The small dog breeds are the tiniest of the small. These tiny dogs generally only weigh around 5 pounds and are generally no bigger than 18 inches tall at the shoulder. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors but they typically have short muzzles with little or no stop,
rounded heads that may or may not be broad, and long-legged bodies with disproportionately large feet. Another thing to take note of is their long tails that makeup half of their body length.
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Some people feel that these small dogs are ideal for homes with limited space. Although these small dogs may seem fragile, they are still very tough and can run very fast since they weigh a fraction of a big dog.
Top 15 Smallest dog breeds from around the world.
1. Chihuahua
Average Weight: 2-4 lbs Average Height: 10-11 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 21 Average Life Span: 15-17 years. The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in history and is known as ‘The Apple in Your Eye’ due to its round head and bright almond-shaped eyes.
These small dogs are recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club, FCI, KCGB, ANKC/NKC/CANKC, and the AKC. The Chihuahua is hypoallergenic and has short legs that are called ‘bat’ legs. Their water-resistant coat comes in two varieties: smooth coat and long coat.
2. Yorkshire Terrier (Small dog breeds)
Average Weight: 3-7 lbs Average Height: 9-11 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 21 Average Life Span: 13-15 years. The Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs that pack quite a punch.
They are usually taken to be the smallest dog in the world, but they are ranked second to the Chihuahua. These small dogs can weigh anywhere between 3-7 pounds, while their height ranges from 9–11 inches. Their coats may be either short, long, or rough-coated.
3. Maltese
Average Weight: 4-6 lbs Average Height: 12-14 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 15 Average Life Span: 12-14 years. The Maltese is recognized by the AKC but is not recognized by any other major kennel club.
They are very popular because of their cute looks and remarkable personalities that come with them. This toy-sized dog is famous for its curled ears, ornaments, and curly tails. They are also hypoallergenic which is why this breed has become very popular. The Maltese have a long lifespan of 12–14 years.
4. Pomeranian
Average Weight: 3-6 lbs Average Height: 11-16 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 46 Average Life Span: 12-17 years. The Pomeranian are small dogs that are just as adorable as they are adaptable.
They have a curly coat that comes in several colors and patterns that can be either thick or thin. Pomeranians are very intelligent and can be a handful to train. This breed does not have a long life expectancy, averaging 13 years.
5. Papillon (Small dog breeds)
Average Weight: 4-6 lbs Average Height: 8-9 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 28 Average Life Span: 12-15 years. Papillons would often be mistaken for butterflies because of their butterfly-shaped ears that flutter when they walk or move around.
They have a long tail that ranges from 8–9 inches in length and has long legs that can reach up to an average height of 14 inches tall. Although their life span is not very long, averaging only 12–15 years, they do live a longer time than most small dogs.
6. Lhasa Apso
Average Weight: 7-15 lbs Average Height: 10-13 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 14 Average Life Span: 12-15 years. These little dogs have a very unique build. They have a cat-like cat face with a long silky coat of hair. Their ears are also shaped like a cat’s ears which makes them look extremely cute.
They have very short legs and an average height of 9–11 inches from their toes to their shoulders. This breed is affectionate and loyal, but they are also very alert and get distracted easily so training can be quite tough before they get used to it.
7. Pekingese
Average Weight: 6-10 lbs Average Height: 8-12 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 14 Average Life Span: 12-15 years. The Pekingese are normally small dogs that are considered stubborn but are extremely loyal to their masters.
They have special wrinkles on the face, called mo’s that are found in no other breeds of dogs. Their temperament can be quite bad if it is not properly trained. A Pekingese can only live up to an average span of 13 years or more if it is well taken care of.
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8. Pomeranian Mix (Small dog breeds)
Average Weight: 4-7 lbs Average Height: 8-10 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 14 Average Life Span: 13-15 years. The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest dog breeds in history, but so is the Pomeranian.
A Yorkshire Terrier mix with a Pomeranian is a miniature dog with a lot of attitudes. They are very cuddly, friendly and entertaining small dogs that can go outside or stay inside as long as it gets regular training.
9. Bull Terrier
Average Weight: 5-10 lbs Average Height: 12-20 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 29 Average Life Span: 14-18 years. The Bull Terrier is a small dog that pounds as much as its size indicates; they come with great strength and stamina.
Bull terriers are also one of the most vicious dogs in the world. They carry on their bad appearances like very short bowed legs and severely low set ears. This breed has many health problems that can occur in any other dog breed that are not uncommon to small dogs.
Their short lifespan is only 14–18 years, but their lifespan can be longer if they are taken care of properly.
10. Chihuahua Mix
Average Weight: 3-7 lbs Average Height: 10-14 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 21 Average Life Span: 10-15 years. Chihuahua mixes are small dogs that have a lot of personalities.
They are sweet little dogs that come with a lot of character. These little dogs are best kept inside because they do not have an outdoor coat to protect them from the elements. Their life expectancy is 10–15 years, so they will be around for quite some time if they are cared for properly.
11. Shih Tzu (Small dog breeds)
Average Weight: 9-16 lbs Average Height: 8-11 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 41 Average Life Span: 12-15 years. The Shih Tzu is a very popular lap dog that is full of character. They are high-strung little dogs that do not much like to be alone.
People who want a friend that will follow them around wherever they go might find a Shih Tzu an ideal dog for them. The only major concern with this breed is overgrown teeth. Proper care must be taken to prevent this from happening.
12. Dalmatian Mix
Average Weight: 5-10 lbs Average Height: 8-12 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 13 Average Life Span: 15-18 years. The Dalmatian is a large dog with a short coat of hair on its body but it has a large double coat of hair on its legs, chest, and belly that protect it from the cold.
It is one of the most popular dog breeds in America and Europe, but some consider them too big to be a lap dog. These little dogs can be very friendly and playful if trained properly. But they can also be very stubborn if not properly socialized from an early age. Their life expectancy is 15–18 years with proper care.
13. Coton de Tulear (Small dog breeds)
Average Weight: 9-16 lbs Average Height: 10-12 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 14 Average Life Span: 11-16 years. The Coton de Tulear breed is recognized by the largest number of countries in comparison to any other dog breed in history because it is so popular.
They are recognized as a different breed than the Coton du Tulear and this could confuse some parts of the world because these two breeds look too similar. The Coton du Tulear is recognized by 29 countries while the Coton de Tulear is recognized in nearly 30 countries compared to one country for each recognized variety of this breed.
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14. Shiba Inu
Average Weight: 9-16 lbs Average Height: 10-12 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 26 Average Life Span: 12-15 years. The Shiba Inu is a large dog in comparison to its size. They are called the “The Dog of the Samurai” because they were used to protect their masters and their homes from vermin and other creatures that would threaten to harm their lives.
They get along very well with other dogs but should not be trusted around small children. Their high intellect is one way they can be easily trained and socialized with people and other dogs if taught properly. They have a long lifespan averaging 12–15 years or more if properly cared for.
15. Keeshond (Small dog breeds)
Average Weight: 13-20 lbs Average Height: 10-12 inches Countries Recognized by the AKC: 14 Average Life Span: 12-15 years. The Keeshond is a very playful and intelligent breed of dog. It is one of the larger breeds in comparison to its average size which makes it an ideal family dog.
Their coat can be either a silky hard coat or a soft medium coat. Its life expectancy is 12–15 years with proper care but can be longer with proper maintenance.
in conclusion, the smallest dog breeds are not advisable for owners who are not willing to put in the extra time and effort to properly care for them.