Smallest Dog Breeds in the world
Dogs have been considered man’s best friend since forever. From the biggest to the smallest dog breeds, you can enjoy the company of a dog’s sweetness and fidelity until they become the cockiest members of the family.
When it comes to small dog breeds, size may be one of the few characteristics they have in common. They are adorable, charming, playful, and easy to care for. You can easily take them anywhere you go. Mostly they are quite suitable for small areas such as apartments or small houses. But some small breeds also prefer country life and they need the space to run around such as on a farm.
In most cases, small dogs are very delicate and fragile creatures. They need constant attention and care. But many of these dogs have not always been like this. They were not bred as cute small puppies that you can pet all day but had their specific purpose. But everything has changed over time. The need to use many dogs for their intended purpose has changed with time. Because of their small size and external attractiveness, these breeds have become the decoration of human life. Most of them have become real companions to their owners.
A small dog can be a great companion. These breeds can add a lot of fun and happiness to your life. But you have to consider its personality, grooming commitment, and activity level if you are looking for a small dog breed to adopt. So we list out the top smallest dog breeds in the world.
1. Chihuahua – (3 kg)
This dog breed originated in Mexico and is believed to come from Tajiki, a dog breed that was bred by the Toltecs in central Mexico. Chihuahuas are one of the cutest smallest dog breeds in the world. They are very cute and adorable, which makes them very popular. And they are ideal dogs to have as a companion in small spaces.
They have a faithful and energetic relationship with their masters because of their incredibly playful and affectionate personalities. But its behavior varies according to the environment around it. They can measure up to a length approximately between 6.29 – 9.05 inches. And they can weigh up to 6.6 pounds.
There are variations in Chihuahuas. You can find long hair and short hair dogs. In the case of short hair, it is advisable to always have it with a sweater on because it can easily get cold and shiver. Chihuahua is such a tiny breed, it is featured in the Guinness record as the smallest dog in the world, Milly which is a Chihuahua dog from Puerto Rico won the prize as the smallest dog in the world. Milly measured 3.77 inches in height.
2. Pomeranian – (3.5 kg)
The Pomeranian is a truly adorable breed. It can measure up to 8.66 inches and weigh about 7.7 pounds. They are outgoing, intelligent, energetic, and curious pets. Despite having a dense and almost stiff coat that should be brushed once a week, we must recognize that it is a characteristic that makes it look unique and charming.
It is a breed that belongs to the family of Spitz dogs and got its name in Pomerania, Germany, where it comes from.
This puppy with pointy ears is a perfect pet and does not require much care. There is a variety of pomeranian colors to choose from. White, Black, Brown, Grey, and Cinnamon. Even the famous Kim Kardashian chose to give her daughter North, a dog of this breed for her birthday.
We are sure that if you adopt a Pomeranian you will not regret it.
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3. Maltese – (3 – 4 kg)
The Maltese Bichon is a beauty and has a charming personality, intelligence and fall of life, and excellent company. It measures approximately up to 9.84 inches in height and weighs between 6.6 – 8.8 pounds. It is one of the longest-living breeds. They live an average of 12 – 19 years.
The Maltese Bichon is very social and gets to maintain good relationships with dogs of other breeds. It can be very adorable and affectionate with its master. But it is so individualistic that it does not allow strangers into its life immediately.
They have curly, abundant, silky, and shiny fur that does not need brushing because. It gets tangled easily. This breed is purely white. But it can have lemon-colored patches.
4. Mini Yorkie Terrier – (4 kg)
Who can resist a Mini Yorkie Terrier? It is very small but it has nothing weak. He is very close to his master and loves being the center of attention. It is cheerful, affectionate, easy to care for, and very obedient to its owner. This dog is willing to give its company just as it wants the same from its master.
This is a very popular dog breed. An ideal dog breed to have in an apartment or smaller spaces. They measure up to 6.69 inches. So it is considered to be one of the smallest breeds in the world. And weighs less than 8.8 pounds.
It has a soft and long coat that can be two shades. Steel Grey and Light Brown. In the case of females, you can make them look very fashionable by typing their big hair.
5. Pekingese – (2 – 8 kg)
This dog breed may have a sort of sad expression. But do not be alarmed, it is only the appearance because it is cocky and loves to do what it wants.
The Pekingese is a small compact and heavy dog measuring between 5.90 – 9.84 inches. In height at the withers and weighs 4.4 – 17.6 pounds.
It is a very independent dog breed. Training this dog is not easy. Nevertheless, it manages to be a faithful and attentive dog with its master.
It has an abundant, long, and even rough coat. It is originally from Beijing, China. This dog breed enjoys spending its time with toys. But beware, these toys must be flat, because they have a flat snout that could make it impossible to bite a ball no matter how small the ball is.
They get hot easily. If you have or want to have one remember that you must exercise, the weather has to be cool if you do not want to see its bad side. Pekingese are really annoyed by the heat.
But anyway. They are adorable and having the company of a puppy of this breed is unparalleled.
6. Shih Tzu – (4.5 – 8 kg)
The Shih Tzu is of Chinese origin like Pekingese. Its name means lion dog. A title that does not fit well because of its tiny size. This name has its origin in Buddhist monasteries.
The Shih Tzu was considered a sacred dog and was given to royal families in China as a symbol of good luck. It is said that the emperor Kublai Khan had lions and made them live with the Shih Tzu to keep those ferocious animals calm when they were not hunting.
It measures about 10.51 inches and weighs between 9.9 – 17.6 pounds. If you want a playful dog to adopt a Shih Tzu
7. Dachshund – (9 kg)
This dog breed reminds us of tasty sausage. It is literally called the sausage dog. It has its origin in Germany. Initially, these dogs were used for hunting. The aim was to protect the barns from rats and to avoid big plaques.
This puppy has curious characteristics. It has short legs that make it look like a dwarf dog. Something like a Thumbelina, the smallest horse in the world.
But no, it is its nature. This dog breed is a very playful friendly dog and it conquers the hearts of those who come to know. It is even very clean.
It measures approximately 6.69 – 9.84 inches and can weigh up to 19.8 pounds. If you are looking for a dog with these characteristics. This dog will be perfect for you.
8. Australian Terrier – (8 kg)
These dogs come from Australia. In the beginning, these beautiful furry and short-legged puppies were bred to hunt small animals like mice. But they were also used as guardians. It sizes around 11 inches tall and can weigh up to almost 17.6 pounds.
These dirty little dogs are a little rebellious with their masters. If you do not educate them as puppies they will surely make you sweat. However, it adapts very quickly to the family and is faithful caregivers of the home.
It does not require much care or exercise. It is ideal for children because it is a docile and affectionate dog.
9. Prague Ratter – (3 kg)
The Prague Ratter dog is very similar to the Chihuahua because of its appearance, size, and personality. This dog measures approximately 9.05 inches and by its thin and light body. It weighs up to almost 6.6 pounds.
It is a playful dog. Very reactive, intelligent, obedient, and quick to learn. He is originally from the Czech Republic like the Australian Terrier. In the beginning, It was trained to hunt mice and all kinds of rodents which justifies its particular name.
Its friendly behavior makes it fit better in the name with the family than hunting in the fields. What has turned it into one of the members of the house is that you do not need deep care for it to make a strong dog.
But you have to vaccinate, deworm every so often and prevent its bones from fracturing.
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10. Fox Terrier – (3kg)
If you want a dog that learns tricks this will be the one. It was created by the Americans when crossing the straight-haired dwarf Fox Terrier and Chihuahuas. Because of its great ability to learn tricks, the Fox Terrier was used in circus shows as acrobats and excellent companions and the artistic numbers of clowns.
They can measure around 11.81 inches and weigh up to 6.6 pounds. They are alert, fun, and loving dogs. These dogs love to exercise and play a lot with their owner. They are white with fur in the head that can be black and fire-colored and tend to have colored spots on the body. They can live 13 – 15 years.
11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – (5 – 7.8 kg)
This small, cheerful and worthy breed originated in Japan or China in the 13th century. This breed became popular in the elite circles of society. They became popular, especially in France and Britain. They were liked by the court ladies for their grace and elegance.
This breed was popular not only because of its appearance but for its speed and agility. Noble people took them on a hunt where they showed a high level of their skills. This dog breed grows up to 13 inches. It weighs from 11 to 17 lbs.
They are graceful, elegant, sincere, kind, very cheerful, and active by their nature. They cannot be angry, annoyed, or noisy. This breed is very agile. They like different funny games, long exciting walks, and they get along well with other breeds. They almost never fight.
This breed is friendly and cheerful, and also very fond of children. They will never touch the baby and it will always defend the child.
Caring for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is quite simple and easy. They have a long beautiful coat that does not need to be cut or trimmed. But if you want the coat to be noticeable and bright, you need to maintain regularity.
12. Toy Poodle – (7.7 kg)
Toy Poodle is a friendly, playful, and fluffy toy dog breed. They can become true friends and family members. Even though they are very small in size they can bark boldly at uninvited guests.
They grow up to 17 inches and weigh around 17 pounds. These dogs are completely devoid of aggressiveness. But, they are very sensitive to the demonstration of aggression towards them. They are very easy to offend and hurt.
Toy poodles behave cautiously in front of strangers. They prefer not to trust strangers. Such distrust is direct evidence of their introversion. They are extremely easy to train. It is not a coincidence that these toy poodles very often perform complex circus tricks.
Toy Poodles are one of the few dog breeds that can grow up with manners even without special training and education. All of this is thanks to the inborn inquisitiveness and intelligence of a toy poodle.
13. Pug – (7.7 kg)
This is one of the oldest breeds in the world. They are very nice and friendly. Pugs have a strong affection for family members. They playfully greet guests at the doorsteps of the house. But at the same time, they are too friendly to strangers because of their disposition. Because of that, they should be trained not to respond to strangers’ commands and not to take food from their hands.
This breed seems to be created for lazy people. They spend most of their lives dreaming, snoring rhythmically. Other than their low level of activity the pug will never reduce to playing with his master. This kind of dog cannot be left alone for long because without the master the Pug will suffer all the time demonstrating this all with his appearance.
According to the Pug, everything should be in the right place. If it is outraged by something it’ll immediately take a fighting stance and barks loudly. As everything returns to normal the Pug yawns, sneezes, and returns to its place.
Pug weighs up to 17 pounds. And its height is up to 12.5 inches. They live on average 15 years.
14. French Bulldog – (9 – 10.5 kg)
This dog breed has a height of 11 – 15 inches with an average weight of 20 – 23 lbs. Other than their small parameters, these dogs are quite strong. They have a strong body, strong muscles, and short muzzles. They are their distinguishing features.
On average these dogs live 9 – 12 years. In addition to appearance, people are attracted because of their disposition. These small dog breeds are very restrained, and they are not prone to tantrums and they practically do not bark.
French Bulldogs are characterized as brave, quick-witted, and also friendly, and sympathetic. Sometimes they seem like very lazy dogs. But if you offer them some kind of interesting activity it becomes clear that they easily adapt to the rhythm of the owners.
These dogs really like ball games. They do not like loneliness. Because of that they joyfully meet the owners and endure separation hard. It is best if the dog travels with its owners. Because of the developed intellect French Bulldogs quickly master commands. So they can easily train by themselves.
But it is better to start training from puppyhood because otherwise the rampant activity which sometimes overtakes the Bulldog, can lead to complete destruction of the house they live in. They understand clearly that it is forbidden to throw things or food around the house if they have been clearly told about this at least once. During walks, this breed is not in the habit of running away.
15. West Highland White Terrier – (10 kg)
The height of this dog is 12 inches and it weighs 22 lbs. This breed is not a lap dog. They do not like to be at home for a long time. They are considered to have originated from Scotland. These dogs catch pests from farms, mines, and estates.
They are very affectionate and loving. It is very important to pay enough attention to them.
16. Papillon – (5 kg)
Papillons are miniature dogs with unusual ears that look like butterfly wings. They have a very beautiful and long coat that is not subject to constant molting due to the lack of an undercoat.
This dog breed is a very nimble and frisky dog breed. They will willingly frolic on the street. These dogs are very attracted to the owner and if the owner isn’t home for a long time they can even refuse to eat.
They are a breed with excellent temperament. They weigh up to 11 lbs. And height up to 11 inches.
17. Miniature Schnauzer – (8.2 kg)
Miniature Schnauzer is a wonderful dog with gorgeous eyebrows and a beard. This dog grows up to 14 inches and weighs around 18 lbs. They are also originally used to hunt rats and as guard dogs on farms.
This breed was bred in the mid to late 19th century in Germany. This dog is a playful, curious, attentive, ardent, and companionable dog. It likes to be the center of attention. It is smart and also can be stubborn. But it is usually obedient.
This dog gets along with children as well as other animals and dogs. They can bark a lot. These breed dogs are gracefully aging. They show no signs of aging until they are old. On average they live around 14 years.
18. Miniature Bull Terrier – (15 kg)
This breed of dog is a genetically bred breed that became popular more than half a century ago. They are obedient, active, and cute. They will be good companions and protectors of the family. The height of this dog is up to 14 inches and it weighs up to 33 lbs.
They rarely show aggression towards people. They are very cute and cheerful. These dogs’ characteristics as pets are quite flexible and friendly. But it is better not to leave it alone with children.
Mini Bull Terriers are stubborn. Its wayward disposition will present difficulty to the trainer because it will be very difficult to make the dog do something it does not like.
But overall this dog responds well to training. If this dog is trained well, it will become a protector and a good companion for the owner and his family.
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Which is the smallest dog breed in the world?
As mentioned above in this article and according to the records Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world. Usually, they weigh less than 6 pounds, which means less than 3 kg, and stand about 5 – 8 inches. So you can see they are a tiny dog breed.
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