The 5 Smallest Dog Breeds in the World

The Chihuahua weighs one or two kilograms (2.3 to 4.6 pounds) and is between 15 and 20 centimeters (7.9 to 11.8 inches) tall. It's the most popular small dog of them all; they are most famous for their ears, by far the most notable feature of their tiny body.

Despite their small size, they're very active dogs who love to run. Chihuahuas require daily walks so that they can burn off all that accumulated energy, and they particularly enjoy being taken on long runs - however, do check the appropriate duration of a walk for a Chihuahua.

Whilst these dogs are well known for their bad temper with strangers, they are also very affectionate and love playing with their owners. If you are thinking about adopting a Chihuahua, check our article on how much food should a Chihuahua eat. Additionally, it's important to note that Chihuahuas are prone to certain health issues such as dental problems and patellar luxation, so regular vet check-ups are crucial.

Although the Greyhound is a fairly large dog, the Italian Greyhound doesn't even weigh 4 kilos (8 pounds). This breed is around 30 cm (12 inches) tall, and they are also very popular pets.

They look and behave much like a standard Greyhound, although they're much smaller. Much like their "big brother", they are distinguished by their elegance and great speed, since they can run at speeds of up to 40 kilometers (24 miles) per hour. Greyhounds are among the fastest dogs in the world, but also among the laziest breeds. In other words, greyhounds really can run - they'd just prefer not to. Furthermore, Italian Greyhounds are known for their sensitive nature and require gentle handling, making them ideal for households with a calm environment.

This small white dog weighs no more than 2-4 kilograms (4.5 to 8 pounds) and isn't more than 20 centimeters (8 inches) tall. Meanwhile, its fluffy and curly hair make it a perfect receptor for cuddles, strokes and hugs.

The Bichon Frise is a family dog which loves to play, and requires you to pay special attention to its hair and eyes to keep it perfectly healthy. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and skin infections. In addition, Bichon Frises are known for their intelligence and can be easily trained, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

This small dog has a very similar height and weight to the Bichon Frise, although its hair is straight, long and tangled. As with the Frise, everyone who lays eyes on this dog will want to pick it up and hug it because of its small size and happy appearance.

Interestingly enough, its main historical role was to hunt and catch rats on boats, since it was able to fit into almost any space and could chase the rats down. This breed also requires you to especially look after its hair, eyes and nose. The Maltese is also known for its longevity, often living well into its teens, which makes it a long-term companion for dedicated owners.

Like the Italian Greyhound, the Miniature Schnauzer is a very similar dog to its big brother. It is around 35 centimeters (14 inches) tall and can weigh between 4 and 7 kilos (8 to 16 pounds). However, they have a tendency to put on weight easily so you have to monitor their diet. Its long beard and eyebrows mean that this dog has one of the most expressive faces of all dog breeds. In fact, they always appear to be alert.

Here you can learn more about the different Schnauzer breeds: Miniature, Standard and Giant. The Miniature Schnauzer is also known for its versatility and adaptability, thriving in both urban and rural settings, and is often praised for its keen sense of smell and protective nature.

Which of these small dog breeds is your favorite? Do you want us to include others in this article? We've left a lot out, but these are without a shadow of a doubt the 5 most popular and widely seen. If you want us to add one to our list, or want to tell us about your experience with one of them, leave a comment and we would be delighted to discuss it with you. Additionally, small breeds often serve as excellent therapy dogs due to their manageable size and friendly disposition, providing emotional support to those in need.

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