World's Smallest Dog Breeds

When it comes to dog breeds, size varies drastically, from great giants like the Great Dane to little companions small enough to fit in your palm. For those curious about the smallest dogs, here are the breeds that have repeatedly managed to rank among the tiniest of the canine world. These dogs might have a small frame, but they are full of personality and charm.

1. Chihuahua

Most people consider the Chihuahua as the world's smallest dog breed. Mexico is actually its place of origin, and it usually measures between 2 - 6 pounds and 5 - 8 inches from shoulder to ground. Though diminutive in size, the chihuahua is big in attitude and self-confidence. Additionally, they live quite long, for up to 15 years and even over.

 2. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are tiny dogs that are generally around 3 to 7 pounds of weight. Pomeranians measure only 6 to 7 inches in height. These little dogs descended from the Arctic and used to serve as large sled dogs, and the fox faces give them a quite adorable look. Pomeranians are usually lively, intelligent, and often of a bold temperament, which makes them very popular pets.

3. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is also among the small-sized category, with an average weight of 4 to 7 pounds and height of 7 to 8 inches. They have a long silky coat and are very loving little dogs. Though tiny, they were originally bred to hunt rats in mills and mines, showing their quality of tenacity and courage.

4. Papillon

This small dog weighs in at only 5 to 10 pounds and grows to a small size, 8 to 11 inches, flaunting its butterfly-shaped ears that helped grant the dog a somewhat ill-repute. Spirited in every way and very smart in their play, these dogs get their name for a look of grace.

5. Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle is the smallest variety of the Poodle breed, with weights usually between 4 to 6 pounds and height not over 10 inches at the withers. Toy Poodles can be easily trained due to their high intelligence. They also have hypoallergenic coats and can be elaborately clipped.

6. Brussels Griffon

It is a small, square built that ranges between 5 to 12 pounds, 7 to 10 inches in height. An expressive face, the Brussels Griffon is one f the best unique in looks, which makes the breed darling to many. Pooches from this breed are loyal, affectionate and at time almost human with its quirky personnality.

 7. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin, also known as a Japanese Spaniel, is a small, elegant breed that weighs only 4 to 9 pounds and measures about 8 to 11 inches in height. This breed is often identified as a "cat," since it can jump great heights and indeed shows a certain penchant for grooming itself. Japanese Chins are gentle, affectionate, and make excellent companions.

 Honorable Mentions

Maltese: 

A Maltese is 4 to 7 pounds and 7 to 9 inches. Draped in a long glossy, pure white coat, the Maltese is a gentle and affectionate canine.

Affenpinscher : 

The Affenpinscher is also known as the "Monkey Dog," and it weighs anywhere from 6 to 13 pounds and stands at 9 to 12 inches. He is also spirited and curious and his personality is very much like other terriers.

Even the smallest dog breeds in the world have characters that distinguish them many times over from normally large ones. Whether you are lured by its boldness of the Chihuahua, the puff of the Pomeranian, or the elegance that a Toy Poodle carries, almost all the small dogs prove that often good things come in a small package.