Smallest Dog in the World: Top 8 Smallest Dog Breeds

Miniatures, teacups, and toys, oh my! 

While we love dogs of all shapes and sizes, the teeny tiny ones are extra adorable and often have the biggest personalities! 

Finn has compiled a list of the top eight smallest dog breeds from small to even smaller. Read on for our list of the tiniest pooches.

1. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny little pup coming in at approximately seven pounds soaking wet. They grow to about seven inches and usually live to be 11 to 15 years old (in general, smaller breeds tend to live longer than large breeds, so you’ll find that all the pups on this list should be around for over a decade!). Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate with family members and good with children but can be hesitant towards other dogs. 

You’d probably be skeptical, too, if you were seven pounds, right? 

A classically groomed Yorkshire Terrier has a glossy, floor-length coat that’s silver and tan in color. Before Yorkies were domesticated, they worked as ratters in old mines and mills. Without question, they now serve as weightless lap dogs that are simultaneously tenacious, feisty, and even bossy. 

2. Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffons were also bred to get rid of rats in stables and mills back in the 1800s. These portable pups are loyal, alert, and curious. They’re sometimes considered “velcro dogs” as they don’t like to leave their pet parent’s side. 

The Brussels Griffon comes in at about eight pounds and grows to approximately seven inches tall. Like the Yorkshire Terrier, they live to be around 12 to 15 years old. Brussels Griffons come in tiny little packages, but they have massive personalities. Not only are they comical personality-wise but aesthetically, too, with their scrunched-up noses and floppy ears. They are alert, sociable, and easy to train. They come in red, black, and black and tan mixed.

3. Chihuahua

Who’s the sassiest of them all? Without a doubt, the Chihuahua. The weight of an average Chihuahua ranges, but they typically don’t exceed six pounds. These adorable little dogs grow between five and eight inches. 

Beware of a feisty Chihuahua — they don’t play games. They definitely possess a big-dog attitude and will rule your house without the proper training. For the most part, they’re adaptable dogs but not typically suited for young children.

Because of their tiny stature, some Chihuahuas tend to be nervous-nellies and would do well with a calming aid and crate training. 

(While on the topic of stress management, did you know that petting a dog can lower your own stress levels? It’s true! Studies have shown that people who play and interact with cats and dogs have lower cortisol levels than people who don’t!).

4. English Toy Spaniel

These tiny little pups were bred to be the companion of kings, so imagine how regal they must be! They’re gentle, playful, and smart. English Toy Spaniels come in between eight and 14 pounds and grow to about nine inches. They’re great with other dogs and children — they are known to be very lovey-dovey animals. 

This breed usually has dark eyes, big cheeks, and lush ears. While they are a typically friendly breed, they have favored humans and are loyal to those humans only, so get on their good side as soon as possible!

5. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are exact replicas of the regular-sized Greyhound, just in miniature form. These fun-sized dogs grow to be about seven inches in height and between seven and 14 pounds in weight. 

While they may look lanky to us, they are actually nimble, sturdy, and very athletic. They’re also alert, playful, and highly affectionate toy companions. 

Because of their long, fine-boned limbs, this breed requires extra care during the cold winter months as they don’t have a high percentage of body fat and tend to feel the extreme weather conditions (hence the sweater on the little dude above). Italian Greyhounds are true lap dogs and tend to be sensitive and stubborn. 

6. Miniature Pinscher

That’s Min Pins, to you. The Miniature Pinscher is a fierce little dog with a big personality. They’re fairly athletic and require a great deal of activity. If your household is not set up for an energetic ball of fun, the Min Pin isn’t for you. 

These dogs live fearlessly at approximately eight pounds and grow to about 10 inches. They have smooth, shiny coats, and they know it. They’re proud pups and are not afraid to show it. 

7. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a low-key breed that does great in smaller living spaces like apartments. As an adult, they weigh between seven and 11 pounds and grow to about 9 inches tall. They usually live until the age of 12, give or take. 

For a tiny breed, the Japanese Chin is relatively quiet. They like slow walks and naps, and live for downtime, especially if it’s indoors. Due to their quiet nature, they’d prefer to be around older children or adults, as they don’t jive with a rambunctious household. They have big heads, short muzzles, and dark, round eyes. They’re exceedingly cute.

8. Toy Poodle

In the early 20th century, the Standard Poodle was bred down to the Miniature and then down to the Toy after that. They’re exceptionally smart and easy to train. They do, however, require regular grooming maintenance. For those allergic to most dogs, you’re in luck; the Toy Poodle is hypoallergenic.

This breed comes in three different colors: black, white, and apricot. They’re intelligent, agile, and self-confident. They weigh between four to six pounds and grow to no more than 10 inches. Poodles are eager, athletic, and wickedly smart dogs of remarkable versatility. 

The World’s Smallest Dog: Milly the Chihuahua

While we’ve covered an array of small dog breeds, there is one specific tiny dog that takes the cake. At less than four inches tall, Milly the Chihuahua is the world’s smallest full-grown dog, according to The Guinness Book of World Records. 

They call her Miracle Milly, and she weighs just one pound. She was born in December of 2011, making her roughly ten years old. Milly currently resides in Puerto Rico with her paw-rent, Vanesa Semler. 

Milly is living the life of a celebrity, of course. According to Vanesa, she’s known for sticking out her tiny tongue when someone takes her picture and striking a pose. While she’s extra small, she has an enormous personality and is relishing her record-breaking fame. 

According to the Guinness World Records, she only eats food cooked by humans. What a life!

Summary

Have you had enough of tiny dog breeds yet? Us either. We could talk about petite pooches all day. 

Are you thinking about getting a tiny dog? Here are some of the perks! Small breeds can easily travel on a plane, live in a small apartment, are light to carry around, consume less food, and typically cost less over time. In addition, small dogs live longer than large dogs, so you’ll get to have your canine companion for double the time.

For more cute puppies and articles on how to take care of your own cute pup, explore Finn’s blog here. 

Sources:

World's Smallest Dogs: 26 Smallest Dog Breeds | American Kennel Club

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club

Chihuahua Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club

The Power of Pets | NIH

English Toy Spaniel Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club

Italian Greyhound Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club

Miniature Pinscher Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club

Japanese Chin Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club

Video: Meet Miracle Milly - the world's smallest dog | Guinness World Records