#4 Smallest Dogs: Dorkie- 5-to-9 Inches
The Dorkie is a cross between Mini Dachshund and the Yorkshire Terriers. These dogs usually weigh between 5-and-12 pounds and stand between 5-and-9-inches tall. Black and tan is the most common color combination, but they can be chocolate and tan, fawn and tan, or gray and tan. They can be dapple, brindle, piebald or sable.
Since their lineage on both sides were hunting dogs, you can expect this designer pooch to have strong prey instincts. Many owners report that they attach themselves to one person. They are often wary around young children. Try limiting the amount of jumping that this dog does as they are prone to intervertebral disk disease.
#8 Broodle Griffon – 6-to-11 Inches
Broodle griffons stand between 6-and-11 inches tall. Typically, they weigh between 6 and 12 pounds. This cross between a poodle and a Brussels griffon may also be called brussapoo, brusapoo, brus-A-Poo or griffinpoo.
The head of the Broodle griffon can take after either parent, but it is seldom a mixture of both. This dog can have a wavy, smooth, or curly coat.
If you are looking for a hypogenic dog, consider those with a curly coat. If the dog has a curly coat, expect to spend more time grooming it. This dog is eager to please her owners so that makes training much easier.
Griffs have a high degree in intelligence and form an especially strong bond to their owners. As with many other toy breeds, potty-training and house breaking can take some extra time and effort. Broodle Griffons are very sensitive and they don’t respond well to harsh training methods. They are lovable and need to be loved in return.
The mal-shi is a cross between the Maltese and the Shih Tzu breeds. They stand between 6-and-10-inches tall and should weigh between 6-and-12 pounds. Most are gutsy and gregarious and love people. Therefore, they often make great therapy dogs. This dog does best when he has a place to romp.
The Mal-shi is prone to heat-aggravated respiratory problems, so if you live in a warmer area, share your air conditioning with your pet. While this dog requires little clipping, you do need to brush it daily. Typically, these dogs do very well in homes with other dogs and children.
The chorkie is a designer pooch and is a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a Chihuahua. They should be between 6-and-9-inches tall and weigh between 2-and-8 pounds. They may also be known as a Yorkiechi. Any color combination is possible, but most have a noticeable grizzled appearance because of their Yorkshire heritage. Unlike some designer pups, you cannot breed two chorkies together and get a similar-looking dog, so a Yorkshire terrier and a chihuahua must be bred each time.
While one-or-two baths a month is generally enough, watch for hair growth inside this breed’s ears. This blocks the air from flowing into the air, which can cause ear infections. Frequent ear infections can lead to deafness.
#3 Smallest Dogs: Mini Dachshund – 5-to-9 Inches
The mini dachshund can weigh up to 11 pounds and stands 5-to-9 inches tall. Its hanging ears on its oval head add to the lovable look of this dog. This breed can be red, tan, or yellow, or a combination of the three. They are brilliant dogs that can quickly get bored. Their coats can be smooth, long-haired, or wire-haired.
The mini dachshund is a highly loyal dog, but it can take the animal a while to warm up to outsiders. They have a long spine and a short rib cage, which can lead to back problems. Most have almost boundless energy.
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