Top 10 Smallest Dog Breeds In The World

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Love by FromSandToGlass cc2.0
Love by FromSandToGlass cc2.0

Top 10 Smallest Dog Breeds In The World

Love by FromSandToGlass cc2.0
Love by FromSandToGlass cc2.0

Small dog breeds are those that often weigh less than 20 pounds (9 kilograms) and stand shorter than 1 foot (30 centimeters) tall. Sometimes they are called “toy dog” breeds, especially if they are bred for convenience or delight.

If you’re living in an apartment or want a dog you can doll up and carry with you wherever you go, then you might want to take a look at the smallest dogs around. Keep in mind, though, that small dogs aren’t necessarily easier to handle. Yes, they do shed less, drool less, eat less, poop less and take up less space, but they also tend to bark, to break bones more easily and to be more difficult to housetrain, probably since they have smaller bladders. Cute also doesn’t always mean cuddly. Because of their small size, small dogs may be less likely to accidentally injure children, but they can intentionally bite when they get hurt — and they can get hurt easily. Also, being held all the time can lead to short tempers.

While small dog breeds are mostly bred for companionship, they still need exercise and some need just as much exercise as larger dogs, maybe more.

Still want a small dog? Go ahead. You might want to stay away from teacup dogs, however. Teacup dogs are not a specific dog breed, but are dogs that are bred specifically to be very small, almost pocket-sized. Adorable as they may seem, they are shunned by dog registries and organizations because they are the result of questionable breeding techniques, even inbreeding. They also tend to develop many health problems, not to mention they can get hurt much more easily.

Instead, take a look at the many toy or miniature dog breeds available, starting with this list of the smallest dogs.


1. Chihuahua

Little Man Chihuahua by David Shankbone cc2.0
Little Man Chihuahua by David Shankbone cc2.0

The Chihuahua is widely considered to be the world’s smallest dog breed, normally standing less than 10 inches (25 centimeters) tall and weighing less than 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms). It is, however, known to have a big personality. Whether this personality is good or bad depends on the owner.

If trained well, Chihuahuas can be good with children, loyal and affectionate. If not, they can snap at children and strangers or become extremely jealous. Chihuahuas particularly need daily exercise. If carried around all the time, they are more likely to display bad or neurotic behavior.

Chihuahuas are fairly easy to groom but are among the most difficult to housetrain, especially if it is cold or wet outside your home. They do not like the cold but prefer to snuggle into tight spaces or make dens out of pillows and blankets.




2. Pekingese

Love by FromSandToGlass cc2.0
Love by FromSandToGlass cc2.0

Pekingese are small but they certainly don’t see themselves that way. They carry themselves with dignity and an air of importance, which is no wonder since they were once owned only by the Chinese imperial family. They are often likened to little lions.

Pekingese have long, beautiful hair, which means they need daily brushing, and a thorough grooming every 2 to 3 months. Their coat keeps them warm, which means they prefer cold temperatures to hot. They also prefer to stay indoors, which is advisable since they are prone to back injuries, heart problems and catching cold.

Temperament-wise, Pekingese are sensitive and very affectionate to their owners, as long as they are not spoiled or made to feel that they are the pack leader. If they are, they can end up being stubborn, aggressive and bossy, barking at you all the time to let you know what they want you to do.


 

3. Brussels Griffon

 

Looking in to the lens by Ger Dekker cc2.0
Looking in to the lens by Ger Dekker cc2.0

 

Brussels Griffons are small dogs with big hearts. They love to be around people and they especially love to be around their masters, whose company they prefer. They are cheerful and intelligent, easy to train to perform tricks if desired. They get along with other pets and love playing with children, as long as they are not teased — they do not have a lot of patience.

The Brussels Griffon doesn’t shed but does have a long, wiry coat that needs a lot of grooming. While it is active indoors, a daily walk is still recommended.


 

4. Yorkshire Terrier

 

Yorkshire Terrier
Beach Dog 2 by hj_west cc2.0

 

The Yorkshire terrier was originally bred for catching rats which is no wonder, since it is curious, investigative, brave and determined. It seems unaware of its size; in fact, it is always ready to face danger or go off on an adventure. Because it is a working dog, it is intelligent, easy to train and eager to please.

Nowadays, Yorkies are most common as companions, though. While they are not lapdogs, they are loyal and sweet and can be trusted with children if trained properly. They are also good watchdogs.

Because of their high energy, Yorkies need daily walks. They also need to be fed properly since they have sensitive digestive systems.


 

5. Russkiy Toy

 

Russkiy Toy
A short haired Russkiy Toy
By Ernst Vikne cc2.0

 

The Russkiy toy was nearly wiped out twice but is recently becoming popular, not just because of its compact size but because of its sweet temper. Indeed, Russkiy toys are devoted to their owners, often following them around or snuggling beside them, and are prepared to protect them against any danger. They are also easy to train and show a natural interest in whatever their owner is doing.

Russkiy toys can be long-haired or smooth-coated. Long-haired Russkiy toys need daily brushing, whereas the smooth-coated ones can simply be wiped with a damp cloth every once in a while.


 

6. Prazsky Krysarik

 

Prazsky Krysarik
Pražský Krysarík dog, adult
Photo taken by Mikko Virtaperko cc3.0

 

This miniature dog breed is rare outside its country of origin, Czechoslovakia. It is also often mistaken for the Chihuahua, which it resembles in size, or the miniature Pinscher, which it resembles in appearance. Nonetheless, the Prazsky Krysarik is its own dog, confident, responsive to commands and with just the right combination of affection and playfulness. Don’t let it play roughly, though, as it is prone to injuring its thin legs. Also, Prazsky Krysariks do not do well in cold weather, so if you’re taking it out on a walk on a cold day, make sure you put a sweater on it first.


 

7. Maltese

 

Maltese
Image credit: CRYSTAL ROLFE cc 2.0

 

Maltese look very elegant and refined, which is why their owners love to show them off. They have long coats, which when groomed properly can give off a silky shine. Like poodles, Maltese don’t shed, so their fur has to be trimmed regularly.

Maltese are known to have a sweet temper. They are playful and tend to jump in puddles but at times, are also content to sit on your lap. They are very intelligent, making them easy to train, even when it comes to performing tricks. They are also good watchdogs that will gladly sound the alarm in case of danger.


 

8. Pomeranian

 

Pomeranian
Image credit: Wanna Be Creative cc2.0

 

Pomeranians look like miniature Spitz dogs and are sometimes called Dwarf Spitz. They are intelligent, eager to learn, playful and loving. They also love to be at the center of attention and they certainly once were, during the reign of Queen Victoria, who owned one of them herself.

Pomeranians have a tendency to bark excessively, which can be curbed at an early age. They will do fine without a yard to run around in, but still need a daily walk. They can tolerate cold weather well but not warm, so make sure yours doesn’t overheat.


 

9. Toy Fox Terrier

 

Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier, Tampa Fl.
By Terry Best.
(Original uploader was Jagrolet at en.wikipedia) cc3.0

 

If you’ve ever seen a clown with a dog, the dog is likely a toy Fox terrier, as they’re commonly used in circus and clown shows, since they are trainable and loyal to their owners. They are also good at hunting squirrels and rats. They love to explore the outdoors but will thrive well in an apartment, as long as they are given sufficient exercise.

Toy Fox terriers are easy to groom and are fairly healthy. They cannot tolerate the cold so they might need a sweater during winter.





10. Japanese Chin

 

Japanese Chin, young male.
Japanese Chin, young male
By Pointer8 cc3.0

 

The Japanese Chin is believed to have once been the dog of Japanese nobles, which is no surprise since it makes a delightful companion. It is devoted to its owner, affectionate and loyal. It loves attention and since it is intelligent, can be taught tricks to show off, particularly spinning around or dancing on its hind feet.

Of all the small dog breeds, the Japanese Chin is considered the most cat-like, having a good sense of balance and the ability to hide well, and since it uses its paws to wash its face.

Japanese Chins have silky coats that require daily brushing. They do not require much exercise, though. While they do not have many health problems, they tend to become allergic to corn. They also tend to snore, though lightly, almost like a wheezing sound.


What do you know?

Think you remember what you’ve read? Try out the Smallest Dog Breed Quiz!

 


 

Top 10 Smallest and cutest Dog Breeds In The World

 

 


 

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_dog
http://www.akc.org/press_center/smallest-dog-breeds/
https://www.akc.org/breeds/toy_group.cfm
http://www.allsmalldogbreeds.com/small-dog-breeds-a-to-z.html

Click here to view the complete list of sources…

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