Everyone loves a large dog, but small dog breeds can be a popular pet choice as well. After all, they fit right in your lap! People that own a small dog breed are able to bring their dog anywhere, taking pet companionship to a whole new level.
If you’re wondering what’s the smallest dog breed in the world, get ready for cuteness overload. However, it is important to note that while these cute, cuddly, miniature small dog breeds are tons of fun, they also take a bit of work and require the same care and attention as larger dog breeds. They get cold in the winter (dress up, anyone?) and should still be taken for daily walks. If that sounds manageable and you are looking for a dog to keep you company during the day, one of these small dog breeds may just be for you.
So take a look at our list of the ten smallest dog breeds in the world, one of them may just be calling your name.
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahua (almass1981 / Flickr)
The smallest dog breed in the world and perhaps the most recognizable on our list, the Chihuahua is a favorite among many wealthy individuals and they tend to have a distinctive personality. Weighing between 4 and 6 pounds on average, as the name suggests, Chihuahuas hail from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico.
Despite their tiny stature, this breed tends to be fiercely loyal to their owner and in some cases can be over protective, which can result in a lot of baring. However, Chihuahuas are one of the most loving and affectionate breeds of dog, making them an excellent companion.
2. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise (Wikepedia)
Bichon Frise translates to ‘curly lap dog’ in French, the perfect description of our 2nd smallest dog breed in the world. Descending from the Water Spaniel and Standard Poodle, these dogs typically weigh between 10 and 20 pounds.
Bichon Frise make wonderful family dogs, as they are extremely loyal and play really well with children and other animals. The puffy white coat of this breed is a recognizable feature as well and will require regular grooming.
3. Boston Terrier
Boston Terrier (sendaiblog / Flickr)
Our 3rd smallest dog breed in the world, Boston Terriers are small and compact with a short tail and erect years. They are said to be highly intelligent and very trainable, making them a great companion. A family dog, Boston Terriers are wonderful with children. However, these dogs like to chew, so make sure to keep any valuables out of reach!
4. French Bulldog
French Bulldog (Wikepedia)
‘Frenchies’ are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world and are related to both the English Bulldog and American Bulldog. These dogs are playful, affectionate, loyal, and intelligent, making them a wonderful companion dog. A sub-family of the Mastiff and Bullenbeisser, Frenchies were spread throughout the ancient world by Phoenician traders.
5. Papillon
Papillon (andreaarden / Flickr)
Our 5th smallest dog breed in the world is of the Spaniel family and is one of the oldest toy spaniels. Weighing between 6 and 7 pounds, Papillons get their name from the butterfly-like look of the long and fringed hair on the ears. These dogs are quite intelligent and self-assured, but can be reserved around people they do not know. A great companion dog, the Papillon is happy, friendly, and adventurous, living upwards of 17 years.
6. Pomeranian
Pomeranian (Mr. T in DC / Flickr)
Pomeranians are gentle, mellow, and sweet, but they can also be noisy at times (just like children!) This breed, one of the smallest in the world, can be quite good with children, just as long as they are introduced to them as puppies.
Poms usually weight around 7 pounds and have a full, fluffy coat that may make their size deceiving. These dogs are also very loyal to their owners and use their bark to serve as a watchdog.
7. Pug
Pug (Wikepedia)
Our 7th smallest dog is the Pug, a toy dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail. One of the most lovable breeds on our list, the charismatic personality of the Pug make them a friendly and comedic companion. Pugs have a fine, glossy coat that comes in a variety of colors. Coupled with their muscular little body, these pups are one-of-a-kind. However, due to their short muzzle they may be prone to wheezing and snoring, so make sure you have some earplugs if you plan on letting this little guy sleep with you!
8. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu (SameShihTzuDifferentDay / Flickr)
One of the smallest dog breeds in the world, the Shih Tzu is one of the best family dogs and is great around children. Also called the ‘mini lion’, these dogs have a double-layered, full, and dense coat, which requires a lot of daily grooming. Another bonus to this dog breed is that they get along great with other animals and are extremely friendly and sociable.
9. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodle (Dakiny / Flickr)
The 9th smallest dog on our list is the Toy Poodle, a sensitive breed that can be extremely loyal to their owner. The dog is officially found in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, and has many different coat colors.
The Toy Poodle was originally bred as a water dog, and is today a very obedient breed that is skillful in many different dog sports, such as tracking and herding.
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier (wax0r / Flickr)
Not only is the Yorkshire Terrier one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, they are one of the cutest. A perfect fit in a household where he will be the only dog, Yorkies are dependable, caring, and an excellent watch dog.
One of the defining features with this breed is that they reach a maximum size of 7 pounds, although the smallest Yorkie to date is 2 and-a-half pounds! Like the other dogs on this list, it is still important to take your Yorkie for a walk, even though it may seem like they don’t need it with those tiny legs.