Six of the Smallest Dog Breeds

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Six Smallest Dog Breeds

Maybe you’re considering a new “little friend.” Small dog breeds are highly popular as companions for all types of dog lovers. They are easy to take care of, require minimal space, and are often highly affectionate with their owners. However, not all small dog breeds are the same. You may consider your pet on the shorter side, so how do they compare with these six small dog breeds? 

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are considered one of, if not the smallest dog breeds worldwide. They range in size from four to ten pounds and rarely stand above one foot tall. Their history dates back to the early 16th century when they were bred in Mexico as household companions. Today, they are popular house pets but are not always suitable to keep with other dogs or small children, as they can be easily injured due to their size. 

Yorkies

Yorkies are another popular toy breed in the U.S., and though they are small, their personalities make up for it. They were originally bred in Scotland as royal companions and are still often treated as royalty by their owners. Yorkies have a beautiful coat and large round eyes, making them especially cute for their stature. 

English Toy Spaniel

Spaniels are all-around great pets due to their intelligence and gentle disposition. The English Toy Spaniel is no exception, and their smaller stature compared to other spaniels makes them a popular choice for apartment owners, new parents, and retirees. English Toy Spaniels look very similar to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels but are considerably smaller and not as active. 

Russian Toy

Russian Toys are the newest small breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club, gaining full recognition this year. They typically weigh between five to seven pounds and rarely stand above one foot in height. Russian toys are not common in the U.S., but we predict they will soon become a household name as their disposition and intelligence make them exceptional pets. 

Papillons

Papillons are short, fluffy, and have some of the cutest ears in the dog world. Their name originates from the French word for “butterfly,” as their ears are known to have a distinctive butterfly wing shape. Papillons are also exceptionally tiny, with an average weight of between five and ten pounds. 

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are not only one of the smallest dog breeds but also one of the fluffiest. Named after Pomerania—the area of northeastern Europe that’s now Poland and western They were originally bred in Pomerania – an area northeast of Poland – but were popularized by Queen Victoria’s enthusiasm for her Poms. They are still one of the most popular toy breeds worldwide. 

If you love your tiny dog, share a photo of them with us on Instagram! Or, check out our blog for tips to take care of toy breeds.