Dogs come in tiniest sizes as well. Pet owners opt for small dog breeds because they look cuter. Surprisingly these small pooches are more valuable than large ones. There are several advantages of keeping small dogs such as they live for longer time (upto 16 years on the average). Small dogs are also cost effective and easy to carry. There are several breeds that compete for the smallest dog breed contest, according to our research these are the world’s top ten smallest dog breeds.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua is no doubt the world smallest dog breed.  These dogs normally weigh less than 6 pounds and are 6 to 9 inches high. These dogs have life expectancy of 10 to 18 years. Their coat type and color is very diverse.  Chihuahua is a very intelligent, fast learning, fun loving a

nd obedient dog. It is among the top 10 list of watchdogs.  This dog loves to hang around his master and requires less grooming and exercise.

Chihuahua is a fun loving dog and does not respond to harsh treatment while training. Best way to train them is by using positive reinforcement in form of food reward or praises. These small fellows are curious and bold explorers and they can squeeze through very small gaps. These tiny dogs are not recommended for families having children less than eight years, because there is a risk that a young child might injure the dog.

Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher is our contender number one for the smallest dog breed contest. This dog has large fur and it resembles a monkey hence the breed was named Affenpinscher. In German language “Affen” means “monkey/ape” and pinscher means “terrier”. The dog is also nick named “monkey dog”. Normally Affenpinscher weighs between 7 to 9 pounds and can attain height from 9 to 11 inches. In 17th and 18th century Europe this tiny dog breed used to eliminate mice and rats in shops, stables and homes. These days this breed has become a companion dog especially for ladies.

Looks can be deceiving. This small dog is also a good watch dog.  Affenpinscher is not a loud dog but can get excited easily and it takes some time to calm down. Therefor you can safely use this tiny fellow for guarding your home.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise is a cheerful little fellow.  Dogs of this breed can weigh upto 12 pounds and attain a height of 11 inches.  Bichon has black eyes, nose and fluffy white fur. Puppies may have pale yellow or cream color.  This dog breed decended from several other breeds like Coton de Tulear(Africa), Bolognese (Northern Italy), Havanese (Cuba), Maltese (Malta, Mediterranean).These dogs have arched neck and well-plumed tails giving them a proud and graceful look. These small dogs are good natured.

Chinese Crested

Some people call Chinese Crested ugly while other call it a beautiful dog, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.  Chinese Crested is also a small dog and can weigh upto 12 pounds and their height can be upto 13 inches.  This dog breed does not have a coat. They have long silky hair on head, neck, feet and tail. One variant of this breed has full coat, but it is genetically recessive (Powderpuff). These dogs do not actually hail from china.

Chinese Crested was created to be a companion for the invalid. These dogs can read your mind instantaneously and can lay around for hours with moving.  Although they can run and jump, but they prefer not to move. These dogs do not accept strangers easily can even resort to biting them. However once he falls in love with his master he will become quite a stalker.

Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin hails from Asia.  The dog is entertaining and agile.  The dog was popular in Chinese and Japanese imperial courts. It was in Japan where his unique look was developed.  This small dog is playful, elegant and mild-mannered. These dogs can weight upto 9 pounds and can be 8 to 11 inches high.

Chin has a cat like nature and loves jumping around. He can jump can leap tall furniture in a single bound.  This small dog also has a tendency to wash himself. Chin has an abundant coat so needs more than a weekly brushing.  Japanese Chin learns quickly, but it has a mind of its own. When the training becomes redundant he will choose to do something else.  This small and intelligent dog can pick emotions of his owners easily and can shape their personality to match the mood of the family members. Chin can easily get along with other pet dogs and cats.

Papillon

Papillon is also a small dog breed. The name derives from a French work meaning butterfly. My guess is that the name might be given because of close resemblance of the god ears with wings of a butterfly. The breed descends from the 16th century toy spaniels. This dog is very active, outgoing and sparkling.

Papillon can weigh upto 9 pounds can grow 11 inches high. Papillon is a small dog and comes under a category of lap dogs. However if you want a dog accompany you while watching TV, Papillon is not for you. The dog likes to run around the perimeter of your house and scare away the rodents and other small creatures.  Papillon is a small dog hence easy to handle. His coat does not shed hair excessively.

Pomeranian

Weighing around 7 pounds and standing 1 foot tall, Pomeranian is an entertaining  and good narured small dog breed. This dog breed descends from large sled dogs, but it has been bred to fit comfortably in your lap. Pomeranian is also known as Pom, Loulou, Dwarf Spitz or Zwergspitz. Poms tail is very prominent and fans over their back. This breed can have several colors like black, brown, blue, white or cream, orange and red.

Pomeranian hails from Pomerania , Germany hence given the name. These little fur-balls dogs are intelligent, cute and bold. They can even attack larger dogs. They have loud bark and a good choice for watch dogs. However once they start barking it’s a bit hard to calm them. You might need to train them stop barking at your command. Poms are very loyal to their families. They can easily get along with other pets if properly socialized.

Toy Poodle

Toy Poodle stands upto 10 inches at shoulder and can weight upto 9 pounds. Their coat is dense and curly. Toy poodle is intelligent, elegant and beautiful dog.  The breed was originally a water retriever.  The name poodle is comes from a German word “pudelin”, which means splash in water. In France they are known as Caniche which means duck dog.

Poodles are small and intelligent dogs. They are quick learners and perform great in hunting, agility and obedience tests. Poodle is a people friendly dog and loves to hang around their families.

Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terrier (TFT)is a small American dog. It descends from Smooth Fox Terrier which are relatively larger in size. Toy Terrier can weigh upto 7 pounds and can grow upto 1 foot high. In old days they used to server as rattlers in farms, shops and houses. They were also used as hunters in squirrel hunting.

Toy Fox Terrier is intelligent and active dog. These dogs are also used in circus. Toy Fox Terriers are also a good companion for families. Although they are active, but they can also sit and enjoy watching TV with families.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terrier, also known as Yorkie, is yet another small dog breed.  It can weight upto 7 pounds and can get 9 inches high at shoulders. It is a loving companion dog. It has long silky coat which looks very elegant.  This dog breed is suitable for apartments. Yorkie is the most popular toy breed in United States. The dog is so small that you can carry him easily in dog purse.

Yorkshire terrier is an adventure loving fellow. He is very affectionate to the family owning it making him a suitable candidate for companion dog. These small dogs can easily get startled by strangers and neighbors and start barking, they also get easily teased by small children. Therefore you have to train them to stop barking at your command. Yorkie needs daily small exercise/walk sessions. He can easily get along with other pets and is a nice choice for people living in apartments.

So this is our list of Top 10 Smallest Dog Breeds. If you think there are other smaller dog breeds you can include their name and description in the comments section. Heights of the dogs provided in the article are measured from ground to shoulder for a fully average dog. If you are a Cat person click here to read about top 5 smallest cat breeds.