The 5 Smallest Dog Breeds in the World
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There are very few people who don't love small dogs - they're funny, comfortable to hold and often require less space and exercise than larger dogs, which makes them more affordable pets in cities.
If you also prefer small dogs, stay with us at AnimalWised. This article will reveal what are the 5 smallest dog breeds in the world. Keep reading to find out which ones they are!
1. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua weighs one or two kilograms (2.3 to 4.6 pounds) and is between 15 and 20 centimeters (7.9 to 11.8 inches) tall. It's the most popular small dog of them all; they are most famous for their ears, by far the most notable feature of their tiny body.
Despite their small size, they're very active dogs who love to run. Chihuahuas require daily walks so that they can burn off all that accumulated energy, and they particularly enjoy being taken on long runs - however, do check the appropriate duration of a walk for a Chihuahua.
Whilst these dogs are well known for their bad temper with strangers, they are also very affectionate and love playing with their owners. If you are thinking about adopting a Chihuahua, check our article on how much food should a Chihuahua eat.
2. Italian greyhound
Although the Greyhound is a fairly large dog, the Italian Greyhound doesn't even weigh 4 kilos (8 pounds). This breed is around 30 cm (12 inches) tall, and they are also very popular pets.
They look and behave much like a standard Greyhound, although they're much smaller. Much like their "big brother", they are distinguished by their elegance and great speed, since they can run at speeds of up to 40 kilometers (24 miles) per hour. Greyhounds are among the fastest dogs in the world, but also among the laziest breeds. In other words, greyhounds really can run - they'd just prefer not to.
3. Bichon Frise
This small white dog weighs no more than 2-4 kilograms (4.5 to 8 pounds) and isn't more than 20 centimeters (8 inches) tall. Meanwhile, its fluffy and curly hair make it a perfect receptor for cuddles, strokes and hugs.
The Bichon Frise is a family dog which loves to play, and requires you to pay special attention to its hair and eyes to keep it perfectly healthy.
4. Maltese
This small dog has a very similar height and weight to the Bichon Frise, although its hair is straight, long and tangled. As with the Frise, everyone who lays eyes on this dog will want to pick it up and hug it because of its small size and happy appearance.
Interestingly enough, its main historical role was to hunt and catch rats on boats, since it was able to fit into almost any space and could chase the rats down. This breed also requires you to especially look after its hair, eyes and nose.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
Like the Italian Greyhound, the Miniature Schnauzer is a very similar dog to its big brother. It is around 35 centimeters (14 inches) tall and can weigh between 4 and 7 kilos (8 to 16 pounds). However, they have a tendency to put on weight easily so you have to monitor their diet. Its long beard and eyebrows mean that this dog has one of the most expressive faces of all dog breeds. In fact, they always appears to be alert.
Here you can learn more about the different Schnauzer breeds: Miniature, Standard and Giant.
Which of these small dog breeds is your favorite? Do you want us to include others in this article? We've left a lot out, but these are without a shadow of a doubt the 5 most popular and widely seen. If you want us to add one to our list, or want to tell us about your experience with one of them, leave a comment and we would be delighted to discuss it with you.
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