Tiny Paws: 20 Smallest Dog Breeds
On Apr 25, 2024
Getting a tiny dog has multiple perks over owning a large dog breed, especially for first-time owners. A smaller size implies fewer responsibilities to undertake as their grooming and other requirements are minimal compared to larger breeds.
A tiny canine can also easily adapt to life in an urban setting or a big city. They can live comfortably in limited space and don't require an open ground or backyard. If you are also a small dog enthusiast, we have covered 20 tiny dog breeds that may prove valuable while choosing your ideal pet.
1. Chihuahua
Height: 6-9 inches (15-23 cm)
Weight: 2-6 pounds (0.9-2.7 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-20 years
Chihuahuas are believed to have descended from ancient Techichi dogs, which were small companion animals of the Toltec people. The Mexican breed carries a recessive gene called the "dwarfism gene," which is responsible for their small stature.
The dwarfism gene causes the dog's long bones to stop growing prematurely, resulting in a smaller overall size. Additionally, Chihuahuas have a relatively high metabolic rate, which allows them to maintain their petite frames.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Height: 6-9 inches (15-23 cm)
Weight: 4-7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kg)
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
The Yorkshire Terrier, often called the Yorkie, is a long-haired dog breed that originated in Yorkshire, England during the 19th century. Despite their tiny size, they are known for their big personalities.
Terriers have a distinctive coat that is long, silky, and flowing, which requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty. Their coats can come in various colors, including black, tan, and blue. Additionally, Yorkies are known for their expressive, dark, and intelligent eyes.
3. Pomeranian
Height: 6-7 inches (15-18 cm)
Weight: 3-7 pounds (1.4-3.2 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Pomeranians consistently rank among the top 20 most popular dog breeds in the US. The American Kennel Club (AKC) considers it the 19th most popular breed based on registration statistics in recent years.
There are several factors contributing to the Pomeranian's popularity. Primarily, their small size and adorable appearance make them attractive to many people, especially those living in urban areas or with limited living space. Recently, the breed has gained a significant following through its cute nature on social media.
4. Maltese
Height: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
Weight: 4-7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Maltese dog has a beautiful long, silky white coat that sets it apart from other breeds. This luxurious fur requires regular grooming to maintain its pristine appearance, making the Maltese an eye-catching companion.
Another remarkable aspect of the Maltese is its size. Weighing typically between four to seven pounds, this tiny toy breed is one of the smallest dogs in existence. Despite their small stature, they possess a confident and fearless nature, often exhibiting a larger-than-life personality.
5. Shih Tzu
Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Weight: 9-16 pounds (4.1-7.3 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
The Shih Tzu originated in China during the Tang Dynasty around the 7th century. The breed was specifically bred by the Chinese royalty and nobility as a companion dog. Although the exact location where the breed was created is uncertain, it is believed to be in the Tibetan Plateau region.
The breed's ancestors are thought to be Tibetan temple dogs, such as the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese, which were selectively bred to achieve the desired characteristics. The resulting breed was known as the "Lion Dog" due to its resemblance to traditional Chinese lion statues.
6. Toy Poodle
Height: 9-10 inches (23-25 cm)
Weight: 6-9 pounds (2.7-4.1 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Toy Poodle has dense, curly, and hypoallergenic fur. The curly coat forms tight, dense curls all over the body, giving it a fluffy appearance. The texture of the coat is soft and wool-like, making it a highly sought-after feature.
Toy Poodles come in a wide range of coat colors and patterns. The recognized solid colors include black, white, apricot, silver, gray, brown, and cream. Likewise, they can also have parti-color coats, which are two or more distinct colors.
7. Papillon
Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Weight: 4-9 pounds (1.8-4.1 kg)
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
The Papillon is a small, elegant, and charming breed widely recognized by its distinctive butterfly-like ears. This breed has a well-proportioned body with a slightly rounded skull and a well-defined stop.
One of the most striking features of the Papillon is its large, fringed ears that resemble butterfly wings. These ears are set high and carried erect, adding to their overall elegance. Moreover, their coat is long, silky, and straight, with feathers on the ears, chest, and legs.
8. Pekingese
Height: 6-9 inches (15-23 cm)
Weight: 7-14 pounds (3.2-6.4 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Pekingese dogs can make great pets if they find the right owner. This small-sized dog has a distinctive appearance with long, flowing coats, and a flat, pushed-in face. They are often described as dignified, confident, and independent.
Pekingese dogs are known to be loyal and protective of their owners, making them good watchdogs. Despite their small size, they are not afraid to stand their ground and defend their family. Also, these dogs are generally calm and do well in apartment living, as they are not overly active.
9. Dachshund
Height: 5-7 inches (13-18 cm)
Weight: 8-11 pounds (3.6-5 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
The Dachshund breed has a unique body shape due to selective breeding. Their elongated body shape and short legs were specifically designed to allow them to maneuver through tunnels and burrows to catch their prey.
Breeders chose dogs with longer bodies and shorter legs, as these traits allowed them to excel in their hunting tasks. Through this process, the Dachshund's body shape became more exaggerated and distinctive.
10. Bichon Frise
Height: 9.5-11.5 inches (24-29 cm)
Weight: 12-18 pounds (5.4-8.2 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Bichon Frise has a friendly personality, making it an excellent companion and family pet. The small breed is also known for its fluffy white coat. These dogs have distinctive round faces with dark, expressive eyes and a black nose.
Bichon Frises are social creatures who thrive on human interaction; they are generally good with children and other pets. However, they can sometimes be stubborn or independent, so consistency and positive reinforcement are key in their training.
11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Height: 12-13 inches (30-33 cm)
Weight: 13-18 pounds (5.9-8.2 kg)
Life Expectancy: 9-14 years
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel got its name from King Charles II of England. During the 17th century, King Charles II was known for his love of spaniels. Legend has it that he even issued a decree allowing these dogs to enter any public place.
Their popularity spread rapidly among the nobility, who began to refer to them as King Charles Spaniels. Over time, two distinct varieties of spaniels emerged – the Toy Spaniel and the Cavalier Spaniel.
12. Brussels Griffon
Height: 7-8 inches (18-20 cm)
Weight: 8-12 pounds (3.6-5.4 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
The Brussels Griffon is a small breed of dog known for its unique coat. The breed's coat can come in two different varieties: rough or smooth.
The rough-coated Griffons have a dense and wiry outer coat that is slightly longer around the head and chin. On the other hand, the smooth-coated variety has a short and glossy coat that lies close to the body. It is soft and velvety to the touch, providing a sleek and elegant appearance.
13. Italian Greyhound
Height: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)
Weight: 7-14 pounds (3.2-6.4 kg)
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
The Italian Greyhound is a skinny dog breed native to Italy. These dogs are naturally slim due to a combination of genetic factors and a unique body structure.
Firstly, they have a fast metabolism, which means they burn calories quickly. This helps them maintain a lean physique even when consuming a relatively small amount of food. Secondly, they have a small frame and a low body-fat percentage, contributing to their slim appearance.
14. Japanese Chin
Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Weight: 4-9 pounds (1.8-4.1 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
While the Japanese Chin is highly popular within its home country, its popularity outside of Japan is relatively moderate. The breed has gained a small but dedicated following in various parts of the world.
In the US, the Japanese Chin is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is often seen in dog shows and has a modest number of breeders. Similarly, the breed has also made its presence known in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany.
15. Havanese
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches (22-29 cm)
Weight: 7-13 pounds (3.2-5.9 kg)
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
The Havanese dog is also referred to as the Havana Silk Dog or Bichon Havanais. The breed's history can be traced back to 18th-century Cuba where it was brought by Spanish sailors. These dogs quickly became popular among Cuban aristocrats and wealthy households.
The Havanese is believed to be descended from several small European breeds, including the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Poodle. They were bred primarily as companion dogs for their friendly and affectionate nature.
16. Miniature Pinscher
Height: 10-12.5 inches (25-32 cm)
Weight: 8-11 pounds (3.6-5 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Miniature Pinscher was initially developed in Germany during the 19th century by selectively breeding small German Pinschers. However, despite its name, the breed is not related to the terrier family.
The breed's small stature, agile nature, and similar appearance to the Doberman Pinscher led to its nickname "the King of the Toys." Their small size, yet fearless and spirited nature, makes them an excellent companion and watchdogs despite their diminutive appearance.
17. Affenpinscher
Height: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm)
Weight: 7-10 pounds (3.2-4.5 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Affenpinscher is a small breed of dog known for its unique appearance and lively personality. Despite their small stature, these dogs are sturdy and muscular with a compact build.
The small size of the Affenpinscher makes it suitable for various living situations, including apartments and houses with limited space. However, their high energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
18. Pug
Height: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm)
Weight: 14-18 pounds (6.4-8.2 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Pug is distinctively recognized for its appearance and lovable personality. What sets the breed apart is their unique physical features, including a wrinkled face, short muzzle, and large, expressive eyes. Their compact size, sturdy build, and curly tail add to their charm.
Another remarkable aspect of the Pug breed is their entertaining personality. They are often described as clowns or comedians due to their humorous antics and expressive facial expressions. These dogs have a mischievous streak, constantly seeking attention and making their owners laugh.
19. French Bulldog
Height: 11-12 inches (28-30 cm)
Weight: 16-28 pounds (7.3-12.7 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The smallest French Bulldog to have lived until now is called Miracle Milly. She holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's smallest dog in terms of height. Milly stood at a mere 3.8 inches tall and weighed only one pound.
On the other hand, the biggest Frenchie to have lived is called Bentley. He gained fame for his impressive size, weighing in at a hefty 85 pounds. Bentley's large stature was a result of genetics rather than obesity as he had a broad chest and muscular frame.
20. Boston Terrier
Height: 15-17 inches (38-43 cm)
Weight: 12-25 pounds (5.4-11.3 kg)
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
The Boston Terrier, also known as the American Gentleman, originated in the late 19th century in Boston, Massachusetts. The breed was created through the crossbreeding of the English Bulldog and the English White Terrier (now extinct).
In the early years, Boston Terriers were bred for dog fighting. With time, they were bred to be companion animals. The breed gained popularity quickly due to its charming and friendly nature, compact size, and distinctive tuxedo-like markings.
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