Despite the fact that dwarf dogs are often confused with toy dogs, it is important to highlight that we are dealing with different sizes. Thus, the different international canine organizations determine that there are the following sizes when classifying a breed: toy or miniature, dwarf or small, medium or standard, large and giant.
If you are looking for dwarf dog breeds to adopt the one that best suits your lifestyle, in this article on our site we show all recognized dogs and hybrids that are part of this group.
1. Miniature Poodle
There are four types of poodle that exist, the toy, the dwarf, the medium and the large. Focusing on the one that concerns us here, the dwarf poodle, we can say that it is a dog with a height between 28 and 35 cm at the withers and a weight that oscillates 4- 7 kg In general, its appearance is the same as that of the medium poodle but with a smaller size. In this way, it is a proportionate dog, with curly hair and a woolly texture.
As a curious fact, the dwarf poodle is the longest-living variety of poodle, since it can perfectly reach 20 years of life if it receives all the care it needs.
two. Little Italian Greyhound or Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is one of the smallest types of greyhound out there and, therefore, another of the most popular dwarf dog breeds out there. Its weight is between 4 and 5 kg and its height at the withers varies between 32-38 cm. Like all sighthounds, the Italian stands out for being a stylized, fine and elegant dog. Likewise, he is a calm, quiet and very sensitive dog, although he requires a dose of daily exercise to keep him properly stimulated.
3. Small or Dwarf German Spitz
Ojo! We must not confuse the dwarf German spitz with the Pomeranian (toy or miniature German spitz). Within the German Spitz, the FCI lists five varieties that, mainly, differ in size. In this way, we find the wolf-type spitz, the large spitz, the medium spitz, the small spitz and the toy spitz known as the Pomeranian.
Thus, the Dwarf or Small German Spitz measures around 27 cm at the withers, being one of the smallest dwarf dogs, and weighs about 4-5 kg.
4. Dwarf Peruvian Hairless Dog
As with other breeds already mentioned, we find the Peruvian Hairless Dog in three different sizes: large, medium and small or dwarf. The ideal size for the latter case is 25-40 cm in height at the withers and 4 to 8 kg maximum weight.
The most notable feature of this dwarf dog is the absence of hair, as its name suggests, so that it is one of the most suitable dogs for allergy sufferers. That yes, that it does not have hair does not mean that it does not need care, since its skin, exposed at all times to sunlight and inclement weather, must be cared for to avoid burns, dryness, wounds, etc. As for his character, he stands out for being docile, calm and very protective
5. Dwarf or small Portuguese Podenco
Although we are used to seeing the medium or large Portuguese hound, the truth is that there is also a smaller version, the small Portuguese hound. This type of podenco has a height at the withers of 20-30 cm and a weight of 4-6 kg Similarly, there are two different coats in this breed, and the small size can present any of them: long hair or short hair. Short hair is straight, while long hair is coarser in texture.
As we can see, this is one of the dwarf dog breeds that does not grow much, as it does not exceed 30 cm in height and its weight rarely reaches 6 kg. Regarding his character, is energetic, with a strong personality and a protective instinctBeing such an active dog, he needs a lot of daily exercise, including moments to run but also activities that stimulate his mind, such as tracking exercises.
6. Welsh corgi Cardigan and Pembroke
Both breeds are considered small or dwarf because their height at the withers does not exceed 30 cm Regarding weight, despite its short stature, is usually around 10 kg. This is so because they are dogs that are longer than they are tall, with a more robust and rustic morphology and a heavier bone density.
They are active and intelligent dogs, but they do not usually get along very well with other dogs and strangers if they are not properly socialized. Likewise, it is important to keep in mind that, due to their physical characteristics, these dogs cannot perform all kinds of exercises. For example, very steep jumps or very complex agility circuits are best avoided.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
Despite its name, is not a toy dog, since this type of schnauzer measures 30 to 35 cm to the cross and weight from 4 to 8 kg It is the only variety in which the pure white color is accepted, which is why it is so common to find them in this color.
Without a doubt, this is one of the most popular furry white dwarf dog breeds, both for its cute appearance and for practically not shedding. In addition to this, its coat is characterized by being hard, dense and wired, with a rather rough texture. In terms of temperament, it is a very curious, intelligent, loyal and active dog, but it is also very dependent, since it does not tolerate solitude very well. In fact, it tends to be prone to separation anxiety, which can be identified by noticing destructive behavior when alone, excessive barking, crying, etc.
8. Pug or Pug
One of the most popular and well-known dwarf dog breeds is the Pug, also famous for having appeared in several Hollywood movies. Its compact, rounded and short body are the main physical features that represent this breed. It measures between 25 and 28 cm at the withers and weighs between 6 and 8 kg Precisely because of these physical characteristics, it is essential to carefully control this dog's diet, since who tends to become overweight or obese very easily, something totally counterproductive for their he alth.
This dog is very sociable, affectionate, talkative, playful and funny, but it needs to be accompanied at all times. For this reason, it is not a dog indicated for people who spend many hours away from home. However, it is ideal for families with children, as they love to spend hours and hours playing.
9. Bichons
Both the M altese Bichon, the Havanese Bichon and the Bichon Frize are considered dwarf dogs. The Bolognese, on the other hand, is usually smaller and, therefore, it is more common to find it classified as a toy dog. Going back to the other three breeds, we find the following sizes:
- M altese Bichon: 20-25 cm in height at the withers and 3-4 kg in weight.
- Havanese: 21-29 cm in height at the withers and 4-5 kg in weight.
- Bichon Frisé: 25-29 cm in height at the withers and 5 kg in weight.
We can find the three breeds in white, which is why they are part of the list of the most popular furry white dwarf dogs in the world, since their coat is long, woolly and soft. All three dogs are active, happy and very playful. They need to be properly socialized to learn to relate to other dogs, animals and people, otherwise they tend to be distrustful and even aggressive. Likewise, it is priceless to guarantee that they exercise daily to channel the accumulated energy.
10. Shiba Inu
If you are looking for dwarf dog breeds that also have a really adorable appearance, the shiba inu can become your ideal companion. He measures between 36.5 and 39.5 cmat the withers and weighs about 10 kg, being able to exceed or not reach them. Despite its small size, the shiba can weigh up to 13 kg due to its bone density, since its bones are much stronger and heavier than those of other breeds.
This dog is quite independent, loyal, protective, affectionate, quiet and playful It is perfect for both families with older children (with babies is not as recommended) as for people who live alone and need to be away for a few hours, since it is a dog that tolerates loneliness perfectly. Of course, it is always important to emphasize that it is not appropriate to leave an animal alone for more than 8 hours a day. We emphasize that the shiba is good for older children but not for babies due to its character, which can make it pay attention to the little one if it feels that it bothers him.
eleven. Puggle
In the same way that the above dog breeds are dwarfs, crosses between them will also result in a small dog. The puggle, for example, is a dog born from the cross between a pug and a beagle, which is usually more similar in size to that of the pug.
In general, it usually ranges from 20-38 cm in height at the withers and weighs from 6.5 to 14 kg. Like the pug, the puggle tends to be round, stocky, and rustic in shape.
12. M altipoo
From the cross between a toy poodle and a M altese bichon the M altipoo is born, one of the most adorable dwarf mestizo dogs in the canine world. Due to the fact that one of its parents is not a dwarf but a toy, it is possible that a M altipoo will be born that is also a toy, so here we will focus on the small version. The dwarf m altipoo (not the toy) usually weighs between 4 and 7 kg and has a smooth or wavy coat, dense and with a length similar to that of the M altese.
This dog stands out for being intelligent, like the poodle, active, happy and playful. Of course, it is also common for the bichon to inherit its low tolerance for loneliness, a factor to take into account when adopting it.
13. Miniature Pinscher
As with the schnauzer, despite the name the mini pinscher is considered a dwarf dog, not a toy dog. It measures from 25 to 30 cm at the withers and Weighs from 4 to 6 kg Physically it is very similar to the Doberman, which is why it is sometimes known as "Doberman miniature", however and as a curious fact, the mini pinscher is much older than the doberman. Actually, it is the smaller version of the German Pinscher.
This is a dog that is affectionate with its family unit, but distrustful of strangers, which is why correct socialization is essential. Likewise, he is curious, active and strong-willed
Other dwarf dogs
The above are not the only dwarf dog breeds, there are many more and below we list some, both purebred and mestizo dogs:
- Border terrier
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Brussels Griffon
- Belgian Griffon
- Shih-poo
- Bullhuahua
- Cavapoo
- Cavachon
- Yorkie poo
- Morkie
- Cockapoo
- Cavalier King Charles spaniel
- Dandie dinmont terrier
Dogs such as the chihuahua, the yorkshire terrier or the Prague mouse are not dwarfs, but toys, which is why they are not part of this list.