The Chihuahua, acknowledged as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1908, is the smallest dog in the world.
It measures 5-8 inches and weighs around 6 pounds.
While they’re more susceptible to heart issues, Chihuahuas often live for 14-16 years.
Milly, a Chihuahua from Puerto Rico, holds the record as the world’s smallest living dog, measuring 3.8 inches tall at her shoulders.
The tiniest dog ever recorded was a dwarf Yorkshire Terrier owned by Arthur Marples in the U.K., standing at 2.8 inches at the shoulder and 3.75 inches from nose to tail.
On average, small dogs enjoy a longer lifespan of 12 to 14 years, surpassing many larger breeds.
Additionally, small dog breeds typically require less food, making them a cost-effective choice.
The Smallest Dog In The World Unveiled:
#1 Chihuahua: Height 5 to 8 Inches
Chihuahuas, as per the American Kennel Club’s standard, typically grow to a height of 5 to 8 inches and should not weigh over 6 pounds.
Milly, currently the world’s tiniest dog, stands at just 3.8 inches.
These little dogs often have a lifespan of 14 to 16 years.
They come in various coat lengths and colors and may have markings.
Despite their small stature, Chihuahuas have a confident, big-dog attitude.
This breed is more susceptible to heart issues.
It was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908.
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#2 Chiweenie: Height 5 to 9 Inches
Chiweenies, a Dachshund-Chihuahua mix, typically stand 5 to 9 inches tall and weigh 4 to 11 pounds.
Most have a short coat, but some are long-haired.
Ears can be erect or droopy.
Great watchdogs but stubborn to train, Chiweenies aren’t known for high prey drive.
They’ll bark to alert you to changes.
While they may have existed earlier by chance, intentional breeding began in the 1990s.
#3 Mini Dachshund: Height 5 to 9 Inches
Mini Dachshunds, known for producing some of the world’s smallest dogs, weigh up to 11 pounds and stand 5 to 9 inches tall.
Their lovable look includes hanging ears on an oval head. Coat colors vary from red, tan, to yellow.
They’re intelligent but easily bored and come in smooth, long-haired, or wire-haired varieties.
Mini Dachshunds are loyal but cautious with strangers, and their unique body shape can lead to back issues.
They typically have boundless energy.
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#4 Dorkie: Height 5 to 9 Inches
Dorkies are a delightful mix of Mini Dachshund and Yorkshire Terriers, weighing 5 to 12 pounds and measuring 5 to 9 inches tall.
While black and tan is common, they come in various color combinations, including chocolate and tan, fawn and tan, or gray and tan.
Coat patterns may be dapple, brindle, piebald, or sable.
With a lineage of hunting dogs, Dorkies often have strong prey instincts and may bond closely with one person.
They can be cautious around young children. Limit their jumping, as they are prone to intervertebral disk disease.
#5 Toy Poodle: 5 to 10 Inches
The Toy Poodle, known as “sleeve dogs” in the 17th century, typically stands 5 to 10 inches tall and weighs 6 to 10 pounds.
According to the American Kennel Club, Toy Poodles can live for 10 to 18 years.
And they are the smallest among the three recognized poodle types.
They come in various colors, including blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe au laits, apricots, and creams.
With a requirement for a single color over their entire body.
Originally bred for hunting, Toy Poodles are energetic and enjoy activities like fetch, walks, and swimming.
They are highly intelligent and easy to train.
#6 Chorkie: 6 to 9 Inches
The Chorkie, also known as a Yorkiechi, is a designer dog resulting from a Yorkshire terrier and Chihuahua crossbreed.
They typically stand between 6 and 9 inches tall and weigh 2 to 8 pounds.
Their color combinations can vary, but most display a grizzled appearance due to their Yorkshire heritage.
Notably, breeding two Chorkies together won’t produce similar-looking offspring, as each requires a Yorkshire terrier and a Chihuahua parent for unique results.
While this breed generally needs one or two baths a month, be cautious of ear hair growth, which can block airflow and lead to ear infections, potentially causing deafness.
#7 Mal-Shi: 6 to 10 Inches
The Mal-Shi is a delightful crossbreed, combining the Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds.
They usually stand between 6 and 10 inches tall and weigh around 6 to 12 pounds.
These gutsy and friendly dogs adore human company, often excelling as therapy dogs.
They thrive when they have space to play and romp.
It’s essential to note that Mal-Shis are susceptible to heat-aggravated respiratory issues, so ensure they stay cool, especially in warmer climates.
While their grooming needs are minimal, daily brushing is recommended.
These dogs tend to do exceptionally well in households with other dogs and children.
#8 Broodle Griffon: 6 to 11 Inches
Broodle Griffons typically stand between 6 and 11 inches tall and weigh around 6 to 12 pounds.
This charming breed is a cross between a Poodle and a Brussels Griffon.
It is known by various names like brussapoo, brusapoo, brus-A-Poo, or griffinpoo.
The appearance of a Broodle Griffon’s head may take after one of its parents, but it’s usually not a blend of both. Their coat can be wavy, smooth, or curly. If you prefer a hypoallergenic dog, look for one with a curly coat, although it may require more grooming.
These dogs are eager to please their owners, making training relatively easy.
They are highly intelligent and develop strong bonds with their owners.
Like many toy breeds, house training may take some extra time and effort.
Broodle Griffons are sensitive and respond best to gentle training methods.
They’re affectionate dogs and thrive on love and care from their owners.
#9 Maltichon: 6 to 12 Inches
The Maltichon, a delightful family dog, is the result of breeding a Maltese and a Bichon Frise.
Typically, this breed stands between 6 and 12 inches in height and weighs around 6 to 14 pounds.
Maltichons are known for their friendly and sociable nature, thriving when involved in family activities.
They also get along well with other dogs.
All Maltichons have soft, wide hair and may have apricot, buff, or cream markings.
Their coat can vary from a single to double layer of variable length.
This designer breed usually has brown eyes and a black nose.
A short 20-minute playtime is appreciated, but those with a double-layer coat should be protected from overheating.
