Tiny Dogs That Stay Small

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:

Top 12 Tiny Dogs: 
World's Smallest Dog Breeds  (Listed in alphabetical order)

Bolognese

Bolognese

Height:  up to 11 inches

Weight:  4 to 8 pounds

Read More about the Bolognese 

Brussels Griffon

Brussel Griffon

Height: 7 to 8 Inches

Weight:  8 to 10 pounds not to exceed 12 pounds

Read More about the Brussels Griffon 

Chihuahua

Chihuahua

Height: 6 to 10 Inches

Weight:  Less than 6 pounds

Read More about the Chihuahua 

English Toy Spaniel

English Toy Spaniel

Height: 9 to 11 inches

Weight:  8 to 14 pounds

Read More about the English Toy Spaniel 

Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin

Height:  8 to 11 inches

Weight: 4 to 9 pounds

Read More

Read more about the Japanese Chin

Maltese

Maltese

Height: 7 to 9 inches

Weight:  4 to 6 pounds

Read More about the Maltese

Papillon

Papillon

Height:  8 to 11 inches

Weight: 3 to 9 pounds

Read More the Papillon  or Phalene

Pomeranian

Pomeranian

Height:7 to 12 inches

Weight:  3 to 7 pounds

Read More about the Pomeranian 

Prague Ratter (Prysky Krysarik)

Height:  7 to 9 inches 

Weight:  2 to 6 pounds

Russian Toy Terrier

Russian Toy Terrier

Height:  11 inches

Weight:  up to 6.5 pounds

Read More about Russian Toy Terriers 

Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terriers

Height:  8.5 to 11.5 inches

Weight: 3 to 9 pounds

Read More Toy Fox Terriers 

Toy Poodle

Toy Poodle

Height: 10 inches high

Weight: 6 to 9 pounds

Read More about the Toy Poodle 

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Height: 9 to 9 inches

Weight:  up to 7 pounds

Read More about the Yorkshire Terrier

Who is the Smallest Dog in the World?

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. 

Did You Know...

Did you Know… That Pocket sized pets are one of the most popular areas in the Guinness World Records Database? 

Currently, there are two main categories for these tiny dogs: 

Smallest dog living by height and smallest dog living by length.

Have a Tiny Dog Not On This List?

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.  

Required Reading for Tiny Dog Owners

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.

Want to Tell Us About Your Little Dog?