Small dog breeds are very popular all over the world. They are adored by both adults and children, because they are very cute, beautiful and funny creatures. In some foreign countries, certain breeds of small dogs are even recommended as antidepressants, they say they have an incredible effect and therapeutic effect on their owners. In this article, we will describe fifteen small breeds and their character traits so that those who want to purchase a miniature puppy can more easily make a choice. The rating will be based solely on the weight and height of an adult animal.
TOP 15 smallest dogs
The breeds will be ranked by height, from smallest to largest of small dogs.
Chihuahua
- Weight: 0.5 to 3 kg;
- Height: from 10 to 24 cm;
- Country: Mexico.
Everyone knows this breed for sure, these are the smallest dogs in the world, and they were first discovered in 1850 in Mexico. The name of the breed comes from the name of the city of Chihuahua in which puppies were first discovered. Chihuahuas have a rather calm character, they are not hysterical, affectionate, friendly. Sometimes they can be jealous and are quite vulnerable. They are very loyal dogs and they have the makings of guard dogs, but still, due to their size, they are better suited as a faithful friend. In terms of appearance, there are two types of wool: short and long, as well as several of its colors. Dogs are distinguished by good health and good intelligence.
Prague ratter
- Weight: up to 2.6 kg;
- Height: from 20 to 23 cm;
- Country: Czech Republic.
This is a very old breed bred in the Czech Republic and some sources believe that it can compete with the Chihuahua for the status of the smallest dog in the world. At the very least, the Prague Rattle is definitely the smallest European breed. The dog is very comfortable, because it is very quiet, it likes to be with its owner all the time, but it does it as unobtrusively as possible. They have a gambling and hunting character, which can manifest itself as a desire to hunt mice and small animals. Ratniki are very intelligent, easy to train. The average life span of the breed is 12-14 years, the dogs are in good health and are practically not susceptible to complex diseases. They do not require significant maintenance and are easily tolerated by long journeys or transportation.
Yorkshire Terrier (York)
- Weight: up to 3.2 kg;
- Height: from 18-20 cm;
- England.
These are one of the most popular decorative dogs, because they are incredibly beautiful and cute in appearance and somewhat resemble a plush toy. When buying a Yorkie you need to be prepared that this dog needs the most attention and care compared to many other small dog breeds. This includes regular haircuts, combing, clipping, bathing. Also, keep in mind that Yorkies almost constantly want to be near the owner, or even on his arms. They are very energetic dogs, playful. They feel your mood well. Yorkshire Terriers are distinguished by good health, long life expectancy (on average 15 years), good-natured nature and good intelligence.
Russkiy Toy
- Weight: up to 3 kg;
- Height: from 20 to 28 cm;
- Country Russia.
Another decorative breed that is considered a typical urban dog. Outwardly, the Russian Toy looks quite elegant, with thin long legs and a thin figure. This breed can have long or short hair and several types of coloration. On the nature, they are very friendly dogs, active, energetic, but prone to stress. If the family has small children who often make noise, then this breed will probably be comfortable. The Toy Terrier does not require significant maintenance, but sometimes it can have health problems, so regular preventive examinations with a veterinarian will not be superfluous.
Pomeranian
- Weight: 1.5kg to 5kg
- Height: from 18 to 22 cm;
- Country: Germany.
Another very beautiful kid, who at one time was the favorite dog of the English Queen Victoria. This type of Spitz has a thick and long coat, which can be of several colors. Dogs need regular grooming and brushing, which means they need daily grooming. They are quite smart, energetic and cheerful dogs, very loyal to their owner and very attached to the latter. The Spitz is easy to train and is ranked 23rd among the smartest breeds. This is a noisy animal, however, Pomeranians do not bark just like that, so the sooner the owner learns to recognize the pet’s needs, the sooner they will find agreement among themselves.
Toy Fox Terrier
- Weight: 1.5kg to 4kg;
- Height: 22-25 cm;
- Country: USA.
They are miniature smooth-haired dogs with strong legs and well-developed muscles. The most popular is the white coat color, but there is also a combined one: white-brown or white-red. They are fearless dogs, with a sharp mind and brave character. They are true friends and wonderful companions. Ideal for seniors as they require little maintenance and little noise. Dogs of this breed are very sensitive to cold, so it is worth taking care of additional clothing for walking in the winter. They have a tendency to some hereditary diseases, but in general their health is good and Fox Terriers live on average 13-14 years.
Japanese Chin
- Weight: 1.9kg to 4kg;
- Height: from 20 to 28 cm;
- Country: Japan.
This dog was once the favorite of the Chinese and Japanese emperors. This breed is distinguished by incredibly beautiful and long hair. The entire body of the dog, except for the muzzle, is densely covered with a thick cover. This is quite troublesome for those owners who are not ready to pay much attention to caring for this beauty every day. However, the nature of these dogs will conquer anyone. Delicate, gentle, benevolent, calm. They are unobtrusive and, according to the owners, perfectly relieve stress. They are a smart breed and can be easily taught with complex commands. Japanese chins are distinguished by excellent health, they do not tend to be overweight and live up to 15 years or more.
English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)
- Weight: 2.7 to 3.6 kg
- Height: 25-30 cm;
- Country: England.
This is a dog that requires some training, because sometimes such rather small dogs are too pronounced, which requires education. Fortunately, it is not too difficult to train them, dogs are smart and energetic, they like an active lifestyle. This is a clean dog with no pronounced odor. This breed is easy to care for thanks to its smooth and short coat, which is predominantly dark in color. It is worth knowing that the dog is very attached only to the owner, which then no one can replace. This is a true friend, the Toy Terrier adores children. This breed almost never complains about health.
Papillon
- Weight: 3kg to 5kg;
- Height: 20-28 cm;
- Country: France
The name of this dog comes from the French “butterfly”. The breed is the eighth in the ranking of the most intelligent dogs, they have a really sharp mind and a good tendency to train. These are extraordinary energizers, very active and mobile pets who simply do not sit in one place for a long time. They constantly communicate with people, flirt with everyone, and they also like to hunt mice or other small animals. Taking care of a dog is not too difficult; sometimes it is enough to comb out and keep it clean. The breed has a long coat, but does not shed much. At the expense of health, everything is also pretty good. The breed is not prone to many diseases and will always feel great with good care.
Bichon
- Weight: 2.5 to 4 kg;
- Height: from 25 cm to 30 cm;
- Country: Italy.
This is one of the most popular breeds in European countries. This is a very beautiful decorative dog with curly light hair. Lapdogs are extremely open-minded, playful, funny dogs. They love to play, both at an early age and as an adult. Despite this, the breed can lie on the couch with the owner for quite a long time, that is, their temperament and character is the so-called “golden mean” without extremes. This is a full-fledged member of the family, lapdogs establish a close bond with the owner and everyone who lives with them in the same house. Regarding grooming, it is standard brushing, as well as weekly bathing. Lapdogs practically do not get sick, which is good news. These handsome men live on average for 14 years.
Maltese (dog)
- Weight 3-4 kg;
- Height: from 20 to 25 cm;
- Country: Italy.
This is a real ball of snow-white wool that falls down just like a cape or mantle. At first glance, it seems that such dogs are simply unacceptable to walk in the mud, because the wool will instantly get dirty. However, no, the coat is very smooth and dirt only rolls off. However, this beauty should be combed daily, and sometimes several times, to warn the clubs. Malteza bathes once every 10 days. The breed has a good character, but they are very sensitive, vulnerable and cannot be alone for long. Different commands are easily taught, they do not require daily walks, but in this case, you need to take care of high-quality ventilation of the room. They are in relatively good health.
Poodle
- Weight 3-4 kg;
- Height: 24-28 cm;
- Country: England
Another “toy” dog, a dwarf poodle. This breed can often be found in circus performances, because they are very smart and very easy to learn various commands and tricks. The wool is curly and comes in a variety of colors: black, red, apricot, gray. They are reserved, kind, loving dogs that treat everyone around them well. The deceiving appearance of the dog, quite often makes the owners treat him like a toy, constantly flirt and not take him seriously. This is wrong, because the toy poodle is very self-sufficient and has inherent hunting instincts. Therefore, training should not be neglected. Unfortunately, the health of these dogs is not very strong and requires constant care.
American Eskimo Dog
- Weight: 2.7 to 4.5 kg
- Height: 23-30.5cm
- Country: USA
This is a decorative bear-type dog, which is simply impossible to pass by without attention. Very beautiful white coat and cuteness of the dog conquer. The character can be characterized as loyal, intelligent, kind, sociable, such that it easily makes contact and gets along well with all family men. It is important to know that the Eskimo Toy Spitz should receive the portion of attention he needs, because its absence can provoke a real depression in the animal. Care requires careful, it is frequent combing, bathing, walking. They cannot boast of good health, but with a good and attentive attitude, they will rarely get sick.
Griffon Bruxellois
- Weight: 3.5 to 5 kg;
- Height: 18-25 cm;
- Country: Belgium.
In this breed, a kind cute dog gets along with an arrogant and very stubborn animal. It is extremely difficult to train them, but it is necessary. These are quite noisy dogs, they are good guard dogs, after all, they bark at any extraneous noise, but sometimes this is inconvenient. Taking care of them is easy and not difficult, you can comb only once a week, and bathe in the same way. Immunity and health in griffins is remarkable. They are good companions and are very attached to their masters.
Pekingese
- Weight: 3.2-6.4 kg;
- Height: 15-23 cm;
- Country: China.
Pekingese are quite popular among Ukrainian families. They do not require strong care, they get along well with calm elderly people, and in families where several small and noisy children live. They are good friends, very loyal and friendly dogs, but can sometimes get aggressive if they are mistreated. They have good immunity, but their eyes require special attention, which must be regularly wiped and rinsed. From the shortcomings of their character, they distinguish strong stubbornness and laziness. It is very difficult to train them.
Small dog breeds have many advantages, and whichever of the above you choose, you will definitely not go wrong. The main thing is to approach the choice seriously, with all responsibility, to weigh all the nuances, and even to additionally consult with a veterinarian.