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Small dog breeds are great family companions. They're so adorable, charming and easy to care for. What's more, they are small enough to fit perfectly in your lap for maximum cuddles! So if you're looking for a tiny breed to add to your family, go through our list of the 35 smallest dog breeds in the world, be prepared for a cuteness overload!
The Breed Stats: Chihuahuas weigh 4-6 pounds and stand 6-10 inches tall.
These tiny Mexican dogs are well known for their fierce barking, bat-like ears and big dewy eyes. They are widely recognized as the world's smallest dog breed. Despite their tiny figure, Chihuahuas tend to be fierce, loyal and protective towards their owners.
The Breed Stats: Affenpinschers are 9-12 inches tall and weigh 6-13 pounds.
Don't let the tiny size fool you. Affenpinschers are extremely keen watchdogs and maintain a suspicious attitude even after a guest has been welcomed in. These dogs are active indoors and love daily walks. Not only are they curious and playful, but also stubborn and protective.
The Breed Stats: Bichon Frises typically weigh 10-20 pounds and stand 9-12 inches tall.
The Bichon Frise means 'curly lap dog' in French, which the perfect description of them! They are a great choice for someone with allergies since their shedding is minimal. Also, they are very patient and naturally social, getting along perfectly with children as well as other pets in the family.
The Breed Stats: Papillons measure up with a height of 8-11 inches and weigh around 5-11 pounds.
The Papillon is often called the butterfly dog for its wide, pointy ears. They have big brains inside tiny bodies and are listed among the smartest dog breeds in the world. This breed is quite energetic and self-assured, and when properly socialized, does well with other pets.
The Breed Stats: Pomeranians are 5-11 inches tall and weigh 4-8 pounds.
Pomeranians rank as one of the most popular breeds in the United States, and are well known for their fox-like expressions, outgoing personality, prick ears and dense coat. They have more coat colors than any other breed. They come in 23 colors, such as the common tan, red, cream, orange, white, chocolate and so on. They are one of heavily shedding breeds. Daily brushing and combing is necessary for keeping that coat in good condition.
The Breed Stats: Pugs measure a height of 12-14 inches and weigh 14-18 pounds.
The pug is a small, square proportioned, cute looking dog with good temperament. They have a short yet wrinkly muzzle and a broad skull. Though this gives them a unique look, it makes them prone to wheezing and snoring. Make sure you have a pair of earplugs if you plan to let this little guy sleep with you.
The Breed Stats: Russian Toys are 7-11 inches tall and weigh 3-6 pounds.
Being one of the smallest dogs in the world, Russian Toys don't completely realize just how small they actually are. They will instinctively protect their owners in the face of danger. If you are looking for a loyal companion but can't handle the big size of some of the more popular breeds, this tiny breed is a great option.
The Breed Stats: Shih Tzus weight around 10-19 pounds and stand no more than 1 inches.
This breed originated from China and is one of the oldest breeds in the world. The little Shih Tzus are calm, gentle and loyal. They can be a good apartment pet, but not good as a guard dog. Their fur grows like human hairs and requires daily grooming when it gets long. But considering their small size and weight, it is an easy task to fulfill.
The Breed Stats: Yorkshire Terriers are 6-9 inches tall and weigh 3 to 7 pounds.
Yorkshire Terriers, commonly called Yorkies, were bred for the purpose of hunting yet they have become one of the most popular companions in the United States. Yorkies are very caring towards their families and can perform watchdog tasks if properly trained. These little pups are overflowing with energy and enthusiasm. They are always happy about taking long walks.
The Breed Stats: Toy Fox Terriers are 8.5-11 inches tall and weigh 3.5 to 9 pounds.
Both toy and terrier traits influence their characters. As a toy, they are quiet and love to be held. As a terrier, they are alert, proud, and spunky. Other than that, With his keen eyesight and acute hearing, the Toy Fox Terrier is quick to announce strangers with their sharp, suspicious bark. You'll never have to worry about thieves around the house with a dog like this in your life.
The Breed Stats: Malteses usually weigh less than 7 pounds and grow to a height of 8-10 inches.
The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of silky white fur. They are gentle-mannered, playful, energetic, and affectionate, but might not be the right breed for families with young children. They don't require much exercise; some brisk walks or indoor activities can satisfy their needs.
The Breed Stats: French bulldogs usually weigh between 9-12 kg and grow to a height of 30 cm.
They are intelligent and learn the tricks easily. The French bulldogs are also affectionate, alert and playful. The well trained French bulldogs can be exceptional apartment dogs, because they don’t bark a lot.
The Breed Stats: The Boston terrier dogs only weight between 4.5-11 kg.
They are sensitive to tone of the master’s voice and learn the tricks very quickly. The Boston terrier can be a great family pet because they are lovable and playful.
The Breed Stats: The perfect lapdog with average height of 8-11 inches and weight of 5-13 pounds.
The Japanese Chin is an intelligent and endearing breed whose only purpose is to serve man as a companion. They are known to shape their personality around their owners - being an energetic dog with an active owner, and a mellow dog with a quiet owner.
The Breed Stats: Brussels Griffons weigh an average of 7-12 pounds and stand around 7-8 inches tall.
Brussels Griffon, often called Griffons for short, originated in Brussels where they were bred to hunt rodents. Today, they are also eye-catching pets. These pugs are alert, curious, and usually get along well with other animals in the house.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi dogs are probably the heaviest small dog breeds because a male one can be as heavy as 38 pounds. Though their legs are short, they can run fast. Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an older corgi breed than Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Cardigans were good at herding cattle out.
Pekingese's small size is a perfect option for apartment life, and it is good-natured, affectionate, and opinionated. They love walking but do not need a big yard.
A most distinguishing characteristic of Miniature Pinscher is its high-stepping “hackney” gait. They are also known as the "King of Toys." Min Pins tend to be vocal, so they can be wonderful watchdogs. Despite their name being Miniature Pinscher, their personalities are like big dogs.
Italian Greyhounds are Greyhounds in miniature. Most people know IGs from Kylie Jenner's Instagram account, right? They are as grace and elegance as their larger cousins. The cute tiny puppies are expected to live up to 15 years old.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a cross of the Cavaliers and the Spaniel. They are friendly and can adapt to any living situation easily. The adorable puppies behave gently and can keep the energy of large dogs. They can also be excellent therapy dogs.
Though Basenjis are small dogs, they are tall as well. They behave like cats and get a temperament like cats. They seldom bark and are good at leaping. Maybe Basenjis really have cats' soul.
Chinese Crested are famous for their spotted pink skin, spiky hairdo and furry feet. They are loving and energetic, most importantly, devoted to their owners. Thanks to the hairless, Chinese Crested dogs have many advantages, such as limited shedding, no doggy odor, and warming the bed on cold nights.
Havanese is the dog breed native to Cuba. They're small, sturdy and friendly, making them perfect for cities. Havanese doesn’t need harsh training methods. Plus, their long coats are just to keep their skin protected from the sun in warmer climates.
Famous for their long and low bodies, Dachshunds are one of the most popular dog breeds. Whether you have a miniature breed or a "regular" one, these canines are super friendly and curious. Though they hate long-distance runs, Dachshunds can play all day long! Plus, they bark loudly, making them excellent watchdogs.
The English Toy Spaniel is a sweet Toy breed with a cheerful and lovable personality. Their small size is perfect for an apartment, and their friendly characteristic makes them wonderful companion dogs for children. Plus, the breed has some hunting instinct and can be a good small hunting spaniel.
Though Norfolks are small size, they have larger dogs' personalities, such as confident, feisty, and adventurous. Because Norfolks are born to hunt in packs, they tend to be more gregarious independent terrier breeds.
Originated in the Flemish regions of Belgium, Schipperkes works as a companion and watchdog of tradesmen. This small dog breed is famous for its unique harsh black coat and mischievous expression. They're willful and have their own minds.
Since this breed retains the independence of the classic terrier, it can be more spirited and prey-driven. However, nowadays, they've been regarded as companions and reside in urban areas. Silkys are closely associated with Sydney.
The German Spitz can weigh up to 26 pounds! They are independent and love defending their homes. Due to their distrust in strangers, the German Spitz can be excellent watchdogs. Their adaptability is amazing.
Though Toy Manchester Terriers are friendly and cheerful, they are extremely loyal to their families. They're capable of any kind of outdoor activities, such as running, hunting, or just lounging around in the sun.
The Poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It's an extremely smart dog breed and good at all kinds of sport activities. The Toy Poodle is the smallest type of Poodle. Their hypoallergenic coats can reduce allergic reactions. Plus, you should groom them regularly.
The word "Eskimo" may remind you of a big-size Husky, but actually, American Eskimo Dogs are the opposite. This dog breed once appeared in Sandra Bullock's movie The Proposal. The cute white puffball was almost eaten by an eagle, and that was an American Eskimo Dog. They're very smart and love making friends.
The Bolognese dogs weigh from 5.5 to 9 pounds. They are incredibly attached to their owners, and if separated with their humans, they will probably get separation anxiety. Therefore, if you work 9 to 5, you need to reconsider.
These small Australian Terriers are born to be fearless hunters of small mammals and snakes. However, this is actually the smallest working terrier breed, with a weight that is less than 20 pounds.
Similar to other terrier breeds, West Highland White Terriers love working alone, and they enjoy the challenge. No matter what the size or weight they have, they love working hard, hanging outside, and learning.
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