Uploaded July 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
From dogs that fit in your palm to dogs that fit in your purse these are the smallest dog breeds in the world
6. Shih Tzu
Chrysanthemum dog or Shih Tzu is a toy breed whose origins are unknown. Some say that this dog has its roots in China and the Tibetan Plateau. It weighs between 4 to 8kgs and can grow up to 16 years of age. It is the ultimate family friendly, loving and affectionate dog. It looks as if it has come out of a magazine. This unique dog is the central character of many legends. One such legend provides that Shih Tzu was Buddha’s companion during his journey. It protected him from robbers by turning into a lion. Buddha kissed the dog on his forehead for saving his life. Many say that the white spot on its head is a result of that kiss. In today’s world, Shih Tzu is a lady pleasure. Actresses Nicole Richie, Rebecca Mader and Geri Halliwell are proud owners of Honeychild, Bella and Harry Shih Tzu respectively.
5. Maltese
Originated in Central Mediterranean Area, Maltese is a small dog breed that ranges in weight from 1 to 3.6kgs. It is perfectly suitable for families and apartment living. Maltese is a very playful dog that is friendly towards it fellow dogs as well. Although it requires a lot of grooming yet it can easily be trained. It is very picky when it comes to food thanks to its delicate digestive system. It has a lifespan of around 15 years. Similar to other small dogs, Maltese is a well-loved dog breed amongst celebrities. Leona Helmsley, a renowned American businesswoman, left $12 million for her beloved Maltese Dog named Trouble. In her will, she wrote that Trouble should be buried alongside her and her late husband. Elizabeth Taylor also had a Maltese dog named Sugar. Soon after Sugar’s death, Elizabeth got herself another Maltese which she named Daisy.
4. Papillon
Papillons are extremely friendly, playful and easy to train small dogs that have descended from the Toy Spaniel breed. These are people pleasures and can get along with anyone in no time. They might look small but the amount of energy they have is unmatchable. These are not the smallest dog breed and can weigh around 4kgs. An average papillon can live somewhere between 12 to 15 years. These dogs cannot survive alone and have a hard time tolerating cold weather. They might also have drooling and shedding issues so be careful! Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being aka Kirby, was a world-renowned papillon that won three international medals at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, World Dog Show and Royal Canadian Show in 1998 respectively. He passed away in 2007.
3. English Toy Spaniel
Also known as King Charles spaniel, this small dog breed has a very Royal history. European Kings and Queens used to exchange these dogs as gifts to each other. Like other small dogs, English Toy Spaniels easily adapt to apartment living and are known to develop love for their families. They like to chase butterflies and play in the ground. They don’t enjoy staying alone and cannot tolerate harsh weather conditions. These toy spaniels have a very strong prey drive and thus need to be leashed. They weigh around 4 to 6kgs and can live up to 14 years of age. These dogs are known for their loyalty. Mary, who was the Queen of Scotland in mid 1500s, was accompanied by her English Toy Spaniel at the time of her execution. The dog simply refused to leave the Queen.
2. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian dog breed is a dwarf version of the larger Spitz dogs. It originated from north-western parts of Poland and other German areas of Central Europe. They can weigh somewhere around 2 to 3.5kgs. A Pomeranian is affectionate towards family and strangers but it has the potential of injuring young children. You can easily train it as it is a very intelligent dog breed. It does shed a lot and has the tendency to bark really loud. While surviving in hot weather is difficult for a Pomeranian, it can easily tolerate cold weather. It has a lifespan of around 12 to 16 years. Amongst famous Poms is Jiff who is an Instagram celebrity. It has more than 8 million followers!
Chihuahua
Weighing only around 2kgs, Chihuahuas are considered to be the smallest dog breeds in the world. These are family friendly dogs that easily adapt to apartment living. They are very easy to groom and are very playful as well. However, Chihuahuas cannot tolerate harsh weather and are not friendly towards strangers or other dogs. They drool a lot and might have a substantial amount of shedding as well if you have the long haired breed. These dogs can live up to 18 years of age. Chihuahuas have always been a favorite of celebrities. Paris Hilton, the famous American TV personality, once had a Chihuahua named Tinkerbell. He passed away back in 2015. Taco Bell Restaurant, in its ad campaign, from 1993 to 2004, used Gidget Chihuahua as their mascot. Lastly, how can we forget the heart-warming Chihuahua Bruiser from the movie Legally Blonde? He was very dear to Reese Witherspoon.
From dogs that fit in your palm to dogs that fit in your purse these are the smallest dog breeds in the world
6. Shih Tzu
Chrysanthemum dog or Shih Tzu is a toy breed whose origins are unknown. Some say that this dog has its roots in China and the Tibetan Plateau. It weighs between 4 to 8kgs and can grow up to 16 years of age. It is the ultimate family friendly, loving and affectionate dog. It looks as if it has come out of a magazine. This unique dog is the central character of many legends. One such legend provides that Shih Tzu was Buddha’s companion during his journey. It protected him from robbers by turning into a lion. Buddha kissed the dog on his forehead for saving his life. Many say that the white spot on its head is a result of that kiss. In today’s world, Shih Tzu is a lady pleasure. Actresses Nicole Richie, Rebecca Mader and Geri Halliwell are proud owners of Honeychild, Bella and Harry Shih Tzu respectively.
5. Maltese
Originated in Central Mediterranean Area, Maltese is a small dog breed that ranges in weight from 1 to 3.6kgs. It is perfectly suitable for families and apartment living. Maltese is a very playful dog that is friendly towards it fellow dogs as well. Although it requires a lot of grooming yet it can easily be trained. It is very picky when it comes to food thanks to its delicate digestive system. It has a lifespan of around 15 years. Similar to other small dogs, Maltese is a well-loved dog breed amongst celebrities. Leona Helmsley, a renowned American businesswoman, left $12 million for her beloved Maltese Dog named Trouble. In her will, she wrote that Trouble should be buried alongside her and her late husband. Elizabeth Taylor also had a Maltese dog named Sugar. Soon after Sugar’s death, Elizabeth got herself another Maltese which she named Daisy.
4. Papillon
Papillons are extremely friendly, playful and easy to train small dogs that have descended from the Toy Spaniel breed. These are people pleasures and can get along with anyone in no time. They might look small but the amount of energy they have is unmatchable. These are not the smallest dog breed and can weigh around 4kgs. An average papillon can live somewhere between 12 to 15 years. These dogs cannot survive alone and have a hard time tolerating cold weather. They might also have drooling and shedding issues so be careful! Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being aka Kirby, was a world-renowned papillon that won three international medals at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, World Dog Show and Royal Canadian Show in 1998 respectively. He passed away in 2007.
3. English Toy Spaniel
Also known as King Charles spaniel, this small dog breed has a very Royal history. European Kings and Queens used to exchange these dogs as gifts to each other. Like other small dogs, English Toy Spaniels easily adapt to apartment living and are known to develop love for their families. They like to chase butterflies and play in the ground. They don’t enjoy staying alone and cannot tolerate harsh weather conditions. These toy spaniels have a very strong prey drive and thus need to be leashed. They weigh around 4 to 6kgs and can live up to 14 years of age. These dogs are known for their loyalty. Mary, who was the Queen of Scotland in mid 1500s, was accompanied by her English Toy Spaniel at the time of her execution. The dog simply refused to leave the Queen.
2. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian dog breed is a dwarf version of the larger Spitz dogs. It originated from north-western parts of Poland and other German areas of Central Europe. They can weigh somewhere around 2 to 3.5kgs. A Pomeranian is affectionate towards family and strangers but it has the potential of injuring young children. You can easily train it as it is a very intelligent dog breed. It does shed a lot and has the tendency to bark really loud. While surviving in hot weather is difficult for a Pomeranian, it can easily tolerate cold weather. It has a lifespan of around 12 to 16 years. Amongst famous Poms is Jiff who is an Instagram celebrity. It has more than 8 million followers!
Chihuahua
Weighing only around 2kgs, Chihuahuas are considered to be the smallest dog breeds in the world. These are family friendly dogs that easily adapt to apartment living. They are very easy to groom and are very playful as well. However, Chihuahuas cannot tolerate harsh weather and are not friendly towards strangers or other dogs. They drool a lot and might have a substantial amount of shedding as well if you have the long haired breed. These dogs can live up to 18 years of age. Chihuahuas have always been a favorite of celebrities. Paris Hilton, the famous American TV personality, once had a Chihuahua named Tinkerbell. He passed away back in 2015. Taco Bell Restaurant, in its ad campaign, from 1993 to 2004, used Gidget Chihuahua as their mascot. Lastly, how can we forget the heart-warming Chihuahua Bruiser from the movie Legally Blonde? He was very dear to Reese Witherspoon.
