17 of the world's smallest dog breeds

"Dachshunds, especially the Miniature Smooth Haired variety, have become popular in recent years, partially due to their size which makes them suitable for smaller houses and apartments, and also because of their lively and comical nature," Bill Lambert, a Kennel Club spokesperson previously told Country Living.

These small dog breeds usually weigh between 16 and 32 pounds, while Miniature Dachshunds of all varieties weigh 11 pounds and under at maturity.

Famous for being one of the world's smallest dog breeds, the Chihuahua typically weighs between two and six pounds, standing at just six to nine inches tall. They might be small in size, but they are energetic pups that will keep you on your toes.

Papillons are classified as a toy breed, averaging between eight and 11 inches in height. They are happy, alert and friendly pups that make great companions in pretty much any setting.

These tiny pups, adored by the Queen, are about 10 to 12 inches tall and weigh no more than 30 pounds.

"Corgis are friendly, outgoing and intelligent dogs suitable for owners with different lifestyles," say the Kennel Club. "They need a moderate amount of exercise but will not mind more active owners. Their small size means that Corgis will be happy in town or countryside as long as they have a small garden to enjoy."

Highly adaptable Yorkshire Terriers are among one of the smallest breeds, standing only six or seven inches tall. These lap dogs are perfect for cuddles on the sofa.

Standing just 12.5 inches tall at most and weighing in at around 10 pounds, the Miniature Pinscher is also among one of the world's smallest breeds.

Shih Tzu are classified in the toy group in most countries given their size. Typically a Shih Tzu will grow to be about eight to 11 inches with a weight of nine to 16 pounds. Plus, as with most toy breeds, Shih Tzu's are quick to mature - reaching adult size by about 10 months.

"Beagles are loyal and active dogs that love their owners," the Kennel Club previously told us. "They have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise, so would fit an active owner or family that loves to spend time outdoors and exploring. A garden with a very sturdy fence is absolutely essential in order to keep a Beagle safe and secure."

These small pups tend not to grow taller than 40cm, so are perfect for those living in flats.

Cairn Terriers are considered intelligent, loyal family pets that adapt to most environments. Cheerful and alert, these small pups stand only nine to 10 to inches tall, are about 15 inches in length and weigh about 13 or 14 pounds.

"The Cocker Spaniel is the third most popular breed in the UK, and being both a wonderful family dog and a skilled working breed, they are a real all-rounder," the Kennel Club previously told us.

"They would be happy in most sized homes as long as they have enough mental stimulation and physical exercise."

These small and sturdy dogs are compact, typically weighing around 10 to 25 pounds. With a sleek and shiny coat, they are usually good with children and love to play with their owners.

Pomeranian are one of the most highly-sought after dog breeds in America. They typically stand around 7 to 12 inches tall and can weigh between 3 to 7 pounds. But, although Poms may be small, they don’t always act that way. They are known for challenging larger dogs.

Being less than seven pounds, the Maltese is classified as a toy breed. Their glamorous white coat makes them a highly-sought after show dog, while their gentle and fearless nature makes them the perfect companion.

This Bichon Frise is a cheerful small dog that weighs approximately 6–11 kilograms (10–20 pounds). With a playful character, these pups relish being the centre of attention.

The Havanese pup has many admirers thanks to its long, silky hair, and expressive eyes. Although they are small, they are easy to train and can stand up to themselves.

These sweet and gentle pups, with large brown eyes, stand 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 13 to 18 pounds. With their small stature, they are adorable dogs that make excellent companions. Are you lucky enough to own one?

The average toy poodle stands at around 10 inches tall, making them perfect for apartment dwellers. With a slender muzzle and a long neck, they are most famous for their curly coat.