From Yorkshire terriers and spaniels to Italian greyhounds and chihuahuas, the smallest dog breeds in the world might be miniature-sized, but they don’t lack in diversity!

Small dog breeds are perfect for small households or young families, but while some are low maintenance, others need a surprising amount of looking after (and grooming) despite their small stature. Tiny dogs are for life (just like their larger companions in the dog world!), so it’s really important to get your choice of dog absolutely right.

To help you decide which of the fluffy, friendly types of small dogs could be your new family companion, here are the smallest dog breeds in the world!

Spaniels were originally bred on English country estates to take part in hunts, and they are notoriously energized but when trained are remarkably loyal and responsive. 

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a smaller version of the spaniel but still complete with all the traditional traits of a spaniel. This tiny spaniel is wonderful for small homes where you don’t have the space to cope with a fully-fledged spaniel! 

The Boston bull terrier is a cross between an English terrier and a bulldog, taking on distinctive qualities from both of these traditional breeds.

The Boston terrier is quite unique, with a pug nose, but terrier-like agility and loyalty that sets it apart from many more small breeds of dog. 

Pugs are the most distinctive small dogs out there, as they are easily recognizable by their ‘pug’ or squished fasces. 

The pug can experience health problems through life (difficulty breathing), but they are easy to love, loyal to their owners, and when well-groomed, have a shiny, shiny coat. 

The Brussels griffon is a small dog that originated in the Belgian capital, Brussels. Griffs are tiny, but their lovely long ‘beards’ give them an air of intelligence that’s almost human-like. 

A Brussels griffon makes an excellent long-term companion and will soon become the most important part of the family!

At 11 inches and 11 pounds, the bichon frise is one of the tiniest little dogs you could adopt, but you’ll be quickly surprised at how playful and caring they become in their new homes. 

The bichon frise is remarkably curly, so you’ll need a good comb to hand, but as they were specifically bred to be lap dogs, they’re easy to care for. 

The Maltese is a small toy dog that doesn’t actually come from Malta. Don’t worry about the name, though, because the Maltese is best known for its long, white coat and friendly demeanor.

If you’re looking for a dog that needs grooming and loves the attention, then the Maltese is for you!

Papillon means butterfly in French, but it’s actually a breed of small spaniel. The name papillon comes from the supposedly butterfly-like tufts of hair that grow on the head, but some say it’s more moth-like!

Like all spaniels, papillons are smart and intelligent, and they love learning new commands and showing off. 

The miniature pinscher is like a tiny dachshund, with pointy ears and a distinctive black and brown coat. 

Miniature pinschers are easy to groom with their short coats, but they have a fiercely independent nature, making them a challenge (although a worthy challenge!) for dog owners. 

Small dog breeds might look all cute and fluffy, but they are still dogs that need the right care and attention to be happy in their homes and to be part of the family. 

Some dogs, such as terrier breeds, are fairly low maintenance. They just want a good meal and lots of exercise. Others, such as the toy poodle or the Shih Tzu, need a lot of grooming to look their best.

But while each dog has its own character and personality, there are a few universal tips you can follow as you learn how to take care of a dog!

While yes, little dog breeds are great because they don’t need nearly as much exercise as large dog breeds, they still need regular walks or the opportunity to run around outside. 

You can keep dogs that stay small in apartments or small homes, but you need to give them a walk at least twice a day if there’s no outdoor space for them. 

Tiny dog breeds need training, too, especially if they don’t have as much space to live in. Tiny dogs should be trained from when they’re puppies, including toilet training and basic commands, such as ‘sit’.

You can train your dog to become part of the family and part of the household. Active small dogs might enjoy playing fetch, while if you have large furniture, you could even train your pet to walk up a dog ramp for beds.

Just because these are types of dogs that stay small doesn’t mean they aren’t types of dogs that want to stay hungry!

You’d be surprised at how much even the smallest toy dog breeds are going to eat, and you need to ensure that you’re providing your pets with regular meals. Some dogs have specific dietary requirements you need to watch out for; pugs, for instance, can easily put on weight if overfed. 

Small toy dog breeds often need lots of grooming (they are called ‘toy’ dogs, after all!), and prospective owners have to be ready to clean and groom if they want a cute and fluffy pet.

Depending on the breed, you’ll need time and space for regular cleaning and grooming, or you’ll need to pay for a professional service every few months. 

Small dog breeds need regular health check-ups with your local vet to keep them in good health. They need a good diet and lots of exercise, but they can often have their own unique health conditions that result from years of selective breeding.

For instance, pugs often have breathing difficulties or weight problems, while terriers and chihuahuas regularly experience chronic knee issues. 

From small fluffy dogs to the smallest cutest dog breeds, there’s a huge amount of diversity to be found in the unique world of small dogs. 

Perfect for small homes and families, it’s important to remember that small dog breeds aren’t just for show; your terrier or chihuahua will quickly become part of the family. 

Why not bookmark our guide to the smallest dog breeds for when you’re deciding on the best breed for your tiny family dog?