Current world record holder for smallest dog, Boo Boo, is facing some big, er, little competition. The tiny long-haired chihuahua who lives in Kentucky measures 10 centimeters tall (that's smaller than an iPhone!). But compared to some other petite pups, she may soon be considered a giant.
This year, a six-month-old Maltese named Scooter has been the talk of the small dog block. According to The New Zealand Herald, the pooch measures just slightly over three inches tall from his feet to the top of his shoulder blade, and according to his owner, he hasn't grown since he was two months old. The diminutive dog is so tiny that he can't be put on leash or taken for a walk. And climbing stairs? Not a chance. He eats from an egg cup and weighs less than a block of butter. If Scooter no longer grows, he could take away little Boo Boo's title, but he's not the only teacup pup with his eye on the prize.
When Teri Schrock first decided to raise miniature horses, she had no idea where it would lead. Now, almost 20 years later, the land around her Michigan home has become a farm filled with unique and exotic miniature animals.
Schrocks' Mini Blessings farm began in 1998, when Schrock's daughter was leaving for college. In addition to the miniature horses, the farm now houses miniature donkeys and zebu, muntjac (miniature) deer, two alpacas, a lop-eared rabbit, a wallaby, fainting goats, a zeedonk (a cross between a zebra and a donkey), miniature babydoll sheep, turkeys, a highlander (a cow with long red hair), numerous barn cats, and two dogs.
Though it's difficult to pick a favorite, Schrock is partial to the miniature horse mare named R-Cee, the female munjac deer, and of course, her dogs. Visitors, however, have another favorite.
Is there anything cuter than a teeny, tiny muntjac deer?
Teri Schrock
Teri's grandson makes sure the miniature horses know where the food is. All kids who visit the farm get a lesson in how to care for, feed, and clean up after the animals.
Teri Schrock
The Highlander, which is a long-haired red cow, gets a little love from one of the resident dogs.
Teri Schrock
Teri Schrock poses with one of her many miniature animals, a zeedonk.
Teri Schrock
This is one helpful hound!
Teri Schrock
"Have food, will travel," says this wallaby.
Teri Schrock
Teri cuddles one of the barn cats in one arm while snuggling a baby miniature horse in the other. Tough job, but somebody's gotta do it.
Teri Schrock
The zebu might be too shy to strike a pose for the camera, but he doesn't mind being the center of attention when it's time to eat!
Teri Schrock
Don't call him a pony! This baby miniature horse already looks ready to run!
Madagascar Day Gecko
The green Madagascar Day Gecko lives in the dry regions of forests in Madagascar and neighboring islands. They usually grow to be between four to six inches long. Their tail makes up almost half of their length.
Getty Images
Camouflage Animals
Argentine Horned Frog Reptiles
The Argentine Horned Frog, also known as the Horned Frog or Pacman Frog, originated in South America. The green and black amphibian, which can grow up to six inches long, is a popular pets and can live for as long as 10 years.
Walkingstick
The Walkingstick takes its camouflage abilities to the next level by creating the appearance of a stick or twig to hide from predators. While they normally stand still, these insects are able to walk around as though they were a twig caught in the wind. They can be found in tropical forests or woodlands all across the world.
Stonefish
Often resembling a rock, the brown colored Stonefish camouflages itself perfectly in the ocean. With 13 venomous dorsal spines on its back, the Stonefish can cause tissue damage and respiratory distress, which can lead to cardiovascular shock if left untreated.
Madagascar Day Gecko
The green Madagascar Day Gecko lives in the dry regions of forests in Madagascar and neighboring islands. They usually grow to be between four to six inches long. Their tail makes up almost half of their length.
Chameleons
Chameleons, the quintessential color-changers, can transform their skin color when their mood, temperature or the amount of light around them is altered. Their hue, which can vary from yellow and pink to brown and black, is also altered when they communicate.
Green Anole
Often confused with chameleons, Green Anoles turn brown when they're stressed or sick. Found in the trees and shrubs of the Southeastern United States, these lizards are popular pets.
The Eastern Wood Frog
The Eastern Wood Frog tricks competitors by changing colors to match its surroundings. Found in North American woodlands, the frog also has a dark black patch from its eye to the base of its front limb that can change colors.