Toy dog breeds will always be popular with city dwellers and people without much living space. They make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap warmers on cool nights. Small breeds may be found in every dog Group, not just the Toy Group, but those in this dog group were bred specifically for a smaller size than their standard counterpart.
Toy dogs are small dog breeds that are very popular pets today. Though small in stature, miniature dogs are big in attitude and quite tough. They often have courage disproportionate to their size. Despite their diminutive stature, they have strong, well-defined personalities.
Many toy dogs are very good with children if they are raised with them, or well socialized as puppies. Without proper socialization, some can get agitated and snappy if provoked. Because of their small size, many toy dog breeds are quicker to bite because they are fearful. For this reason, they are often not recommended for homes with very young children. Being quite small, they are also susceptible to injury if dropped.
List of Toy Dog Breeds
Affenpinscher
Brussels Griffon
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua (Long Coat)
Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
Chinese Crested
English Toy Spaniel (B&PC)
English Toy Spaniel (KC&R)
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Maltese
Manchester Terrier (Toy)
Miniature Pinscher
Papillon
Pekingese
Pomeranian
Poodle (Toy)
Pug
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier