Meet 14 of the Smallest Dog Breeds in the World

Like all breeds , the small dogs in the world want certain concern from their owners so that they can live their best living . But thankfully , whether you live in close one-fourth or feel more convinced owning a smaller dog-iron , there are many breed to choose from .

One fundamental thoughtfulness when adopting a modest dog is early socialization . Smaller dogs , because of their size of it , tend to be intimidated more than their larger counterparts , pronounce Deborah Thomson , DVM . This can cause them to represent themselves and whip out in insalubrious slipway so as to overcompensate for what they miss in size of it . Socialization with other dogs early on as well as meet and greets with many different type of people will avail build these tiny detent ' confidence .

Because these dogs are so low , their reefer can only take a little strain , so thrifty care must be pay to their diet to avoidpatellar luxationand other joint issues , Thomson say . solve with your vet to determine the best eating plan for your small bounder to keep them happy and healthy throughout their life .

yorkshire terrier standing on the seat of an outdoor chair holding and ball in her mouth

Photo: Yolanda Martinez / Getty

What Is the Smallest Dog in the World?

Miracle Milly the Chihuahua presently holds the Guinness World Record for theworld ’s smallest dog . She weighed close to 1 British pound sterling and was under 4 inches improbable — well below the norm of her fellow Chihuahuas . Miracle Milly unfortunately occur aside in 2020 , but not before becharm the hearts of zillion around the world , include on her own island of Puerto Rico .

Smallest Dog Breeds in the World

look for a teeny admirer of your own ? Here are 14 of the smallest dog breeds in the world .

Chihuahua

system of weights : 3–6 pound . superlative : 6–9 inches . Chihuahuasare a very pop dog strain , not just in the U.S. , but worldwide , with origin story pay from South America to China . They are incredibly fun to have around and can spice up up any mortal ’s life , but they can be on the huffy side if not socialized and handled right . Just verify to stay on top of their dental wellness , brushing their teetha couplet of times a week . " Any long - nosed breed tends to be more of a oral cavity schnorkel , " says Thomson . " When their mouth is dry , they do n’t have the protection their saliva provides , which can cause bacterium to breed . "

Toy Poodle

weighting : 4–6 pounds . Height : No more than 10 in . poodle dog total in many different size , and one of the most darling sizing is that of thetoy poodle . resist no more than 10 inch off the ground , toy dog poodles extend the tidings and want of shedding thatstandard poodlesboast in a dry pint - sized computer software . They love to be an constitutional part of the mob , so make certain you have enough aid to save ! If you ’re an flat dweller who suffers from allergies , the toy poodle dog might just be the tiny dog for you .

Pomeranian

free weight : 3–7 pounds . Height : 6–7 inch . Don’t let their size fool you . Pomeraniansare bundles of playfulness who have band of Department of Energy . They have awing personality and well ebb and run between showing affection and operating independently . Because they have the stamina of much larger dogs , exercise and stimulation are a must to keep your Pom happy and respectable . pom make the staring spouse for an extroverted possessor who loves to be out and about and cravesphysical signature ! check that you have a secure fence before you let these diminutive pup race gratis in the backyard — they can be escape artists .

Toy Fox Terrier

system of weights : 3.5–7 British pound sterling . Height : 8.5–11.5 inches . There are so many terriers to choose from , but thetoy fox terrierwins hearts for a reason . toy dog fox terrier arelow - care pupswho know to have a right time . Whether you ’re chasing them around your kitchen island or call for them to ride on your lap , they are happy to oblige . Toy fox terriers are also easy to train . In addition to their shortsighted stature , they have a brusk coat that sheds mildly . As long as they get the occasionalbathand a good brush once a week , they ’re content … and not stinky ! And as always with a smaller breed , factor in somedental hygieneas well .

Yorkie

Weight : 7 Egyptian pound . Height : 7–8 inches . When you picture aYorkshire terrier , you probably do n’t render a hunter . But these former ratters still have all of the punk of their ancestors ! Like all terriers , Yorkies are used to cause a job to do , even if their job is now being a loyal family member . Because of their instincts , Yorkies are very prosperous to develop and are up for any challenge . They ’re know for their voluptuous long coats , which give them a certain elegance that you ca n’t get hold anywhere else . Because of their precious pelage , it ’s a skillful approximation to constitute a great family relationship with a localdog groomer . " Yorkies must have good haircuts from the showtime , " says Dr. Thomson . " When there ’s hair that goes into their eyes , they can germinate eye issues . Mouth trimming is also important so that bacterium do n’t blossom after eat . "

Papillon

Weight : 5–10 pounds . Height : 8–11 inches . A dog ’s ear are some of its most distinguishing feature , and the same is true for thepapillon . With a name that signify butterfly in French , the papillon cavort a pair of foresightful , feathered ears that frame their niggling faces and give the impression of wing . Being part of the spaniel clan , papillons are content in just about every site . They love to get their energy out in a good game of fetch but are just as happy to snuggle with you in between playtimes . Papillons get along well with every member of the family , but verify to evidence your children to be careful ; little dog are more thin and can be more easy injured .

Japanese Chin

system of weights : 7–10 pounds . Height : 8–11 inches . Is that a tenacious - haired pug-dog ? Nope , it ’s aJapanese chin ! They ’re the perfect friend for just about any owner , but especially those who are face for a calmer fellow traveller with a lower energy level . They were in the beginning bred as companions to nobility , run them to believe they ’re the true king or pansy of the house ! Japanese chins are very pretty dog , which is all thanks to their fluffy pelage and short muzzle . Because they are abrachycephalic breed , you ’ll desire to schedule some regular face cleansing to secure the ultimate solace of your Nipponese chin . " Get accustomed to face - cleanup very early on , " says Thomson . " clean house the facial plica quite well to prevent bacterium from blossom out . "

Affenpinscher

Weight : 7–10 Egyptian pound . Height : 9–11.5 inch . Ever seen " Star Wars " ? Then , theaffenpinschermay look familiar to you , feature a very Ewok - like appearing . This unequalled - looking pooch is certain to win you over with its monkey - alike appearance and persistent personality . monkey pinscher have a unequaled disposition , which allows them to adapt to any environment and expand in obedience training . Plus , it ’s not unusual for affens to live past 15 years of age , which mean they’llbe your friend for a long prison term ! bear mind to their extra particular pelt coat to keep your affen well-chosen ; their stringy , coarse pelt call for a good copse at least twice a week to prevent mat .

Brussels Griffon

Weight : 8–10 punt . tallness : 7–10 inches . look for a dog that can grow as cool of a face fungus as you ? TheBrussels griffonwould like your consideration . These hipster - looking barker have the cutest little faces , with a loving personality to boot . Brussels griffons are fantastically easygoing and conform well to the energy storey of their owners . They demand at least one ( short ) take the air a twenty-four hours , and they ’re keen to pass the rest of the sidereal day soaking up the sun from the window . Brussels griffons have two different character of coat , both of which have their own precaution regimen . If you adopt a griffon with a smooth coating , they can get by with the occasional bath and hebdomadal brush . But if you espouse a boisterous - coated griffin , make indisputable to schedule recurring appointments with a groomer to keep them await neat and tidy .

Miniature Pinscher

Weight : 8–10 pound . pinnacle : 10–12.5 inches . If you need a bounder to mar , theminiature pinscheris the tiny dog for you . Dubbed the King of Toys , min pins are quite thinking and always are see for something constructive to do in Holy Order to stay out of fuss . " Because they ’re a sporting breed , they necessitate a job to do , " says Thomson . " Owners need to be cognizant and render lots of toys and stimulus so [ miniature pinscher ] do n’t get into mischief . " If you ’re the case to typically work from home , then the miniature pinscher is the perfect little pup for you , as they love company and do n’t savor being left alone for long periods .

Chinese Crested

Weight : 8–12 pounds . altitude : 11–13 inches . TheChinese crestedis a unique - looking dog that is certain to fall up a conversation . In addition to being fantastically humble , the Chinese crest is sometimes hairless ! While dress need are infrequent , you ’ll require to spend fourth dimension conjure up a skincare function that involves moisturizing andsunblockto keep them happy and healthy . If your Chinese crest is of the powderpuff kind , verify to brush their silky coats daily to stave off matting . On the lustrous side , they ’re so little that brush does n’t take very long !

Havanese

Weight : 7–13 pounds . Height : 8.5–11 inches . Looks may be deceiving when it comes to theHavanese . Under all that hair is in fact a teeny tiny dog ! Always with a pep in their step , Havanese dogs are fabulously wizardly and easygoing with just about everyone . Thomson says these pup incline to be good with children , too . When it come to manage for this mellisonant , confident frank , it ’s important to stick to a strict dieting and grooming schedule to prevent any knee or joint return , ear infection , and tooth problems , says Thomson .

Pekingese

Weight : 8–14 pounds . Height : 6–9 column inch . Famous for putting their possessor first , thePekingesewill make you feel implausibly limited by always prefer you over alien who crave their affection . While this may come off as aloof , Pekingese pups simply prefer to be around their make love single ! To build your Pekingese dog ’s trust around unfamiliar people , verify to socialise them at an early years . But when they ’re on their home front , Pekingese dogs will necessitate perfectly zero coaxing to spend sentence on your lap !

Italian Greyhound

Weight : 7–14 pounds . acme : 13–15 inches . There ’s a intellect that royal family of C past loved theItalian greyhound . In improver to being endearingly small , Italian greyhounds have made heavy family pets for yr . Because they love being part of a kinsfolk , they can get a little emotional when left alone . Set them up for succeeder by preventingseparation anxietyand even surrounding them with other dogs who can keep them company when the humans have to leave home . Do n’t undervalue your Italian greyhound , however . Because of their yesteryear as hunting dogs , they have an incredibly large fair game labor and sleep with to chase . For that reason , a dog - only nursing home is the best aliveness situation for this stock .

Video : Meet Miracle Milly - the world ’s smallest cad . Guinness World Records .

young girl holding chihuahua