There are some very small breeds of dogs out there, but which ones can you hold in one hand? Here’s a list of the top 10 smallest dog breeds. Did your favorite make the cut? You’ll have to read on to find out!
When it comes to picking a new pup for your family, size is an important factor. Some people want big dogs that they can cuddle up with, while others only want small lapdogs that won’t take up much space at all. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s sure to be something perfect for you here!
Pomeranian
Nowadays, Pomeranians have a status as lapdogs, and they were initially for flocking animals and pulling sleds. Originally, the Pomeranian breed weighed around 30 pounds. Around the 1800s, people bred them to be smaller to be companions rather than working dogs.
Breed Summary
Group: Toy
Height: Below 7 inches
Weight: Below 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Black, chocolate, orange
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Poodle
This breed is known for its intelligence, sociability, and athleticism, making excellent family dogs. Teacup poodles typically weigh around 4 pounds, whereas their standard-sized counterparts weigh approx 45-70 pounds. One of the best traits of poodles, they are low-shedders.
Breed Summary
Group: Toy
Height: Below 10 inches
Weight: Below 6 pounds
Coat and Color: Dense coat, curly; white, apricot, black, and more colors
Life Expectancy: 8-15 years
Yorkshire Terrier
One of the most popular dog breeds in the standard small size category is the Yorkshire terrier. These smaller dogs can weigh around 2-3 pounds, yet they have big-dog personalities. The tiny dogs tend to be vocal, confident and guarding. They are very loving and devoted to their owners’ families.
Breed Summary
Group: Toy
Height: Below 7 inches
Weight: Below 7 pounds
Coat and Color: Silky coat, blue and tan, black and tan, and more colors
Life Expectancy:9-16 years.
