Wondering about tiny dogs that stays small?
Ever think about what small really looks like?
We search far and wide to locate the world’s smallest of small dog breeds.
Can't wait to see who made the top 12 list?
Keep in mind that there are many small breed dogs and plenty of variability within the breed. There will always be members of these breeds that far exceed the breed standard for weight and height.
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There are also many small dogs that are smaller than what is usually seen in the breed. We call them runts.
AND, because small is popular, many breeders are breeding for smaller and smaller versions of the most popular breeds.
Here is our top list of the tiniest dogs that stay small (unless of course, you feed them too much).
Go ahead, purchase that pooch purse.
You’ll gonna need it for these little guys. Listed in alphabetically order, the top 12 are:
Height: up to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
Height: 7 to 8 Inches
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds not to exceed 12 pounds
Read More about the Brussels Griffon
Height: 6 to 10 Inches
Weight: Less than 6 pounds
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 8 to 14 pounds
Read More about the English Toy Spaniel
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 9 pounds
Read more about the Japanese Chin
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 3 to 9 pounds
Read More the Papillon or Phalene
Height:7 to 12 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Read More about the Pomeranian
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: 2 to 6 pounds
Height: 11
inches
Weight: up to 6.5 pounds
Read More about Russian Toy Terriers
Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 3 to 9 pounds
Height: 10 inches high
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Read More about the Toy Poodle
Height: 9 to 9 inches
Weight: up to 7 pounds
Read More about the Yorkshire Terrier
In 2013
Miracle Milly, a brown Chihuahua born in December 2011 takes that honor; she is 3.8 inches tall and roughly 1 pound; and is owned by Vanesa Semler of Dorado, Puerto Rico.
In every breed their are exceptions to the rules (breed standard). Sometimes they are the runt of the litter and in other cases, there is a deliberate attempt by breeders to dwarf down a breed. For example, I have a 4 pound Shih Tzu, perfectly healthy, happy, and energetic. Some refer to these tiny Tzus as Chinese Imperials.
What does the breed standard for Shih Tzu dogs call for?
Shih Tzu dogs should be between 9 and 16 pounds.
Is he an anomaly? Maybe, but his mom and siblings are all this size, suggesting that he was selectively bred to be small.
If you have your heart set on a tiny dog, you aren't alone. But, before you search for that pocket pouch, check out this article on hypoglycemia. This is one the most common and serious disorders of tiny puppies.