20 Smallest Dog Breeds: Height, Weight & Personality Guide

The world’s smallest dog breed at a glance

The world’s smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua, weighing up to 6 pounds, and growing up to 8 inches. While Chihuahuas are the tiniest dog breed, other small breeds include Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, and Maltese dogs, all weighing under 10 pounds.

What is the smallest dog in the world?

The smallest dog in the world is a 5-year-old Chihuahua named Pearl from Orlando, US. She measures 3.59 inches (9.14 cm) in height (which is shorter than the average popsicle stick).

Guinness World Records crowned Pearl the smallest dog in the world in 2022, and she’s the niece of the previous record-holder, Milly, who measured 3.8 inches (9.56 cm) tall, back in 2013.

Sources: Guinness World Records, CBBC

What is the smallest dog in the world ever recorded?

The smallest dog in the world ever recorded was a dwarf Yorkshire Terrier from the UK who passed away in 1945, and measured 2.7 inches (6.8 cm) tall, and 3.7 inches (9.3 cm) long. He was proudly owned by a man named Arthur Maples.

Sources: CBBC

What is the smallest dog breed?

The smallest dog breed is currently the Chihuahua, with an average height of 5-8 inches, and a weight of up to 6 pounds.

Tiny dog breeds: A quick, cheat’s guide to dogs that stay small

Dog breed	Average height and weight	Suitable for
Chihuahua	5-8 inches tall, up to 6 pounds	Less active pet parents, apartment living.
Pomeranian	Up to 7 inches tall, 3-7 pounds	Vigilant, active pet parents.
Yorkshire Terrier	7-8 inches tall, 7 pounds	Moderately active families with younger children.
Maltese	7-9 inches tall, under 7 pounds	Pet parents committed to grooming.
Toy Fox Terrier	8.5-11.5 inches tall, 4-9 pounds	Very active pet parents who enjoy hiking and jogging.
Toy Poodle	Up to 10 inches tall, up to 6 pounds	Pet parents who can commit to regular walks and mental stimulation activities.

Top smallest dog breeds

Explore our guide to some of the most popular small dog breeds below.

1. Chihuahua

Average height: 5-8 inches tall
Average weight: Up to 6 pounds
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 14-16 years
Personality: Terrier-like, confident, loves a lap cuddle
Suitable for: Pet parents who prefer less walking, with a small apartment, or work from home.

Chihuahua care tips:

Chihuahuas thrive on short, slow walks.
If your Chihuahua panting and slowing down, carry them home, and never force them to walk.

Fun fact about Chihuahuas:

Chihuahuas are a national symbol of Mexico, and their lineage can be traced back to the ancient kingdoms of the pre-Colombian era.

Chihuahua

2. Dachshund

Average height: 5-6 inches tall (miniature), 8-9 inches tall (standard)
Average weight: Up to 11 pounds (miniature), 16-32 pounds (standard)
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Personality: Independent, playful, smart
Suitable for: Active, vigilant, and dedicated pet parents.

Dachshund care tips:

Measure your Dachshund’s food intake to avoid them becoming overweight to prevent spinal disc damage.
Monitor your Dachshund’s physical activity to avoid injuries to their long back, and to maintain strength and muscle mass.

Fun fact about Dachshunds:

Dachshunds have a surprisingly loud bark, which roots back to their working roots, when the breed hunted badgers (and other burrow dwellers) from underground, and needed to communicate with their humans up above.

Dachshund

3. Pomeranian

Average height: Up to 7 inches tall
Average weight: 3-7 pounds
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Personality: Upbeat, curious, bold
Suitable for: Vigilant pet parents willing to commit to regular exercise.

Pomeranian care tips:

Pomeranians can be mistaken for prey by large predatory birds, so stay mindful when walking in nature.
They’re known for being skilled escape artists, so make sure your yard is fully enclosed, and opt for an extendable leash.

Fun fact about Pomeranians:

After a visit to Florence, Italy, Queen Victoria was smitten with the breed, and brought back her own to England! The breed became increasingly popular after Queen Victoria brought them into fashion.

Pomeranian

4. Yorkshire Terrier

Average height: 7-8 inches tall
Average weight: 7 pounds
Energy levels: Medium-high
Life expectancy: 11-15 years
Personality: Loving, energetic, bold
Suitable for: Moderately active families with younger children.

Yorkie care tips:

Walk your Yorkie twice a day, never venturing for a long hike.
Yorkies enjoy short bursts of exercise, including games of fetch in the backyard.

Fact about Yorkies:

Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred in the 1800s to hunt rodents in Scotland’s textile mills.

Yorkshire Terrier

5. Maltese

Average height: 7-9 inches tall
Average weight: Under 7 pounds
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Personality: Playful, loving, and a little stubborn
Suitable for: Pet parents who are willing to put in the grooming time.

Maltese care tips:

Maltese dogs require minimal exercise, so avoid getting a Maltese if you’d like a dog to talk on long hikes.
Dedicate time to grooming - Maltese dogs’ nails grow quickly, and their coat requires a monthly wash, as well as a frequent professional trim.

Fun fact about Maltese dogs:

Aristotle referred to Maltese dogs as ‘perfectly proportioned’!

Maltese

6. Brussels Griffon

Average height: 7-10 inches tall
Average weight: 8-10 pounds
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Personality: Alert, loyal, inquisitive
Suitable for: Moderately active pet parents.

Brussels Griffon care tips:

Identify the hair type (smooth or rough), as smooth-coated Brussels Griffons will need daily brushing during shedding season, while rough-coated Brussels Griffons don’t shed (so are one of the best small dog breeds that don’t shed if you prefer to avoid cleaning up daily!).
Walk your Griff for at least half an hour per day, and stimulate them with play and games at home.

Fun fact about Brussels Griffons:

In Van Eyck's famous 1434 portrait of the 'Arnolfini Couple,' you’ll find a distant ancestor of the Brussels Griffon.

Brussels Griffon

7. Toy Fox Terrier

Average height: 8.5-11.5 inches tall
Average weight: 4-9 pounds
Energy levels: Medium-high
Life expectancy: 13-15 years
Personality: Intelligent, affectionate, bold
Suitable for: Pet parents who love to plan active days out.

Toy Fox Terrier care tips:

Take your Toy Fox Terrier for walks, runs, jogs and hikes to keep them happy and in shape.
Keep their food measured, as (like some toy breeds) Toy Fox Terriers are prone to obesity, despite being energetic, playful pups.

Fun fact about Toy Fox Terriers:

Once ratter dogs, Toy Fox Terriers are now agility champions!

Toy Fox Terrier

8. Havanese

Average height: 8.5-11.5 inches tall
Average weight: 7-13 pounds
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 14-16 years
Personality: Smart, affectionate, outgoing
Suitable for: City dwellers with a moderately active lifestyle.

Havanese care tips:

Be aware of when a Havanese has had enough exercise—if they’re panting and slowing down, it’s time to carry them home.
Their long, luscious coat should be groomed daily to avoid matting, and their eye area should be gently cleaned daily to avoid tear-stains.

Fun fact about Havanese dogs:

Havanese dogs are the only dog breed native to Cuba!

Havanese

9. Toy Poodle

Average height: Up to 10 inches tall
Average weight: Up to 6 pounds
Energy levels: Medium-high
Life expectancy: 10-18 years
Personality: Intelligent, confident, friendly
Suitable for: Pet parents who can commit to regular walks and mental stimulation activities.

Toy Poodle care tips:

As well as lots of exercise, Toy Poodles need regular mental stimulation, being highly intelligent dogs.
Take your Toy Poodle jogging and swimming, they’ll love it!

Fun fact about Toy Poodles:

Poodles are the national dog of France, and their French name “Caniche” roughly translates to “duck dog”. This is because they were originally bred for duck hunting in Germany.

Toy Poodle

10. Shih Tzu

Average height: Up to 10.5 inches tall
Average weight: Up to 16 pounds
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 10-18 years
Personality: Loving, playful, social
Suitable for: Pet parents looking for a lap dog, or a dog that’s affectionate towards small children.

Shih Tzu care tips:

Keep your Shih Tzu’s long coat groomed daily and schedule monthly trims to avoid matting and infections.
Don’t over-exercise your Shih Tzu - they prefer short walks and play time at home.

Fun fact about Shih Tzus:

Shih Tzus originated in Tibet, and have been beloved lapdogs of emperors across the centuries.

Shih Tzu

11. Papillon

Average height: 8-11 inches tall
Average weight: 5-10 pounds
Energy levels: Medium-high
Life expectancy: 14-16 years
Personality: Intelligent, energetic, friendly
Suitable for: Pet parents looking for a happy, playful, small dog breed.

Papillon care tips:

Groom your Papillon once a month, they don’t need any more than this as their coat is single-layered.
Don’t be swayed by their small size - Papillons need an active, stimulating lifestyle to stay happy and healthy.

Fun fact about Papillons:

Paps were originally bred during Renaissance times, when toy breeds were crossed with Spaniels. This gave them an early name of “Dwarf Spaniel”.

Papillon

12. Japanese Chin

Average height: 8-11 inches tall
Average weight: 7-11 pounds
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Personality: Alert, loving, gentle
Suitable for: Apartment-living.

Japanese Chin care tips:

Japanese Chins can be stubborn, so opt for an extendable leash, rather than letting them run free to avoid losing your pup.
Despite their long, shiny coat, Japanese Chins only need to be brushed once a week.

Fun fact about Japanese Chins:

Japanese Chins are known as “cats in a dog suit” because of their cat-like behavior and personality.

Japanese Chin

13. Australian Terrier

Average height: 10-11 inches tall
Average weight: 15-20 pounds
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 11-15 years
Personality: Brave, affectionate, upbeat
Suitable for: Highly active pet parents with the energy for Terrier attitude.

Australian Terrier care tips:

Exercise and mental stimulation are key for avoiding unwanted behaviors.
Never let your Aussie Terrier off the leash, as they’ve got a strong hunting drive.

Fun fact about Australian Terriers:

Aussies are thought to be the result of a mix between Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Norwich, Scottie, Skye, and Yorkshire Terriers, and were the hunting companions to British settlers in Australia in the 19th century.

Australian Terrier

14. Bichon Frise

Average height: 9.5-11.5 inches tall
Average weight: 12-18 pounds
Energy levels: Medium-high
Life expectancy: 14-15 years
Personality: Playful, feisty, affectionate
Suitable for: Less active pet parents

Bichon Frise care tips:

Generally, daily bursts of play time and short walks will keep a Bichon Frise happy, but get to know your dog’s individual needs based on their energy levels.
Brush your Bichon Frise at least 3 times a week, and book them in for a clip and a bath once a month (or learn how to do this yourself).

Fun fact about Bichon Frise dogs:

The ancestors of Bichon Frise dogs were known as the “Bichon Tenerife”, as they were popular with local sailors.

Bichon Frise

15. Bolognese

Average height: 10-12 inches tall
Average weight: 6-8 pounds
Energy levels: Low
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Personality: Playful, affectionate, relaxed
Suitable for: Less active pet parents and apartment living

Bolognese care tips:

Take your Bolognese dog for short walks, or stimulate them with active games at home, like hide and seek.
Start your Bolognese dog’s obedience training and socialization early to avoid unwanted behaviors and separation anxiety.

Fun fact about Bolognese dogs:

King Umberto of Italy gifted a cute little Bolognese dog to a Belgian princess, named Jose of Belgium, on her birthday in the early 20th century, before later marrying her.

Bolognese dog

16. Miniature Pinscher

Average height: 10-12 inches tall
Average weight: 8-10 pounds
Energy levels: High
Life expectancy: 12-16 years
Personality: Intelligent, energetic, outgoing
Suitable for: Active pet parents with a yard who have time to mentally and physically stimulate their dog.

Miniature Pinscher care tips:

Walk your Miniature Pinscher at least twice a day, on top of a regular game of fetch in the yard.
Start early with obedience training, as Miniature Pinschers can be stubborn if left untrained.

Fun fact about Miniature Pinschers:

Min Pins are said to originate from a cross between Dachshunds and Italian Greyhounds.

Miniature Pinscher

17. Toy American Eskimo

Average height: 9-12 inches tall
Average weight: 6-10 pounds
Energy levels: Medium-high
Life expectancy: 13-15 years
Personality: Alert, loyal, smart
Suitable for: Pet parents who have the time and space to stimulate an intelligent and active dog.

Toy American Eskimo care tips:

Provide lots of exercise, mental stimulation and space in the yard for exploring to avoid destructive behaviors in your Toy American Eskimo.
These pups are incredibly trainable, so incorporate daily training into their routine.

Fact about Toy American Eskimos:

Originally brought to the US by German settlers in the early 1800s, American Eskimos were eventually trained to perform in Wild West Shows later on in the century, due to their intelligence and agility.

Toy American Eskimo

18. Chinese Crested

Average height: 11-13 inches tall
Average weight: 8-12 pounds
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 13-18 years
Personality: Affectionate, sprightly, alert
Suitable for: Less active pet parents who will commit time to their dog’s skin care.

Chinese Crested care tips:

If you’re adopting a hairless Chinese Crested, invest time into learning about how to care for your dog’s skin (e.g. acne treatments), and sun protection.
Chinese Crested are happy with daily, short walks.

Fact about Chinese Crested:

Chinese Crested are also known as “Chinese Ship Dogs” because of their (historic) role of hunting disease-bearing rats on Chinese trading vessels.

Chinese Crested

19. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Average height: 12-13 inches tall
Average weight: 13-18 pounds
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Personality: Affectionate, gentle, sociable
Suitable for: Perfect for people with children who enjoy outdoor activities.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel care tips:

Don’t let your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel off the leash, as their strong hunting instincts mean relatively bad recall.
Check your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s ears weekly for signs of infection, and brush their silky fur daily to keep it smooth and tangle-free.

Fun fact about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:

These pups are named after King Charles II, who loved breeding Toy Spaniels.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

20. Italian Greyhound

Average height: 13-15 inches tall
Average weight: 7-14 pounds
Energy levels: Medium
Life expectancy: 14-15 years
Personality: Companionable, loving, sensitive
Suitable for: Pet parents with a yard and the time to stimulate their dog at home.

Italian Greyhound care tips:

Never let your Italian Greyhound off the leash in an open space, as other small animals will entice them to run off.
Italian Greyhounds are sensitive pups, so be kind and gentle in your approach (which applies to any dog!).

Fun fact about Italian Greyhounds:

Italian Greyhounds were bred up to 2000 years ago in what’s now Greece and Turkey.

Italian Greyhound

Small dog breeds need specialized care

If you’re thinking about adopting a small dog breed, it’s important to research their care needs beforehand. While some prefer lap lounging, others need hours of daily exercise, and some are even mistaken for prey by predatory birds! That’s why - when it’s time for a vacation - it’s important to secure a pet sitter who fully understands their care needs. Click below to find out more.

Sources:

Dog breed information on average height, weight, life expectancy, personality and exercise needs was sourced from the American Kennel Club.

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