Dogs
"Even the tiniest Poodle or Chihuahua is still a wolf at heart"- Dorothy Hinshaw
Small dogs are often associated with socialites or fashionistas, who like to carry them around in their purses. The epitome of style, they sit fancily on their owner's laps and yap incessantly. But people forget that a dog, big or small, is still a dog, and how it behaves depends on the owner's attitude and its training. Tiny dogs are just as loving and loyal as a regular sized dog, and are extremely popular with kids and adults alike. Their tiny stature, in some cases, have set records for being the smallest in length or height.
Smallest Dog Ever
The smallest dogs to break records are usually of the Chihuahua or Yorkshire terrier breed. Tiny dog record setters are:
Below are the top four tiny dog breeds and a brief description.
Chihuahua
What a chihuahua lacks in size, he makes up in intellect. Alert and quick with a yappy bark, the chihuahua is territorial and needs patience and kind handling. It requires minimal grooming and little exercise. They are famous "purse dogs". At 6 to 10 inches tall, weighing no more than 6 pounds, it is known as the smallest dog breed. They make excellent watchdogs and are fearless, so they need a firm hand on the leash. They love to challenge dogs twice their size!
Yorkshire Terrier
No 3 on the American Kennel Club's most popular dogs in the U.S. list, the Yorkshire terrier is a sociable, toy dog breed that is alert and lively and devoted to its owner. Standard height is 8 to 9 inches, weight is around 4 to 7 pounds. It is extremely vocal and must be trained to stop yapping. The breed is prized for being highly intelligent and easily trainable. An ideal companion, Yorkies love human company and their long luxurious coats need little grooming. They require moderate exercise because of their highly energetic nature and excel at dog sports.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu means "lion dog" in Chinese and this breed was a royal court dog in 7th century China. This small dog has a distinctive arrogant walk and style, with its nose in the air and tail curved over its back, almost as if to say "im the best"! However it is a companion dog, with good bonding skills and extremely loving. An excellent watchdog, good with kids of all ages, the Shih Tzu is an indoor dog and needs minimal exercising. Even though his long, flowing coat needs grooming, it is a low shedder and stands 8 to 11 inches tall, weighing 9 to 16 pounds. It is ranked 10th on the AKC's most popular dogs list.
Toy Poodle
Fancy, sophisticated, with an oo-lala attitude, the poodle is actually a sensitive, energetic and loving dog, who loves the entire family. A poodle is extremely perceptive of human emotions and moods, and has a distinctive personality of its own. He is great at agility and games, has loads of stamina and needs a good exercise regime. Toy poodles stand 10 inches or below, with ideal weight between 7 to 9 pounds. Poodles need brushing and clipping regularly. Properly clipped and coiffed, the poodle is a stylish small dog breed.
Note:The above breeds are registered as toy group by the American Kennel Club. Other small dogs may come under different groups like the hound.
Other small dog breeds are:
For those dog lovers who live in cities and apartments, where space is a problem, a small dog gives you a compact pet that's still a great dog. What a tiny dog lacks in size, he makes up in warmth and affection. They also need less exercise and grooming as compared to a large dog. Remember, great or small, a dog is a living being and should be treated with respect and love.
- Miniature Dogs
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- Types Of Small Fluffy Dogs
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- Best Small Dog Breeds
Small dogs make fabulous companions, they can fit in your lap, some even in your handbags, and can easily be accommodated in small houses or apartments. Although their size has more or less branded them as show dogs, but they are actually quite observant...
- Types Of Small House Dogs
Many people love to have a pet dog around the house. They are great stress busters and makes one smile. But, with constraint of place, one thinks twice before bringing home a pet dog. Families or single people with small apartments can opt for small...
- Breeds Of Dogs That Stay Small
Small dogs may appear extremely cute and adorable, but as they say, looks may be deceptive! Contrary to their looks, most of the small dog breeds have an aggressive temperament, but enjoy human company to a large extent. There is a large variety...
Dogs
Smallest Dog
"Even the tiniest Poodle or Chihuahua is still a wolf at heart"- Dorothy Hinshaw
Small dogs are often associated with socialites or fashionistas, who like to carry them around in their purses. The epitome of style, they sit fancily on their owner's laps and yap incessantly. But people forget that a dog, big or small, is still a dog, and how it behaves depends on the owner's attitude and its training. Tiny dogs are just as loving and loyal as a regular sized dog, and are extremely popular with kids and adults alike. Their tiny stature, in some cases, have set records for being the smallest in length or height.
Smallest Dog Ever
The smallest dogs to break records are usually of the Chihuahua or Yorkshire terrier breed. Tiny dog record setters are:
- Big Boss, a Yorkie, was 4.7 inches tall and was the smallest dog (height) in 2002.
- Danka, a Chihuahua was the 2007 Guinness world record holder, with 5.4 inches in height and 7.4 inches length.
- Another contender, Ducky, a Chihuahua from Massachusetts, replaced Danka, being 4.9 inches in height and weighing 1.3 pounds!
- The current smallest dog in the world in terms of height is Boo Boo, a 4 inches high, 24 ounce Chihuahua, who eats out of a tea spoon. She's small enough to sit in a woman's shoe.
- Heaven Sent Brandy is another Chihuahua, who is the world's tiniest dog in terms of length. She measures 6 inches in total.
- Sylvia, a Yorkie from England, was the smallest living dog in history. She measured 3.5 inches in height and 2.4 inches in length, and weighed 0.11 kg.
Below are the top four tiny dog breeds and a brief description.
Chihuahua
What a chihuahua lacks in size, he makes up in intellect. Alert and quick with a yappy bark, the chihuahua is territorial and needs patience and kind handling. It requires minimal grooming and little exercise. They are famous "purse dogs". At 6 to 10 inches tall, weighing no more than 6 pounds, it is known as the smallest dog breed. They make excellent watchdogs and are fearless, so they need a firm hand on the leash. They love to challenge dogs twice their size!
Yorkshire Terrier
No 3 on the American Kennel Club's most popular dogs in the U.S. list, the Yorkshire terrier is a sociable, toy dog breed that is alert and lively and devoted to its owner. Standard height is 8 to 9 inches, weight is around 4 to 7 pounds. It is extremely vocal and must be trained to stop yapping. The breed is prized for being highly intelligent and easily trainable. An ideal companion, Yorkies love human company and their long luxurious coats need little grooming. They require moderate exercise because of their highly energetic nature and excel at dog sports.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu means "lion dog" in Chinese and this breed was a royal court dog in 7th century China. This small dog has a distinctive arrogant walk and style, with its nose in the air and tail curved over its back, almost as if to say "im the best"! However it is a companion dog, with good bonding skills and extremely loving. An excellent watchdog, good with kids of all ages, the Shih Tzu is an indoor dog and needs minimal exercising. Even though his long, flowing coat needs grooming, it is a low shedder and stands 8 to 11 inches tall, weighing 9 to 16 pounds. It is ranked 10th on the AKC's most popular dogs list.
Toy Poodle
Fancy, sophisticated, with an oo-lala attitude, the poodle is actually a sensitive, energetic and loving dog, who loves the entire family. A poodle is extremely perceptive of human emotions and moods, and has a distinctive personality of its own. He is great at agility and games, has loads of stamina and needs a good exercise regime. Toy poodles stand 10 inches or below, with ideal weight between 7 to 9 pounds. Poodles need brushing and clipping regularly. Properly clipped and coiffed, the poodle is a stylish small dog breed.
Note:The above breeds are registered as toy group by the American Kennel Club. Other small dogs may come under different groups like the hound.
Other small dog breeds are:
- Affenpinscher
- Beagle
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chinese Crested
- Dachshund
- English Toy Spaniel
- Havanese
- Italian Greyhound
- Japanese Chin
- Maltese
- Manchester Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
- Papillon
- Pekingese
- Pomeranian
- Pug
- Bichon Frise
- Tiny dogs tend to be stubborn, so be patient and consistent while training.
- Exercise your dog regularly. Just because he's small, that does not mean you can ignore his activeness.
- Take your dog out, so that he is comfortable around people and is not shy.
- Be alert around small children. Toy dogs can get injured or even killed by small kids' antics.
- Learn how to brush their teeth to avoid dental issues. Do not use human toothpaste.
- Use a harness for a tiny dog as a collar can damage their throat.
For those dog lovers who live in cities and apartments, where space is a problem, a small dog gives you a compact pet that's still a great dog. What a tiny dog lacks in size, he makes up in warmth and affection. They also need less exercise and grooming as compared to a large dog. Remember, great or small, a dog is a living being and should be treated with respect and love.
- Miniature Dogs
These dogs breeds are very popular due to their tiny size. There are many types of these dogs that are well suited for families with a small backyard or those who live in apartments. These dogs are also very sweet and friendly and can be easily handled...
- Types Of Small Fluffy Dogs
No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich - Louis Sabin The term "small fluffy dogs" brings to mind, celebrities and socialites, with tiny dogs, all dolled up, stuffed in a bag or carried around. But...
- Best Small Dog Breeds
Small dogs make fabulous companions, they can fit in your lap, some even in your handbags, and can easily be accommodated in small houses or apartments. Although their size has more or less branded them as show dogs, but they are actually quite observant...
- Types Of Small House Dogs
Many people love to have a pet dog around the house. They are great stress busters and makes one smile. But, with constraint of place, one thinks twice before bringing home a pet dog. Families or single people with small apartments can opt for small...
- Breeds Of Dogs That Stay Small
Small dogs may appear extremely cute and adorable, but as they say, looks may be deceptive! Contrary to their looks, most of the small dog breeds have an aggressive temperament, but enjoy human company to a large extent. There is a large variety...