In a cramped apartment, it is undesirable to keep dogs of medium, and even more so large, sizes, because such pets need space and high activity. But small breeds of dogs are quite unpretentious: some animals can even become completely domestic animals with extremely rare walking. And by nature, small decorative dogs are more affectionate - they easily get along with people and quickly become integral members of the family. A review of the top 35 small dog breeds with names and brief descriptions will come in handy if you are choosing a small, faithful friend.
The smallest dog in the world
The record holder among miniature dogs was a Chihuahua named Millie. The baby weighs only 170 g with a height of 6.53 cm.
Thanks to these parameters, she was included in the pages of the Guinness Book of Records.
The smallest Chihuahua lives with a couple in Puerto Rico.
Chihuahua
Mexico is considered the homeland of these small dogs. Presumably, miniature dogs lived in the wild and, after domestication, played an important role in the development of other dwarf breeds.
Chihuahuas have every right to be called the smallest dogs. The weight of miniature dogs does not exceed 3 kg, and their height is 15–23 cm.
Curious and sociable creatures require careful care and are not suitable for families with small children. Despite their miniature size, most Chihuahuas show aggression towards strangers and have the habits of real watchdogs.
The cost of a purebred small puppy is 13,000–70,000 rubles.
Education and training
Training a proud and wayward dog is not easy. He is a leader by nature and always strives to pull the blanket over himself, which is why it is extremely important to teach such a pet to obey. It is recommended to start raising him from an early age, preferably no later than 3 months.
First, teach your dog to respond to your name. Simply repeat the name in her presence to give her a chance to remember and learn it. Important: never say the animal’s name when you reprimand it for something, because it will begin to identify itself with your punishment.
It is also important to teach him early to defecate in the right place, outside or in a litter box. Act happy when your dog defecates in the right place. This way he will connect his action with a positive reaction and will subsequently act in the same way.
You can start learning traditional pinscher commands at 2-3 months. He is quite smart, so he quickly learns to sit, lie down, etc. It is also important to train him to walk correctly on a leash. The animal should not pull you forward, be distracted by strangers, etc.
In everyday life, a pinscher should be friendly; aggression is not typical for him. If you notice that he is angry with someone, growls or bites, scold him. The optimal punishment for a representative of this breed is removal from the room.
Pomeranian Spitz
These contenders for the title of smallest dog breed were bred in Germany. Outwardly, they resemble a toy teddy bear.
Fluffy Pomeranians weigh only 1.5–3.2 kg and are 15–27 cm tall. Miniature animals require regular coat care and adapt well to life in the city.
Small shaggy Spitz dogs tolerate cold well, but do not like heat. They are endowed with high intelligence and a loving, playful and cheerful disposition.
Despite their toy appearance and small size, Pomeranians love long walks, but can do without them if necessary.
A Pomeranian Spitz puppy costs 15,000–70,000 rubles.
How to choose the right miniature dog
When choosing a purebred pet, you must consider the following recommendations:
- Before purchasing, you need to decide on the breed. A pocket mini dog will require not only attention, but also personal space. Breeds such as Chihuahuas and Toy Terriers take up minimal space and can be kept even in small apartments. But the poodle is noticeably larger.
- Purchase an animal from nurseries or trusted breeders. Before purchasing, you should read the terms of contents and study all documents. Often, buying from strangers leads to chronic diseases in the dog.
- Don't choose the smallest sizes. Each breed has its own standards for growth and development. If a breeder offers an animal that is smaller than the standard size, the puppy may be sick or not fully developed. The pocket mini mastiff is a marketing ploy of unscrupulous people; in fact, such a breed does not exist in nature.
Before purchasing a puppy, you need to carefully examine and communicate with it. A healthy puppy should be active. Also, you should not purchase a dog after studying only the photo. Often photographs differ greatly from the actual appearance of the animal.
Russian toy terrier
These cute little dogs were bred in Russia and are the smallest among Russian breeds. They come in short-haired and long-haired varieties.
The weight of miniature toys is 1.5–3 kg, and their height is 17–35 cm. Despite their tiny size, dogs of this breed are endowed with all the qualities that are characteristic of terriers.
Little dogs are independent, confident, playful and energetic. Russian toys owe their appearance and character to domestic breeders, and their closest relative is the dwarf terrier.
The average cost of a puppy is 10,000–30,000 rubles.
What are dwarf dog breeds
Dwarf dogs are also called pocket dogs, another name is “miniks”. The size of such a pet is no more than 35 cm. Weight is only 2-6 kg. Pocket dogs have a compact build and pleasant appearance.
All dwarf dogs are conditionally divided into the following groups:
- breeds that weigh no more than 2 kg, height 30 cm;
- dogs whose weight is up to 5 kg, height up to 35 cm.
Dwarf dogs also include breeds that can weigh up to 7 kg with a size of 45 cm. Such breeds are called small breeds.
Brussels Griffon
Belgium is considered the homeland of these small dogs. Miniature Griffons are the result of crossing German Terriers, English Toy Spaniels and Pugs.
Initially they lived near the stables and were used to kill rodents. Now they have become ordinary pets, delighting owners with their mischievous and active temperament.
Brussels Griffons grow to 14–20 cm at the withers and weigh about 3–6 kg. Representatives of the breed are smooth-haired and wire-haired. Both require regular coat care and do not tolerate heat well.
Smart, but stubborn little ones do not like to be left alone for a long time and, if there is a lack of attention, they begin to misbehave. Little mischievous dogs tend to dominate their brothers and are able to compete with other dogs in certain types of dog sports.
A griffon puppy costs between 10,000 and 50,000 rubles.
Review of pocket dogs
Pocket dogs are classified into different breeds. Each animal has unique features and a pleasant appearance.
Japanese Spitz
Dwarf dogs of this breed can grow up to 35 cm. The weight of the pet varies from 4 to 7 kg. Externally, the animal has an attractive appearance.
The pet's characteristics include thick fur, which requires regular grooming.
Japanese Spitz
Hin
A micro dog that reaches a height of only 20 cm. The weight of the pet is no more than 2-2.5 kg. The animal does not require regular walks and is not picky about food. Long hair does not require maintenance.
Dog breed Chin
Shih Tzu
This breed looks very attractive and will decorate any room. The small size of the dog makes it very popular. The size of the animal reaches only 25-20 cm, weight 4-6 kg.
However, it should be noted that the animal has long hair, which must be carefully looked after.
Shih Tzu breed
Chihuahua
Despite its small size, the pet is very active and does not have an easy-going character. Keeping an animal is simple; the Chihuahua easily remembers all commands. The Chihuahua is often called a drinking dog. Despite their mobility, pets do not need regular walks and are easily accustomed to the tray.
Important. The Chihuahua is considered the smallest dog in the world. It is very popular due to its simple care.
Smallest breed
Pekingese
A fluffy pet who is not picky about food and is lazy. There is practically no need to walk the animal. However, the dog has long hair, which requires regular grooming.
Keeping a Pekingese is not difficult
Toy Terrier
Pocket Toy Terrier puppies are miniature and easy to care for. An adult weighing no more than 2-2.5 kg. However, the animal has a fragile skeletal system, so it is necessary to ensure that the pet does not jump from a height.
Many people like the toy terrier
Bichon Frize
The pet got its name thanks to its lush fur. The animal is no more than 28 cm in height. Weight can be up to 4-5 kg.
Lush wool requires regular care and timely haircuts. Gets along easily with other pets. The character is affectionate, not demanding when it comes to food.
Appearance of the Bichon Frize breed
Maltese
The animals are distinguished by their unusual appearance and attachment to one owner. Fluffy fur requires constant care. It should also be taken into account that the animal prefers a lot of attention, otherwise it can become aggressive.
The size of the lapdog can reach up to 25 cm, weight 3-4 kg.
Maltese needs attention
Chinese Corydalis
A special feature of the pet is the presence of hair in the head, paws and tail. The animal is not demanding in terms of care. Size up to 25 cm, weight 4.5 kg. She is not fussy about food. During the cold season, it prefers to regularly stay warm.
The appearance of the Chinese corydalis can surprise
Pomeranian Spitz
The fluffy pet has the appearance of a bear cub. Size is 27 cm, weight up to 4 kg. Particular attention must be paid to wool. It is recommended to comb it daily, otherwise knots will appear and the decorative appearance may be lost.
The dog is not picky about food and has average activity.
For reference! This is perhaps the most popular breed in Russia
Pomeranian Spitz breed
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound, despite its small size, has an intelligent character and learns commands very quickly. The animal reaches a size of no more than 26 cm, weight up to 4 kg. It does not require much grooming as it has short hair. Prefers regular walks.
Italian greyhound pocket dog
Yorkshire Terrier
A small pet that requires little care. The weight of an adult can be 3 kg. The coat is long, however, many owners cut it short. The animal requires constant attention and cannot tolerate long separation from its owner. Easy to learn commands.
For reference! In terms of popularity it can easily compete with the Spitz
Yorkshire Terrier breed
Papillon
A special feature of this breed is the unusual shape of the ears, in the form of butterfly wings. The size of the pet reaches 30 cm, weight no more than 2.5 kg.
The coat is long, but does not require complex care. It should be noted that pets prefer active activities and require regular walking.
Papillon dog
Toy Fox Terrier
Despite its miniature size, the animal will guard the house and has great affection for its owners. An adult reaches a size of up to 25 cm, weighing no more than 2-3 kg.
Even a child can handle training an animal. The dog prefers to move regularly and tolerates being around other pets well.
Toy Fox Terrier breed
Toy poodle
The weight of the animal can reach 5-6 kg. They are distinguished by their mobility and attractive external characteristics; they quickly get used to the owner. However, it should be noted that dogs cannot tolerate being around other pets and become aggressive.
The Toy Poodle's peak popularity occurred around the turn of the century.
Yorkshire Terrier
A beautiful miniature breed appeared in the UK. The small dogs were the result of crossing several small varieties of terriers and were named after the English county of Yorkshire.
Decorative dogs with expressive dark eyes and long silky hair quickly won the love of glamorous young ladies and single ladies. These contenders for the title of smallest dog hardly shed.
They are endowed with an alert, inquisitive nature, high intelligence and good memory.
A miniature and very popular dog, it grows to 18–25 cm and weighs only 1.8–3.2 kg. The small and fragile Yorkie is not suitable for families with preschool children.
A seemingly harmless dog can be irritable, even aggressive.
The cost of a puppy of this small breed averages 10,000–30,000 rubles.
Breed standard
The Miniature Pinscher breed is a small breed. Despite the name, its representatives are devoid of any signs of dwarfism. The dog should not weigh more than 5.5-6 kg, according to the standard. The height at the withers is from 24 to 29 cm. An error of 2 cm is allowed.
The dog has a fairly muscular body, with dry elastic muscles running along its entire length. The skin should fit tightly around the animal's back and neck. The withers are well defined. There is a noticeable bulge in the lumbar region.
The hind limbs are 1/3 longer than the front ones. The most powerful muscles are on the back thighs. The tail must be docked. Uneven elbows of the Pinscher are considered a major defect. The pad of the foot is the same as a cat's, small and soft. The claws are long and black.
The head is small, shaped like an isosceles triangle. The forehead is rounded, the transition to the muzzle is not smoothed. The bite is scissor-shaped. The mouth has 42 sharp white teeth. Cheekbones do not protrude. When the mouth is closed, the gums are not visible. No drooling.
The triangular ears are set high. In order for the animal to have a more neat appearance, sometimes its ears are cropped. However, this is not required by the standard. The miniature pinscher in the photo is a beautiful, harmoniously built and very brave dog that will not be afraid even of the Central Asian Shepherd.
Shih Tzu
These small dogs are native to Tibet. At first, miniature Shih Tzus lived exclusively in imperial families. The crumbs arrived in Europe only in the 20th century.
Long-haired beauties quickly gained popularity and regularly make it to the top of the smallest breeds. They have a predominantly combined coat color.
A small Shih Tzu grows up to 20–28 cm and weighs about 4–7 kg. The tiny dog was loved not only for his beautiful appearance, but also for his intelligent, friendly, affectionate character.
Shih Tzus are very people-oriented and easy to train.
You can buy a small puppy of this breed for 20,000–50,000 rubles.
Where can I buy
There are various ways to become the owner of a pocket breed dog. It all depends on who she will be in the family - a home companion or a participant in exhibitions.
For ordinary owners
The main advantage of such a purchase is a reduced price, but ordinary owners are not responsible for purebred breeding and impeccable genetics. Therefore, the risk of genetic diseases in tiny creatures is very high.
If you need a purebred dog, you should avoid this method of acquisition, despite the obvious benefits.
The Coton de Tulear is a wonderful pet and companion.
In the nursery
This is the most reliable option for buying a purebred puppy. You can first check the documents to find out who the parents were. This is the method chosen by those who dream of a show career for their pet.
By advertisement
Various advertisements can be found on Yula, Avito and other resources. There is a great risk that they will try to pass off a simple dog as a purebred animal, but this is not the worst thing. You can even buy a sick puppy. Some irresponsible sellers try to pass off an ordinary dog as a pocket dog.
For free
This method does not always mean that the intentions of the former owners are bad. It is quite possible that the child has developed a severe allergy that makes keeping a dog impossible. Or the family moves. Therefore, you should not be skeptical about this option for purchasing a pet.
However, if a puppy is given away for free just because he is tired of it, then most likely the dog has not been cared for, so its upbringing leaves much to be desired.
Receive as a gift
It is well known that giving an animal as a gift is incorrect. It may very well be that the family is not ready to accept it and will not be at all happy about such a gift. Those who want to receive a puppy as a gift should inform their friends and relatives in advance.
Note! Holidays are not the best time to buy a puppy. Vanity will not allow for proper adaptation of the pet.
A dog as a gift is a very unusual choice
Japanese Chin
Small dogs with long, silky hair were favored by eastern rulers and lived in imperial palaces.
Chins grow up to 20–25 cm at the withers and weigh 1.8–4 kg. They adapt well to dry, cool climates and do not tolerate heat or dampness. They fit easily into a carrier, but prefer to move on their own.
Japanese Chins are endowed with high intelligence and a playful disposition. Little mischievous people can sometimes be stubborn, and for excessive self-indulgence they are often called little dirty tricks.
You can buy a Japanese Chin puppy for 8,000–30,000 rubles.
Mini versions of medium and large breeds
Separately, we should highlight the breeds of small dogs obtained by crossing medium and large dogs. Such pets are suitable for those who do not have a large home, but dream of a four-legged pet with a certain character and appearance.
Pomeranian Spitz (1.9-3.5 kg)
Thanks to the efforts of German dog breeders, a miniature Pomeranian was obtained from a 15-kilogram Spitz, which conquered Queen Victoria herself. The final standard for Pomeranians was established by the FCI in 1998.
Curious fidgets become very attached to their human family. They love to haze other animals, demonstrating their superiority.
Miniature dachshund (2.5-3)
The creation of the mini-dachshund solved the problem of rabbit hunting. Before their appearance, there were only standard representatives that crawled exclusively into large holes of foxes and badgers.
Dwarf dachshunds have a developed hunting instinct. On walks, they stick their curious nose into all the holes they find. A small amount of activity and prolonged loneliness have a destructive effect on dachshunds. If you have a busy work schedule, it is better to choose someone calmer.
Toy Poodle (less than 3 kg)
This tiny four-legged dog differs from the standard poodle only in its size. Thanks to his extraordinary intelligence, he is also easy to train and easily predicts the desires of his owners.
The poodle's thick coat is brushed daily. Otherwise, it quickly becomes tangled.
Miniature Pinscher (3.5-5 kg)
Despite the similarity with the Doberman, the miniature's closest relatives are German pinschers, dachshunds and Italian greyhounds. This self-confident and courageous pet needs an experienced owner who can suppress innate dominance and attempts at manipulation.
The miniature's coat is combed weekly, but bathing is carried out only as needed. The rest of the time, wipe the fur coat with a damp cloth made of natural fabric.
Pomsky (5-7 kg)
Pomskies, bred by mating a Pomeranian and a Husky, are still not recognized by cynological organizations, but this does not affect their popularity. These animals are very self-sufficient and freedom-loving. They easily tolerate loneliness and constantly try to sneak away from their owner during a walk.
The Pomsky's coat does not mat. To maintain a neat appearance, it is combed 1-2 times a month.
Miniature Schnauzer (5.4-9.1 kg)
The mini version was developed by crossing Schnauzers with Miniature Pinschers, Spitz, Poodles, Affenpinschers and Terriers. These four-legged animals have good guard qualities, so they can be used to guard the house.
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed. Lost hairs are removed from their coat with a trimmer.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (5.9-8.2 kg)
The Cavalier King Charles is a revived English Toy Spaniel, excluding crossbreeding with Pugs and Japanese Chins. The curious fidget is so friendly that any stranger can easily bribe him with affection or playing together.
When caring for a toy spaniel, you should pay special attention to its ears. They are poorly ventilated and require daily cleaning.
Sheltie (6.4-12 kg)
Although similar to collies, the ancestors of Shetland Sheepdogs are Border Collies and King Charles Spaniels. Shelties are very vulnerable and shy. Contrary to popular belief, such a pet is not suitable for a family with a small child.
When wet, the Sheltie's coat practically does not smell like a dog. To maintain a neat appearance, it is enough to wash it only 2-3 times a month.
Alaskan Klee Kai (7.3-10 kg)
A smaller version of the husky was created by mating the smallest individuals with Eskimo dogs and Malamutes. The Klee Kai received international recognition in 1995.
These animals are very sociable and humane. They show distrust and caution only towards strangers.
Mini Bull Terrier (9-15 kg)
Mini Bull Terriers were recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1939. Unlike their ancestors, these kids are very sociable and friendly even towards strangers.
The hair of mini bulls repels dust, and the scanty undercoat does not get tangled. To maintain the neat appearance of these pets, it is enough to comb them weekly with a massage glove.
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Papillon
Papillons have been known since the 16th century. The name of the tiny breed means “butterfly” in French, which is quite consistent with the appearance of the doggies. They have relatively large ears, which are covered with long hair and resemble the wings of this insect.
The Papillon's fluffy coat is snow-white with black or red markings. The baby's coat needs frequent combing and regular washing.
These representatives of the list of the smallest dog breeds grow up to 20–28 cm and weigh 3.6–4.5 kg.
Papillons are endowed with an energetic, cheerful disposition. They do not tolerate loneliness well and do not like strangers.
The price of a small Papillon is 12,000–80,000 rubles.
Possible diseases and methods of treating them
The miniature pinscher does not need any special care. He won’t catch a cold if you walk in the cold in winter (of course, if he is insulated with dog clothes), and he won’t get poisoned if he doesn’t eat anything “forbidden.” But, like any other animal, it can face a number of diseases.
The basic indicator of a dog's health is its nose. Veterinarians say that if it is wet, it means the animal is healthy and does not need help. This is partly true. The dog is clearly sick if, in addition to a dry nose, he:
- He eats little.
- Frequently defecates.
- Refuses to eat.
- Looks weakened.
In this case, he will need professional help. To protect your pet from plague and other dangerous diseases, it must be vaccinated on time. The veterinarian will give him vaccinations at 1.2 and 2.5 months.
Bichon Frize
This breed appeared in France in the 13th century. In the 15th–16th centuries, small dogs with snow-white curly hair enjoyed special privileges among Spanish, Italian and French aristocrats.
Snow-white babies are endowed with a friendly and playful disposition. In order for the dog to resemble a white “marshmallow”, it must be looked after: regularly washed and combed. This is not very difficult, since the silky coat is not prone to tangling and does not need to be brushed every day.
The smallest curly-haired dogs are very smart and clean. They are easily litter trained and do not like long walks.
The height of an adult dog reaches 22–30 cm and weight 5–10 kg.
You can buy a small Bichon Frize for 30,000–85,000 thousand rubles.
Maintenance and care
The Miniature Pinscher is well suited for apartment living. He quickly gets used to the place allocated to him. By the way, the ideal sleeping place for such a pet is a soft lounger. It is also recommended to purchase for him a lot of noisy toys that he can tear with his teeth and throw up.
When playing with different objects, the dog loses the energy accumulated during the day. Long walks also contribute to this process. It is important to exhaust the animal as much as possible so that in the afternoon it is tired and rested.
Remember! Energetic and cheerful Pinschers who get little rest become destructive. They may start to misbehave, but not out of malice, but because of an excess of energy.
If you put your dog in bed with you, it will spoil it. Moreover, the dog will perceive the absence of a ban on sleeping together on the part of a person as weakness. Its care is standard. Let's list the basic rules:
- Bathe your dog once a year, preferably in the summer.
- Wash his face.
- Brush his teeth.
- Sharpen your claws with a file.
- Warm yourself in winter when going for a walk.
Keep in mind that dogs that spend most of the day on the move need plenty of water. It is important that your Miniature Pinscher always has free access to drinking water.
