20 of the Cutest Tiny Animals from Around the World
Updated: Jan. 27, 2023
You’ll want to take these little critters home in your pocket.
We’ve got puppy dog eyes…
…and bunny, horse, and even frog eyes too. We can’t stop squealing over these adorable tiny animals from around the world. So if you need a little pick-me-up, sit back and scroll through to add some much-needed cuteness to your day. And when you’re done with these, check out these 25 adorable pictures of baby animals you’ll love instantly.
Chihuahua
These little dogs are so tiny that sometimes you don’t even notice when someone is carrying one around in their purse. The smallest Chihuahua ever is named Miracle Milly and measures only 3.8 inches tall. These 50 adorable puppy pictures will melt your heart.
Pygmy marmoset
This tiny creature looks and acts somewhat like a little squirrel, climbing up trees and branches in the rainforests of South America. It weighs about three to five ounces.
Miniature horse
Miniature horses definitely aren’t the smallest animals on this list, but they’re too cute not to include. The smallest living miniature horse is named Thumbelina, and she measures just 17.5 inches tall. Learn about these animals that changed history.
Pygmy rabbit
Pygmy rabbits are the world’s smallest, measuring only nine to 12 inches and weighing less than a pound. The species is endangered and can only be found in Washington state. These 11 endangered baby animals are making a comeback.
Mouse lemur
Mouse lemurs are so tiny that they can fit in the palm of your hand. The smallest species is the Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, which is the world’s smallest primate weighing in at as little as 30 grams. On the other end of the spectrum, here are some of the biggest living animals in the world.
Brookesia micra chameleon
This chameleon is small enough to fit on the head of a match—you might miss it if you don’t look closely. It was discovered in 2012 on the island of Madagascar. Learn about the oldest living animals in the entire world.
Dwarf three-toed jerboa
The dwarf three-toed jerboa is the world’s smallest rodent. It weighs less than an ounce and is about 1.7 inches tall. Some people compare their little bodies to a cotton ball. Take a look at these animals that can change color.
Royal antelope
The royal antelope is the world’s smallest antelope, measuring only ten inches tall and weighing less than seven pounds. This cute little creature lives in the rainforests of Ghana and Sierra Leone, but the chances of you seeing one are very slim because they’re nocturnal. Here are some of the rarest animals on earth.
Paedophryne amauensis frog
This frog is about the size of a housefly—it’s so tiny, it can fit on a dime. Measuring only 7.7 millimeters long, it’s the smallest known animal with a backbone. Watch out for these 15 innocent-looking animals that are surprisingly dangerous.
Bee hummingbird
The bee hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world and weighs less than two ounces. Don’t let its size fool you: It’s tiny but powerful, beating its wings 80 times per second.
Etruscan shrew
The Etruscan shrew is the smallest known mammal by mass, but these tiny animals are stronger than they look. With their extremely quick movements and rapid metabolism, they eat approximately 1.5-2 times their own body weight per day.
Williams’ dwarf gecko
This gecko is unfortunately critically endangered, but can still be found in a small area of Tanzania. Males are an electric blue color while females range from green to bronze. Learn the truth behind 23 animal “facts” you have all wrong.
Speckled padloper tortoise
The speckled padloper tortoise is the world’s smallest species of tortoise. They are strictly herbivores and feed on plants such as endive, chicory, plantains, and dandelions. Find out the strangest animal found in each state.
Hippocampus Denise
The Hippocampus Denise is a master of camouflage at only 2 centimeters long. Don’t miss these other 13 weird deep-sea creatures.
Philippine tarsier
The Philippine tarsier is prevalent in the Philippines, particularly in the southeastern part of the islands. This tarsier is shy, nocturnal, and prefers to live a solitary life within dense vegetation.
Fennec fox
These tiny foxes’ dwell in the Sahara and other locations in Northern Africa. In order to cope with the desert temperatures, they are nocturnal, and their large ears help them radiate body heat.
Hermit crab
There are over 800 species of hermit crabs with notably soft abdomens, unlike the hard abdomens seen in related crustaceans. They protect their soft middle section by carrying around a seashell that they can easily retract into should a predator be nearby.
Northern Pudú
The Northern Pudú is the world’s smallest deer. This furry cutie is native to the Andes mountains and weighs between 7 and 13 pounds. Check out these other 15 adorable animals you didn’t know existed.
Hamster
These tiny rodents have become established as popular house pets. They were not able to be bred as pets until 1939.
Nigerian Dwarf goat
The Nigeran Dwarf goat is a miniature goat of West African origin that’s known for being gentle and lovable. For more cuteness, check out these 60 adorable animals that will make you smile.
Originally Published: August 12, 2020
