Small and tiny dogs breed are very popular for a long time, and every year their popularity is growing more and more. These tiny dogs were and remain favorites of royal families and celebrities. Everyone loves these lovely dogs for their charming appearance, loyal and friendly temperament and the ability to conquer people's hearts.
Despite the small size, they are very useful for society. Many dogs are used in therapeutic practice because communication of sick or single people with these positive animals has a curative effect on people. They help people forget about their illnesses and troubles better than any antidepressant.
The smallest breeds of dogs in the world
The miniature size of these breeds of dogs allows them to be kept even in small apartments and they can accompany you everywhere, since they are easily placed in a dog carrying bag.
There is list of the smallest breeds of dogs in the world. In the rating, first of all, the average body weight of dogs of each breed was taken into account and the height at the withers (withers - a place on the spine between the shoulder blades, the highest point of the dog's body).
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world, originated from Tibet. In the early XX century, they were forbidden dogs and belonged exclusively to the family of the Chinese emperor. According to the breed standards Weight and Height of Shih Tzu are:
- Weight of Male Shih Tzu is 11–19 lb (5–8.5 kg) and Weight of Female 9.9–17.6 lb (4.5–8 kg)
- Height of Male is 9.1–11.0 in (23–28 cm) and Height of Female is 7.9–9.8 in (20–25 cm)
This beautiful dog has a very independent character, sometimes he can be proud and haughty, but at the same time he is very brave, gentle and faithful his owner.
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Spaniel - another breed of dogs, originated in the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet. This assertive and intelligent dog was favorite by Buddhist monks and to rotate prayer drums for them.
Tibetan Spaniel share ancestry with the Pekingese, Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Terrier and Pug. He does not really belong to true Spaniels (because they are gun dogs) and perhaps was named only because of the external similarity to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
- Weight of Tibetan Spaniel is 9 to 15 lb 4.1 to 6.8 kg ()
- Height of Tibetan Spaniel is 10 in (25 cm)
Norwich Terrier
Norwich Terrier is a small breed of dogs that appeared in Norwich, East England, in the 19th century. It was bred for hunting small rodents (rat, mouse) which indicate its high activity and excellent hunting abilities.
They are very hardy, brave, affectionate and quick-witted dogs. He has a cheerful, good-natured temperament and is infinitely devoted to owner and his family.
- Weight Norwich Terrier is 11.0–12.1 lb (5.0–5.5 kg)
- Height Norwich Terrier is 9.4–10.0 in (24–25.5 cm)
Chinese Crested Dog
Chinese Crested Dog is a decorative breed of dogs. Like most hairless dog breeds, the Chinese crested are two varieties the Powderpuff and the Hairless. They can be with and without hair and be born in the same litter.
This small, active, elegant, very cheerful breed is distinguished by a strong attachment to its owner, but it is wary towards strangers.
- Weight of Chinese Crested Dog 10-13 lb (4.5-5.9 kg).
- Height of Chinese Crested Dog 10–13 inches (30 cm).
The Miniature Pinscher (Zwergpinscher or Min Pin)
The Miniature Pinscher is a small breed of dogs, a guard and companion, born in Germany at the end of the 19th century. This dog is very wayward, independent and proud but with the proper upbringing he will be an excellent friend and companion. He does not get along well with other pets, likes to dominate and set his own rules. Despite the difficult temperament Miniature Pinscher is very devoted to the owner and is ready risk his life to protect owner.
According to the American Kennel Club, his length is equal to height, though females may be slightly longer.
- Weight of Miniature Pinscher is 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg)
- Height of Miniature Pinscher should be 10-12 1/2 inches (25-32 cm) high with most desirable height 11-11 1/2 inches (28-29 cm) at the highest point of the shoulder blades.
Pomeranian Spitz
Pomeranian Spitz is the smallest representative of the Spitz group, named after the historic region of Germany, Pomerania. Pomeranian Spitz is also known as one of the favorite breed of Queen Victoria.
He is an intelligent, friendly, sociable and faithful dog. Despite the size he is so brave that he will protect his owner without fear and thought.
Its small size is successfully compensated by exceptional cleverness due to which it is excellently trained. Pomeranian Spitz also takes 23rd place in the list of the most intelligent breeds of dogs in the world.
- Height at the withers of Pomeranian Spitz 13-28 cm
- Weight of Pomeranian Spitz is 1.9-3.5 kg.
The Pražský Krysařík (Prague Ratter)
The Pražský Krysařík (Prague Ratter) is a small breed of dogs that was bred in the Czech Republic in the 9th century. In those days, this breed, along with other rat-catchers, guarded the owner`s property from rodents, as the Czechs exterminated cats for "cooperation with witches."
Currently Prague Ratter is a dog-companion but at the same time he has not lost his agility and hunting instinct. He is very intelligent, playful, obedient, and affectionate, perfectly trained and get along with children.
- The ideal weight of the tiny Prague Ratter is 2.6 kg
- The height at the withers Prague Ratter is 20 to 23 cm.
Russian Toy Terrier
Russian Toy Terrier is a miniature breed of dogs bred by Russian cynologists in the second half of the 20th century. There are two varieties of Russian Toy Terrier: long-haired and smooth-haired. Dog of this breed has an extremely cheerful, playful and friendly temperament, he is very devoted to owner and perfectly gets along with all family members, regardless of their age.
- Height at the withers of Russian Toy Terrier is 20 - 28 cm
- Weight Russian Toy Terrier is 1.4 - 3 kg.
Yorkshire Terrier
The smallest breeds of dogs in the world
Yorkshire Terrier is a small decorative breed of dogs, originated in the XIX century in Yorkshire, England. Despite the fact that Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world, the Yorkshire Terrier Sylvia is recognized as the smallest dog in history. She died in 1945 at the age of 2 years, her height at the withers was 6.3 cm, the length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail was 9.5 cm and weight was 113 grams.
Affectionate, energetic, inquisitive and bold Yorkshire Terrier will be excellent companion and he is easily adaptable for living in a small apartment. Dogs of this breed are trained very well and quickly remember owner`s commands because they are incredibly intelligent.
- Ideally the weight of the Yorkshire Terrier is 7 pounds (3.2 kg)
- The height at the withers of the Yorkshire Terrier does not exceed 23 cm.
Chihuahua
Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dogs in the world, discovered in 1850 in Mexico. Despite a small size, Chihuahua is an active, fearless and cheerful dog. Chihuahua has coat of two varieties: the Smooth Coat (shorthaired) and the Long Coat (longhaired).
Interesting fact: Chihuahua, called Mille, which lives in Puerto Rico, is recognized as the smallest dog in the world. Her height at withers does not even reach 10cm and this is Millie’s second record because she was previously recognized as the smallest puppy in the world.
Before the birth of Mille, the smallest puppy was Boo Boo (height 10.16 cm and weight 675 grams) which is a one centimeter taller than Mille.
Chihuahua has a strong psyche for a dog of dwarfish breed; he is very devoted to owner and his family. He is friendly towards people and other animals, does not show anger and cowardice.
- Weight of Chihuahua: Male 1.8-2.7 kg (4-6 lb); Female 1.8-2.7 kg (4-6 lb)
- Height of Chihuahua: Male 15-25 cm (6-10 in); Female15-25 cm (6-10 in)
