Small but Mighty: the Dog Breed That Stays Tiny

There's no denying how popular dogs are. In the United States, they rank as the top pets in the nation with 65.1 million households owning a canine (cats came in second residing in 46.5 million households). The exact number of dog breeds is not entirely known and differs per country. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are 200 recognized dog breeds, yet the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes around 339.

Added to the recognized breeds are the hundreds of mixed breeds, or mutts, that are always up for adoption and it can make choosing a dog rather difficult. There are several factors to consider some of which include size, temperament, age, personality, and gender. While all dogs are perfect, most American homes have a preference for smaller pups because they believe costs will be less, although this isn't always the case.

Many of the small breeds listed here may have started as working dogs but even the best-bred hunters are more likely to be at home on a couch or bed than in a field. Affectionate, loyal, and curious, many of the smallest breeds have a mighty spirit that betrays their diminutive frames.

To compile a list of the world's smallest dog breeds, 24/7 Tempo consulted a range of pet publications including Highland Canine Training. Next, we selected dog breeds below 20 pounds. After that, we consulted sites like the American Kennel Club and Britannica to confirm aspects of each breed's characteristics. (For pups that cost a pretty penny, discover 10 of the most expensive dog breeds.)

• Height: 10 to 12 inches
• Weight: 10 to 15 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The pinscher subset of breeds was created to act as both a good mousing dog and a loyal companion. The breed first appeared in records in the late 19th century in Germany, though the general pinscher breed was known since at least the 1600s. The affenpinscher features a dark, shaggy coat and a monkey-like face.

Which is fitting as the German word "affe" means monkey. As for their temperament, affenpinschers are charmers and enjoy being entertaining and affectionate. They do have a stubborn streak, however, most evident when it comes to territoriality with their toys.

• Height: 7 to 12 inches
• Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Though Pomeranians are classified as toy dogs, they are descended from larger spitz varieties like the German spitz. Named after the Pomerania region that straddles Germany and Poland, the Pomeranian gained a reputation as a royal dog after Queen Victoria raised one. Compact but sturdy, this breed features a thick, electric-textured coat as well as a plumed tail that sits high.

As for color, they can have red, black, brown, or even white coats. Temperament-wise, Pomeranians are usually fun and lively but are known to be barkers. They enjoy being at the center of attention, and even with proper training, are adept at getting what they want from their owners. (For other breeds with a stubborn streak, discover the hardest dogs to train.)

• Height: 8 to 11 inches
• Weight: 7 to 9 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

Compared to other small dogs, the Japanese Chin features quite a range of sizes. Their origin is disputed, as some say they are descended from Chinese breeds while others say they were first given as gifts to the empress of Japan by envoys from the Korean peninsula. Japanese Chins have an upper and lower coat as well as a distinctly feline facial look.

Normally, the Chin features a black and white coat, though some variants have a red and white coat. It is an alert and independent breed and features cat-like traits such as sitting on high surfaces, and they were originally bred to be companion dogs with a flair for tricks, such as "singing" or doing the "Chin Spin." While typically a friendly breed, the Japanese Chin can be defensive.

• Height: 8 to 10 inches
• Weight: 7 to 9 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The Maltese has a long, silky-white coat and a tail that curves over its back. Bred to be a companion or ornamental dog, these small dogs are affectionate but calm. It is also considered a hypoallergenic dog since it doesn't shed. The origin of the Maltese is disputed. Some say they may be descended from the spitz variety, but evidence points to more Ancient origins.

Representations of Maltese-like dogs are featured on pottery from 500 BC in the Mediterranean region. There are countless mentions of this breed, or at least an older variant, in Ancient Greek and Roman apocrypha.

• Height: 3 to 9 inches
• Weight: 2 to 7 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world and while the exact origins of the modern Chihuahua are disputed, evidence suggests they bear some relation to ancient dogs brought to the North American continent via the Bering Strait some 10,000 years ago. It is believed the small, nearly hairless dogs mentioned by Conquistadors are related to this breed. The first Chihuahua registered with the American Kennel Club, however, was in 1904.

As for their appearance, Chihuahuas feature apple-shaped or deer-shaped skulls with coats varying in colors as well as lengths. A lap dog by nature, this breed is charming and loyal and often bears a big-dog attitude. As such, they are often aggressive with other dogs and small children. An ideal city breed, the Chihuahua still requires strong training.

• Height: 5 to 7 inches
• Weight: 4 to 7 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years

The Yorkshire terrier is believed to have descended from different terrier dog varieties like the Paisley terrier and Skye terrier. Though they first functioned as ratters, the Yorkshire terrier now acts as a companion or show dog. This breed has a long, silky, impressive coat that usually comes in light brown and grey or black and brown.

Though they appear dainty, the Yorkshire terrier is confident, even bossy, and often moves with an innate sense of royalty. They are, however, usually good with children and other dogs.

• Height: 10 to 13 inches
• Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years

The modern pug has traces in the ancient world but became best known after Chinese merchants brought them to Europe. There, they were popularized by the Dutch Royal House of Orange and the Scottish Royal House of Stuart. A lively and affectionate companion dog, the pug features a distinct flat-faced but wrinkled visage, short, strong legs, and a coat that ranges in colors from white to black, with some featuring a slight russet shade.

The Latin motto of the breed is "multum in parvo," which means "much in little." As such, the pug is a fun, playful, and loving breed that is often eager to please. They get along well with everyone, including children and other dogs. Due to their distinctive mug, they are often beset by health problems.

• Height: 9 to 12 inches
• Weight: 4 to 9 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years

The toy fox terrier traces its lineage to the smooth fox terrier, which was the first fox terrier variety registered with the Kennel Club of Britain in the late 19th century. Like all terriers, it has innate hunting and ratting abilities. This breed features a short, glossy, mostly white coat and a muscular look despite its small frame. It also features distinctive, upturned, V-shaped ears.

As for their temperament, the toy fox terrier is lively, deceptively intelligent, and prefers the lap as much as the hunt. Due to their intelligence, they respond well to training, even learning to respond to several words.

• Height: 10 to 12 inches
• Weight: 9 to 15 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Much like its cousin the Pomeranian, the Volpino Italiano is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world. A breed of the spitz variety, there is evidence of this dog existing since ancient times. Italian interest in the breed was renewed in the 1960s, however, after American breeders used this variant to create toy Eskimo dogs.

A remarkably symmetrical dog, the Volpino Italiano has a body length usually equal to its height. They feature a relatively long coat that comes in white, deep red, or black. Highly athletic and innately affectionate, the Volpino Italiano loves to run as much as jump right into your lap. They are smart and require constant stimulation lest they grow bored. While usually loving with family, they can be suspicious of children or other dogs.

• Height: 9 to 12 inches
• Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years

Possibly the most cheerful dog in the world is the bichon frisé. Though often depicted as a French dog, it is believed the breed has Spanish origins, descending from water dogs and later, poodles. Historically, the bichon frisé was a world traveler, often used as bartering tools by merchants due to their sunny disposition. Starting in the 13th century, the breed became associated with royal courts such as the court of the king of France, Henry III.

Appearance-wise, the bichon frisé features a flat yet rounded skull; dark, round eyes; and a black button nose. Their coat is their most defining feature, however, featuring a shock of curly or corkscrew white hair. Historically lauded for their temperament, the breed is curious, friendly, and lives for socializing. They can, however, become territorial.

• Height: 8 to 11 inches
• Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

The papillon might just be one of the cutest breeds. Also called the continental toy spaniel, the papillon is one of the oldest spaniel varieties. Many representations of the breed come to us through famous works of art from classic painters like Titian and Watteau. They also have a strong association with royalty; it is said that Marie Antoinette walked to the guillotine holding a papillon under her arm.

Though technically a spaniel, the papillon is so named for the French word for "butterfly" due to their distinct, butterfly-wing-shaped ears. Though they come in a range of colors, typically said color is reserved for the fur on their face and back of the head. An elegant if not dainty breed, the papillon is also upbeat, athletic, and deceptively agile.

Though they are great with families and small children, they can act aloof around other dogs. An incredibly intelligent dog, the papillon can be taught all manner of tricks with relative ease.

• Height: 10 to 11 inches
• Weight: 15 to 20 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years

The Australian terrier was created in Australia but is descended from various British varieties like the Cairn terrier, the Skye terrier, and even the Yorkshire terrier. When first bred in Australia, they were called the rough-coated terrier. By the time of their official registration in the later 19th century, the breed was renamed the Australian terrier.

Sharing similar characteristics to its cousin the Yorkshire terrier, the Australian terrier features a long, shaggy coat on its body that shortens at the muzzle up to its head. While their tails were typically docked, if left unchanged, their tails stand up at attention. Color-wise, the Australian terrier ranges from black and brown to more silver and blue.

They are known for their strong spirit and natural ratting ability. Intelligent and an ever-alert watchdog, this breed can be taught many tricks with ease. They also get along with others, including children and dogs.

• Height: 9 to 10 inches
• Weight: 8 to 14 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

While its official name is the English toy spaniel, this small dog breed is also known as the King Charles spaniel. Believed to originate in the Far East, this breed became inextricably linked to royalty after English nobility began adopting them in the 16th century. At various times, the English toy spaniel was the favorite of King Charles II (its namesake), Queen Victoria, and Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia.

Don't be fooled by their noble reputation; this breed is a lively, agile, and distinctly proud dog. While they are noticeably selective with their affection, they are extremely affectionate and curious with family members. Nevertheless, they are usually good with strangers and other dogs.

• Height: 11 to 13 inches
• Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 13 to 18 years

The Chinese crested may be one of the most distinctive-looking small breeds. Don't be fooled by their name, however, as the origins of the Chinese crested breed are murky, to say the least. Similar dogs were seen by Spanish explorers around modern-day Mexico, and European explorers spotted them in Africa and Asia. Ultimately, this breed is believed to originate in Central America or Africa.

With a distinct hairless appearance, save for their feet and head, the Chinese crested also has variants with full hair called the powderpuff. As for their temperament, the Chinese crested is a frolicking, highly affectionate breed that does well in households and family units.

• Height: 10 to 12 inches
• Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

While there is historical evidence in artwork depicting the miniature pinscher centuries ago, actual documentation places the development of the miniature pinscher around 200 years ago. Bred for hunting small vermin, the miniature pinscher is believed to descend from varieties like the dachshund and the Italian greyhound.

Miniature pinschers feature a compact frame and short, smooth coats in a variety of colors, as well as a distinct high-stepping gait. Don't be fooled by their slight size, as miniature pinschers feature an enviable confidence and self-possessed spirit. Though fearless, this breed is known to suffer from separation anxiety. (For more burgeoning breeds, discover the newest dog breeds you've probably never heard of before.)