When it comes to small dog breeds, size is everything. These tiny dogs may be compact, but they pack a big personality, often boasting immense energy, loyalty, and charm. Whether you're looking for a dog that fits in your lap or one that can easily navigate a small apartment, small dogs have something to offer. From the tiniest dog in the world to the ever-popular Chihuahuas, let's dive into the 20 smallest dog breeds, ranked by size.
Height: 3.8 inches (9.6 cm)
Weight: 1 pound (0.45 kg)
Miracle Milly, the Chihuahua from Puerto Rico, currently holds the Guinness World Record as the smallest dog ever. Though Milly passed away in 2020, her record remains unbroken. Chihuahuas typically weigh 4-6 pounds and stand 5-8 inches tall, making them the smallest dog breed in the world.
Height: 5-8 inches (12.7-20.3 cm)
Weight: 4-6 pounds (1.8-2.7 kg)
Chihuahuas are known for their tiny size, but they’re also famous for their big personalities. Often extremely loyal to one person, they can be protective despite their small stature. Their coats vary from long to short, and their training requires patience as they can be a bit stubborn.
Height: 7-9 inches (17.8-22.9 cm)
Weight: 4-7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kg)
Maltese dogs are well-known for their silky white coat and lively demeanor. They're affectionate, playful, and love being the center of attention. Though they’re small, they thrive on companionship and can be a bit clingy, making them ideal lap dogs.
Height: 7-8 inches (17.8-20.3 cm)
Weight: 7 pounds (3.2 kg)
Yorkies are one of the most popular toy breeds in the world. Their fine, silky coats and energetic personalities make them a hit in homes with or without children. Although small, they don’t let their size limit them and often act like a big dog, known for their courageous spirit and alertness.
Height: 8-11 inches (20.3-27.9 cm)
Weight: Up to 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg)
Originating from Russia, the Russian Toy is a small, energetic dog with a playful and intelligent nature. It is similar in size to the Chihuahua but boasts large ears reminiscent of the Papillon. Russian Toys are social dogs that bond strongly with their owners, making them a good choice for a small, affectionate companion.
Height: 8-11 inches (20.3-27.9 cm)
Weight: 5-10 pounds (2.3-4.5 kg)
The Papillon, with its large, butterfly-like ears, is a small dog breed known for being active, smart, and social. They're well-suited for owners who enjoy training their pets, as they thrive on mental stimulation and are excellent at agility sports.
Height: 6-7 inches (15.2-17.8 cm)
Weight: 3-7 pounds (1.4-3.2 kg)
With their fluffy coats and spunky attitudes, Pomeranians are both adorable and full of personality. Despite their small size, they have an impressive amount of stamina and enjoy playing and running around. Regular grooming is essential for their thick coats.
Height: 7-10 inches (17.8-25.4 cm)
Weight: 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg)
This charming little dog is known for its distinctive face, resembling that of a human, with a very expressive and animated demeanor. Brussels Griffons are affectionate and love to snuggle, but they can also be a bit stubborn, so early socialization and training are important.
Height: 9-11.5 inches (22.9-29.2 cm)
Weight: 7-10 pounds (3.2-4.5 kg)
The Affenpinscher, often referred to as a "monkey dog" due to its resemblance to a monkey, is a feisty, energetic little dog with a big attitude. They are highly intelligent but can be stubborn, so training requires patience. This breed is best suited for active owners who can provide mental and physical stimulation.
Height: 12-14 inches (30.5-35.6 cm)
Weight: 11-20 pounds (5-9 kg)
The Miniature Schnauzer, a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer, is alert, curious, and good with families. Their distinctive beard and eyebrows give them an expressive look. They are highly trainable, though they do need consistent exercise to keep their energy levels in check.
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches (21.6-29.2 cm)
Weight: 3.5-7 pounds (1.6-3.2 kg)
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, intelligent dog with high energy levels. They enjoy being active and are great for owners who want a compact yet energetic companion. Despite their small size, they are strong-willed and need consistent training.
Height: 8-11 inches (20.3-27.9 cm)
Weight: 7-11 pounds (3.2-5 kg)
With their beautiful, long coat and cat-like demeanor, Japanese Chins are elegant yet playful dogs. They are independent and enjoy spending time on their own but are also affectionate with their owners. Their grooming needs are high due to their luxurious coats.
Height: 10-12.5 inches (25.4-31.8 cm)
Weight: 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg)
The Miniature Pinscher, or "Min Pin," is a small dog with a bold personality. Despite being small, they have the heart of a lion, and their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs. They are highly energetic and enjoy physical activity, so they need regular exercise to stay happy.
Height: 8-12 inches (20.3-30.5 cm)
Weight: 11-13 pounds (5-5.9 kg)
The Chinese Crested is one of the most distinctive small dog breeds due to its unique appearance—hairless, with only tufts of hair on its head, feet, and tail. Despite their small size, they are affectionate and love being with their owners. They also need regular skincare, including moisturizing and sun protection.
Height: 9-10 inches (22.9-25.4 cm)
Weight: 8-14 pounds (3.6-6.4 kg)
This charming little dog has a gentle temperament and is known for being loving and affectionate. They're quite relaxed, making them ideal lap dogs, and they enjoy spending time cuddling. Though friendly, they may struggle with separation anxiety, making companionship a must.
Height: 12-13 inches (30.5-33 cm)
Weight: 13-18 pounds (5.9-8.2 kg)
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is often considered one of the best companion dogs due to its loving nature and adaptability. While slightly larger than other toy breeds, they still rank as one of the smaller dogs on the list. They are easygoing, friendly, and excellent with children and other pets.
Height: 8-12 inches (20.3-30.5 cm)
Weight: 7-13 pounds (3.2-5.9 kg)
Havanese are small dogs with a sturdy build. They are playful, affectionate, and social. Their long, silky coats need regular grooming, but they are generally low-shedding. Havanese are a great choice for families due to their friendly disposition and adaptability.
Height: 9-10.5 inches (22.9-26.7 cm)
Weight: 9-16 pounds (4-7.3 kg)
Shih Tzus are known for their long, flowing coats and loving, friendly personalities. They are relatively low-energy dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. They are also excellent lap dogs and thrive on human companionship.
Height: 10-12 inches (25.4-30.5 cm)
Weight: 5-9 pounds (2.3-4.1 kg)
The Bolognese is a small, fluffy dog with a calm and friendly disposition. They are excellent companion dogs, known for their affectionate and loyal nature. Despite their size, Bolognese dogs are robust and love to be close to their family members.
Height: 9-10 inches (22.9-25.4 cm)
Weight: 13-14 pounds (5.9-6.4 kg)
Cairn Terriers are small dogs with a bold and energetic nature. They're intelligent, playful, and confident, making them a good choice for owners who want a small dog with a big personality. While slightly larger than some other breeds, Cairn Terriers still remain compact and manageable.
Conclusion
These small dog breeds are the perfect companions for people who want a loving, energetic pet without taking up too much space. From the world-record-holding Chihuahua to the playful Papillon, there’s a tiny dog breed for every personality and lifestyle. Whether you're living in a cozy apartment or looking for a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, these breeds are sure to bring joy and affection into your life.
animal tags： small-dog
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