Delving into the world of the ‘What are the Smallest Dog Breeds in the World’, we uncover the charm and unique characteristics of these pint-sized canine wonders.
There is no doubt that small dogs make excellent pets. They are adorable, pretty, playful, and easy to care for… and you can take them everywhere.
They can be the best companion for first-time owners, families with children, and the elderly. They tend to adapt well to small spaces, which is why they are the perfect type of dog for life in apartments and urban environments.
Thinking of bringing a mini dog home? Take a look at the following list of small dog breeds and discover which are the 11 smallest dogs in the world. Learn about their characteristics, average life expectancy, coat colors, as well as their approximate size, and weight.
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Small dog breeds: which is the best for you?
Consider that despite their small size and cute appearance, many small dogs have big personalities. Depending on the origin and purpose of the breed, there are differences in behavior and preferences, which is why we have included some basic, but necessary, information to help you make the right decision.
According to specialized sources, such as the International Cynological Federation and the American Kennel Club of the United States, these are the 11 smallest dog breeds that exist:
- Chihuahua
- Pomeranian
- Yorkshire terrier
- Maltese
- Brussels griffon
- Japanese spaniel
- Papillon
- Toy poodle
- Toy fox terrier
- Russian miniature
- Affenpinscher
Let’s see how they are different and why you would want to have each of them …
Other small breeds include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chinese Crested, Dachshund, English Toy Spaniel, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Miniature Pinscher, Pekingese, Pug, and Shih Tzu.
1. Chihuahua: the smallest dog in the world and one of the oldest breeds
- Height : 15-23 cm (6-9 inches)
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Don’t be fooled by the size of a Chihuahua! Weight : 1-3kg (2-6lbs)
- Personality and Behavior: Alert, brave, devoted, spirited, intelligent, quick.
- Colors: black, black and tan, chocolate, cream, beige and red, etc.
- Life expectancy: 14-18 years
- Origin: Mexico
- Hypo-allergenic: No
If you are looking for a very, very small dog, the Chihuahua may be the perfect pet for you. Not for nothing is it considered the smallest in the world.
However, don’t be fooled by its size and reputation as a pampered dog. Chihuahuas exhibit a big personality and often have a distorted view of themselves (thinking they are bigger than they are).
They are usually devoted to one person and become protective, which is why keeping them as a pet in a home with children can be quite a challenge.
This is not to say that Chihuahuas cannot make excellent family dogs, but be warned that proper training and socialization are very important factors.
See later:
- The 30+ Colors of the Chihuahua Breed – Types and Spot Patterns
- What are the True Types of Chihuahua? Differences + Photos
2. Pomeranian: a small ball of fur with the face of a fox
- Height : 18-30 cm (7-12 inches)
- Weight : 1-3kg (3-7lbs)
- Personality and Behavior: Active, outgoing, inquisitive, friendly, intelligent, lively, playful, and sociable.
- Colors: black, black and tan, blue, brown, gray, orange, red and white, among others. It is said to be the breed with the greatest number of variations in coat color (about 18 different colors).
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
- Origin: Germany, Poland
- Hypo-allergenic: No
Pomeranians are one of the most popular small dogs around the world. His outgoing personality is often fascinating. He is the typical dog that enjoys pleasing his master and needs to do things around him.
They are considered intelligent dogs, capable of responding very well to training. As a Pomeranian owner, you will want to train your dog from puppyhood, as it is known that they can be territorial and develop excessive barking habits or aggression towards other animals.
It may interest you:
- Pomeranian Types – Face and Size Differences + Photos
- 23 Colors of the Pomeranian Breed – Patterns and Markings + Photos
3. Yorkshire Terrier: Tiny, silky, and brave-hearted like an old-fashioned terrier
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Brave and confident, Yorkies are excellent pets. Height : 20-23 cm (8-9 inches)
- Weight : 2-3kg (4-7lbs)
- Personality and Behavior: Alert, courageous, energetic, independent, intelligent, loyal, and playful.
- Colors: black and gold, black and tan, blue-gold, blue-tan.
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Hypo-allergenic: Yes
The brave and confident personality of Yorkies makes them successful dogs. They are not only good as pets, but also as competitors and therapy dogs.
This small toy-sized dog is incredibly loyal to its owners and prefers to stay close to them, but this should not be confused with a need to be pampered. His tendency to bark makes him an excellent watchdog, and his gentle nature makes him ideal for families with children.
Did you know that being so small, Yorkies were initially used as mousers in mines and mills? Although today many consider it a quintessential lapdog, this breed has a history of hard work and bravery.
More in:
- Yorkshire Terrier Temperament: What Do You Know About His Personality?
- How to Take Good Care of a Yorkshire Terrier? Basic Care Guide
4. Maltese: lovely nature and pristine white coat
- Height in males: 21-25 cm (8-10 inches)
Aristocratic Maltese are favorites. - Height in females: 20-23 cm (8-9 inches)
- Weight: 3-4kg (6.5-9lbs)
- Personality and Behavior: Active, docile, kind, intelligent, playful, sensitive, and sweet.
- Colors: white
- Life expectancy: 15-18 years
- Origin: Italy, Malta
- Hypo-allergenic: Yes
Despite their aristocratic bearing, Maltese are hardy and adoptable pets. They love to sit on their owner’s lap, but that doesn’t stop them from being alert. They are known to make excellent watchdogs and good competitors in agility rings.
They respond well to reward-based training, something that should be done from puppyhood, as they are often stubborn and willful.
In general, the Maltese are a very pretty breed of a small dog, long-lived and suitable for all ages.
5. Brussels Griffon: a lot of personality in a small body
- Height : 18-20 cm (7-8 inches)
- Weight : 2.5-5.5kg (6-12lbs)
- Personality and Behavior: Alert, gregarious, inquisitive, and snooty.
- Colors: beige, black, black and tan, red.
Life expectancy: 12-15 years- Origin: Belgium
- Hypo-allergenic: Yes
The Brussels Griffon is another of the small dogs that don’t grow up. Toy-sized, this furry friend seems to have the personality of 10 dogs put together. He is considered an intelligent and curious dog, as well as devoted and sensitive.
He tends to become emotionally attached to only one person and does not like to be around children.
Even so, it usually gets along with other animals, so it can be a good option if you have other pets. Like the other terrier breeds, the Brussels Griffon can exhibit stubborn behaviors. Patient and timely training will be your best ally.
6. Japanese Spaniel: a dog with cat behavior
- Height : 18-28 cm (7-11 inches)
Japanese Spaniels are also known as Japanese Chin Dogs. - Weight : 2-7kg (4-15lbs)
- Personality and Behavior: Alert, feline, independent, intelligent, noble, and loving.
- Colors: Black and White, Black and White with Tan Points, Red and White, Sable and White, Lemon and White, Orange and White.
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
- Origin: Japan
- Hypo-allergenic: No
The Chin dog or Japanese spaniel is one of the oldest small breeds. It has a long history as a companion dog due to its friendly and happy nature.
Despite being an excellent lapdog, he also exhibits a certain independent attitude, more typical of cats than dogs.
In addition, they have a tendency to jump on furniture to get a better view of the room, and even use their paws to wash their faces.
He is a loving dog with the family, but a little reserved with strangers. It is known that he molds his personality according to the owner’s personality. If you are a calm person, the dog will be calm and calm; if you are a very active person, then the dog will be more playful and energetic.
7. Papillon: small but elegant
- Height : 20-28 cm (8-11 inches)
- Male weight : 4-5 kg ??(8-10 pounds)
- Female weight : 3-4 kg (7-9 pounds)
- Personality and Behavior: Alert, energetic, friendly, cheerful, resilient, intelligent, friendly.
- Colors: black and white, lemon and white, red and white, sable and white, black-white and tan.
- Life expectancy: 13-16 years
- Origin: France
- Hypo-allergenic: No
This tiny toy-sized dog is very popular due to the special similarity of its ears with the wings of a butterfly.
With a hairy body and elegant posture, the papillon is an “all-terrain”. It adapts very well to life in different environments, which is why it is considered a good apartment dog.
He loves to play outdoors, but can easily be entertained and exercised indoors as well.
He is very friendly and sure of himself. When properly socialized, they get along well with children, strangers, and other pets. The papillon is excellent as a companion animal; in fact, he is usually a vocal dog.
8. Toy poodle: ideal for those who want a long-lived and intelligent dog
- Height : 25.4 cm (up to 10 inches)
- Weight : 3-4kg (6-9lbs)
- Personality and behavior: active, alert, faithful, instinctive, intelligent, agile, self-confident.
- Colors: black, white, blue, brown, cream, red, silver, beige, silver-beige, apricot, gray.
- Life expectancy: 10-18 years
- Origin: France, Germany
- Hypo-allergenic: Yes
Not because it is the smallest among all types of poodle, this specimen is no longer an impressively intelligent dog.
The toy poodle exhibits the same stable, confident, and alert personality as its older cousins. It can be easily trained from a puppy. He loves spending time with his owner and will always try to please him.
Consider that, being such an active and intelligent breed, these dogs need to exercise and be exposed to new challenges regularly. Also, you must be willing to comb his beautiful fluffy coat every day.
Recommended:
- What is the Character of the Poodle? Temperament and Behavior
- 5 Poodle Types – Standard, Medium, Miniature, Toy, Teacup + Colors
9. Fox terrier toy: a real toy, a real terrier
- Height : 25 cm (10 inches)
- Weight : 1.5-3kg (3.5-7lbs)
- Personality and Behavior: Alert, friendly, intelligent, loyal, playful, energetic.
- Colors: black and white, white and tan, white, black and tan, white, chocolate and tan.
- Life expectancy: 13-14 years
- Origin: United States
- Hypo-allergenic: No
This little dog has a lot of stored energy. He is fast, agile, brave, and smart. It is the ideal dog for those who want an active, trainable pet, and small enough to live in apartments or smaller spaces.
The Toy Fox Terrier loves to play, explore and learn. Like most terriers, he is usually very friendly and outgoing, but fiercely loyal to his family. He is always happy and is able to adapt to any type of activity, be it obeying, romping, resting on the sofa, or even, like a good terrier, he can go hunting.
Recommended:
- What is the Character of the Fox Terrier? Temperament and Personality
- How Many Terrier Dogs Are There? 30+ Terrier Breeds and Images
10. Russian miniature: an adorable little-known toy
- Height : 20-26 cm (8-10 inches)
- Weight : 1.3-2.7kg (3-6lbs)
- Personality and Behavior: Active, cheerful, loyal, playful, protective.
- Colors: black and tan, blue, brown.
- Life expectancy: 11-13 years
- Origin: Russia
- Hypo-allergenic: No
Originally bred to be pets for the aristocracy, it’s no wonder these little furry friends love spending time with their owners. The Russian Miniature is a handsome dog, similar to the Chihuahua in stature and the Papillon in the shape and fringes of its ears.
This breed also has a past as a watchdog and buzzard, hence it can become quite vocal. He is very playful and familiar; benefits from living in an active home, even if you have children. But it is important to treat him like a dog, not like a toy.
11. Affenpinscher: dog with nature and monkey face?
- Height : 23-30 cm (9-12 inches)
Affenpinscher, a name that in German means monkey-terrier. - Weight : 3-4kg (7-9lbs)
- Personality and Behavior: Active, Adventurous, Curious, Playful, Stubborn.
- Colors: black, black and tan, beige, red, gray.
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years
- Origin: Germany
- Hypo-allergenic: Yes
Another of the smallest dog breeds in the world is the Affenpinscher, a name that in German means monkey-terrier. This name is due not only to its strong resemblance to the face of a small monkey, but also to its playful, curious, and mischievous personality.
It can be the ideal pet if you want to have a “comedian” dog.
Now, it is important to consider that he can become stubborn and protective. His tough-guy temperament requires early training, preferably based on positive reinforcement methods.
In addition, these dogs are known to be a bit territorial, so they are not recommended for families with children.
