Smallest Dog Breeds — Top 10
1. Chihuahua
If you closely track the parameters possessed by the smallest breeds of dogs, then these fragile creatures are world records. The Chihuahua’s weight rarely exceeds the 1.5 kg mark, in especially rare cases you can meet a three-kilogram baby. Such dogs are restless, mobile, and show curiosity. The character is formed over centuries of existence of the breed. During the developed Indian civilization, dogs enjoyed extreme privileges on the part of man, their movement was not limited, their behavior was not condemned, people endowed them with a high status. Currently, animals show a cheerful mood, lack of perseverance. These qualities are perfectly complemented by ingenuity, lack of rancor, the ability to understand the reasons for the owner’s dissatisfaction.
2. Brussels Griffon
The dog can become a great friend to a small child: he calmly reacts to children and gets along with them easily. The Brussels griffin differs from the Belgian (another breed) in its coat color. In the first version, a black tint prevails with a slight admixture of dark red. Adult males stand out in growth — up to 42 cm, weight and may even be equal to six kg. The dog loves to play in the fresh air, rarely gets tired of active fun, but quickly calms down and does not show hysteria. The animal is attached to the owner, is an excellent companion, capable of living in the world with other pets in the house. Sometimes he shows stubbornness, it is quite difficult to train.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Over time, the conventional purpose of this breed of small dogs has changed dramatically. The original vocation of the Yorkshire Terrier was to catch rodents in an American coal processing plant. A happy accident in the form of one noble lady who found herself at the enterprise transformed the subsequent fate of the animals. Now they are affectionate and beloved pets of those who are ready to tirelessly devote their free time to them. There are three varieties within the same breed: micro, mini and standard. The first — crumbs weighing a little more than a kilogram, standard representatives reach three kg. The character of these dogs is peaceful, but cannot be called calm. Barking barks can be a manifestation of joy from meeting the owner or be a tireless reminder (even in the middle of the night) of the presence of a four-legged friend nearby.
4. Pomeranian
One of the most adorable doggies, whose face invariably evokes tenderness and tender feelings even among those who are skeptical of small breeds of dogs. The main thing that the owners need to do is to take care of the fur; by nature, such Spitz have excellent natural defense mechanisms against diseases and infections. In many ways, the dog demonstrates unpretentiousness, amazing endurance and a rare ability to quickly adapt to environmental conditions. The animal is suitable for keeping in an apartment and in a private house. Such a dog can be safely taken on a trip: it can easily endure road hardships, and its compact size (weight — up to 3.5 kg and height — up to 23 cm) makes it easy to carry your pet. This is a fairly ancient breed, there are references to it dating back to the 16th century.
5. Russian Toy
The breed is the result of what is now commonly called import substitution. In an effort to refuse the import of toy terriers from abroad, in particular from England, the government instructed domestic breeders to develop a new breed of “toy” dogs. This is how the Russian variety of tiny terriers appeared. The new species does not have exclusive physical parameters (height and weight remained within the standard framework: up to 28 cm and 3 kg, respectively), but differs in dominant features of a lively character. The dog never sits still, is interested in everything around, expressing concern with loud barking. There is an opinion that the representatives of the Russian breed are distinguished by extreme ambition, an extreme desire for universal attention, praise, and recognition. Such dogs have good health, sensitive hearing and lightning-fast reaction to any extraneous sound.
6. Affenpinscher
The German breed is a dwarf pinscher species. Outwardly, it looks very much like griffins, a distinctive feature is deep-set eyes. The dog requires careful care, for which it will certainly show gratitude in the form of devotion to the owner. Maximum dimensions of Affenpinscher: up to 30 cm in height and up to 6 kg in weight. It gets along well with other animals, for a person it can become a faithful companion with a desire to protect against probable and imaginary dangers. Despite the ability to easily make contact, he can keep independently and adapt to conditions.
7. Pražský krysařík
The speaking name of this breed of small dogs testifies to the Czech origin. The breed is very ancient. In the 9th century, dexterous and nimble dogs no more than 23 cm in height were used to catch rats and other pests carrying fatal diseases at that time. In the modern world, this “pocket” dog weighing up to 2.6 kg is present in human life as a decoration, a source of positive emotions and a generator of warm friendly feelings. At the same time, the animal’s thirst for hunting has been preserved, a sensitive sense of smell does not allow them to sit still. Amenable to training ideally, always gets along with small children.
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8. Papillon
Translated from French, the name of the Papillon breed is translated as “butterfly”, and it fully justifies itself. Extremely easy-going doggie has a friendly character, is able to be carefree and show curiosity. However, these qualities are surprisingly harmoniously combined with a special focus on a person. The dog cannot stand even short-term loneliness. True happiness for her and an eloquent manifestation of love is to be close to the owner. The weight of an adult does not exceed 5 kg, height reaches 28 cm. A good disposition does not allow the representatives of the breed to show aggression even in response to similar actions from the outside.
9. Japanese Chin
Another interesting small dog breed is the Japanese Chin. Despite its small size (up to 25 cm in height and no more than 4 kg in weight), this dog has a pronounced character. Restraint and a certain dignity are clearly visible in the behavior. For a person, a pet seeks to become a real friend, constantly being close, showing kindness and a predisposition to affection. Such dogs are incredibly loyal, for which they have been highly valued at all times. Previously, animals were often kept at imperial palaces in Japan. People who did not belong to the chosen circle were forbidden to touch the favorites of the crowned person. The past influenced the formation of a certain proportion of phlegmatic aristocracy in the appearance and habits of the dog.
10. Еnglish toy terrier
The English Toy Terrier is one of the most capricious breeds, in many cases requiring command training, otherwise the cocky temper gets out of control. The breed was bred by the British in the century before last. The name contains a hint of diminutiveness, in translation — “toy”. Thoroughbred representatives do not exceed 30 cm at the withers, can gain weight up to 3.6 kg. These owners of a sophisticated, impeccable appearance are very fond of outdoor games, they recognize and obey the owner if he takes time to train.
