Extreme Pets – Largest, Smallest, Heaviest & Lightest Dogs & Cats in the World

Our pets give us so much pleasure and research has shown they do us a tremendous amount of good health-wise too. Popular pets like dogs and cats come is just about every shape, size, colour and from one extreme to the other. There are huge dogs to tiny canines, large felines to dinky little short-legged cats and they all make wonderful companions and family pets. Below are a few of the "extreme" cats and dogs which over time have become seriously popular pets!

Tallest Dog Breed – The Irish Wolfhound

When it comes to tall, it doesn't much taller than the Irish Wolfhound which could be mistaken for a pony when it comes to size. Some of these magnificent dogs can be anything from 30 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder. However, Irish Wolfhounds sadly, don't have very long life-spans which tend to be only between 6 to 8 years but with this said, they are gorgeous canines and a sheer pleasure to be around.

Smallest Dog Breed -The Chihuahua

Although Chihuahuas might boast being among the smallest dogs on the planet they certainly have the biggest personalties. Cute, fiercely loyal this is one feisty little canine that has absolutely no idea of how small they really are. The Chihuahua is one of the best choices as a companion for people who live in apartments!

Largest Cat Breed – The Savannah

A male Savannah can weigh anything up to 30 lbs with the females being just slightly smaller. Highly intelligent, this lovely breed is a hybrid and unlike other felines, they just love being around and it water. Savannahs boast very dog-like traits and will follow their owners around whenever they can, being extremely loyal and affectionate felines that just love to be involved in everything that goes on!

Smallest Cat Breed – The Singapura

Among some of the smallest cats in the world, the Singapura can weigh in at a mere 4 to 6 lbs. However, these little felines boast tons of energy and character being very curious and inquisitive by nature. For a cat that's so small, this little creature tends to be a little bit bossy and likes to know about everything that goes on in "their" household!

Heaviest Dog Breed – The English Mastiff

An English Mastiff can weigh in at an enormous 200 lbs which is often larger than most people! Powerful, majestic and huge, these dogs are gentle and loyal giants. However, they do tend to drool quite a lot which you need to know about if you are hoping to share your home with one.

Lightest Dog Breed – Chihuahua

As well as being the smallest dog breed, the Chihuahua is also generally the lightest recognised dog breed. These dinky little canines might be among the smallest on the planet but they boast huge, feisty personalities.

Cat Breed with Shortest Legs – The Munchkin

Munchkins may be short in the leg department but they are long on personality. Full of energy, these adorable looking cats are simply a joy to be around. They are extrovert by nature and just adore being in the company of the people they love! They have become one of the most popular breeds on the planet.

Cat Breed with Longest Legs – The Savannah

Servals boast long legs and are exotic African wild cats which were used to develop the now popular and sought after Savannah cats which have become such great family pets. The Serval boasts long legs which helps them pick up the speed they need to hunt and chase down their prey out in the wild and the Savannah cat has inherited this trait!

Fastest Dog Breed – The Greyhound

Greyhounds are among the fastest dogs on the planet and have kept spectators at the races on the edge of the chairs for decades! This elegant looking dog may appear fragile but they are more than capable of running at around 44 miles an hour. However, by nature they are among the softest natured dogs around and just love curling up on the sofa with their owners!

Fastest Cat Breed – The Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is a fast feline if ever there was one. Capable of running up to 30 miles an hour, these elegant cats boasts very long hind legs. They are also incredibly good jumpers which means they can reach heights other cats cannot! If you are hoping to get an Egyptian Mau, be prepared to have some very high fences put up around your garden!

Least Hairy Dog Breed – The Mexican Hairless

The Mexican Hairless otherwise known as the Xoloitzcuita is a small canine that only weighs in at around 4 to 20 kg – and as their name suggests they are completed hairless. However, as this is a spontaneous mutation, some puppies in a litter can have hair whereas others don't! They are busy canines that don't really reach maturity until they are two years old.

Least Hairy Cat Breed — The Sphynx

The Sphynx is an adorable looking little feline with their wrinkly faces and gorgeous almond-shaped eyes and massive bat-like ears. A Sphynx cat has fine, silky down all over their bodies but otherwise they are completely hairless! They are lovely characters that are a joy to have around with their cute alien-like looks and very vocal natures.

Oldest Dog Breed — The Saluki

One of the oldest breeds on the planet, the elegant Saluki is thought to have been around as early as 329 BC in Egypt. Charming and loyal, the Saluki is a stunning looking dog and very capable hunter that boasts very cat-like traits! Today, the breed has found its way into many people's hearts and homes because they are gentle, affectionate and loyal pets.

Oldest Cat Breed – The Egyptian Mau

Thought to be one of the most ancient cat breeds in the world, the Egyptian Mau is a splendid looking feline that's incredibly swift on their feet too! They boast very loyal natures with very dog-like traits. There's nothing they like more than to be involved in everything that goes on in the home and will follow you around much like a dog would.