Do you like small dogs? Then you'll love our list of the 17 smallest dog breeds in the world, some of which are very popular in Brazil.
1. Chihuahuas
Height: between 12 and 20 cm
Weight: up to 2,5 kg
Chihuahuas are very popular dogs famous for their small stature - in fact, they are the smallest dogs in the world! Dogs of this breed average 15 cm in height and rarely exceed 2,5 kg. Despite being small, chihuahuas tend to have strong personalities and demonstrate a lot of confidence.
The smallest dog in the world
The title of smallest dog in the world, conferred by Guinness, the book of records, belongs to a female chihuahua named Milly. Milly was born in 2011 with only 28 g. Her owners say she was so small you could hold her in a teaspoon. In 2013, the year she won the award, she had only 9,65 cm high.
Milly, who lived in Puerto Rico, passed away in mid-2020, but left “copies” of her walking and barking around. This is because Milly, in addition to being the smallest dog in the world, also holds the record for most cloned dog in history: 49 times!
See the official Guinness video showing little Milly:
World's Smallest Dog! - Guinness World Records 20142. Little Russian Dog
Height: between 10 and 28 cm
Weight: up to 3 kg
An adult Russian Small Dog measures between 20 and 28 cm in height and can reach 3 kg. They are very small, the size of toys (hence their name in English being russian toy - “Russian toy”). An interesting feature in these dogs is the fringes on the tail and ears (although there are short-haired individuals).
3. Pomeranian
Height: between 15 and 18 cm
Weight: between 1,5 and 3 kg
Also called dwarf German spitz, this breed has been enchanting Brazilians with its charm and cuteness. Its fox-like face and silky, dense coat, usually orange, draw attention. These little dogs live a long time: between 13 and 16 years. It is one of the most expensive breeds in the world; in Brazil, values vary from 3 to 12 thousand reais.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Height: between 17,5 and 20 cm
Weight: around 3 kg
The Yorkshire terrier has the look of a noble dog: long, smooth and elegant coat, with slightly golden tones. They are dogs with a strong personality and, if they are not well trained, they can be a little bossy in the house. Otherwise, they are great companions and like to spend energy.
5. Maltese
Height: between 17,5 and 22,5 cm
Weight: 3 kg on average
Maltese are famous for their long, silky white coat, which gives them an air of elegance. In addition to being beautiful, they are very kind and great companions.
6. Brussels Griffon
Height: between 17,5 and 25,5 cm
Weight: 4 kg on average
This little beard is an excellent companion and usually has a lot of energy to spend. Puppies of this breed can have a few colors, including reddish-brown, black and tan, and their coat can be smooth or rough.
7. Dachshund
Height: between 20 and 23 cm
Weight: around 5 kg (miniatures)
The famous sausage dog is very dear to Brazilians. Its main physical characteristic is its short legs and elongated body, in an imbalance that has its charm. The standard sausage can reach 80 cm, but its miniature version does not exceed 23 cm. Sausages are watchdogs and great guard dogs.
8. Poodle toy
Height: up to 25 cm
Weight: up to 3 kg
Poodle is famous as a lady's dog, but few people talk about the intelligence and agility of these dogs. They are great company for everyday life and love to play and play. There are some types of poodles, of which the toy poodle is the smallest, measuring a maximum of 25 cm.
9. Shih Tzu
Height: between 23 and 26,5 cm
Weight: between 4 and 7 kg
In addition to being beautiful, these dogs are famous for being super friendly and calm, being recommended for those who have children at home. It is the typical apartment dog that easily adapts to small spaces. Their life expectancy is long - between 10 and 18 years.
10. Butterfly
Height: between 20 and 28 cm
Weight: between 2,5 and 4,5 kg
Also known as the small continental spaniel, the papillons call attention for their upturned little ears, which look like butterflies (papillon, in French, means “butterfly”). They are intelligent and agile dogs, who love to play and play. They can live up to 16 years.
11. Japanese chin
Height: between 20 and 28 cm
Weight: 4 kg on average
The Japanese chin has a curious facial expression, which some people associate with "astonishment". This has, without a doubt, to do with her round, bulging eyes, which are her trademark. They are very friendly and affectionate and love to expend energy.
12. Toy fox terrier
Height: between 21,5 and 29 cm
Weight: between 1,5 and 3 kg
The toy fox terrier is a dog with a very short coat, a slightly long muzzle and erect little ears. Puppies of this breed are usually attentive, agile and very friendly. They love to spend energy and adapt easily to any environment.
13. Bichon havanês
Height: between 21,5 and 29,5 cm
Weight: between 3 and 6 kg
These furry ones are super sociable and highly recommended for anyone who wants a high-spirited company in small houses or apartments. Physically, his long, soft hair and his charismatic look draw attention.
14. Monkey pinscher
Height: between 23 and 29 cm
Weight: between 3 and 4,5 kg
Have you noticed that the affenpischer has a little lion tamarin face? No wonder they are known as monkey dogs. Another curiosity of this breed is the dense and somewhat messy coat - some find it very stylish. They are puppies known for being very playful and loyal.
15. Miniature Pinscher
Height: between 25 and 31,5 cm
Weight: average 4 kg
The pinscher breed is very popular in Brazil, being one of the darlings of those who live in an apartment. These little dogs are quite robust and have a smooth and shiny coat. There are pinschers in black, rust and red colors. They are dogs with a strong personality and very energetic.
16.Pug
Height: between 25,5 and 33 cm
Weight: between 6 and 8 kg
The pug breed has become increasingly popular in Brazil. That's because, in addition to being very cuddly, dogs of this breed are playful and super friendly. Although small, they are strong and muscular - the more energy a pug can expend, the better.
17. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Height: between 30 and 33 cm
Weight: between 6 and 8 kg
The hallmark of this little dog are his drooping ears and his friendly face. And you can bet: these dogs are very friendly, perfect for those who enjoy good company. This pompous name - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - has to do with the noble origin of the breed, adored by ancient European aristocrats.
