Breeds
Mini & Toy Dog Breeds
You've probably wondered at some point which are the smallest dog breeds in the world, known as toy, mini, or dwarf breeds. Ideal for apartment living thanks to their minimal space needs.
If you're thinking about adopting a mini-sized dog, after reading this article you'll surely know which one is the best fit for you. We show you the best-known ones and their characteristics.
About Mini Breeds
First off, it's worth noting that although their small size makes them easy to handle like toys, they're anything but, and have the same needs as any large dog.
If owners lose sight of this and also fail to train them properly, behavioral problems can easily arise, sometimes serious enough to require consulting an ethologist, the professional who specializes in animal behavior.
With that said, let's look at the very small breeds you shouldn't miss.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua
This is perhaps the most popular small dog, weighing between 1-3 kg and standing 15-23 cm tall. Chihuahuas come from Mexico and are companion dogs with an average life expectancy of 12-14 years.
Always alert, they need moderate exercise and can't live outdoors, since they don't handle the cold well. They're very sensitive to both heat and cold extremes — worth keeping in mind.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian
This small, fluffy dog has a weight ranging from 2-3 kg and a height between 22-28 cm. Native to Germany, it's a companion dog with a life expectancy of about 15 years. It's suited to living with children and city life, though thanks to its coat it could also live happily outdoors and would even make a good watchdog.
That said, its coat needs a lot of care to stay in good condition, including daily brushing and at least one bath a month.
Maltese
The Maltese
With a spectacular white coat, Maltese dogs range between 2-3 kg in weight, with a height of 20-25 cm. They're companion dogs of Mediterranean origin with a life expectancy of 14-15 years.
Friendly with children and other dogs, their coat needs a lot of attention. Although they like exercise, they can adapt to a more sedentary urban life.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier
This hugely popular breed usually weighs between 2.5-3.5 kg and stands 22.5-23.5 cm tall. Originating in the United Kingdom, it began as a hunting dog, though today it's a companion dog with a life expectancy of around 14 years.
It can be difficult to train, due to its stubborn nature, and to get it to live well with other dogs. It has a lot of energy. It's adapted well to city life and doesn't handle being outdoors well.
It's a barker and will quickly alert us if a stranger approaches. Its coat needs a lot of care.
The Chinese Crested
Curious in appearance, this small dog ranges between 2-5.5 kg, with a height of 23-33 cm. It's a companion dog with a life expectancy of around 12-13 years.
Friendly with children, it's ideal for family life indoors, since it doesn't handle cold or extreme heat well outdoors.
Its origin is debated between China and Africa, where very similar dogs are found.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound
Among Greyhounds, the Italian stands out as the smallest, weighing only 3-3.5 kg with a height of 33-38 cm. Native to Italy, as its name suggests, it's a companion dog with a life expectancy of 13-14 years.
It usually gets along well with other dogs and children and is suited to apartment living, since its fine coat doesn't handle outdoor cold well.
Dachshund
The Dachshund
In its smallest variety, it can weigh between 4-5 kg, with a height ranging from 13-25 cm. Its origins are in Germany, where it was used for hunting, though today it's a companion dog with a life expectancy of 14-17 years.
It keeps its instinct to bark and can be difficult to train and get along with other dogs. It's somewhat stubborn at times and independent, but loyal and gentle.
The Pinscher
The Miniature variety keeps a weight of between 4-5 kg, with a height between 25-30 cm. This small dog, of German origin and hunting background, is today a companion dog that can live 13-14 years.
Its coat doesn't need much care, and it's also an easy dog to train that keeps its adventurous, barking spirit.
Pekingese
The Pekingese
This distinguished, popular breed weighs between 3-6 kg and stands about 15-23 cm tall. Native to China, it's a companion dog with a life expectancy of 12-13 years.
To keep its beautiful coat looking good, it needs regular care. It gets along well with children and other dogs, though it can be tricky to train.
It's better suited to indoor living than outdoor life. It has a calm, independent temperament.
King Charles Spaniel
The King Charles Spaniel
This lovely dog weighs between 4-6 kg, with a height between 25-27 cm. Of English origin, it's a companion dog that can live up to 12 years.
Suited to living with children and other dogs, it doesn't need much activity, so it can live well in urban areas, much better than in outdoor spaces.
Now that you know the main Toy dog breeds, which one do you think would best fit your life?
IMPORTANT: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary, nutritional or behavioural advice. Every dog is different, and only your trusted vet can advise you on its specific needs.