Camofrog, he's not exactly 'cute' but I prefer crankies when they're not cutesy
also i know you said no penguins but I agree with shonnie Hopper is also an extremely good choice
Gruff is the cutest. C: He seems to be in a relationship with every lady in the town to which is just precious to me and he's kind to the player most of the time.
Curt is a really lovely cranky! I had him in my town, but then he decided to move and I let him go. Still regretting that because we'd become such good buddies v.v
I really don't like many of the small and furry crankies because the voice is just too deep for them o: