The 10 smallest dog breeds in the world
- from Claudia Weise
- Updated: April 6, 2023
Your dog is small? These dogs are smaller! Small dog breeds have some advantages. They don't need as much space and exercise as their larger counterparts. The cute fur noses are therefore particularly easy to care for.
I have compiled a top 10 list of the smallest dog breeds for you. Maybe it will help you to choose, if you want to get a dwarf with heart.
10. Japan Chin
Height: from 25 cm
Weight: 3-5 kg
The Japan Chin most likely originated in China about 1000 years ago. From there, Buddhist monks took him to Japan. Here he quickly became the favorite dog of the aristocracy. His name means "little dog" in Japanese. That's how he makes it to this Top 10, because his name says it all. He does not need much space, is easy to care for and very lovable.
9. Affenpinscher
Height: from 25 cm
Weight: 4-6 kg
The Affenpinscher probably originated in southern Germany. Pinscher and Schnauzer were the constant companions of traveling merchants in the Middle Ages. That is why they are used to efforts. They learned to guard the merchants' goods at night. Thus, they became experienced and faithful guard dogs. Because of its high intelligence, it gets bored quickly and constantly needs new variety. Due to his trained endurance, he also needs a lot of exercise despite his small size.
8. Russkiy Toy
Height: from 20 cm
Weight: 2,5-3 kg
"Toy" in the breed name is English and means toy. This name is also program with the Russkiy Toy, because the bright and lively four-legged friend looks like a cuddly toy. Also his character fits to his name. He is always amiable, playful and almost never tends to fear or aggression. Thus, he is the ideal playmate for small children and people who like to take their little friend everywhere.
7. Shih Tzu
Height: from 20 cm
Weight: 4-7 kg
The Shih Tzu was bred in monasteries of Tibet. The monks wanted a dog with the appearance of a small lion. According to a legend, the enlightened Buddha had a dog as a companion, which could transform into a lion. The Shih Tzu knows how magnificent he is and that is why he prefers to be the center of attention. He has a fun-loving and playful nature that drives him to spend a lot of time with his family.
6. Maltese
Height: from 20 cm
Weight: 3-4 kg
Maltese belongs to the oldest dog breeds at all. Their pedigree goes back four thousand years to the ancient Egyptian Empire. Now often ridiculed as a lap dog, this energetic dog has much more to it than its cute appearance might first suggest. Maltese are loving dogs that still exude the dignity of the ancient pharaohs. Nevertheless, they are very easy to keep.
5. Pekinese
Height: from 20 cm
Weight: 5-5,4 kg
The roots of the Pekinese originally lie in China. Only members of the Chinese imperial family were allowed to own a Pekingese at that time. That is why this breed is sometimes called the Pekingese palace dog. In our time, the Pekinese is still very popular because of its long coat and lion-like mane. Due to its cunning and lovable nature, the Pekinese charms everyone within seconds.
4. German Spitz
Height: from 18 cm
Weight: 2-3,5 kg
There are many different types of Spitz, but none have such an amazing appearance as the Miniature Spitz. With their velvety and dense fur, Miniature Spitz puppies can easily be mistaken for a ball of wool. When fully grown, they look like a small, bushy fox. This breed is very sociable, bright and suitable for beginners. However, when keeping them, you should pay attention to regular grooming, as they have a strong tendency to shed.
3. Griffon Belge
Height: from 18 cm
Weight: 2,5-5,5 kg
These tiny rough-coated dogs were very popular around Brussels for a long period of time. The Belgian Dwarf Griffon is a tiny, shaggy and pleasant companion. As a family dog, he is best suited because of his gentle and lively nature. He also gets used to other dogs quickly and gets along well with them. Beginners have it particularly easy with this fur nose thanks to his uncomplicated and trusting nature.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Height: from 18 cm
Weight: 2.4-3.2 kg
Yorkshire Terrier is representative of the smallest dog breeds. With a height from 18 cm, he is a real dwarf. But its appearance can be deceiving, the Yorkie makes up for everything it lacks in size with its great and courage and self-confidence. The cute tiny dog was recognized by the FCI and assigned to the group of mini dogs. As its name suggests, the Yorkshire Terrier has its roots in Scotland and the North of England.
1. Chihuahua
Height: from 15 cm
Weight: 2-3 kg
How exactly the Chihuahua breed was bred by the indigenous people of Mexico remains a legendary mystery. The breed has always been popular in the area and is considered a national symbol of Mexico. Although the Chihuahua is so small that it made it to the first place on our list, its temperament is only the greater for that. The cute pocket dogs are very attentive, curious and belong to the oldest breeds in America. They are quite affectionate and now enjoy great popularity worldwide.
Bonus: Miracle Milly
Height: 9.65 cm
Weight: 0.5 kg
Miracle Milly was the world's smallest dog from 2014 to 2018, and this tiny Chihuahua is also the reason why his breed grabbed the 1st place in our Top 10. Milly weighed only 28.3 grams at birth and could fit in a teaspoon as a puppy. She lives in San Juan in Puerto Rico with her owner Vanessa Semmler. The latter says that little Milly has an impressive personality.
Conclusion
Now you know the 10 smallest dog breeds. Although they may not seem like it, these dogs have a proud history, a lot of heart and character to show for it. Despite their tininess, they would face any danger, no matter how big, to protect their owners.
I'm editor-in-chief at Hundeo and when it comes to dogs, my heart beats faster. My goal is to publish the best dog guides on the web. There is a lot of passion in every article and I welcome any feedback to constantly improve our content.
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