With all the chaos going on in the world we need something that can take out mind off of it. One thing that arguably makes the world a better place are puppies. There's no denying that they are some of the most adorable creatures on the planet. Puppies come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the cutest ones are the smallest. These dogs are almost microscopic and all we want is to snuggle with every one of them.
Chihuahuas Are Small, But Mighty
If someone is looking for a puppy that will stay small its whole life look no further than a Chihuahua. Even though they are small they are very energetic, fierce, and loyal. Their name comes from their origin city of Chihuahua, Mexico.
This particular Chihuahua is named Layla. She was born the runt of the litter and wasn't even half the size of her two siblings. Her owner loves to dress her up in different costumes and outfits because she loves to pose for the camera.
The Story Behind the Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Fox Terriers are some of the most fun-loving lapdogs. They are known for their large, erect ears, dark eyes, and impressive intelligence. Most of them stand under a foot tall, but being a Terrier means they are packed with loads of tenacity.
A fun fact about them is that they were made as a crossbreed between Chihuahuas and Italian Greyhounds. The Toy Fox Terrier in the photo is named Dollar and he is dressed as Thing 2 from The Cat in the Hat for a Halloween event.
Tongues Out for the Shih-Poo
Many small breeds of dogs are mixed and this applies to the Shih-Poo. This adorable dog is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle and can also go by the name Shoodle or Pooshi. They love to be pampered with lots of attention and they can live in almost any environment.
Shih-Poos are like snowflakes where no two look exactly alike. Some may have straight or curly hair and come in a mix of black, white, and brown. Most of them weigh an average of 18 pounds and come in teacup, miniature, and standard sizes.
Pomeranians Are Tinier Than Expected
One of the most elegant and regal dog breeds is the Pomeranian. They originated in Pomerania, an area in northeastern Europe, hundreds of years ago and are a miniaturized version of an Arctic sled dog. Most of them don't weigh over seven pounds and come in over two dozen colors.
Similar to other show dogs, Pomeranians are easily trained and do well with children. They like to stay active, but since they are so small they can get most of their exercise indoors. This makes them a great pet to have in an apartment or a house without a backyard.
A Dog with a World Record
There is a Guinness World Record for almost anything and that even applies to dogs. This is a photo of Milly who holds the record for being the smallest dog in the world. She is a Chihuahua who lives in Dorado, Puerto Rico and is constantly approached by people astounded by her tiny stature.
Milly was born on December 1, 2011, and she weighed less than an ounce. She was so small that she could fit in a teaspoon and had to be fed through an eyedropper.
Brighten Your Day with a Bichon Frise
Dog experts believe that a Bichon Frise is packed with a charming personality with lots of beauty and a comedic tone. Most of them barely reach a foot tall and they have a hypoallergenic coat that is one of the softest and smoothest to pet.
Bichon Frises are also one of the most favored dogs in professional dog shows because they are easily trainable and enjoy performing for an audience. They are also extremely confident and usually have a big smile on their face wherever they go.
Yorkshire Terriers Go Back to the Victorian Era
The first Yorkshire Terrier was seen in the mid-1800s in Northern England and it quickly became a popular lapdog for Victorian women. They were bred by weavers in Scotland in order to crawl into the small spaces of textile mills and get rid of the rodents.
These adorable pups barely reach seven pounds and are known for a coat that grows down to the floor. Despite their small size, this Terrier breed is known to have a feisty and restless attitude.
How French Bulldogs' Ears Almost Disappeared
French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds to own and they rank fourth out of 193 with the American Kennel Club. They were first discovered with lacemakers in England during the mid-1800s right as they were relocating to northern France. After they arrived they quickly became a pop culture phenomenon.
The best way to tell if it is a purebred is the two distinctive facial features. One being its bat-like ears and the other its half-flat and half-dome skull. The French almost bred out their ear shape, but Americans strongly rejected the notion.
What Ducks Have to Do with Toy Poodles
Poodles come in a few sizes with Toy Poodles being the smallest. They stand at only 10 inches tall and have a stereotype of being weak and afraid. That has been thoroughly debunked because they're actually eager, athletic, and very intelligent.
They are the national dog of France and are known there as a "duck dog" because they originally were duck hunters in Germany. Toy poodles were first bred in America during the early 1900s and the ones that are well-bred are almost exact replicas of each other.
Why Papillons Are a Favorite Among Royals
Even though Papillons are tiny they are easy to spot because of their large, wing-shaped ears. This is how they got their name because "papillon" is French for butterfly. They are able to flourish in all environments, whether they are humid, freezing, small, or vast.
Papillons give a great performance at dog shows because they respond well to training and love to learn new tricks. They are also prominently featured in vintage portraits of female royals and were admired by historical figures such as Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette.
Why China Deserves Credit for the Maltese
Another puppy that belongs to the Toy Group is the Maltese. They usually stand between seven and nine inches and weigh under seven pounds. They have a distinctive straight and silky white coat and will move almost effortlessly across the floor.
During the time of the Roman Empire Malteses were a symbol for wealth and fashion, as well as playing a large part in Roman literature. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Chinese kept them from going extinct and mixed them with some of their Toy breeds.
Pugs Can Definitely Rock the Wrinkles
There isn't another living creature that looks like a Pug. Each of them has a large, round head, big eyes, and a wrinkly forehead that makes them give off human-like facial expressions. They also do well with all ages and thrive in both the city and the country.
Their name is derived from the Latin word "pugnus," which means fist because they were thought to resemble a clenched fist. Pugs are one of the most ancient breeds and can be linked back to China almost 2,000 years ago.
Look Closely at the Ears of the Norwich Terrier
Most tiny dogs have some of the softest coats, but Norwich Terriers are known for their hard, wiry fur. They may look similar to the Norfolk Terrier, but Norwich Terriers have erect and pointed ears. They weren't even recognized as separate breeds until 1979. These dogs are both affectionate and energetic, but they can be stubborn.
Norwich Terriers were bred to get rid of England's rodent problem and stay in packs to go on foxhunts. They are still associated with Cambridge University because almost everyone owned one during the 1870s.
How This Affenpinscher Won Best in Show
Affenpinschers can best be described as loyal, affectionate, and entertaining. Many owners say that they are very similar to humans in their behavior. It was first bred in Germany during the 1600s to get rid of rats and other pests and they later became companions for the lady of the house. Also, it was reported that a writer named Desmond Morris saw one try to fight off a grizzly bear in Alaska.
This is a photo of Banana Joe, an Affenpinscher who won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club. He was the favorite due to his agility, obedience, and kindness.
How the Royals Saved the Brussels Griffon
Old folk songs used to refer to the Brussels Griffon as "bearded dogs" because of the long fur that covers their muzzle. These dogs are extremely alert and social, which makes them very easy to train. They are small and sensitive and do best with adult owners who let them stick close by at all times.
After mainly being used to keep the rodent problem down in Brussels, Belgium in the early 1800s, the Queen of the Belgians became quite fond of them. The royal praise led to their popularity around the world and without it, they probably wouldn't have survived.
The True Boston Terrier Family Tree
One of the Boston Terrier's most iconic features is its tuxedo-like coat, which can be a blend of many colors. They also have a square-shaped head with a short muzzle and large eyes. They are given the name Boston because they thrive in urban environments, are good with people, and they are always up for a brisk walk.
The Boston Terrier is a product of the mix between a Bulldog and the extinct White English Terrier due to the popularity for blood sports in 19th-century England. The first one named Judge was sold to a Bostonian in 1870 and is the direct ancestor of all past and present Boston Terriers.
The Rich History of the Japanese Chin
No one had heard of Japanese Chins in the United States until 1854 when they were brought over by Japanese nobles for trade. Before then Chins were associated with Asian royals and were a favorite lapdog for Chinese aristocracy. They have been seen in ancient Chinese temples, pottery, and embroideries from 500 to 1,000 years ago.
Japanese Chins love to be indoors and will try to stick close with their companion. One of their signature traits is their thick hind legs that give off an elegant and exotic appearance.
Italian Greyhounds Are A Much-Smaller Version
Italian Greyhounds are a miniature version of Greyhounds being more slender at 13 to 15 inches tall. These pups were bred for the purpose of just being lapdogs and to charm the aristocracy.
Experts on the breed said that Italian Greyhounds would much rather be held in their owner's lap or arms than be in a bed or on the floor. Since their coat is so fine they are very sensitive to cold weather and like to be kept warm at all times.
What Beagles Bring to the Table
Beagles have remained in the Hound group for centuries because they were one of the first pack-hounds for hunters in Europe. Those who didn't have horses would be able to keep up with the Beagles as they hunted for rabbits and other game.
In 1885 the first Beagle named Blunder arrived in the United States and helped the breed become popular due to their strong nose, musical voice, and excellent hunting abilities. They are some of the most lovable animals and come in a mixed variety of colors such as red, white, black, brown, and blonde.
Pumis Are More Than Just a Cute Dog
There are only a few sheepdogs that come from Hungary and the Pumi is the oldest, having been around since 800 A.D. Just by looking at the Pumi they almost resemble a soft stuffed animal, but they were born to do tough work. They are one of the best dogs to help move flocks of cattle, sheep, and pigs.
Pumis love to exercise and have natural agility that helps them climb all over the place. Since they have a good mix of soft and harsh fur they are really easy to groom and only need to be brushed every couple of months or so.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Will Make Any Family Royal
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is technically classified as a toy dog by The Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. The breed has grown in popularity in the United States and is ranked as the 19th more popular pure-breed.
This floppy-eared pooch was originally used in the 18th century for hunting. Now, the elegant and yet energetic spaniel is more of a family dog, adapting to any situation. They're known to be a fun dog and easily trainable. Your family won't want to miss out on making this lapdog part of the gang!
This Hairless Dog Is Perfect If You Have Allergies
The Chinese Crested is a toy breed that stands a solid 11 to 13 inches high. It's not exactly what one would call a large dog! This breed is best known for its hairless variety, which means that the dog's "coat" consists of soft skin and little patches of hair on the head, tail, and ankles.
Lively, alert, and super loyal to their humans, the Chinese Crested is a breed that is as fun as they look! Not to mention it being hairless has many advantages. There is no reason to worry about fur odor or shedding!
Dachshunds Are Quite The Long Boys
Dachshunds are known for their long bodies, little legs, and ever-alert expressions. These long boys grow to be about eight to nine inches tall for the standard breed and five to six inches for the miniature version. Neither pooch gets overly big! Dachshunds are truly an "icon" for the purebred dog-dom.
These pooches aren't exactly built for long-distance running, leaping, or hard-core swimming, but otherwise, they're pretty much ready to take on anything! Originally bred as hunting dogs, Dachshunds are smart, stubborn, and fiercely loyal. It's hard not to be won over by their unique build and personality.
Havanese Went From Aristocracy To A Children's Playmate
Havanese is the native dog breed of Cuba. They are cheerful little dogs with a curled-over tail, silky fur coat, and a huge personality. Even though these guys only get to be about eight and a half to eleven and a half inches tall, they sure know how to make an entrance.
Once, this breed was considered to be the pampered lap-dog of the aristocracy. Now, they are wonderful family companions who are responsible for being a watchdog and child's playmate. They are also naturally very talented trick dogs!
Min Pins Are The Kings Of Toy Breeds
Miniature Pinschers or Min Pins, as they are called by the devoted fans of the breed, are tiny dogs with a big-dog personality. They stand no more than 12.5 inches tall, with a smooth, shiny coat, and a compact, wedge-shaped physique.
These pooches are fiercely loyal to their humans and happen to be very vocal, making them excellent watchdogs. Min Pins are known for having a personality that is too big for their little bodies. They ten to be proud, self-possessed, and fearless. The good news is that those traits make for one comedic animal!
The Best Travel Buddy Is A Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier has the same hard, wiry, and straight coat as it's cousin, the Norwich Terrier but one part of their outer appearance is different. To tell the two apart, all you have to do is look at their ears! Norfolk ears neatly fold over in an adorable puppy-like manner, while its cousins' stay upright.
The best thing about this tiny pooch is that they are known for being great travel companions: portable, adaptable, and pretty much up for any adventure. So if you're someone with a travel bug, all you need is a little Norfolk Terrier to keep you company!
Pekingese Were Born To Live In Palaces
Why is it that the toy breeds with the fluffy neck fur or ear fur are usually the ones that were originally bred to sit and be pampered in palaces!? Well, the Pekingese is no different! This tiny dog weighs no more than 14 pounds and is known for its "lion mane."
They are also very loyal and develop close bonds, but only with their favorite human. Pekes are charming, confident, and, as "Peke people say," very opinionated! These pooches are probably best for older people because, while they'll tolerate kids, they're not a breed that enjoys too much roughhousing.
Schipperkes Are Part Fox, Part Bat, And Part Dog
Even though this little guy looks like he's part fox and part bat, he is, indeed, a Schipperke. This breed stands no more than 13 inches tall, but don't let that fool you, they are built for hard work. They have powerful jaws, necks, and forequarters, which leaves them with a stealth hunting style.
This pooch is known for his superb exterminator abilities as well as being a watchdog. Honestly, it makes sense, since Schipperkes were known as '"little captains" in the dockyards as well as on barges and in city shops.
Shih Tzus Know How To Get Into Mischief
When being cute is a way of life, it's no wonder the Shih Tzu is downright charming. This lion-looking dog has been an addition to many families for a thousand years, bringing nothing but mischief and fun. Shih Tzus are known for their big dark eyes, sweet expression and, of course, their flowy, silky mane of fur.
This breed is very affectionate with children and is the ideal dog for anyone living in an apartment. Some dogs' idea of fun is running around and digging holes in the backyard, while a Shih Tzus' idea of fun is sitting on your lap while you watch television.
This High-Energy Terrier Is Native To The Land Down Under
Silky Terriers look exactly as their name describes, with a silky, glossy coat. This breed is a true terrier in nature, with high energy and pretty exterior. Their most noticeable feature, their fur, is pin-straight with tan and blue hues throughout, making it look like human hair.
But don't think this dog prissy because of its outer appearance! Silkys are a tough bunch that are always ready for an adventure. Keep in mind that this pooch is oblivious to its size and will go hunting if given the chance. They are extremely playful with a great sense of humor.
The Gentleman's Terrier, A.K.A The Manchester Terrier
Though they are often confused with Min Pins, the Manchester Terrier is its own breed. They are lively, spirited, and have lots of game on the hunting ground, which they're not afraid to show off to their human! This breed loves a good chase and is super agile.
Manchester Terriers are very loyal to their people and love to hang out with them. They make for great watchdogs, with their strong park and personality, but are surprisingly well-mannered for a terrier. You'll never have to worry about The Gentleman's Terrier being too vocal during a dinner party!
Russian Toy Terriers Are Loyal Cuddlers
This is one of the smallest dogs in the world, and yet Russian Toy Terriers are completely unaware of their tiny size. The small dog only weighs up to six and a half pounds, but that doesn't stop this breed from being lively and active! Russian Toy Terriers possess high intelligence, and yet will love to run around and chase a ball all day if you're willing to throw one.
The best part about this dog is that they love to snuggle and be close to their humans. Even though they are a bit aloof when it comes to strangers, Russian Toy Terriers will follow their humans anywhere.
A Maltipoo Is The Perfect Family Dog
The American Kennel Club might not recognize the Maltipoo breed, but that doesn't mean we don't! The adorable pooch is a cross between a Maltese and Miniature Poodle, making it the perfect blend of charming and smart.
This breed can be between two and 20 pounds and reach a height of 14 inches. And if you are looking for a long-lasting member of the family, this is the perfect pooch. Maltipoo's tend to live for upwards to 16 years! They also love kids and are very playful, making them a great family pet.
This White Cloud Is Known As A Volpino
The Italian foxy-dog known as the Volpino is a spitz-type breed that is characterized by its fluffy white fur. Despite its tiny size, this frisky pooch was initially kept as a guard dog, its job to alert the larger mastiffs to any intruders. Pretty much, they try their best at being big and bad.
Since the breed dropped out of popularity for unknown reasons, there are only about 4,000 of them left in the world. Most remain in Italy, their home country, but about 15 countries are also trying to breed the fluffy dog. Fingers crossed their numbers start to swell!
They Might Be Tiny But Jack Russell Terriers Are Quick
The white-bodied, short-legged pooch known as the Jack Russell Terrier was initially used as a hunting dog. A past job that is not all that surprising, considering this breed is super energetic and quick. It's because of this that they are quite independent and very clever for their stature.
If you want a dog that is quick to learn fun tricks, play fetch until your arm is sore, and someone who makes for the most charming companion, then look no further than a Jack Russell Terrier! This pooch makes for the ideal family dog because of his loyalty and love for his humans.
The Basenji Breed Has A Loyal Following
Basenjis are known for two things, for their loyal human fans and for their lack of a bark. Instead of making a typical "dog sound," this pooch makes something between a chortle and a yodel, meaning this breed is extra special!
Even though they're tiny, Basenjis are very high energy and require daily exercise. This is extremely important because you never want to have a bored Basenji on your hands! They tend to become a bit disruptive. The good news is that they love competition, so sign them up for some agility contests and your pooch will never be bored!
American Eskimo Dogs Come In Three Sizes
Depending on your preference, the American Eskimo dog comes in a standard size, miniature, and toy! Meaning they can range anywhere between nine and nineteen inches tall. This fluffy white cloud has a lion-like ruff around their chest and shoulders and has a permanent goofy smile on their face.
This breed is insistent on being part of family life, so keep in mind that they need to be trained or else they'll develop some disruptive behavioral traits. Eskies are known to be one of the most trainable breeds, so it shouldn't be an issue with the kid-friendly fluff ball.
Not to Be Confused With Bolognese Sauce
These crazy-haired pooches are not to be confused with their ancestry land's Bolognese sauce. This type of Bolognese is short, stocky, and rather inactive for a dog. They'd rather cozy up to their humans and watch a Netflix marathon. Bolos are also very shy towards strangers, so it is necessary to properly socialize them.
The Bolognese breed is known to be calm and easy-going, pretty much the perfect apartment dog! Not to say this pooch isn't playful! They love to play hide-and-seek and chase a ball as it rolls around on the floor.
Cairns Are The "Best Little Pal In The World"
Known by the British breed club as the "best little pal in the world," Cairns are just that! Their size makes them the perfect lap dog, and yet their energy level makes it so they are down for any adventures their human wants to go on. Their fur is wiry, like that of a Norfolk Terrier, but is downy underneath.
This breed does best with close family contact because they are loyal terriers to their core. They are also the perfect pooch to play Toto if ever their human feels like dressing up as characters from The Wizard of Oz!
The Wise-Looking Cesky Terrier
The Cesky Terrier is the clever and playful national dog of the Czech Republic. This breed is quick to join in on the fun but is also able to mellow out and, unlike a lot of other terrier breeds. Ceskys have wavy facial hair with a weirdly long neck which gives them a dash of elegance.
Unfortunately, stateside, this breed is few and far between, with only about 600 living in the United States. If you're lucky enough to find a Cesky to call your own, know that they are wonderful family dogs that are very protective of their loved ones.
