The best things in life come in small packages, which also applies to dog sizes. We’re sharing insight on the smallest dog breeds in the world and highlighting everything from the friendliest to the smartest dog that might be right for you. Below are some well-known favorites and we’re sure a small breed or two that you may not have considered:
- Shih Tzu
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Toy Poodle
- Biewer Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
- Japanese Chin
- Chinese Crested
- Brussels Griffon
- Bichon Frise
- Italian Greyhounds
- Affenpinscher
What Are The Smallest Dog Breeds In The World?
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is well-recognized as the smallest dog breed in the world. These small dogs often come in with an average height between 5 – 8 inches tall.
Chihuahuas can be found as an animal breed that is smaller than any other small dog breeds. This small breed is among the world’s smallest dog breeds on Earth.
The average weight is just under 6 pounds and is about 5 to 8 inches long. According to the American Kennel Club they have an average life expectancy between 14-16 years.
In terms of personality, this breed is known to be very loyal and in some cases, overprotective. This is why they don’t often get along well with other dogs or strangers. Aside from that, they do make for excellent family pets!
If you ever wanted to know what is the smallest teacup dog it is a Teacup Chihuahua.
Chiweenie
The Chiweenie is a mix between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund. They are usually about 5-9 pounds and stand about 5-7 inches tall.
They are very active dogs and love to play, so they may not be the best fit for someone who isn’t able to give them a lot of exercise. However, they are known to be very loyal and loving companions.
Most Popular – Small to Medium Dog Breeds
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small to medium size dog and according to the American Kennel Club this breed weighs around 7 pounds. The yorkshire terrier average height is 7-8 inches.
Yorkshire Terriers or Yorkies are also popular pets, highly intelligent and affectionate by nature. As such, they tend to require a lot of attention, which often makes them a good pick for those looking for a pet to dote on.
They are also not very submissive by nature and have a tendency to be overprotective, which is why they also make great watchdogs. But, what makes them so popular is the fact that they are hypoallergenic. They have long, silk coats that don’t shed much, but they often require regular brushing.
Pomeranian
With a max height of 30cm, this little pooch doesn’t weigh more than 4kg. Their fluffy coats often come in various colors, ranging from red, orange, cream, white, or even mixed coats. They are also intelligent and responsive when it comes to training.
This means they make for great companions and even good watchdogs too. Routine exercise is also a good idea to keep them occupied and in shape, as they can often be over-active and playful.
Maltese
The Maltese are another popular hypoallergenic dog breed known for their long silky white coats that don’t shed. They only grow up to 30cm and usually weigh about 4kg on average.
In terms of character traits, they are gentle, easy-going, responsive, and well-tempered little dogs that do well to adapt to wherever they end up.
This is also why they are a popular choice for many pet parents who live in urban areas. You should also know that they can be fickle eaters and are sometimes tough to housebreak too.
Papillon
The Papillon dog breed is famous for its long, fringed, butterfly-shaped ears, hence the name. Energetic, friendly, self-assured, and highly intelligent, they can be trained to do almost anything.
This is also why they work well with people who enjoy going outdoors, as they tend to respond to physical activity and lots of mental stimulation.
They are also only about 30cm in height and often weigh about 4.5kgs, which accurately places them in this category of the smallest of the small.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that is popular for its long, flowing coat. They are also known for being loyal and friendly companions. They often weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and stand about 8 to 11 inches tall.
The Shih Tzu has a sweet and gentle temperament. They are usually good with children and make great family pets. They do require a lot of grooming, however, due to their long coat. The Shih Tzu breed originated from China. The average life expectancy for a Shih Tzu is between 12 and 16 years.
Toy Poodle
Toy poodles are known for their intelligence and affectionate personality. They typically weigh between 4 and 6 pounds and stand about 10 inches tall.
They are known for being intelligent, easy to train, and loving companions which makes them a great choice for families with children, as they are known to be patient and tolerant with kids.
Toy poodles are also easy to train and can learn new tricks quickly. They are also one of the most popular breeds in America, according to the American Kennel Club. Additionally, they do not shed as much as other dogs.
Also read about Best Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds.
What is the smallest hybrid dog breed?
A Chiweenie is not an AKC recognized breed. It’s a cross between a Chihuahua and Dachshund. Chiweens grow between 5-to-9 in height with between 5- and 11 pounds.
This tiny dog can have short coats although some have long hair and long hair. Ears can either sit high like Chihuahuas or look low and dripping like Dachshunds.
What is the smallest full grown dog?
The world’s smallest full sized dog is a Chihuahua named Miracle Milly. Weighing in at just 2 pounds and measuring only 4 inches tall. Some measurements have this miniature powerhouse up to 6 inches tall.
What is the friendliest small dog?
The friendliest small dog is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are lovable, playful, and make great family pets. This is very subjective, so it’s worthwhile noting that other small dog breeds that are friendly include the Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, and Toy Poodle.
What is the smartest small dog?
The smartest small dog is the Poodle. They are very versatile and can excel in many different activities, like obedience, agility, and tracking.
What is the healthiest small dog?
There are a number of healthy small dog breeds, but some of the healthiest based on their life expectancy include the Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These breeds tend to have relatively long lifespans and fewer health problems.
- The average life expectancy of a Shih Tzu is around 10-18 years old.
- The average life expectancy of a Toy Poodle is around 10-18 years old.
- The average life expectancy of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is around 12-15 years.
Though these breeds may be considered to be relatively healthy, it is important to note that like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health problems.
What breed of dogs stay small?
Yorkies are one of the smallest dogs in America, with a weight of about 7 pounds and the breed is 7 to 8 inches long.
They are sometimes viewed as “accessories” for celebrities, because of their small size and ability to travel comfortably. Even smaller than Yorkies are Chihuahuas.
Other Breeds You May Not Be Familiar With – Small to medium size dogs
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a small, playful dog that is known for its monkey-like face. They weigh between 6 and 9 pounds and stand about 9 to 11 inches tall.
They are a relatively healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are known for being loyal and loving companions and make great family pets.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian greyhound is a small dog breed that was originally bred in Italy. This breed is considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dogs, and it is thought that they may have been bred from greyhounds.
They are a slender and elegant breed, and they typically weigh between 7 and 14 pounds. The Italian greyhound average height is between 13-15 inches.
They are considered to be a toy breed, and they are often used as companion dogs. They are very active dogs, and they require a lot of exercise.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small to medium-sized dog that is known for its curly, white coat. This breed is often considered to be one of the cutest smallest dog breeds in the world, typically weighing between 10 and 18 pounds. They are a cheerful, playful breed that is perfect for families with small children.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small, sprightly dog. They are a quiet and fairly docile breed. They’re a fairly docile breed that is known for their friendly and playful personality, as well as their intelligence.
They typically weigh between 6 and 10 pounds. The Japanese Chin average height is about 11 inches tall. This breed is a good choice for families with children and they are also easy to train chin.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a small, hairless dog breed that is often considered to be one of the ugliest dog breeds in the world. They are a very active breed and they require a lot of exercise.
They typically weigh between 6 and 10 pounds. The Chinese Crested average height is about 11 inches tall.
Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a small, playful dog that is known for its white coat and black markings. The average weight of a Biewer Terrier is between 4-8 pounds with an height range between 7-11 inches.
They are a healthy breed with an average expectancy of 16 years old. They are known for being loyal and loving companions and make great family pets.
Small to medium dog breeds
Small to medium sized dogs are popular pets because they are intelligent and affectionate. They also don’t require a lot of exercise, which is good for people who live in urban areas.
Some of the most popular dog breeds that are small to medium sized dog breeds include the Yorkie, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Chiweenie, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Papillon.
It’s important to note that most of these dogs are also in the toy dog group.
Most popular toy dogs
Toy dogs are popular for a lot of reasons. They are typically very friendly and good with kids. They don’t require a lot of exercise which is perfect for busy families.
They are often hypoallergenic, meaning they don’t shed as much as other breeds. Arguably the Yorkshire Terrier is the most popular toy dog.
Others in the toy group that are also some of the most popular toy breeds include the Pomeranian, Bichon Frise, Maltese, and the Papillon.
Other dogs that are not considered popular pets and may not be on your radar include the toy poodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Toy Fox Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, and Japanese Chin.
Why small dogs are popular
Smaller dogs are adorable. Pet lovers may be likely to seek out small to medium dog breeds that make house pets and having a smaller dog makes a lot of sense when you have limited living space.
Small dogs are popular for a variety of reasons. They are typically very friendly and good with kids. They don’t require a lot of exercise which is perfect for busy families. They are often hypoallergenic, meaning they don’t shed as much as other breeds.
Arguably the Yorkshire Terrier is the most popular toy dog. Others in the toy group that are also some of the most popular toy breeds include the Pomeranian, the Maltese, and the Papillon.
Taken together, these factors make small dogs some of the most popular pets in the world. If you’re looking for a cuddly and loving companion, a small dog may be the perfect pet for you.
Deciding on which breed is right for you
If you find yourself trying to decide which small breed to adopt or bring home, we’ve shared a few ideas on which ones should be at the top of your list.
In addition to the popular breeds, we put a spotlight on a few lesser-known dogs such as the Biewer Terrier, Japanese Chin, Toy Fox Terriers, and Italian greyhound.
This post was not intended to be a comprehensive roundup of small dogs but to highlight the options and opportunities for any dog owner who is looking to own a pup that fits in the smallest dog breed category.
