Top 5 Smallest Dog Breeds

Despite their bantam size, Chihuahuas have a big, smart brain! Be careful not to poke their heads, though. Chis have a “molera” on their head, which is comparable to the fontanelle of an infant. Likewise, don’t panic if your pet has a bulbous head. Chihuahuas are either apple-headed or deer-headed.

Contrary to their murky past, Chihuahuas have a bright future in the showbiz industry. Chis have fame thrust upon them. Aside from the famous Taco Bell ad in the 90s, you will find them in Hollywood movies, too.

The breed is also a favorite tote-along companion among A-list celebrities, such as Paris Hilton, Demi Moore, and Madonna.

Don’t take those little fangs too lightly, by the way. Chis can be very feisty! In fact, the Chihuahua only scored 69.6% in the temperament test conducted by the American Temperament Test Society. Back in 2014, a gang of feral Chihuahuas even terrorized a neighborhood in Arizona.

But did you know that their hair would continuously grow just like ours?

Dog owners love to flaunt their Yorkies’ 2-feet mane in dog shows, but casual pet parents prefer the popular “puppy cut.”

These adorable ratters were once called “Scotch Terriers” since they originated in Scotland. However, the breed was further developed in England, and in 1870, the official name change took place. The Yorkshire Terrier is among the oldest registered breeds in the American Kennel Club.

Yorkshire Terriers can also fight against bears apart from garden-variety thieves. In 2015, a brave Yorkie put his life on the line to save his fur-dad from a 200-pound black bear. Fortunately, the two were alive to tell the tale. Yorkies are also excellent watchdogs, as they are vigilant. These little guards will woof at anything strange.

While they are at it, you might notice they make a honking sound like a goose. Yorkshire terriers are prone to reverse sneezing brought on by allergens. This phenomenon may seem alarming to see, but the noises are harmless and will pass.

So, if their cousins are large, why are they so dang small? Back in the days, Poms weren’t always so little.

But the queen of England isn’t the only historical figure to fall for this breed, World changers, such as Sir Isaac Newton, Michelangelo, Mozart, Martin Luther, and Teddy Roosevelt all had Poms.

Mozart has even dedicated one of his expressive melodies to his Pom, Pimperl. “Waltz of the Little Dogs” by Chopin was also inspired by a Pomeranian. Nowadays, Pomeranians are Internet sensations. A good example would be Boo and Buddy.

Pomeranians, however, are always oblivious of their size. These pint-sized dogs will even take on big canines. Even Bobbie used to bully my Labrador before they became friends. Therefore, it is wise not to spoil your pooch and implement training and early socialization.

In fact, a toy poodle named Nala figured out how to use an elevator, so she could visit her friends at a nursing home in Minnesota. Poodles are also adept circus performers back in the 1800s.

However, France’s National Dog is not of French descent. Poodles came from Germany, where they were called “pudel,” which translates to “puddle.” Before the glitz and glamor, Poodles hunt and retrieve game fowls from the water.

Toy poodles would be the best choice for those who lead a less active lifestyle or live in an apartment. Poodles don’t demand rigorous workouts, but they do need tons of mental exercises to keep them hale and hearty.

Because many people covet this type of coat, the Poodle has been bred with other popular dogs to make more hypoallergenic breeds. However, regular grooming is crucial. If left unchecked, your pet’s hair will become matted.

No one knows about the Papillon’s ancestry. Some say they hailed from China since they look similar to the Pekingese. Others also believe they come from Japan.

Experts, on the other hand, say these dogs trace their roots in Europe. After all, the name “Papillon” translates to “butterfly” in French. But they also went by other nicknames, such as “squirrel spaniel” and “dwarf spaniel.”

Papillons stand out from the crowd because of their butterfly ears. However, some pooches sport “moth ears,” which are floppier and droopier. Nevertheless, the American Kennel Club recognizes both types under the same breed.

Although Papillons have the reputation of being the toy dogs of the rich, you can’t expect them to lounge on their luxury bed all day.