What are the Smallest Dog Breeds?


Small dog breeds have a special charm that captures the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Their compact size, adorable features, and endearing personalities make them perfect companions for various living situations. Here are some of the smallest dog breeds and their unique characteristics:

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is one of the tiniest dog breeds, weighing between 0.9 to 2.7 kg on average. Known for their big personalities, Chihuahuas are confident, alert, and fiercely loyal to their owners. Despite their small size, they have a bold and fearless nature. Chihuahuas come in both long and short coat varieties, offering options for different grooming preferences.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small and elegant dogs that typically weigh between 1.8 to 3.2 k). They have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming. Yorkies are known for their playful and adventurous personalities. Despite their small stature, they have a confident and feisty nature, making them excellent companions for individuals or families. Find out more about the Yorkshire Terrier

Maltese

Maltese dogs are known for their luxurious, long, and silky white coat. They weigh around 1.8 to 3.2 kg on average. Maltese are gentle, affectionate, and thrive on human companionship. They make excellent lap dogs and are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and low exercise requirements. Find out more about the Maltese

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs that weigh between 1.4 to 3.2 kg. Despite their small size, they have a bold and lively personality. Pomeranians are known for their thick double coat, which requires regular grooming. They are intelligent, extroverted, and make great companions for active individuals or families. Find out more about the Pomeranian

Papillon

The Papillon is a small breed known for its distinctive butterfly-like ears, which give it its name (Papillon means "butterfly" in French). They typically weigh between 1.8 to 4.1 kg. Papillons are intelligent, friendly, and highly trainable. They excel in various dog sports and activities due to their agility and eagerness to please.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small, sturdy dogs with a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming. They weigh between 4.1 to 7.3 kg on average. Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are affectionate, adaptable, and make great family pets. Despite their small size, they have a confident and independent nature. Find out more about the Shih Tzu

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs may not be the tiniest of small dog breeds, but they are compact and full of charm. They typically weigh between 7.3 to 12.7 kg. French Bulldogs have a distinctive appearance with their bat-like ears and expressive faces. They are known for their affectionate and easy-going nature, making them great companions for individuals or families. Find out more about the French Bulldog. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, elegant dogs that weigh between 5.9 to 8.2 kg. They have a silky, medium-length coat that requires regular grooming. Cavaliers are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are excellent family pets and get along well with children and other animals. Find out more about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel


Small dog breeds offer a world of charm and companionship in a compact package. Whether you live in an apartment or a spacious home, small dog breeds can adapt to various living situations. However, small dog breeds have their own set of advantages and considerations that potential owners should be aware of. Nonetheless, with their adorable features and endearing personalities, these pint-sized pups are sure to bring love and happiness into your life. If you’d like to learn more about other more small dog breeds, visit our Dog Breeds page.

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