The Top 10 Cutest Dogs Belonging to Professional Athletes

Alexandria Montiel
SMC Sports Journalism
3 min readApr 3, 2019
Joji the golden retriever. Photo by Ally Montiel

To put it simply, dogs make life a lot more enjoyable for most people. It is obvious that my golden retriever, Joji, is the cutest dog of all time, but there are definitely other contenders that add to the list of adorable furry friends. For professional athletes, they love coming home to their furry best friends after long and extensive days of hard work.

Here is a look at the top-10 cutest dogs that are adored by their owners who are also professional athletes.

10. Simba

“Caption this… #Airmaxday 🤣🐺”

On and off the court, Evan Fournier from the Orlando Magic NBA team, often advertises his fresh kicks, but more importantly, his dog Simba. Simba is a fluffy grey husky who ranks as the tenth cutest dog because of his precious doggy eyes and foxlike characteristics.

9. Harper

“Like to thank my training partner for getting me ready for the start of the #quikpro Hahha 📷 @coreywilson”

While he’s not in the water surfing up a storm, Mick Fanning is hanging out with his best bud, Harper. Harper most definitely loves the beach and to surf with her dad, so of course she had to land a spot in the top-10.

8. Rio

“My not so little pup Rio ! #NationalPuppyDay

As the point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, Mike Conley shows that when he isn’t playing basketball, he enjoys cuddling his german shepherd, Rio. Rio is a loving and playful looking dog that could not be forgotten when it came to the top-10 list.

7. Rocco

“What you looking at?”

Klay Thompson, one of the Golden State Warriors’ stars, shows off both the Oakland Hills and his bodyguard, Rocco. Rocco looks tough on the outside, but is undoubtedly adventurous. With that in mind along with his wrinkly face, he had to join the top-10 list.

6. Lucy

“Made it to Sweden! ‪Can’t thank everyone enough for the well wishes! 🙏🏻 It is helping me stay positive and has lifted my spirits. Looking forward to creating some lasting memories in my final races next week. ❤️‬ #worldchamps

As an alpine ski racer for the U.S. Ski Team, Lindsey Vonn brings her dog, Lucy, with her everywhere she travels. Lucy is a King Charles who has mastered the puppy dog eyes and seems extremely soft so with that, she earned a No. 6 spot on the list.

5. Rufio

“Alright Rufio, I know which booth you want to eat at!😆Happy St. Paddy’s Day Y’all ☘️ #greengang 📸 @kevinarnold #farmersmarket#nutbutter #stpatricksday #pomsky#kotd #camo

Joseph Fauria, current free agent American football tight-end, spends his free time walking down the streets with his pomsky, Rufio. Rufio seemingly loves to model with his dad to show off his smile and fluffy tail, which automatically gets him a spot in the top-5.

4. Rigsbee

“Me and my co-star this evening #mustlovedogs #jumpy#rigsbee #statefarm #beachlifevibes

In the life of a quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, it is inevitable Aaron Rodgers will take time out of his busy schedule to hang out with his twin, Rigsbee. Just by the looks of this picture, it is obvious Rigsbee is a playful and adorable dog that deserves nothing other than to be on the top-10 list.

3. Bentley

“In recognition of #NationalPetDay #SirBentley”

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Kirk Cousins, shows off his rescue dog, Bentley, who is his biggest fan and best friend. Bentley is a golden-doodle who could easily pass as a teddy bear with that golden fur and loving face. Without a doubt, Bentley owns the No. 3 spot.

2. Jake

“Big happy birthday to my first baby boy Jake who turned 6 this week. Nothing like love from a buddy like this. #mansbestfriend

Former wide receiver, Eric Decker, shows off one of his three golden retrievers, Jake. Jake evidently loves to give his dad hugs, smile for the camera, and be the greatest best friend to his family so he obviously is the second cutest dog on the list.

  1. Riggs
“Everybody, meet the newest member of the Wentz fam — RIGGS! Golden Retriever #3 🙌🏻😎 Can’t wait to see this guy fetching birds and tearin’ it up in the years to come! S/O to @thunderstruckretrieversfor the pup! #RIGGS

The moment you all have been waiting for is here!

Carson Wentz, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, shares his newest addition to his family, Riggs, who is hands down the cutest dog ever. Riggs is a golden retriever puppy who has easily earned the top spot on the list with that sweet face, smooth fur, and his love for sticks.

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Alexandria Montiel
SMC Sports Journalism

College student and Athletics Communication Assistant at Saint Mary’s College from Honolulu, Hawaii.