EVERY pet parent thinks their furry friend is the cutest creature on the planet.
And thanks to a recent scientific study, the top 10 most beautiful dog breeds have been officially named.
Scientists have used an ancient Greek formula of “physical perfection” to determine the most beautiful dog breeds in the world, reports the Daily Mail.
This Golden Ratio of Beauty, a mathematical calculation, devised by the Greeks but has proven accurate for centuries, has previously been used to calculate the most attractive celebrities.
Celebrities such as Aaron Taylor Johnson, Paul Mescal, and Robert Pattinson ranked among the top male stars in the world.
The desired ratio is roughly 1:1.618 and compares the measurements, ratios, and symmetry of facial features to determine beauty.
Leonardo Da Vinci used the mathematical principle to create the perfect human male body in his famous work, the Vitruvian Man.
And now, the practice has been used for perhaps the most important task yet, determining the cutest canines out there.
Experts at Money.co.uk applied the ancient principle to various dog breeds.
The closer to 100%, the more a breed represents a “mathematical distillation of beauty” with its “statistically perfect proportions”.
Cairn Terrier – 88.7%
Ranking number one is Scotland’s Cairn Terrier, which received an impressive golden ratio score of 88.7%.
This breed, which originated in the Scottish Highlands, is known for its foxy expression, small, pointy ears and raggedy outer coat.
The beloved dog is often associated with the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz.
Dorothy’s cute canine sidekick Toto was played by a Cairn.
West Highland White Terrier – 87.5%
The West Highland White Terrier came in second place as the most beautiful dog breed (stock image)[/caption]
In a close second place is another beloved Scottish breed, the West Highland White Terrier, also known as the “Westie”.
Slightly shorter than a Cairn Terrier, Westies are known for their energetic personalities.
The breed has been historically bred to hunt rodents but have still been described as being a little stubborn, making them difficult to train.
How is the Golden Ratio measured?
Renaissance era artists and architects used this equation, also known as Phi, to create their masterpieces.
Scientists adapted the mathematical formula, which equates to 1/1.618, to explain what makes a face beautiful.
The length and the width of the face is measured and then the results are divided.
Measurements are then taken from the hairline to the spot between the eyes, from the spot between the eyes and the bottom of the nose and from the bottom of the nose to the chin.
A person is considered to be more beautiful if the numbers are equal.
It is immediately identifiable by its dense, white coat, and has a confident, independent, and inquisitive nature.
Border Collie – 86.7%
Border Collies were the highest ranked larger dog breed in the Golden Ratio formula (stock image)[/caption]
Rounding out the podium positions, the Border Collie received an impressive rating of 86.7%.
They were originally bred as working dogs and are known for herding livestock, especially sheep.
Border Collies have a more pronounced snout than the top two terriers, and have floppy triangular ears and oval eyes.
They are known for their intelligence and capable of learning a significant number of commands.
Rhodesian Ridgeback – 86%
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for its perfectly symmetrical stature (stock image)[/caption]
With an even 86%, the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranks number four in the world.
The large breed originates from southern Africa, bred to hunt large game, including lions.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a strong and muscular build, with a highly active energy.
They have a symmetrical outline, down to their perfectly proportioned floppy ears.
The breed’s features include a long and pronounced muzzle and deep eyes with arched brows.
Welsh Terrier – 85.9%
With its distinctive rectangular face, the Welsh Terrier was listed in the top most beautiful dog breeds (stock image)[/caption]
The Welsh Terrier, known for its distinctive face, received a beauty rating of 85.9%.
They have a compact and sturdy build with an iconic rectangular head.
Their facial features include erect ears, bushy eyebrows, and a bushy beard.
This breed is known for its alert personality and workmanlike mentality.
Weimaraner – 85.6%
Weirmaraners are known for their distinctive silver coat and velvety floppy ears (stock image)[/caption]
This large elegant-looking breed was rated number six on the top 10 list, with a result of 85.6%.
The Weimaraner has a distinctive silvery-grey coat as well as big velvety ears and a thin build.
They have been nicknamed the “grey ghost”, and are historically linked with Germany’s nobility.
Weirmaraners have a strong, muscular, and athletic build with an earnest expression.
Experts at the American Kennel Club described the breed as “a breathtaking sight”.
Tolling Retriever – 85%
Tolling Retrievers are the smallest of all retriever breeds and have a fox-like appearance (stock image)[/caption]
Tolling Retrievers, which originate in Canada, received a beauty rating of 85%.
The smallest of all the retriever breeds, “Tollers” have a fox-like head and a rich orange or red colour.
Their fur often features white markings around the feet and the face.
Tolling Retrievers also have almond-shaped eyes which project an alert expression.
Italian Greyhound – 84.9%
Italian Greyhounds are known for their narrow head and elongated features (stock image)[/caption]
The Italian Greyhound, known for its large eyes and long neck, received a rating of 84.9%.
They have small, elongated, and narrow head features, including softly folded ears.
Their long, thin legs give them a high stepping gait, giving them an elegant appearance.
This breed originates from ancient Egypt, where their mummified remains were found entombed with pharaohs.
Norfolk Terrier – 84.3%
The Norfolk Terrier are known for their hardy face and rough coat (stock image)[/caption]
The small yet feisty Norfolk Terrier was placed ninth on the list, with a result of 84.4%.
With a substantial and hardy face, this British breed is the smallest of the working terriers.
They were historically trained to hunt small rodents and other vermin.
Norfolk Terriers have a wedge-shaped muzzle and strong jaw, with dark eyes and a rough coat.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi – 83.9%
Welsh Corgis are easily recognisable for their pointed ears and short elongated stature (stock image)[/caption]
Rounding off the list is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, with a 83.9% rating.
A favourite of Queen Elizabeth II, this breed has an alert, intelligent expression and fairly wide skull.
However, it is probably most recognisable for its erect ears, elongated body, and disproportionately short legs.
And at the bottom of all the dog breeds were the Shih Tzu at 41.0%, the Bullmastiff at 48.7%, the French Bulldog at 54.3%, the Bulldog at 56.3%, and the Rottweiler at 60.0%.
