Small dog breeds are usually considered to be the good partners of human beings. Since they are very small, it's very convenient for you to take care of them. They just look like lovely toys, and you can effortlessly put them on your lap. If you plan to have a small dog but haven't decided yet, our list of 20 smallest dog breeds in the world can help you make decisions.
The Breed Stats: Malteses usually weigh less than 7 pounds and grow to a height of 8-10 inches.
Covering by the long curly white fur, Maltese looks like a milk white fur ball. They are obedient, dynamic, and adorable. Unlike other breeds, Maltese doesn't need too much exercise, only some interior activities are enough.
The Breed Stats: Brussels Griffons weigh an average of 7-12 pounds and stand around 7-8 inches tall.
What an unhappy face! In fact, it's true that Brussels Griffon is easy to be sensitive and moody. So please be kind and patient to them! The Griffons are very gentle, nice, and curious. It's fairly easy to get along well with them in the family.
The Breed Stats: Chihuahuas weigh 4-6 pounds and stand 6-10 inches tall
Chihuahua is famous for its bat-like ears and big round eyes. Although their bodies are petite, they are fierce and surly. As one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, Chihuahua is suitable to be a protective and loyal family member.
The Breed Stats: Papillons measure up with a height of 8-11 inches and weigh around 5-11 pounds.
No one will forget the typical butterfly-like ear of Papillon. Noteworthily, although their bodies are small, they have big brains and are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. Papillon is pretty lively and usually gets along well with human beings.
The Breed Stats: Pugs measure a height of 12-14 inches and weigh 14-18 pounds.
Although Pug doesn't have a beautiful appearance, many people still think it has unique and cute features. Its muzzle is short but full of wrinkles; its skull is broad, which makes it usually wheeze and snore. Therefore, if you need a quiet environment to sleep, please put your pug in a different room.
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: 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 11 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: Affenpinschers are 9-12 inches tall and weigh 6-13 pounds.
Don't let the tiny figure fool you. Affenpinschers are extremely keen watchdogs and maintain a suspicious attitude even after a guest is welcomed in. These dogs are active indoors and love daily walks and exercises. They are curious and playful but a little 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: 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: The royal dog of Madagascar with average height of 9-11 inches and weight of 8-15 pounds.
The Coton de Tulear (pronounced CO-tone day T00-lay-are) is a small, sweet-natured companion breed originating from the port city of Tulear in Madagascar. Known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar," these dogs were historically kept exclusively by Malagasy royalty and noble families.
The Breed Stats: The spirited and sleek companion with an average height of 10–12 inches and weight of under 12 pounds.
Toy Manchester Terriers are generally healthy with a long lifespan of 15–17 years, though they are prone to blood disorders like Von Willebrand’s disease, joint issues like patellar luxation, eye conditions, and extreme sensitivity to cold weather due to their thin coats.
The Pom-Coton is a small designer hybrid dog created by crossing a Pomeranian with a Coton de Tulear. Known for its fluffy, cloud-like coat and cheerful, affectionate personality, this mixed breed combines the spirited intelligence of the Pomeranian with the gentle, sweet-natured disposition of the Coton de Tulear.
The Pomchi is a popular small designer hybrid breed produced by crossing a Pomeranian with a Chihuahua. Renowned for their big personalities, high intelligence, and compact size, they make spunky, affectionate companions well-suited for apartment life and small living spaces.
The Lacasapoo is a relatively rare designer hybrid created by crossing a Lhasa Apso with a Cockapoo (which is itself a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle). This multi-breed mix combines the alert, protective instincts of the ancient Lhasa Apso with the outgoing, highly trainable nature of the Cockapoo.
The Rattle (also known as a Radoodle or Ratpoo) is a small-to-medium designer hybrid created by crossing a Rat Terrier with a Poodle (typically a Toy or Miniature Poodle). This mix blends the athletic agility and sharp instincts of the Rat Terrier with the high intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle.
The Australian Shepherd (often called an "Aussie") is a lean,dog famous for its high intelligence, work ethic, and striking appearance. Despite their name, the breed was actually developed in the western United States during the 19th century to herd livestock for ranchers.