A Guide to the Smallest Dog Types and Breeds

Meet the Chihuahua, one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, weighing in at just 2-8 pounds.

Chihuahuas are known for their big eyes and even bigger personalities, often coming in a range of coat lengths and colors.

Don't let their tiny size fool you, Chihuahuas are full of energy and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The Chihuahua's small size makes them a great fit for city living, but they still need plenty of attention and care from their owners.

The Yorkshire Terrier is another tiny dog breed that weighs in at 7-15 pounds, making them a popular choice for dog owners who live in apartments or have limited space.

Yorkies are known for their silky coats and spunky attitudes, requiring regular grooming and training to keep them well-behaved.

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These tiny dogs are perfect for apartment living because they don't take up too much room. They're so portable, you can take them just about anywhere without too much fuss.

Some of the smallest dog breeds are toy dog breeds, which are often carried in totes or backpacks while out on the town or hiking trails. They're so small you might want to get more than one!

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The Affenpinscher, also known as the "monkey dog" or "ape terrier", is a true character with a funny and fearless disposition. They were originally bred in 1600s Germany to exterminate rats and mice, so it's advised not to own this breed along with any pet rodent.

Affenpinschers are loyal, curious, and famously amusing, making them almost-human toy dogs. They're fearless and show loyalty and warm affection, but are not submissive.

These small dogs stand less than a foot tall, with a height range of 9.5 to 11.5 inches, and weigh between 7 to 9 pounds. They have a wire-haired coat and a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Affenpinschers are known for their fun-loving, sometimes mischievous, personality, with the face and impish nature of a monkey. They require a moderate amount of activity, such as indoor play or a brisk walk, making them suitable for apartment living.

Here's a quick rundown of the Affenpinscher's key characteristics:

They're very confident dogs and would do great in apartments, but they do require some exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The Bichon Frise is a beloved breed that's hard to resist. They're known for their easy-going personalities and adorable cotton cloud of fur.

Their height ranges from 9.5 to 11.5 inches, making them a perfect fit for apartment living. You can take them with you just about anywhere, whether it's in a tote or a backpack.

Bichon Frises are non-shedding dogs, which is great news for people with allergies. They're also intelligent, but sometimes they can be a bit stubborn.

You'll need to schedule regular groomer visits to keep their curly fur looking its best. And don't worry about fur on your floor – they don't shed much.

Here are some key stats about the Bichon Frise breed:

Their sweet temperament makes them a great companion, and they're as lovable as they are adorable.

The Brussels Griffon is a tiny dog breed that's full of personality. They're known for being demanding and assertive, but it's just their way of saying they want to be close to you.

They can be quite vocal if left alone at home, so be prepared for some barking. Their height is around 7 to 8 inches, and they weigh between 7 to 12 pounds.

These dogs have a relatively long lifespan, living between 10 to 15 years. They come in four colors and have either smooth or rough coats.

Their origins date back to the early 1800s in Brussels, where they started out as working dogs in stables. They eventually became beloved lap companions, especially after the Queen of the Belgians took a liking to them.

The Brussels Griffon is a sociable breed that's easily trainable, but they do have a sensitive nature, making them less ideal for families with young children.

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The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds around, with a height of 5 to 8 inches and a weight of 6 pounds or less.

These tiny dogs have big personalities, originating from the Mexican state of Chihuahua and dating back before the 1800s. They're perfect lap dogs, but be warned: they can have a Napoleon complex, meaning they pack a big-dog mentality into a small frame.

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Chihuahuas are known to be loyal and energetic, and despite their small size, they can be quite feisty. In fact, Dr. McCarthy has more scars from Chihuahuas than from other breeds, but that's just because they're saucy and full of life.

Here's a rundown of some key facts about Chihuahuas:

Chihuahuas are great city pets, but they're not suitable for rough kids. They love quality time with their favorite humans and come in many colors and patterns, with both long and short-haired coats.

The Coton de Tulear is a happy-go-lucky pup with a cutest smile you ever did see. They have an alluring cottony-soft coat that's perfect for cuddling.

These dogs need creative outlets for their sometimes boisterous clownish antics, so they covet playtime with you, along with lots of interesting and challenging toys and games.

You'll have plenty of years together because the Coton de Tulear is one of the longest-living dog breeds, with a life expectancy of 15 to 19 years.

Here's a quick overview of the breed:

They're a great choice for families who want a small but energetic companion, as they thrive on interaction and playtime.

The Havanese is a delightful breed that's perfect for city living. They're intelligent, trainable, and extroverted, making them excellent watchdogs.

Their small size is a big plus, as they don't take up too much room, making them ideal for apartments. They're also very portable, and you can take them just about anywhere without too much fuss.

One thing to keep in mind is that they do shed very little, but daily grooming is essential to keep their silky coat smooth. You'll need to brush them regularly to prevent matting and tangling.

Here are some key stats about the Havanese breed:

As for their health, Dr. McCarthy notes that the Havanese is one of the least problematic breeds, relatively free of genetic health issues. However, they can be prone to periodontal issues, so start dental care early to keep their tiny teeth healthy.

The Italian Greyhound is a breed that's been around for a long time - about 2,000 years ago, to be exact. They were bred as noble companions in an area that's now Greece and Turkey.

These dogs are truly miniature Greyhounds, and they're just as alert and playful as their larger counterparts. They'd much rather be in your lap than left alone, which makes them perfect companions for those who want a furry friend by their side.

Italian Greyhounds are very smart, but they can also be a bit sensitive and stubborn at times.

The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds, with a history that spans thousands of years. They're so charming that the ancient Greeks even built tombs in their honor.

These tiny dogs are typically under 7 pounds and stand between 7 to 9 inches tall. They have a long lifespan, living between 12 to 15 years.

Their adorable white fur requires daily brushing to prevent matting, but it's worth the extra effort to keep them looking their best. I've seen Maltese owners spend hours brushing their dog's fur, and it's clear they love every minute of it.

Here are some key stats about the Maltese breed:

Maltese are affectionate and charming dogs that make great watchdogs and athletes. They're perfect for apartment living due to their small size, and they're so portable that you can take them just about anywhere.

The Miniature Pinscher is a tiny but mighty dog breed. They're often referred to as "Min Pins" for short.

These little dogs are believed to be a cross between a Dachshund and an Italian Greyhound. They're known for being proud, fun-loving, and very active, requiring a lot of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Miniature Pinschers are relatively small, weighing between 8 to 11 pounds and standing about 10 to 12.5 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of around 15 years, which is impressive for a breed of their size.

Their confident and courageous personality makes them excellent alert dogs. They're also very smart and love their families, but can be independent at times.

Here's a quick rundown of some key Miniature Pinscher facts:

The Papillon is a small dog breed that's hard to resist. They come in a range of sizes, typically weighing between 5 to 10 pounds.

Their unique appearance is due to their wing-shaped ears, which give them their French name, meaning "butterfly". This name is fitting, given their delicate and elegant features.

Papillons are known for their intelligence and agility, making them excellent agility dogs. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation, so be prepared to engage them in puzzle toys and new tricks.

In terms of living arrangements, Papillons are adaptable and can live comfortably in apartments, out in the country, or anywhere in between. They're happy and alert, and eager to please their owners.

Their life expectancy is relatively long, ranging from 13 to 15 years. This means you'll have plenty of time to enjoy their company and train them to be well-behaved companions.

Here's a quick rundown of Papillon facts:

Pomeranians are built to be companions to their people, with a height of 6 to 7 inches and a weight of 3 to 7 pounds.

Their vibrant orange fur makes them a standout breed, and it's no wonder they were a favorite of Queen Victoria.

Pomeranians are the smallest of the spitz breeds, named after the area of northeastern Europe that's now Poland and western Germany.

These tiny dogs are alert and smart, making them great watchdogs and pets for families.

They're very loyal to their owners and happy in both the city and the suburbs, thanks to their playful demeanor that will keep you active with short daily walks.

Pomeranians are perfect apartment dogs due to their small size, and they're so portable you can take them just about anywhere without too much fuss.

The lovable pug! They're a great example of a small dog breed that's packed with personality. Their motto is "multum in parvo", which translates to "a lot in a little", and it's a perfect description of these adorable dogs.

Pugs are happy and energetic dogs, but don't let their size fool you - they'd rather cuddle than do anything too strenuous. They're extroverts, making their rounds at gatherings and entertaining the masses with their animated and gregarious nature.

Here are some key stats about the pug breed:

With their compact size and loving nature, it's no wonder pugs make great companions for many families.

The Shih Tzu is a beloved toy breed that's been charming people for centuries. They're known for their gentle and loyal nature, making them a great companion for many families.

These dogs are relatively small, with a height range of 9 to 10.5 inches and a weight range of 9 to 16 pounds. They're easy to care for, requiring minimal exercise and a "puppy cut" for their coat can make maintenance a breeze.

Shih Tzus are extremely playful and love to have fun, often being ready for a game at a moment's notice. Their lively and friendly personality makes them a joy to be around.

Here are some key facts about the Shih Tzu breed:

With their royal heritage, it's no surprise that Shih Tzus have a proud and aristocratic temperament. They can be stubborn at times, but with patience and consistency, they can learn to obey commands.

The Japanese Chin is a regal and charming breed that makes a sweet lapdog. They're known for their noble and loving nature, which makes them a great companion for many families.

One of the unique things about Japanese Chins is their beautiful hair, which is often considered better than their owner's. They require regular grooming to keep their luxurious fur in top condition.

Japanese Chins are small dogs that are fairly active, but they don't require a lot of exercise. They're happy with slow walks and are well-suited for apartment living.

Here's a quick overview of the Japanese Chin breed:

Japanese Chins are quiet dogs that are great for families who live in apartments. They're a long-time companion breed that's been favored by Japanese royalty for centuries.

The Norwich Terrier is a tiny but mighty breed. They weigh around 12 pounds and stand at about 10 inches tall.

These little dogs are perfect for city living because they're portable and adorable. You can take them anywhere!

Norwich Terriers love to explore their surroundings and interact with people. They're naturally curious and enjoy active things like agility games and playing at the dog park.

Their life expectancy is around 12 to 15 years, which is a good thing because they'll be by your side for a long time.

Here are some key facts about the Norwich Terrier breed:

Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs with big personalities, weighing in at about 7 pounds and standing between 7 to 8 inches tall.

Their small size is a result of their origins as working dogs, bred to fit into the nooks and crannies of textile mills in Scotland to chase rodents.

Yorkies are known for their gorgeous, silky fur, which is an added bonus - it's also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those with allergies.

These dogs don't seem to understand their size, as they pack an energetic punch in a small package, making them perfect for short daily walks.

The breed was popular with Victorian ladies as lazy lap dogs, and it's easy to see why - Yorkies are fun-loving and loyal companions.

The Yorkshire Terrier's interesting heritage dates back to the 1970s, when a couple named Mr. and Mrs. Biewer started producing tricolored Yorkies with the recessive piebald gene.

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