When you’re a dog lover, it’s a good assumption that you don’t feel like your home is complete without at least one dog running around and snuggling up with you on the couch. However, depending on your living situation, or even your personal preferences, you might be limited as to what types of dogs you can own. For example, if you live in a small apartment, large breeds might be out of the picture, but a small dog is a great fit. Likewise, if you are unable to devote a lot of time to exercising your pup, smaller dogs usually fare better than highly active, large dogs.
Benefits of Having a Small Dog
If you’re not sure whether or not a small dog is for you, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the benefits of having a smaller dog.
- Easier to Exercise — Small dogs enjoy a variety of activities, but they typically require less exercise than larger dogs. Therefore, playtime inside and a couple of 15-minute walks each day will do the trick.
- Easier to Handle — Although training your dog is essential whether she’s large or small, a small dog is easier to keep on a leash when she’s learning the ropes. Plus, you can likely groom your small pup by yourself more easily than you could a large dog. With a large dog, you might struggle simply trying to lift your pooch into the tub.
- Easier to Bring with You — You can usually bring small dogs with you to more places. Many establishments that don’t typically allow dogs, might be willing to bend the rules a bit for a small dog. For example, you may be able to bring your small pooch into a store with you since you can carry her the whole time. Furthermore, places that do welcome pets often have a weight or size limit. Also, many airlines allow small dogs in the cabin on domestic flights as long as the dog can fit on the floor beneath the seat in front of you.
- Less Expensive Care — Small dogs are usually less expensive to take care of than larger dogs, barring any unique circumstances or health conditions. For example, a small dog doesn’t need as much food, shampoo, etc. Plus, items for small dogs usually cost less, such as dog beds, dishes, collars, and even doggy coats and other canine clothing.
- Live Longer — Small dogs often have a longer life expectancy than many larger breeds.
No matter what the reason, if you find yourself looking for a small dog, you have to know your options. After all, not all dogs are created equal, so it’s essential to know the ins and outs of any breed you consider adding to your family.
To get you started, here’s a look at the world’s smallest dog breeds, so you can begin your search for the furry friend that is the best match for you!
20 of the World’s Smallest Dog Breeds
This curious and amusing pooch weighs just 7 to 10 pounds, is between 9 and 11.5 inches tall, and has an average lifespan of approximately 12 to 15 years.
This fluffy-coated, playful pup has a life expectancy of about 14 to 15 years, weighs between 12 and 18 pounds, and is about 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall.
This charming, lovable canine stands about 7 to 11 inches tall and weighs between 4 and 8 pounds! This sweet pup has an average lifespan of roughly 16 years.
This easy-going breed comes from Italy and weighs only 5.5 to 9 pounds. This ball of fluff stands about 10 to 12 inches tall and lives for about 12 to 14 years.
There’s a big personality packed into this small pooch, standing 7 to 10 inches tall and weighing between 8 and 10 pounds. A Griff’s lifespan is about 12 to 15 years.
If you’re looking for a small dog, this national symbol of Mexico is one of the smallest around, standing at just 5 to 8 inches high and not weighing more than 6 pounds. The Chihuahua’s average lifespan is 14 to 16 years.
Rocking a hairless body and a funky hairdo, this sweet pup is about 11 to 13 inches tall and weighs roughly 8 to 12 pounds. The average lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is between 13 and 18 years.
This proud and smart pup has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, weighs between 8 and 14 pounds, and is 9 to 10 inches tall.
With a weight under 28 pounds, but a height of only 11 to 13 inches, this sturdy pup is compact and muscular. A Frenchie lives for about 10 to 12 years.
This graceful pup is about 8 to 11 inches tall, weighs between 7 and 11 pounds, and has a lifespan of roughly 10 to 12 years.
The silky-coated Maltese has been around for ages, and its affectionate nature and small size make it a great companion with a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. The Maltese is about 7 to 9 inches tall and weighs under 7 pounds.
This tiny pup is full of personality, standing just 10 to 12.5 inches tall and weighing about 8 to 10 pounds. The Min-Pin’s lifespan is about 12 to 16 years.
This friendly, perky pup is roughly 5 to 10 pounds, 8 to 11 inches tall, and has a life expectancy of about 14 to 16 years.
This tiny pup is like a smiling powder puff with its fluffy coat and cute face. The Pom is about 6 to 7 inches tall, only 3 to 7 pounds, and lives for roughly 12 to 16 years.
The distinctive and mischievous pug stands roughly 10 to 13 inches tall, weighs between 14 and 18 pounds, and has a lifespan of about 13 to 15 years.
This cheerful pooch is among one of the smallest there is, standing about 8 to 11 inches tall and not weighing more than 6.5 pounds. The Russian Toy’s lifespan is approximately 12 to 14 years or more.
This affectionate “lion dog” is lots of love in a small package, weighing between 9 and 16 pounds and standing about 9 to 10.5 inches tall. The Shih Tzu has a broad lifespan, ranging from 10 to 18 years.
This amusing canine has a life expectancy of between 13 and 15 years, is roughly 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall, and weighs between 3.5 and 7 pounds.
The striking toy poodle certainly has a big presence even though it’s one of the smallest dogs. This pup is only about 4 to 6 pounds and no taller than roughly 10 inches. The Toy Poodle’s lifespan has a broad range, from 10 to 18 years.
The Yorkie is one of the most popular dog breeds and very recognizable thanks to its glossy coat and small size. The Yorkie is about 7 to 8 inches tall, weighs about 7 pounds, and has a lifespan of between 11 and 15 years.
What Are Teacup Dogs?
Teacups are not a stand-alone dog breed. On the contrary, these dogs can be a variety of small breeds, such as Yorkies, Maltese, or Chihuahuas, among others. These pups are specifically bred to be as small as possible, usually less than five pounds. However, as adorable as these tiny pups can be, they can also have a host of medical conditions.
These conditions usually stem from the result of pairing runts of two litters, and the so-called runts often have a medical issue of some kind. In truth, this is not typically the practice of a good breeder, and more likely someone looking for a financial edge.
However, if you’re sold on the idea of owning a teacup, ensure you search for a reputable breeder. But, keep in mind that teacups can cost thousands of dollars and also require extra vigilance and care. These small pups are very fragile, and if something goes wrong, they can be difficult to treat.
When you’re looking for answers to all of your questions about your canine companion, look no further than NeaterPets. Check out the rest of our blog to find a lot of helpful resources and fun tidbits that can help you learn more about your pup pal. The more you know about your faithful, furry friend, the better pet parent you can be!