap to maintain.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are another small dog with bulging eyes we are going to look at. If you are a dog lover who is searching for a beautiful pet that loves to cuddle and be playful, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the perfect choice.

This breed of dog has a long and storied history, but to cut it short, we learned they were originally bred in England in the 1600s, and they were favored by royalty and the wealthy. The breed was named after King Charles I, who was particularly fond of them.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were nearly extinct in the 19th century, but they were saved by a group of breeders who dedicated themselves to preserving the breed. Today, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and their big eyes make them unique.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a short, silky coat that can be found in a variety of colors, including Blenheim (white with tan spots), ruby (solid red), black and tan, and tricolor (black, white, and tan).

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a small, stocky dog with a distinctive “tuxedo” coat. They are also known for their bulging eyes, which are actually quite healthy and give the dogs a sweet and innocent expression.

According to our research, the Boston Terriers originated in Boston, Massachusetts, in the late 19th century. They were bred from a mix of English bulldogs and English terriers, and they were originally used as fighting dogs. However, they quickly became popular as companion dogs due to their gentle and affectionate nature.

You may also want to check out the German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix.

Boston Terriers are typically between 15 and 25 pounds and stand 15 to 17 inches tall. They have a short, smooth coat that can be found in a variety of colors, including black, brindle, and white.

These small dogs are very playful, gentle with kids, and make great companions. When it comes to the reason for their bulging eyes, we gathered that the Boston Terriers have them because of their brachycephalic skull. This means that their heads are short and wide, which puts pressure on their eyes. However, Boston Terriers’ eyes are actually quite healthy, and they do not experience any pain or discomfort as a result of their size.

Frenchie (French Bulldog)

We are gradually progressing; you can see how beautiful the breeds we’ve featured look. Now, this list can’t go on without featuring the Frenchie, otherwise known as the French Bulldog.

These adorable little dogs have a fascinating history with roots in France, as the name suggests. In the 1800s, they were developed from English Bulldogs when lace workers from England settled in France and brought their furry companions along. The locals fell in love with these compact and lovable pups, and that was how the French Bulldog was born!

Currently, Frenchies are featured in many pet blogs and forums as one of the most popular breeds around the world, and it’s not hard to see why. With their bat-like ears and those signature bug-eyed expressions, they are truly a sight to behold.

When it comes to personalities, Frenchies are full of character. They have a playful and mischievous side that will keep you entertained for hours. Their goofy antics and clown-like behavior are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. In fact, only their big eyes and facial looks alone can make one fall to the floor in laughter.

French Bulldogs are also known for their affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their human families and love nothing more than snuggling up on the couch with their favorite person.

Although Frenchies can be a bit stubborn during training, just like Chihuahuas, but with a little extra patience and positive reinforcement, you can make them learn any new tricks.

Pekingese

We also have the Pekingese, one of the small dogs with bulging eyes. Pekingese have long hair, a flat face, and big eyes. They are thought to have originated in China, where they were bred as companion dogs for the imperial family. The breed was brought to Europe in the 1800s, and they quickly became popular among royalty and the wealthy.

Pekingese are typically between 10 and 15 pounds and stand 10 to 12 inches tall. They have a long, thick coat that can be found in a variety of colors, including black, red, cream, and sable.

Pekingese are known for being gentle, affectionate, and loyal dogs. They are also very intelligent, easy to train, and make great companions for people of all ages, especially children.

Italian Greyhound

One notable Italian Greyhound, Kermit the Dog, gained fame through his appearances in Jenna Marbles’ entertaining videos, adding to the breed’s charm and popularity.
The Italian Greyhound, with its slender frame and those adorable bulging eyes, has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. They were cherished companions of royalty and nobility in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, often depicted in art and adored for their elegance.

Despite their name, Italian Greyhounds have roots that extend beyond Italy. They gained popularity in Italy during the Renaissance period, earning them their moniker. These tiny sight hounds were prized for their grace and agility, making them popular among the aristocracy.

When it comes to traits and personalities, Italian Greyhounds are affectionate and gentle dogs. They have a sensitive nature and are highly devoted to their human families. Their bug-eyed gaze is full of warmth and love, reflecting their caring and loyal personalities.

Italian Greyhounds are known for their athleticism and love of playtime, although they also enjoy lounging on the couch with their owners. They can be a bit shy around strangers, but once they warm up to you, their sweet and gentle nature shines through.

Basset Hound

The last but not the least on our long list of small dogs with bulging eyes is the Basset Hound. By simply looking at the picture of this dog, you should know that this breed looks sturdy with a long, droopy face and bulging eyes. They are thought to have originated in France, where they were bred as hunting dogs. The breed was originally used to trail hares, rabbits, and deer, and they were cherished for their keen sense of smell.

Basset Hounds are typically between 45 and 65 pounds and stand 12 to 15 inches tall. They have a short, smooth coat that can be found in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and tricolor.

Basset Hounds are gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and easy-to-train bug eyed dogs that are great for people of all ages, especially children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do small dogs have bulging eyes?

Small dogs with bulging eyes often have a condition called brachycephaly, which means that their heads are short and wide. This can put pressure on their eyes, causing them to bulge.

Are small dogs with bulging eyes healthy?

Small dogs with bulging eyes can be healthy, but they are more prone to certain eye problems, such as corneal ulcers and glaucoma. They may also be more prone to breathing problems.

What are some of the health problems that small dogs with bulging eyes are prone to?

Some of the health problems that small dogs with bulging eyes are prone to include:

• Corneal ulcers
• Glaucoma
• Breathing problems
• Allergies
• Skin problems
• Ear infections

What should I look for when choosing a small dog with bulging eyes?

When choosing a small dog with big eyes, you should look for a dog that has clear, bright eyes. You should also look for a dog that is not showing any signs of eye problems, such as excessive tearing or squinting.

What are some tips for caring for a bug eyed dog?

Here are some tips for caring for a small dog with bulging eyes:

• Keep your dog’s eyes clean and free of debris.
• Take your dog to the vet for regular eye exams.
• Be aware of the signs of eye problems, such as excessive tearing or squinting.
• Do not let your dog play rough or engage in activities that could injure their eyes.

What is the lifespan of a small dog with bulging eyes?

The lifespan of a small dog with bulging eyes can vary depending on the breed, but it is typically around 10–17 years.

That’s it, fellow dog lovers! If you have a question regarding our list, please let me know in the comment section. If you have other requests or questions, do contact me ASAP.