Big or small, they have proven to be mans best friend.
However, there is a growing affinity for small dogs that just cannot be denied.
Looking for something bigger?
Check out our companion article onthe largest dogs in the world.
Some of the worlds tiniest dog breeds have become increasingly popular because of their convenience and adaptability.
Need help picking your pet?
Here arethe best small dogs to own.
What Are the Smallest Dog Breeds in the World?
This want is perfect for Chihuahuas who adapt exceptionally well to living in smaller housing units.
Its another well-known fact that Chihuahuas have that classic small dog syndrome.
The breed originated in Germany, with both sizes used for hunting purposes.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are one of the worlds most popular toy breeds, even being favored amongst royals.
Pekingese
The Pekingese breed was bred and cherished for centuries by the imperial family ofChina.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are excellent familydogsthat are hypoallergenic and get on well with young children.
Maltese
Maltese dogs have been around for centuries, claiming dibs on the laps of their wealthy owners.
Brussels Griffon
Bred initially in Belgium, the Brussels Griffon has a distinctive and funny-looking beard.
Russian Toys are elegant-looking small dogs with long legs and slim figures.
Their lineage dates back to the Russian aristocracy and their breed, in general, thrives on human companionship.
The coats of Russian Toys are either semi-long or smooth, and weirdly enough, their attitudes also differ.
Smooth coat varieties tend to have more terrier-like tendencies than long coat varieties.
Papillion
When looking at the smallest dogs, you’re gonna wanna consider the Papillion.
Looking at its name, you would think the Japanese Chin originated inJapan.
The Chinese bred Japanese Chin as companion dogs for both the Chinese and Japanese royalty.
They even later joined Queen Victoria and the British royal family in 1863.
Toy Fox Terriers are categorized as toy dogs in America, whereas the UK categorizes them as terriers.
Shih-Tzu
The next on our smallest dogs list is the Shih Tzu.
The breed originated in China and Tibet.
While not the national dog of China, they are certainly the more recognizable breed.
Extremely affectionate with children, Shih Tzu once spent their days relaxing in royal palaces.
However, now its more common for them to be curled up next to you in the sitting room.
It was here that street entertainers took them in and trained them to be agile circus performers.
Bichons are highly sociable dogs and get on well with other breeds, other pets, and children.
When given adequate training, the miniature pinscher is a great family member that is fearless and playful.
Chinese Crested
Another hypoallergenic breed is the Chinese Crested dog which also comes in a hairless variation.
Hairless, however, doesnt mean completely hairless in this instance.
Cavaliers are full of energy, easy to train and get on well with small children and other animals.
Italian Greyhound
The final smaller dog breed to make the list is the Italian Greyhound.
Greyhounds are elegant dogs, and the Italian variant is no exception.
Were interested to know, do you prefer tiny dogs, big dogs, or somewhere in between?
Is there any other breed you think should make it onto our teeny dog list?
Leave us a comment below.
