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Last Updated on February 11, 2023
We simply love small dogs. These tiny dog breeds are so adorable, that there is so much publicity regarding celebrities who prefer the smaller dog breeds. Indeed, there is a growing interest in dogs of a mixed breed, as some of them do turn up to be small in size. What then is the smallest dog breed in the world? In this article, let us show you the 5 Smallest Dog Breeds In The World. However, before we go into that, let us look into the underlying reasons why people simply love the toy breed dogs.
Why People Love Toy Breeds
There are indeed many reasons why owners love toy breeds. But what is it that is so appealing about the tiny dogs that humans are so bewitched by them?
There are indeed some characteristics that really appeal to humans. For short, since the dogs are indeed tiny, humans will love to cuddle them. It is obviously much easier to carry smaller dogs around than a dog that is significantly much larger in size.
In fact, when I did a quick count of the dogs that my friends own, a majority of them do own smaller dogs that never see to grow up!
Let us look at some of the characteristics that these tiny dogs have.
Light In Weight
These dogs are usually very light in weight. In our categorization of the dogs, we will deem that dogs who weigh not more than 10 pounds would qualify as small and hence tiny. In fact, since the dogs are light, these small full-grown dog is so easy for us to carry around.
Short In Height
Of course, since they are less than 10 pounds heavy, these smallest full-grown dogs are not expected to be too tall. Indeed, these tiny dog breeds are extremely short, and they can be no more than 12 inches in height. All of these attributes to the overall cuteness of these smallest full-grown dog breed.
Feisty
This is actually very ironic. Usually, it is the smaller dog breeds that are more feisty in nature. Some of them do pack a huge bark that can rival the bigger dogs in the world. Some owners love them because of this!
Lifespan
We, humans, have a longer lifespan than a dog. All of us will surely outlive our dogs. Having said that, not many of us have the emotional capacity to deal with the loss of our pets. Hence, one reason why people choose tiny dog breeds as pets is because of their life-span. Usually, the smaller breeds in the world are able to live for 15 years at least. In this sense, owners who have a toy breed as a pet will not have a heartbreak as quickly as owners of the largest breed.
Perfect Sofa Mate
Most of the toy breed toys love the human companion the most. They love doing nothing in the house except laying beside the human and allowing their belly to be stroked by the owners. In this sense, the tiny breed dogs are simply one of the best sofa mates ever.
Saving Space
Of course, when you have a small breed dog, one of the most important things that you will be saving is space. This is obvious. Since the dogs are small in size, they will require a smaller crate as well as requiring a smaller bed. All of this means that you will have more space in the house for things that really matter to you. If you indeed own a small apartment, then you should read our guide Choosing The Best Dog For Small Apartment.
Low Maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of owning a toy breed is that they have low maintenance requirements. Unlike larger dogs that require lots of exercise and space, toy breeds are happy to live in smaller homes and apartments. They are also easy to groom, as they have a short, smooth coat that requires very little upkeep. This makes them an ideal choice for people who live in urban areas or have busy lifestyles.
Affectionate and Playful Personalities
Toy breeds are known for their affectionate and playful personalities, which make them a great choice for pet owners who are looking for a companion. These dogs are often described as loyal, loving, and friendly, which makes them an ideal choice for families with children. Their small size also means that they are easy to carry around, making them the perfect travel companion.
High Intelligence and Trainability
Toy breeds are also known for their high intelligence and trainability. This means that they are easy to train and are quick to learn new commands and tricks. They are also known for their problem-solving skills, which can be very entertaining for their owners.
Low Shedding and Hypoallergenic Breeds
Another advantage of toy breeds is that they are often low shedding and hypoallergenic. This makes them a great choice for people who suffer from allergies or who want a pet that won’t shed all over their furniture. Some of the most popular hypoallergenic toy breeds include the Maltese, the Bichon Frise, and the Poodle.
Great for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Toy breeds are also a great choice for seniors and people with disabilities. Their small size and low maintenance requirements make them easy to care for, while their affectionate and playful personalities provide comfort and companionship.
5 Smallest Dog Breeds In The World
As you can see, there are many reasons at which why you should own the smallest dog breeds in the world. But which are the dogs that qualify as one of the smallest full-grown dogs in the world?
Chihuahua
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the Chihuahua is well known to be one of the smallest full-grown dogs in the world. This Feisty little creature can weigh from 3.3 pounds to 6.6 pounds. Currently, the lightest dog in the world is actually a Chihuahua. One problem that Chihuahua has is that they love to bark a lot. If that is a problem for you, then perhaps you can use bark collar for Chihuahua to assist you in training the dog not to bark.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is also one of the smallest full-grown dog breeds in the world. It seems as if this is one of the little dogs that never grow at all. They are so cute, that some owners simply adore their Pomeranians. Typically the Pomeranian can weigh between 4.2 –to 7.7 lbs. While they are small, it does mean that it is pretty tough to find suitable dog crates for them. We have just the selection that you can consider, and you can read more about it in this article.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is another well-loved toy breed dog that many people love. While they can pack a punch when they bark, there are still very much lovable. There are ways that you can prevent the Yorkie to bark this much too. You can use devices such as the bark collars for Yorkies. They can weigh between 4 to 7 pounds.
Papillon
The Papillon is a dog that really resembles that of a Chihuahua. They do share similar traits, in that they love to bark and they can be extremely noisy. Standing at 8 to 11 inches tall and weighing between 5 to 10 pounds, Papillons are small but athletic, and are often described as being active, curious, and playful. They make great family pets, and are also popular as show dogs due to their good looks and charming personalities.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a dog breed that is said to exist simply to be a perfect couch companion ever. They are said to be able to read their owner’s mind. They do look a little like the Papillon and the Chihuahua. The Chinese Crested can weigh up to 12 pounds.
Conclusion
Small dogs are a great choice for pet owners who want a companion that is easy to care for and requires minimal space. Whether you prefer a bold and feisty Chihuahua, a cuddly Pomeranian, a tenacious Yorkshire Terrier, or even a graceful Papillon, there is a small breed of dog out there that is perfect for you. With their compact size and big personalities, small dogs are sure to win your heart and bring joy to you and your family!
