8. Papillon

The Papillon is a small dog with big ears that originated from France and was extremely popular during the aristocracy in the 16th century. This pup got its name from the butterfly-looking ears; Papillon means butterfly in French.

Although the Papillon may look more like a lap dog, these little guys are active, playful, and need quite a lot of mental stimulation. This breed has a strong desire to please, follows instructions easily, and always seeks human companionship. They make great companions, but they’re not the kind of dog to be left alone at home for many hours.

If you are curious, here are the most popular dog breeds in our country: 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in America. Is your pup on the list?