You know the move. Tail wagging, eyes sparkling, and then—zoom! If you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve witnessed those sudden explosions of energy—your dog spinning in circles like a mini tornado or racing around the living room as if they’re training for the Olympics.
But have you ever stopped to think: what exactly is going on here? Some dogs never outgrow their “puppy joy,” and that’s exactly what makes them so lovable. They twirl, bounce, and dance around when they’re excited, just like kids on Christmas morning.
This playful behavior isn’t just cute—it’s a sign of enthusiasm, energy, and deep connection with their humans. While nearly any dog can have a moment of silly excitement, certain breeds are known for making spinning and circling a signature move.
Whether it’s to welcome you home, beg for a walk, or just show you they’re thrilled to exist, these dogs bring endless joy into everyday life.
If you’re someone who adores animated, expressive pets that make every moment feel special, you’ll fall in love with these happy twirlers. In this guide, we’ll explore the top dog breeds that spin around excitedly like puppies, bringing you closer to the kind of unfiltered joy only a dog can offer.
Dog Breeds That Spin Around Excitedly Like Puppies
1. Shih Tzu
If you’ve ever seen a Shih Tzu get excited, you know the spin is real. These little charmers don’t just wag their tails—they turn into fuzzy ballerinas on a joy mission.
Whether it’s dinnertime, walkies, or just your return from a 5-minute trip to the mailbox, your Shih Tzu will greet you like you’re a rockstar, complete with a tail-spin encore.
Despite their royal Chinese ancestry, Shih Tzus are humble in one very specific way: they have zero shame in acting like an overexcited puppy well into their senior years. And honestly, we wouldn’t want them any other way. Their spins are like their way of saying, “Life is GREAT and you’re my favorite human!”
✅ When they’re happy, it bubbles out in full-body twirls.
✅ They’re low to the ground and built for spin moves.
✅ The fastest 360 you’ll ever see happens when treats are involved.
As per WebMD, Shih Tzu are perfectly suited for homes of all sizes since they don’t require a ton of space. Just be sure they have enough room to play and move around to keep them content.
So next time your Shih Tzu goes into spin mode, don’t stop them—cheer them on! You’re watching pure happiness on four legs.
2. Pomeranian
Pomeranians don’t walk—they prance, and when they’re excited? Oh, they spin.
These little furballs can whip up a twirl so fast, you’d think they were trying to create their own weather system. Whether it’s a squeaky toy, your return home, or the crinkle of a snack bag, Poms go into full-on celebration mode with dizzying enthusiasm.
With a personality roughly 10 times their body size, Pomeranians are dramatic in the best way. They’re like tiny cheerleaders with megaphones… and way more hair. Their spins are fast, frequent, and always delivered with wide eyes and a grin that says, “Did you see that? Let’s do it again!”
✅ Everything is exciting and deserves flair.
✅ No better way to express joy than twirling it out.
✅ Your presence alone is a celebration worth spinning over.
So if your Pom’s doing their little happy dance in circles, just know they’re not losing their minds—they’re simply living their best one.
3. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs may look like they’re built for naps and snacks (and they are), but when excitement hits? Boom—cue the zoomies and a surprise spin move that would impress a figure skater.
Don’t be fooled by their stocky, snorty charm—these little muscle muffins can and will twirl when they’re happy. It just takes the right trigger: a squeaky toy, your return from the mailbox, or dinner time.
Despite their chill, couch-loving reputation, Frenchies are all about their people. They crave companionship so much, your presence alone can cause them to launch into a clumsy, tail-wiggling spin session. It’s kind of like watching a bowling ball try ballet—and somehow, it works.
✅ You = their whole world, and that’s spin-worthy.
✅ They may chill hard, but they celebrate harder.
✅ They’ve got the moves, they just save them for special moments.
PDSA noted French Bulldogs were originally developed as companion dogs, meaning they’re highly attached to people and don’t cope well with being left alone, even for short periods. Ideally, they need an owner who’s home most of the time.
So, next time your Frenchie spirals into a happy little whirlwind, know it’s their special way of saying, “Life is good—and so are you.”
4. Boston Terrier
If excitement were a dance floor, the Boston Terrier would be front and center, doing twirls in a tuxedo.
These compact, tuxedo-clad charmers may be polite gentlemen in looks, but when the zoomies hit? They’re spinning like tops at a puppy disco. Boston Terriers don’t just walk into a room—they twist, turn, and boogie.
Lovingly dubbed the “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is always ready to celebrate your return home like you’ve just won the lottery. Whether it’s mealtime, playtime, or just-time-with-you time, they’ll circle, hop, and whirl with joy like their paws are powered by espresso shots.
✅ Spinning is just their way of saying, “OH MY GOSH, YOU’RE HOME!”
✅ Wiggle-mode is activated especially when they’re showing off for guests or other pets.
✅ People-lovers to the core – Their world revolves around you… literally.
So, if your Boston starts doing 360s when you grab the leash or head to the treat drawer, just enjoy the show. You’ve got a pint-sized partner who turns every moment into a celebration!
5. Havanese
If dogs had a built-in joy switch, the Havanese would’ve broken theirs from overuse. These fluffballs are like little clouds with turbo boosters—always twirling, bouncing, and doing impromptu dance moves that scream, “Life is amazing and I can’t contain it!”
Originally bred as lapdogs for Cuban aristocracy, Havanese today are more like tiny happiness machines with a love for spinning in circles when they’re excited, especially when their favorite people come home, or when treats are even hinted at.
✅ Like a cotton ball that drank too much soda.
✅ Even if you just left the room 10 seconds ago.
✅ If there’s an audience, expect full-on twirls and tail wags.
✅ They know how to get your attention… and your affection.
Havanese don’t just walk into your life—they dance into it, pirouetting like a professional pup ballerina. If you’re looking for a cheerful companion who treats every reunion like a red carpet moment, this spinner is your star.
6. Papillon
When a Papillon gets excited, it’s like watching a tiny tornado made of fur, joy, and unfiltered enthusiasm.
Don’t let their dainty, aristocratic look fool you—these little charmers are firecrackers with flair. Named for their butterfly-shaped ears (papillon means “butterfly” in French), they practically flutter through life in twirls.
Whether it’s you walking through the door, a squeaky toy hitting the floor, or someone daring to say “treat,” a Papillon will respond with spins that make figure skaters jealous. They don’t just react—they perform.
✅ Spinning is their version of a happy dance (with some zoomies on the side).
✅ This is a super smart, super agile breed that needs something to do, and circles count.
✅ They know they’re cute and they’re going to show it off, one twirl at a time.
PetMD noted Papillons are cheerful, sociable dogs who thrive on human companionship. They often shine in agility competitions and can also serve as therapy or service animals thanks to their intelligence and affectionate nature.
If you’ve got a Papillon, expect your day to start with a pirouette and end with an encore spin. Tiny in size, massive in personality—this little whirlwind will twirl its way right into your heart.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
If energy could be bottled, Jack Russell Terriers would power entire cities. These pint-sized dynamos don’t just get excited—they erupt into frenzied spins, zoomies, and gravity-defying jumps that make you wonder if they’ve got springs in their paws.
When a Jack Russell gets hyped (which is often), expect them to whirl around like a furry Tasmanian devil—but cuter and with a tail.
Originally bred to chase foxes out of their dens, this breed was literally designed to be nonstop. So when they see you holding a leash, a squeaky toy, or a snack, they short-circuit into full-blown twirly excitement. It’s not just a spin—it’s a statement.
✅ Endless energy – Spinning is just step one in their daily cardio.
✅ Super alert and intelligent –They process “fun”
As per Britannica, this breed is often a great fit for people of all ages, but its high energy levels might be a bit much for those who lead a more laid-back or low-key lifestyle.
8. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers don’t just greet you—they celebrate you. Whether you’ve been gone for five hours or five minutes, they’ll welcome you back with a spinning, tail-wagging dance that says, “YOU’RE HOME! BEST. DAY. EVER.”
These lovable golden goofballs are known for their endless affection, and when excitement hits, they can’t help but circle around in joy like a living, breathing confetti cannon. Food? Spin. Ball? Spin. You said “walk”? Full 360-degree rotation with bonus wiggles.
✅ Overflowing happiness—spinning is how they contain it (spoiler: they can’t).
✅ Social butterflies—they thrive on connection and can’t sit still when they’re happy.
✅ Play-mode always on—they’ll spin for fun, treats, or a squeaky tennis ball.
Golden Retrievers are basically your enthusiastic cheerleader in dog form—just add twirls, wiggles, and that signature golden grin.
9. Miniature Poodle
Don’t be fooled by their refined curls and posh reputation—Miniature Poodles are just fancy little goofballs who happen to come with built-in jazz paws. When these brainy fluffballs get excited, you won’t get a simple tail wag. Nope. You’ll get full-circle pirouettes, quick twirls, and “did they just levitate?” energy.
Whether they’re anticipating a walk, a treat, or your return from the other room, Miniature Poodles can’t help but spin like they’re auditioning for a canine Broadway show. It’s like watching a feather duster come to life—with rhythm and purpose.
✅ Bred for agility and water retrieving, spinning is basically cardio.
✅ They know something fun is coming and they’re getting psyched.
✅ Expressive little clowns – Drama is part of the charm.
Miniature Poodles bring the flair of a circus performer and the heart of a loyal best friend. And when they spin with joy? It’s not just adorable—it’s a mini celebration just for you.
10. Pug
When a Pug gets excited, it doesn’t walk, it whirls.
The Pug is a historic dog breed that traces its origins back to China nearly 2,000 years ago. Once cherished by royalty across the globe, Pugs have since become a widely loved and popular breed today.
Picture a cinnamon roll on fast-forward—round, squishy, and full of energy, it didn’t know it had five seconds ago. Whether you’re grabbing their leash, rattling a snack bag, or simply returning from the bathroom, your Pug will spin like it’s winning gold in the “Excited Potato Olympics.”
Pugs are charmingly dramatic, and that includes how they express happiness. Their curly tail starts wagging, their whole body wiggles like Jell-O, and then—boom!—it’s spin time.
And let’s be honest, watching a round little Pug do tight circles on those stubby legs is the kind of joy money can’t buy.
✅ Built low to the ground for fast, efficient twirling.
✅ Can’t help but show their love in full rotation.
✅ You are their favorite thing in the world, and it shows.
Petplan noted their friendly and playful nature, along with their small size, makes them ideal playmates for children. However, like any breed, they should be supervised with children at all times.
Whether it’s morning zoomies or pre-dinner dance-offs, a spinning Pug is the happiest little spectacle you’ll ever see. Just try not to laugh—they live for the reaction.
Conclusion
Dog breeds that spin around excitedly like puppies often display what experts call frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs), or dog and puppy zoomies. This behavior is generally caused by an excess energy buildup, nervous energy, or the need to release pent-up energy, especially in very food-oriented dogs or puppies. While most dogs, especially puppies, experience these sudden bursts, it’s not a behavioral issue—just a sign they may need longer walks or more mental stimulation like snuffle mats.
Dogs may spin with their tail tucked and backend tucked, zigzagging in the opposite direction around the coffee table like they’re on an Olympic track, frequently running and constantly skidding across laminate or hardwood floors. It can be dangerous in non-carpeted areas, so pet parents should offer a safe space, like a bed or a house corner.
Animal behaviorists agree that zoomies aren’t harmful on the few occasions they happen, though many older dogs may zoom less. While not typically needing a vet, if the spinning lasts a longer period or causes injury, a checkup is wise. Just watch out for your coffee table.
