Toy dog breeds are a popular choice for many people due to their small size, portability, and affectionate nature. These breeds are typically under 12 inches tall and weigh less than 15 pounds. They come in a variety of colors and coat types, and have been selectively bred to be small through several generations.
Toy dogs were traditionally kept as symbols of affluence, as watchdogs, and for the health function of attracting fleas away from their owners. Today, toy dogs are known for their affectionate and tactile personalities, low exercise requirements, and social nature.
You are reading: 10 Types Of Toy Dog Breeds
In this article, we will explore 10 types of toy dog breeds, their natural instincts, behavior and personality traits, and whether they are the right fit for you.
10 Types Of Toy Dog Breeds
Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is a small breed of dog that is known for its intelligence, trainability, and affectionate nature. According to the American Kennel Club, Toy Poodles are agile, graceful, and excel in a variety of canine sports. They are highly trainable and eager to please their owners, making them a great choice for families and first-time dog owners.
Toy Poodles have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. They are gentle with children and other pets, but all interactions between dogs and kids should be supervised due to their small size.
Toy Poodles are charismatic family pets that love to be the center of attention and are well-suited to life in smaller spaces thanks to their petite size.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a small breed of dog that is known for its big personality, loyalty, and affectionate nature. They are charming, smart, and sassy, and are beloved by owners for their unique appearance and personality.
Chihuahuas are incredibly popular pets and those owners who care for them consider themselves Chihuahua fans for life. They are playful and enjoy a good romp or game, even though it may not last long depending on their energy level.
Chihuahuas have a unique personality and can be quite an affectionate and loyal companion dog. They are relatively low-maintenance dogs, but they do require regular grooming.
Chihuahuas are not recommended for homes with other pets, as they can be possessive and aggressive towards other animals. They are also known for being feisty and independent, but they can be good with children, although they may be too small and fragile for rough play.
Maltese
The Maltese is a small and affectionate toy dog breed that is known for its trademark silky, white fur that accentuates its big, dark eyes. They are lively, playful, and vigorous, and generally enjoy learning tricks. Maltese dogs are very intelligent and trainable, and they are eager to please their owners. They are also very good with children and other pets.
Maltese tend to be very affectionate with their family, but their watchdog tendencies can make them somewhat defensive around strangers. They can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training, and they are a medium-energy breed.
The Maltese is a diminutive dog weighing from four to six pounds, and the body is compact with sloping shoulder blades. The tufted tail is carried gracefully over the back, and the neck is elegantly structured to promote high carriage of the head.
The head is well-proportioned to the body, and the skull is slightly rounded. The drop ears are low set and heavily feathered, and the eyes are dark, the nose black, and the muzzle of medium length and slightly tapered. The long, silky coat that sweeps or hangs close to the ground gives the Maltese an almost ornamental appearance.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as Yorkie, is a small toy dog breed that is native to England. They are known for their long, silky coat that is often black and tan, and their perky topknot that gives them a glamorous appearance.
Despite their small size, Yorkies have a big personality and are energetic, feisty, and domineering, but also affectionate and playful. They are known for their loyalty and affection towards their families and can form strong bonds with their owners.
Yorkies are generally friendly with house guests and family members if they are socialized properly as puppies. However, they may not be suitable for homes with young children who like to play rough and haven’t been taught how to respect a dog’s boundaries.
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Yorkies are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn with house training. They require regular grooming to keep their long, silky coat from getting tangled and matted.
Yorkies are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and don’t require a large yard. In this section, we have explored the characteristics and care of the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small toy dog breed that originated from Tibet and is believed to be bred from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso. They are known for their short snouts, large round eyes, long coat, floppy ears, and short and stout posture.
The Shih Tzu is a sturdy dog with a small muzzle and normally has large dark brown eyes. They have a soft and long double coat that will tangle and mat easily if not brushed at least every 2 or 3 days.
A Shih Tzu should stand no more than 26.7 cm (10 1⁄2″) at the withers and with an ideal weight of 4.0 to 7.5kg (9 to 17 lb). Shih Tzus are well known for their playful personality and their calm and friendly temperament, and sometimes may bark at newcomers. They are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn with house training.
Shih Tzus are generally friendly with house guests and family members if they are socialized properly as puppies. They are also known for being affectionate and loyal to their families.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small toy dog breed that is known for its affectionate, active, and family-friendly nature. They are often called the perfect lap dog and are one of the largest and most popular toy dog breeds.
Cavaliers are known for their silky, long coat that comes in four color patterns: Bleinheim, ruby, black and tan, and tricolor. They are intelligent, friendly, and loyal dogs that are great with children and other pets.
Cavaliers are generally friendly with house guests and family members if they are socialized properly as puppies. They are also known for being excellent therapy dogs for disabled or elderly people.
Cavaliers require regular grooming to keep their long, silky coat from getting tangled and matted. Unfortunately, the breed is associated with several potential inheritable health conditions, so it is crucial to seek out a responsible and accredited breeder that has done the relevant health screens when buying a puppy.
Pug
The Pug is a small toy dog breed that originated in China and is known for its distinctive appearance, including a short snout, wrinkled face, and curled tail. They are sturdy little dogs that pack in a lot of personality and are typically sweet and good-natured, but they have some spunk in them, too.
Pugs are even-tempered and make good family dogs, as they are friendly with children and other pets if they are socialized properly as puppies. They are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn with house training.
Pugs are adaptable to many different living situations, though they prefer climates that aren’t very hot or cold. They are relatively low-maintenance dogs, as they do not require a lot of exercise and grooming, and are extremely adaptable to apartment living.
However, they are prone to some health problems, such as breathing problems and eye problems, so it is crucial to choose a reputable breeder that follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their dogs.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small toy dog breed that originated in Cuba and is known for its playful, affectionate, and intelligent personality. They have a rounded face, floppy ears, and either curly or straight long hair that requires regular grooming.
Havanese dogs are great family dogs due to their good-natured temperament and intelligence. They are also popular for learning tricks, performing in dog sports, and showing in competitions.
The breed is adaptable to many different living situations, but they crave companionship and do not do well if left alone for long periods of time. Havanese are generally friendly with house guests and family members if they are socialized properly as puppies. They are also known to make great therapy dogs, especially those that are well-socialized to not be timid with strangers.
Here are some key characteristics of the Havanese breed:
– Group: Toy
– Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
– Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
– Affection Level: High
– Friendliness: High
– Kid-Friendly: High
– Pet-Friendly: High
– Exercise Needs: Medium
– Playfulness: High
– Energy Level: Medium
– Trainability: High
– Intelligence: Medium
– Tendency to Bark: Low
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Overall, the Havanese is a great choice for families or individuals who are looking for a small, affectionate, and intelligent dog that is adaptable to many different living situations.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small toy dog breed that is known for its cheerful, playful, and affectionate personality. They have a fluffy white coat and black eyes that give them a distinctive appearance.
The breed originated in the Mediterranean region, possibly in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, and was known as the Tenerife dog or Canary Island lap dog.
Bichon Frises are great family dogs due to their friendly and playful nature, and they are also hypoallergenic, intelligent, and easy to train. They are relatively quiet dogs and are not known for barking excessively.
Bichon Frises are adaptable to many different living situations, but they crave companionship and do not do well if left alone for long periods of time. They are generally considered very good with kids and other pets. Bichon Frises require regular grooming to keep their coat from getting tangled and matted.
Here are some key characteristics of the Bichon Frise breed:
– Group: Non-sporting
– Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
– Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
– Affection Level: High
– Friendliness: High
– Kid-Friendly: High
– Pet-Friendly: High
– Exercise Needs: Low
– Playfulness: High
– Energy Level: Medium
– Trainability: High
– Intelligence: High
– Tendency to Bark: Low
Overall, the Bichon Frise is a great choice for families or individuals who are looking for a small, affectionate, and intelligent dog that is adaptable to many different living situations.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small toy dog breed that is known for its affectionate, even-tempered, and loyal personality. They are often described as “cat-like” due to their independent nature and fondness for curling up on their owner’s lap.
Japanese Chins are great family dogs and are generally friendly with children and other pets if they are socialized properly as puppies. They are adaptable to many different living situations, but they crave companionship and do not do well if left alone for long periods of time.
Japanese Chins require regular grooming to keep their coat from getting tangled and matted. They are generally quiet dogs and are not known for barking excessively. Japanese Chins are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn with house training.
Here are some key characteristics of the Japanese Chin breed:
– Group: Toy
– Height: 8 to 11 inches
– Weight: 4 to 9 pounds
– Affection Level: High
– Friendliness: High
– Kid-Friendly: Medium
– Pet-Friendly: Medium
– Exercise Needs: Low
– Playfulness: Medium
– Energy Level: Low
– Trainability: Medium
– Intelligence: High
– Tendency to Bark: Low
Overall, the Japanese Chin is a great choice for families or individuals who are looking for a small, affectionate, and independent dog that is adaptable to many different living situations.
FAQS
1. What is a toy dog breed?
A toy dog breed is a small breed of dog that is typically under 12 inches tall and weighs less than 15 pounds. They are often characterized by their small size, big personalities, and affectionate nature.
2. What are some popular toy dog breeds?
Some popular toy dog breeds include the Toy Poodle, Chihuahua, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Japanese Chin.
3. Are toy dog breeds good with children?
Many toy dog breeds are good with children, but it is important to socialize them properly as puppies and supervise all interactions between dogs and kids. Some toy breeds may be too small and fragile for rough play.
4. Do toy dog breeds require a lot of exercise?
Toy dog breeds generally have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but they still benefit from a daily walk and play session. They are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size.
5. Do toy dog breeds shed a lot?
Some toy dog breeds, such as the Maltese and Bichon Frise, are considered hypoallergenic and do not shed much. However, other toy breeds, such as the Pug and Shih Tzu, may shed more.
6. Are toy dog breeds easy to train?
Toy dog breeds are generally intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn with house training. Positive reinforcement training methods are recommended for toy breeds.
7. Do toy dog breeds have health problems?
Some toy dog breeds are prone to certain health problems, such as breathing problems and eye problems. It is important to choose a reputable breeder that follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their dogs.
8. How much do toy dog breeds cost?
The cost of a toy dog breed can vary depending on the breed, location, and breeder. Some toy breeds can cost several thousand dollars, while others may be less expensive. It is important to consider the cost of food, grooming, and veterinary care when choosing a dog.
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Category: DOGS
