In recent years, we’ve had a fascination with smaller and smaller dogs. “Teacup” breeds, the subject of much debate, have been created for almost every already-tiny breed. Many of America’s most popular breeds, like the Chihuahua and Pomeranian, weigh less than ten pounds. While we may be used to fairly small canines living in our midst, it’s hard not to be wowed by what seems to be the world’s smallest adult dog.
Milly, Short in Stature but Big in Heart
Milly, a purebred Chihuahua, has a big claim to fame: being the world’s smallest dog. And when we say small, we mean it. Milly is barely larger than most pocket pets. She weighs a single pound and is less than four inches tall. For scale, the average guinea pig weighs two to two and a half pounds — over twice Milly’s weight! Milly is often known as “Miracle Milly”, and she holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s smallest dog. Milly is also pretty spoiled. She sleeps in a baby’s crib and is fed only human foods by her dog parents. She may be small, but her demands certainly aren’t!
How Small Is Too Small?
While Milly is certainly precious, don’t rush off to buy the smallest canine you can find. The smallest of small dogs are often prized for pocket pet-like qualities. This includes less exercise, small portions of food, and the ability to easily pick them up and cuddle. But despite their size, these canines still have complex emotions. They require just as much training and individualized attention as any other dog. They may even be harder to care for than most pups. They need more bathroom breaks, have health conditions related to their size, and more. If you want a truly tiny dog, consider rescuing, or at least do a thorough background check on your breeder first.
