These 10 dogs may be some of the smallest on the planet, but what they lack in weight and stature they more than make up for in personality. Here are 10 of the smallest dog breeds that have big dog attitudes!
10. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin weighs between 7 and 11 pounds and stands between 8 and 11 inches. Chins have a life expectancy between 10-12 years. The Chin has an aristocratic look with its long, silky coat. They make a great family pet, as they are affectionate with family members, are mostly good with children, and get along well with other pets.
9. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher weighs between 7 and 10 pounds, and stands between 9 and 11.5 inches tall. Its life expectancy is between 12-15 years. Despite its tiny size, the Affenpinscher is fearless and loyal. However, these comedic dogs are full of amusing antics. Because of the Affenpinscher’s human-like nature, some say it’s not a dog you train, but one you befriend.
8. Russian Toy
The Russian Toy can weigh up to 6.5 pounds and stands between 8 and 11 inches tall. They have a lifespan between 12-14 years. Although they are lovey-dovey with family, they may take time to warm up to young children and other pets. Nonetheless, they are good-natured and thrive on human companionship. They come in semi-long or long-haired varieties.
7. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu weigh between 9 and 16 pounds. They stand between 9 and 10.5 inches tall. They have a life expectancy between 10-18 years. Shih Tzu is the 20th most popular dog breed in the US. While they have a hoity-toity appearance, they’re sturdy dogs. They’re among the most lovable breeds, getting along well with people and other pets.
6. Maltese
Maltese weigh under 7 pounds and stand between 7-9 inches tall. They have a life expectancy between 12-15 years. Maltese are among the oldest dog breeds, traceable to the Egyptian Empire. They are loving with family but take time to warm up to children and other pets. Despite their elegant appearance, these agile athletes are alert and fearless watchdogs.
5. Pekinese
Pekinese are compact and stocky and can weigh up to 14 pounds. They stand between 6-9 inches tall. Pekinese have a life expectancy between 12-14 years. They are loving with family, but need to warm up to children and other pets. Nonetheless, they are little charmers. The breed originated in China.
4. German Spitz
The German Spitz comes in three sizes: Toy, medium, and large. The Toy Spitz weighs between 10-11 pounds. They stand between 8-12 inches. Spitz dogs live between 13-15 years. Spitz are very independent dogs and need to warm up to others, both human and pets. Nonetheless, they are devoted to their owner and are easy to train. Spitz make ideal watchdogs.
3. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon weighs between 8-10 pounds and stands between 7-10 inches. Their life expectancy is between 12-15 years. They are loving with family but may need to warm up to young children and other pets. Nonetheless, they make a sensitive, devoted companion for grown-ups. These smart dogs exhibit human-like traits, have big personalities, and act comically self-important.
Read More: 10 Best Dog Breeds for Children
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers weigh up to 7 pounds and stand 7-8 inches tall. Their life expectancy is between 11 to 15 years. They are the 13th most popular dog breed in the US. They are loving with family and young children but may need to adjust to other pets. These feisty dogs are brave, full of energy, and can be bossy.
Read More: The 10 Best Dog Breeds for Retirees
1. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua weighs less than 6 pounds and stands between 5-8 inches tall. Chihuahuas have a long lifespan between 14-16 years. They are loving toward their owners, but aren’t good with young children, and need to adjust to other pets. These tiny dogs have a big dog attitude and lots of personality. Chihuahuas are vocal which makes them great watchdogs.
Read More: 10 Tiny Facts About Chihuahuas
