1. Toy Russiky
First up is the Russian Toy Terrier, also known as "Toychik." This breed was once popular among Russian nobility and is highly intelligent, loyal, and loving.
2. Brisley griffon
The Brisley griffon may be small, but don't be fooled - it's a highly intelligent hunting dog that excels at catching mice. With a variety of fur colors, including dark red, beige, black, and brown, this breed is said to have facial expressions similar to humans. Despite their tiny size, they make great guard dogs and are easy to train.
3. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin has been a beloved companion in Japan for over a thousand years. This polite and smart breed is known for its quick learning, although it can sometimes be stubborn. At a maximum height of 30 cm, this sociable and curious pup is loyal to its owner and gets along well with other animals and strangers.
4. Maltese
The Maltese is a breed that dates back to 1,500 BC and was first discovered in the area around the island of Malta by the Phoenicians. It is a small breed, with a maximum height of 25 cm, and enjoys receiving attention. Even in old age, the Maltese remains mischievous and may exhibit aggression at times. This breed is also known for its territorial nature and high self-confidence, which can lead to frequent barking when feeling threatened.
5. Pomeranian
Did you know that the Pomeranian, despite its tiny size, comes from large sled dogs like the Husky, Malamute, and Samoyed? This breed is quite ancient, as evidenced by bronze statues and skeletons found in Egyptian tombs. Even though they can weigh only up to 2.8 kg, Pomeranians are known to fiercely protect their loved ones by attacking larger dogs
6. Miniature Dachshund
The dachshund breed may be small, but did you know that there's an even tinier version? Meet the miniature dachshund, one of the smallest dogs in the world! Don't let their size fool you - they're very friendly and sociable. They may bark at strangers for a while, but if they see them again, they'll greet them with open paws.
7. Pekingese
The Pekingese dog breed is a well-known toy breed that originated in China. They have long, flowing fur and a distinctive flat face. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and are known for being loyal and affectionate to their owners. The Pekingese is a popular breed among many households today, but in China, it was once a favorite companion of the nobility. Buddhists used the lion as a symbol of bravery, so they began breeding the Pekingese, which closely resembled the lion, due to the lack of lions in their country. This breed is small, with a maximum height of 23 cm, and is known for being a loving and serene dog.
8. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, an ancient dog breed from China, has been around for over 8,000 years. Originally a dog of the Chinese nobility, it was brought to Europe in the early 20th century and later to Western countries like England and the USA by soldiers returning from World War II. Standing at an average height of 30 cm, the Shih Tzu is easy to train but requires significant grooming and brushing.
9. Schipperke
The breed was initially the companion of Bulgarian sailors and earned the nicknames "deck Belgians" and "miniature ship captain" due to their expertise in catching pests. It is recognized as the world's smallest shepherd breed, although some classify it as a terrier or spitz. Schipperke dogs are predominantly black, but there are also golden or brown variations. They can grow up to 33 cm in height.
10. Papion
The Papion, a small dog breed originating from France and Belgium, is believed to be a crossbreed of several Northern Spitz types. With a maximum height of 28 cm, the Papion has a distinctive white spot on its head and a coat that suggests its hybrid origins. While it is a calm and comfortable dog indoors, it loves to play and release energy outdoors. The Papion is a spoiled dog that requires a lot of attention and love, but it is also easy to train.
11. Miniature Schnauzer
It is one of the 20 most popular breeds for breeding in the USA, Great Britain and Germany, with the first of its kind recorded in 1888 and shown for the first time at an exhibition in 1899. Its body shape is square and its height reaches a maximum of 36 cm. This is a very intelligent breed that knows how to give affection, but requires a lot of attention and likes to be the center of attention.
12. Biewer Terrier
Although it is the smallest among the terrier breeds and can weigh up to 3 kg, it has a lot of energy and is known for its bravery, loyalty, intelligence and love for adventure. Due to its gentle and loving nature, it is an ideal pet for children.
13. Lancashire Heeler
The Lancashire Heeler was initially bred to move livestock and control pests. Yet, nowadays, it is widely kept as a delightful pet in the UK. Though resembling the Corgi, it is much smaller, weighing up to 6 kg. Each Heeler has a unique personality, some being active and others sluggish, yet all enjoy playing with balls. They are affectionate towards unknown people but can be hostile if they feel their territory is threatened.
14. Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano is a Spitz breed of dog that is similar in size and shape to a Pomeranian, but is much rarer. Its origin is traced back to Italy, with remains found indicating its presence as early as 4,000 BC. In 1888, Queen Victoria of England bought several Volpino Italiano dogs upon arriving in Florence, and it quickly became a popular pet among both the upper and lower classes in England.
15. Bichon Frisé
The Bichon Frisé is a small breed of dog that is known for its fluffy white coat and playful personality. Originally from the Mediterranean, this dog was bred as a companion animal and is still popular in that role today. They are a great choice for families with children or other pets, as they are friendly and affectionate. Although they require regular grooming to maintain their fluffy coat, they are generally low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies. Overall, the Bichon Frisé is a delightful and charming little dog that brings joy and companionship to its owners.
Photo sources:
Ger Dekker,
Frans de Wit,
Ann,
SheltieBoy,
Layla1985,
SheltieBoy,
Brittany Randolph,
marneejill,
Beautiful Meadow,
mrRobot,
Osrin,
Total Verhext,
