If you're looking for a dog that's as small as a Chihuahua but with a big personality, you're in luck! There are many dog breeds that fit the bill.
One such breed is the Affenpinscher, which weighs in at around 7-13 pounds and stands about 9-12 inches tall. These playful dogs are known for their mischievous antics and loving nature.
The Affenpinscher is not the only small dog breed out there, though. The Japanese Chin, for example, weighs around 4-11 pounds and stands about 8-12 inches tall. This gentle breed is perfect for families with children who want a low-maintenance pet.
If you're looking for a dog that's even smaller, you might consider the English Toy Spaniel, which weighs around 8-14 pounds and stands about 10-14 inches tall.
Recommended read: Breeds of Dogs under 25 Pounds
Small Dog Breeds
Italian Greyhounds stand just over 1 foot tall at the shoulders, making them a great option for families with small living spaces.
They weigh between 7-14 pounds, which is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance pet.
Italian Greyhounds are sociable and sensitive dogs, best suited for families with older children who know how to play with them safely.
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are a little dog breed, weighing between 7-14 pounds. They are sociable and sensitive dogs that are best suited for families with older children who know how to safely play with them.
Standing just over 1 foot tall at the shoulders, Italian Greyhounds are small and slender dogs. They require gentle handling and care, making them a great choice for families with kids who understand how to interact with them.
Their small size means they don't need a lot of space to run around, but they still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Toy Manchester Terrier
The Toy Manchester Terrier is a small dog breed that originated from the Standard Manchester Terrier, which was bred in the mid-1800s for hunting rabbits and rats. They're known for being intelligent and great at pleasing people.
These dogs are very intelligent people-pleasers, and make great pets. They were developed because Victorian women wanted a smaller dog, and they're slightly smaller than the Standard variety.
Toy Manchester Terriers are a result of breeding the original Manchester Terrier, which was created by local mill workers in Manchester who enjoyed hunting rabbits with small dogs.
Broaden your view: Mini Manchester Terrier
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, with a height of 6-9 inches and a weight of up to 6 pounds.
These tiny dogs have huge personalities and are known for being charming and graceful.
Their coats come in many colors and patterns, and they can be either long or short-haired.
The long-haired variety needs special attention, requiring regular brushing, bathing, and trimming.
Chihuahuas are great city pets, but they're not suitable for rough kids.
They meet most of their exercise needs by following their pet parent around the house.
With occasional bursts of energy throughout the day, Chihuahuas also need several play sessions.
The Guinness World Record for the shortest dog by height belongs to a Chihuahua named "Miracle Milly" from Puerto Rico.
Another Chihuahua, "Heaven Sent Brandy" from Florida, holds the world record for the shortest dog by length, being about the same size as a dollar bill!
For more insights, see: Long Haired Teacup Chihuahua
Dog Breed Facts
Dogs this small are often referred to as "toy" or "miniature" breeds, but technically, there's no such thing as a "chihuahua-sized" dog - the Chihuahua is a specific breed that ranges from 6-10 pounds.
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world, and it's not uncommon for them to weigh as little as 2 pounds.
Some of the smallest dog breeds include the Chihuahua, the Yorkshire Terrier, and the Poodle, all of which weigh in at under 7 pounds.
One of the biggest challenges of owning a small dog is their fragile bones, which can be easily broken if they're dropped or fall off a high surface.
These tiny dogs have big personalities, and they're known for being fiercely loyal and protective of their owners.
Despite their small size, some of these dogs can live up to 15 years or more with proper care and attention.
For more insights, see: Breeds of Dogs under 40 Pounds
Tiny and Loveable Dogs
These tiny dogs are perfect for snuggling up on the couch! They typically weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand at a height of 7-11 inches.
Biewer Terriers are a great example of this, as they're small, love their family, and make ideal lap dogs. They're also quite unique, carrying the rare piebald gene that gives them white fur with patches of color.
Their tiny size means they require less exercise, but they still need plenty of playtime and attention to keep them happy and healthy.
Yorkipoo
The Yorkipoo is a playful mixed breed dog that makes a perfect pet for families. They're small in stature, just like a Yorkshire terrier.
These little dogs are intelligent, thanks to their miniature poodle roots. They're known to be a great companion for families.
Their tiny size is a bonus for people with allergies, as they're hypoallergenic.
Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a cute dog that loves its family, making it an ideal lap dog.
They are small, weighing between 4–8 pounds and standing 7–11 inches tall.
Originating from Germany, Biewer Terriers are descendants of Yorkies, but with a unique genetic twist.
This twist is the rare piebald gene, which results in their white fur with patches of color.
You'll often hear their name pronounced as "beaver", which is a fun and quirky touch.
Russian Toy
The Russian Toy is a tiny dog breed that weighs up to 6.5 pounds and stands at 8-11 inches tall.
This breed is elegant, lively, and has long legs, fine bones, and lean muscles. The Russian Toy is one of the most recent small dog breeds to become AKC-recognized, gaining full recognition in 2022.
The Russian Toy comes in two varieties: semi-long and smooth. The longhaired variety has a ruff on the chest and unique feathering on the extremities, tail, and ears.
The Russian Toy is a great pet for families who want a small but lovable companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do teacup Chihuahuas live?
Teacup Chihuahuas typically live between 7-12 years, but lifespan can vary depending on care and health. Average lifespan may be shorter or longer with proper care and veterinary attention.
Sources
- Sophie Turner's adorable pup (instagram.com)
- 25 Small Dog Breeds To Fit Any Lifestyle (petmd.com)
- Smallest Dog Breeds (akc.org)
- Fascinating Facts About the Chihuahua Dog Breed (getsetpet.com)
- Guinness World Record (guinnessworldrecords.com)
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