DOGS

10 of the world's smallest dog breeds

Some people prefer large dogs for a number of reasons, while others choose small dogs also for a question of space and comfort.

Small dogs may inspire tenderness and look like puppies, but watch out because they can often also be the strongest and proudest in character, sometimes outshining their large 'colleagues'! Small in stature and weight but with great temperament and courage.

Here are ten of the world's smallest dog breeds.

Getty Images, Freepik, Wikimedia Commons
Small, but tenacious
Some people prefer large dogs for a number of reasons, while others choose small dogs also for a question of space and comfort. Smaller dogs can inspire tenderness and look like puppies, but beware because they can often also be the strongest and proudest in character, in some cases surpassing their large 'colleagues'! Here are 10 of the world's smallest dog breeds.
Freepik
Zwergpinscher
The Zwergpinscher is about 25 to 30 centimeters tall, weighing an ideal 4 to 6 kilograms. These dogs tend to have a very balanced temperament and are stable in temperament, making them ideal for training.
Freepik
Yorkshire Terrier
The breed standard for the Yorkshire Terrier is up to 3 kilograms. As its name implies, its origin lies in the county of Yorkshire, where workers used to take their small terriers to work to hunt down rats that damaged wool bales, just as miners did in coal mines. In fact, this breed was originally designated for hunting. Today, however, it is an excellent companion dog, appreciated especially by older people.
Wikimedia Commons
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terriers are very athletic and slender dogs, usually weighing between 1.5 and 3.5 kilograms. Originally, this breed was used in circuses given its ease in training and its very lively and active nature.
Wikimedia Commons
Russian Toy
Russian Toy at the withers reach 15-18 centimeters in height, weighing an average of 1-2.5 kilograms. Given their small size and agility that allowed them to easily enter tight places, these dogs were initially used to hunt mice, just as Yorkshire Terriers were.
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Pomeranian
Pomeranian foxes take their name from the region of the same name, which until 1945 was part of Prussia and is now divided between north-eastern Germany and north-western Poland. These little dogs are between 18 and 24 centimetres tall and the ideal weight ranges from 1.5 kilograms to a maximum of 5 kilograms. The Pomeranian is among the most popular breeds in the United States, not least because of its very thick coat, which makes it unique. In addition, the Pomeranian is among the most intelligent breeds of all.
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Papillon
The Papillon weighs on average 2-4.5 kilograms and its height reaches a maximum of 28 centimetres, but the peculiarity of this breed is another, namely its funny, thick and large ears that resemble a butterfly. The Papillon is one of the oldest breeds and this is demonstrated by its presence in many works of art such as the 'Venus of Urbino', by Tiziano Vecellio, dating back to 1538.
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Maltese
The Maltese weighs an average of 3-4 kilograms and the height of male specimens can reach a maximum of 25 centimeters, two more than females. The Maltese was highly prized since the time of the ancient Romans, particularly by noble women, who bred specimens of this breed for their beauty, combined with extreme intelligence. In the past it was also used on ships and in ports as a hunter of small rodents.
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Japanese Chin
The average weight of the Japanese Chin is between 3 and 4 kilograms and, like many other small dogs, was initially selected for guarding and hunting, in this case in the circles of Japanese noble families. Today, however, the Japanese Chin is an excellent companion dog.
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Chihuahua
Among the absolute smallest breeds could not miss the Chihuahua, a dog of Mexican origin whose maximum weight is 3 kilograms (minimum 1.5). Evidence of the ancestors of today's breed dates as far back as 300 B.C., thanks to some paintings found in Mexico. Despite being petite, the Chihuahua is an extremely brave, hyperactive and proud breed, which makes this small dog very tenacious, but also very sensitive to its owner's mood.
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Griffon Bruxellois
Approximately 25 centimetres tall and with an ideal weight of between 3.5 and 6 kilograms, the Griffon Bruxellois is known for its typical moustachioed and bearded muzzle, which gives it a funny appearance. This breed has also been selected over the years for hunting mice and guarding the house, and has also become popular in aristocratic circles (even Queen Marie-Enrichette of Belgium was impressed by it).
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