The smallest dog breed in the world is undisputed: the Chihuahua. These Mexican dogs often weigh between 1.5 and 3 kilograms. The current record holder in the Guinness Book of World Records is “Pearl,” a Chihuahua who is only 9.14 centimeters tall. That is shorter than a standard television remote.
These dogs were bred as the ultimate companion animals. They fit easily into an apartment (or handbag) and often live much longer than large dog breeds; ages of 15 to 18 years are not uncommon.
Make no mistake: many of these breeds were originally rat catchers, so they are often feistier and faster than you think.
1. Chihuahua
The king of the little ones. They are named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. They come in two varieties: short-hair and long-hair. Despite their size, they are extremely watchful and fiercely protect their owner (sometimes a bit too fiercely). They are known for shivering frequently, which can be caused by cold, but also by pure excitement or nervousness.
2. Prague Ratter
This breed is often even smaller than the Miniature Pinscher and competes with the Chihuahua for the title of “smallest dog in the world” in terms of shoulder height. As the name suggests, they were bred in the Czech Republic to catch rats. They are lightning-fast, athletic, and very intelligent. The Dutch Kennel Club describes them as lively and affectionate, but they do require consistent training.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
They used to work in the grain mills and mines of England to catch vermin, but now they are luxury lap dogs. The “Yorkie” is known for its beautiful, silky coat that can grow down to the ground (if not trimmed). They have big hearts and are often unafraid of dogs ten times their size.
4. Pomeranian
It looks like a walking ball of cotton candy. The Pomeranian descends from large sled dogs, and you can still tell: they think they are very tough. Queen Victoria of England made the breed popular by breeding them smaller and smaller. They are smart, eager to learn, and love to bark if they hear anything suspicious.
5. Toy Poodle
The poodle comes in four sizes, and the “Toy” is the smallest (under 28 cm). Do not be misled by the fancy haircuts; this is one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They are easy to train and shed very little hair, making them popular with people with allergies.
6. Papillon
This breed owes its name to its large, upright ears that resemble the wings of a butterfly (“papillon” is French for butterfly). It is one of the oldest European breeds and already appears in paintings by the old masters, often sitting in the laps of noble ladies. They are no softies; they are excellent in dog sports like agility.
7. Russkiy Toy (Russian Toy)
For a long time, this breed was unknown outside of Russia. They look a bit like a Chihuahua on high legs. They were nearly extinct after the Russian Revolution (as they were seen as toys of the elite), but they are now back. They come in a short-haired variety and a long-haired variety with funny “fringes” on the ears.
8. Maltese
A white, fluffy, and aristocratic little dog. The Maltese has existed for thousands of years and was beloved by the Greeks and Romans. They are bred purely for companionship and are therefore very affectionate. Their white coat needs a lot of care to prevent tangles and tear stains around the eyes.
9. Shih Tzu
The name means “Lion Dog” in Chinese. They were bred in the palaces of Chinese emperors and were not allowed to leave the palace grounds under penalty of death. They are sturdy, robust little dogs for their size. They are known for being cheerful, a bit stubborn, and less “barky” than other breeds on this list.
10. Brussels Griffon
With their flat snouts and large eyes, they are often compared to an “Ewok” from Star Wars. They have a very human, almost grumpy facial expression. Originally, they were stable dogs in Belgium used to chase rats away from the carriages. They are real “character” dogs that often bond intensely with one specific person in the family.