Mary Allen
Small dogs often have to face many prejudices. However, our list of the 11 smallest dog breeds in the world shows that not all tiny creatures are annoying foot horns or handbag dogs but are very much “real” dogs and some of them are among the cutest dog breeds in the world.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is one of the oldest known dog breeds and probably comes from southern Germany. In the Middle Ages, Pinschers and Schnauzers were constant companions of traveling merchants to protect the traders’ goods at night. They were also used to hunt rats and mice.
Affenpinschers are very intelligent and therefore need a lot of mental work, although physical activity should not be neglected. Minimum size of 25cm is stipulated in the breed standard, the weight is approx. 4-6kg.
Japanese Chin
Contrary to what its name might suggest, the Japanese Chin originated in China around 1000 years ago. From there he was probably taken to Japan by Buddhist monks. However, the word “Chin” comes from the Japanese and means something like “little dog”.
In Japan, the cute dog quickly became a favorite of the nobility, where almost every family had a breed. The Chin has a very calm and gentle nature, which makes it well suited as a city dog. Chins reach a height of 25 cm, the weight is not specified in the breed standard, but is around 3-5 kg.
Pekinese
The Pekingese also comes from China, where it used to be reserved exclusively for the imperial family. In the 19th century, it found its way to England, and so to the rest of Europe. The Pekingese are considered smart, alert, courageous, but also affectionate and cuddly.
Height is not specified in the breed standard, but males should not weigh more than 5kg.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are said to have been bred in Tibetan monasteries as early as the 7th century. The monks attached great importance to the fact that the dogs should look like little lions, from which the name is derived: the Chinese word “Shih Tzu” means little lion. The Shih Tzu has a fun-loving and friendly nature that makes it a popular family pet. According to the breed standard, his height at the withers must not exceed 27 cm and he weighs between 4 and 7 kg.
Maltese
The Maltese is a very old breed of dog. His family tree goes back to ancient Egypt. In the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses II, small statuettes were found that were very similar to today’s Maltese.
Typical of the Maltese is its white fur, which according to the breed standard is not allowed to take on any other colors. The Maltese is very personal and loves to be cuddled by its owners. Its height is given from 20cm and it weighs between 3 and 4kg.
Russian Toy
The Russian Toy descends from the English Toy, which was a very popular dog in Russia in the early 20th century. However, it was hardly or not at all bred there. Breeding started in the 1950s, using not only English toys but also non-pedigree animals, resulting in today’s Russian Toy.
He is considered to be very friendly and lively and is said to rarely be prone to aggression or fear. It reaches a height of between 20 and 28cm and weighs up to 3kg.
Griffon Belgium
Hailing from Belgium, the Griffon Belge is a small, wire-haired dog breed. He is considered a very popular family dog because he is very lively and alert, but also loving and affectionate. He also gets used to other dogs very quickly and gets along well with them. The minimum size is 18cm, with a weight between 2.5 and 5.5kg.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is also known by the names German Spitz or Pomeranian. Despite its small size, it is considered a reliable watchdog that reports disturbances in its territory loudly and emphatically. With the Pomeranian, special attention must be paid to grooming, as it needs to be brushed regularly. Height is 18cm and up, weighing 2-3.5kg.
Prague Ratter
The Prague Ratter originated in the Czech Republic and belongs to the Pinscher type. It was bred to keep yards and stables free from rats and mice. However, it was also kept as a representation dog at princely courts.
He has an excellent sense of smell and is considered to be very intelligent, quick, attentive, and very good-natured. Today he is mainly kept as a companion dog. It reaches a maximum size of 23cm and a weight of 1-3kg.
Yorkshire Terrier
While the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest dog breeds, it makes up for its small size with a lot more character. It comes from England, where it was originally used to hunt rats and mice. It is considered to be very confident, alert, and intelligent. Its height is usually from 16cm, whereby it may weigh a maximum of 3.2kg.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is originally from Mexico, thought to be descended from the Techichis, the sacrificial dogs of ancient Mexico. The Chihuahua comes in a long-haired and a short-haired version, both enjoying equal popularity.
Despite its small size, the Chihuahua is considered very brave and lively. Today he is one of the most popular companion dog breeds. Its size is not specified in the breed standard, but it does reach an average of 17cm. Its weight should ideally be 1.5-3kg.