23 Smallest Dog Breeds in the World You can Pet in Your Apartment

What makes small dogs fantastic pets? They look so charming, adorable, playful, easy to take care of and the best part, you can take them everywhere you go! If you want a dog that’s fun and adds to your happiness, make sure you have a pet insurance policy in place and that your vet has examined it before bring him or her home. If you are fond of dogs, here’s a list of the smallest dog breeds of the world you can choose from.

Smallest Dog Breeds in the World

1 – French Bulldog

Weighing around 9 to 12 kilograms, the French bulldog is an adorable little dog having a unique appearance. Their shoulder height is only 30cms and with a short face, round ears and rounded chest. Despite their tiny size, there’s no compromise in muscularity. They have a muscular body along with a short coat.

You need to give proper training and teach socialization techniques to the French puppies. They are quite intelligent and a fast learner. You can have a properly trained French bulldog as an apartment dog as they bark less. This breed is also alert, affectionate and playful. They can be a good companion for kids and other pets in your house.

2 – Boston Terrier

The next on the list of world’s smallest dog breed is the Boston terrier having a square appearance. They have a short body and well-muscled with a square head and short tail. They have a broad chest with a weight ranging from 4.5kg to 11kg. Like French bulldog, Boston terrier is also a quick learner. They are sensitive to the master’s voice and with early socialization, they can be a great companion to you and your kids. They are very playful and lovable, making for a perfect family pet.

Having short hairs, this breed can’t resist extreme climatic conditions, so it is best to keep them indoors. It is often seen that Boston terriers get friendly too soon with strangers. You better take proper care and provide good training to your doggo!

3 – Bichon Frise

With a weight range of 5 to 10 kilograms, Bichon Frise is a cute, small dog that found its origin in Spain. The name ‘Bichon Frise comes from Spanish language, meaning “curly lap dog” in English. They are extremely cheerful, intelligent, playful and friendly. With a small, compact body, Bichon Frise has curly white hair and dense coat. The head is round, tail plumed and long with round black eyes. The Bichon Frises have lot of similarities with white poodles when it comes to appearance.

Their happy temperament is the best quality of this breed and they are known to be lovable and patient with everybody. They are easy-to-train breed and are considered naturally social. You can have ideal friends for your kids as this breed serves as a perfect family pet.

4 – Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is a Chinese name meaning ‘little lion’ in English. They are given this name because of their lion-resembling head and long hair around the face. However, when it comes to size, they are nowhere near a lion rather are quite small, weighing around 4kg to 7.2kg. Now you know why ‘little lion’! Along with being one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, Shih Tzu are also world’s oldest breed. They are into existence since 8000BC.

This breed is popular for the long silky hair which continues to without much shedding. However, hair maintenance is one of the things you need to take care of when having a Shih Tzu as pet. With patient training, Shih Tzu can be a great pet for your family, a friendly companion that is loyal, affectionate and gentle. If you want an apartment pet, it is a perfect choice but give it a second thought, if your concern is a guard dog.

5 – Pug

Having an average weight of 6-9kgs, Pug is among the favorite smallest breed. A small, cute, square-shaped face with happy temperament, pugs are known for their flat round face and deep wrinkles. The breed’s name comes from the Latin word, ‘pug’, meaning ‘fist’ because their face resembles a human fist. This breed does not reach or get over the height of 14inches. What makes it different is the round face, rounded eyes, small ears, deep wrinkles and curly tail.

The pug puppies get sensitive to the master’s voice really quick which makes them easy-to-train. Even though small in size, pugs are considered as good watch dogs. They stay devoted to their family and are friendly with other pets and children in the house.

6 – Papillon

Papillon is a small, affectionate and friendly toy dog weighing around 3.6 to 4.5kgs. Its name means butterfly as they have butterfly-like ears. They can grow up to a height of 11inches and have a long and silky coat. Like several other small dog breeds, this breed also has calm and cool temperament.

If you want to raise Papillon puppies as pets, you need get them under proper training and socialization. These puppies also need daily walks. They are incredibly active and charming; they love pleasing their masters. This breed can be a great pet for your apartments near Fort wayne.  To maintain their beauty, you must comb their hair every day.

7 – Toy Poodle

The poodles are the cute little dog breed known for its good temperament and beauty. They weigh around 6-7kgs at maximum and are faithful, alert, active and intelligent dog species. It has been a popular dog breed in France since 1500 and is also called ‘caniche’ by the French, meaning duck dog in English language.

The poodle breed is categorized into three types – toy, standard and miniature. The smallest of all three is the toy poodle and the largest one is the standard poodle. The toy poodle grows a maximum 10inches height.

Talking specifically about the toy poodles, they have a rounded head and square proportion with hanging ears and oval-shaped eyes. With a curly coat, this breed ranks up high in the list of beautiful small dog breeds in the world. This also makes it one of the most popular among the world’s smallest dog breeds. The coat of toy poodles can be of varied colors that includes cream, silver, white and apricot. These dogs don’t shed a hair! But still, hair maintenance is important for them.

The puppies of this breed are easily trainable and are extremely intelligent. Its calm nature is another positive point about this breed. They are lovable and always try to please their masters. The toy poodles are playful and require daily exercises.

8 – Pomeranian

Though quite late in our list of smallest dog breeds in the world, Pomeranians are among the favorites of many dog owners and people who are fond of dogs. They are marked for its size and weight that doesn’t exceeds 3.5kgs. Also named ‘poms’, Pomeranians are found in the wide range of colors like chocolate, white, cream, red, wolf sable, orange, beaver sable and more and have a lower upper coat.

Being small in size, Pomeranians are easy to take anywhere. You can travel with them! With proper training and early socialization, they are recognized to be a great companion for humans especially kids. They are highly social, intelligent, playful and active. They have a tendency to please their master and love being involved in activities near them.

Not just this, their qualities also include being great watch dogs. They will bark at anything and everything they find suspicious. Above all this, they are also suited for indoors. Make sure you do the daily brushing and combing as they shed hair heavily and their beauty needs proper maintenance.

9 – Yorkshire Terrier

This one on the list is one of the famous dog breads, known for its silky, long hair. Yorkshire terrier generally weigh around 3.2 kilograms and have a small head, V-shaped ears and black medium-sized eyes. Their silky, long can be of different colors like tan or steel blue.

Their temperament is wholly dependent on the socialization and training process while they are puppies. The ones well-trained seem courageous, confident and bold. They are not well-suited to outdoor living as it is hard for them to resist too hot and cold weather conditions. They serve as superb watchdogs to their masters. You will find them barking at anything that seems suspicious to them.

10 – Chihuahua

Weighing only 0.9 to 2.7kg, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed across the world. Originated in Mexico, Chihuahua got its name from the Chihuahua state in its origin country. With a small rounded head, rounded eyes and erect ears, they are found in different patterns and colors. You can find them in both short and long hair. To your surprise, they find place among the dog breeds having largest combinations of colors and coat patterns.

Like various other breeds listed in this blog, Chihuahuas also require early training and socialization. They are curious and intelligent which makes them quick learners. They remain dedicated to their master and usually bond with just one person of the family.

Same as Pomeranians, you can take along Chihuahuas anywhere you go as they are too small. Sometimes, you don’t need to take them along as they will naturally follow you. Yes, they have this tendency to follow their master. They generally bark at strange sounds and strangers.

Note: Do not leave you Chihuahua alone in the outdoors; other animals may easily attack them.

11 – Dachshund

Dachshund is an active and lively breed known for its friendly nature, making it an ideal pet for your family. Their low and long bodies make them unique in appearance and one of the most famous breeds as per the AKC Registration Statistics They are available in various coat varieties. You can find your favorite combination from the lot!

12 – English Toy Spaniel

Even though this breed resembles the well-known Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it comes in varieties that make it stand out from its counterpart. It is a lovely, charming toy breed having an affectionate and playful personality. It can be a good companion for a family and get along well with kids. With a small size, they suit best as apartment dogs.

13 – Havanese

This one on the list is the National Dog of Cuba and its only living Native breed. Havanese is a sturdy, small dog having a friendly and calm temperament. Over the years of its existence, they have evolved into a family companion from being a pampered lap-dog of luxury and aristocracy. Today, they are recognized as a perfect watchdog, the herder of the poultry flock (consider it as a pet if you have one!) and a friend of kids. They are always energetic, but need regular exercise.

14 – Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound or OGS are miniature form of Greyhounds – the larger cousins that are more slender. They are equal in grace and elegance of Greyhounds. IGs are loved for their affectionate and loyal nature. Being a low-fat breed with a short coat, IGs require special attention during winters.

15 – Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin was originally bred to survive in luxury and makes for a fantastic tiny indoorsy companion. Fastidious, quiet, self-groomers, the Japanese Chin is a uniquely feline breed, these are sensitive, small and quick learners you can have as your pet.

16 – Maltese

Being the tiny aristocrats, Maltese is the kind of dog breed that loves living in luxury. But they are the feisty watchdogs with agility to win while playing games. They are competitive in nature. The low-shedding, happy, long-lived breed love making new friends, regardless of the age. To reduce grooming time, many owners trim them in puppy clip.

17 – Miniature Pinscher

‘Min Pins’ are compact, sturdy dogs popular as ‘King of Toys’. A very unique characteristic of Miniature Pinscher is its high-stepping gait that reminds of a hackney horse. Min Pins bond with their masters very well and try being vocal which makes them perfect watchdogs.

18 – Norwich Terrier

Norwich terriers are substantial little dogs that are easily noticeable from their cousins because of their pointed, erect ‘witch hat’ ears. Despite being toy-sized, the Norwich terrier is a breed used for fearless and tough rattles, not just to lie around on comfortable satin pillows.

19 – Affenpinscher

Also popular as the ‘Monkey Dog’, the Affenpinscher is a small but energetic and spunky dog you will ever have as a pet. ‘Affen’ means monkey/ape in German and the meaning of ‘pinscher’ is ‘terrier’.

This mustachioed tiny devil is the descendant of several small terriers that were found in large numbers in the 17th and 18th century shops and stables across Europe, ridding them of mice and rats.

20 – Bolognese

The next on the list of smallest dog breed in the world is Bolognese, a comical and curious devoted dog. This breed is intelligent and fond of their people. They love spending time with their masters and loved ones, be it when they go for walks, play with the kids or run errands.

It belongs to the Bichon family of fluffy, white dogs and are sometimes called the Bichon Bolognese. Originated from the Italian city of Bologna, they get their name Bolognese. They are amazing at charming people to get their way, but can be a little difficult to house-train. So, you need to have patient and maintain consistency.

21-Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffons, also called Griffons have come from Belgium, where their hunting skills came in use to keep away mice and rats from the stable. Eventually, they became very famous as house pets and are curious, cheerful and affectionate companions, but for the right person.

Remember, this breed is quite sensitive and an also get moody and high-strung at times. Sometimes, you might also find them being a little over demanding for your attention, but that’s okay!

22 – Chinese Crested

The little dog breed is an exotic-looking tiny dos that has nothing to do with China for its existence (if you got an idea from its name). They come in two variants – the genetically recessive Powderpuff with a full coat and the Hairless, having silky hair on the crest (head), plume (tail) and socks (feet). Both the variants are great in their own unique ways.

23 – Coton de Tulear

If you want to own a smart and sweet doggo, Coton de Tulear can be your best pick from this list of world’s smallest dog breeds. For them, a perfect day is when they get to spend quality time with their human, be it just lying at your feet while you work or follow you from one room to another. Oh, they love a fun ride in the car!

Significant things to know about small dog breeds before you get one

When you plan to pet one of the smallest dog breeds of the world, there are a few things you should know about the distinct yet common animal species. Let’s check some of the boxes.

Daily Life

Smaller dogs do not need to work off using loads of energy, so they are the best option for an apartment life. But remember, not all the breeds love to be lap warmers. Some exceptions include small terriers and Dachshunds, who love country life and the freedom to run around in a garden or farm. If you have young children at home, reconsider your breed or ensure it gets the space to get away from kids. There are some Toy breeds that are too sensitive and like a quieter environment to live.

Grooming

Are you sure you can take out the necessary time to bathe, groom and take care of a long-coated Toy breed such as the Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu? Although smaller dog breeds shed less hair than larger dog breeds, it is essential to brush their hair regularly with a brush to prevent surrounding things like mats.

Training

Training a small dogs is definitely easier as compared to larger breed dogs as these can’t jump on the counter and you can pick them in your arms whenever they are being naughty. However, training depends on the historical purpose and personality. There are breeds that understand commands more easily and are wonderful people-pleasers than the other breeds.

In a nutshell

Dogs are adorable, charming, playful and great companions for humans and these cute little breeds have a lot more that makes them extremely lovable. So, if you want to get a dog for your home, choose from these amazing smallest breeds of the world.