Little-Known Facts About the 10 Most Popular Small Dog Breeds

Famous royals and rulers have long been fans of the Pug. Admirers include King Louis XIV; Joséphine de Beauharnais, empress to Napoleon; Queen Victoria; and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

It may seem unthinkable nowadays, but back in ancient Greece and Rome, Maltese dogs were popular as trade goods. Can you imagine swapping this little white pup for a few clay pots?

Revered as the national dog of Cuba, the Havanese descended from the now-extinct "Blanquito de la Habana" (which means “little white dog of Havana”). The Blanquito descended from the Bichon Tenerife, a breed that also no longer exists.

Due to the Chihuahua's small size, many people assume they're gentle lap dogs. But they are typically pretty feisty and can have a Terrier-like attitude.

The Boston Terrier is famous for his dashing black-and-white tuxedo coat, but it also comes in brindle or seal with white markings.

The original Pomeranian weighed 20 to 30 pounds — much larger than the three to seven pounds he typically weighs today.

Long revered by nobility, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was especially popular with the Stuart royal family. In fact, it was England’s King Charles I and his son, Charles II (both Stuarts), who lent their names to the little dogs.

It’s believed that Tibetan monks bred the Shih Tzu to be a tiny replica of a lion, which is associated with Buddhist mythology.

Thanks to his wiry coat, the Miniature Schnauzer usually doesn’t shed very much, which may make him more tolerable to people who are allergic to dogs. But it’s important to keep in mind that dog dander and saliva — not fur — is what usually triggers allergies. So be wary if breeders try to guarantee that their dogs are hypoallergenic.

Did you know that Yorkies aren’t born with their signature blue-and-tan coats? Puppies are born with black coats, which develop into the breed's classic coloring as they grow.