Dog toy breeds are small in stature, but they have an enormous capacity for love and affection, embodying the phrase "big heart for a small breed."
These diminutive dogs are known for their endearing personalities, making them ideal companions for individuals and families alike.
Despite their petite size, toy breeds are packed with energy, intelligence, and charm. Their alertness and playful nature make them lively additions to any household, while their adaptability ensures they thrive in various living environments, from cozy apartments to spacious homes.
With their expressive eyes and charismatic presence, toy breeds demonstrate that the best things often come in small packages.
The 23 dog Toy breeds according to AKC
1. Affenpinscher
History: Originated in Germany, known for their monkey-like expression.
Standards: Small, compact, with a distinctive coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children, loyal.
Physical: Small, 7-9 inches tall, 7-10 lbs.
Coat: Dense, long, and wiry.
Social: Affectionate, alert.
Personality: Curious, playful.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Health: Prone to dental issues and patellar luxation.
Grooming: Regular brushing to maintain coat.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys playtime.
Training: Responsive but stubborn.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed dog food.
2. Biewer Terrier
History: Developed in Germany from the Yorkshire Terrier.
Standards: Small, with a distinctive color pattern.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with families and other pets.
Physical: 7-11 lbs.
Coat: Long, silky, and requires regular grooming.
Social: Friendly and outgoing.
Personality: Energetic and affectionate.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Health: Generally healthy; some risk of dental issues.
Grooming: Requires regular brushing and occasional trims.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys play and short walks.
Training: Intelligent and relatively easy to train.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
3. Brussels Griffon
History: Originated in Belgium; known for its distinctive face.
Standards: Small with a toy-like appearance.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with families, but prefers to be the center of attention.
Physical: 7-12 lbs.
Coat: Rough or smooth, with regular grooming needed.
Social: Affectionate and alert.
Personality: Spirited and intelligent.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Health: Prone to respiratory issues and dental problems.
Grooming: Regular brushing and occasional baths.
Exercise: Low to moderate; enjoys short walks.
Training: Responsive but independent.
Nutrition: Small-breed dog food with high protein.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
History: Named after King Charles I of England, known for its gentle nature.
Standards: Elegant, with a silky coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Excellent with children and other pets.
Physical: 12-13 inches tall, 13-18 lbs.
Coat: Long, silky, requires regular grooming.
Social: Friendly and affectionate.
Personality: Gentle and playful.
Lifespan: 9-14 years.
Health: Prone to heart issues and ear infections.
Grooming: Regular brushing and ear cleaning.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys daily walks and playtime.
Training: Eager to please and easy to train.
Nutrition: High-quality, well-balanced diet for small breeds.
5. Chihuahua
History: One of the oldest and smallest dog breeds, originally from Mexico.
Standards: Very small, with a variety of coat types.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with older children; some are wary of strangers.
Physical: 4-6 lbs, with a variety of coat lengths and textures.
Coat: Short or long; grooming needs vary.
Social: Loyal, alert.
Personality: Bold and confident.
Lifespan: 12-20 years.
Health: Prone to dental issues and patellar luxation.
Grooming: Low for short coats; regular brushing for long coats.
Exercise: Low; enjoys short play sessions.
Training: Intelligent but stubborn.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
6. Chinese Crested
History: Originated in China, known for its unique hairless appearance.
Standards: Hairless or with a powder puff coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children and other pets.
Physical: 5-12 lbs.
Coat: Hairless with exposed skin or powderpuff with long, soft fur.
Social: Affectionate and playful.
Personality: Energetic and alert.
Lifespan: 13-18 years.
Health: Hairless varieties are prone to skin issues.
Grooming: Regular skin care for hairless; brushing for powderpuff.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys play and short walks.
Training: Intelligent and eager to please.
Nutrition: High-quality food suitable for small breeds.
7. English Toy Spaniel
History: Originated in England; known for its charming personality.
Standards: Small with a distinctive rounded face.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children and other pets.
Physical: 8-14 lbs.
Coat: Long and silky; regular grooming required.
Social: Affectionate and gentle.
Personality: Quiet and loving.
Lifespan: 10-12 years.
Health: Prone to heart problems and dental issues.
Grooming: Regular brushing and ear cleaning.
Exercise: Low; enjoys gentle play.
Training: Responsive but reserved.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
8. Havanese
History: Originated in Cuba; known for its friendly nature.
Standards: Small, sturdy with a long, silky coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Excellent with children and other pets.
Physical: 9-11.5 inches tall, 7-13 lbs.
Coat: Long, silky; requires regular grooming.
Social: Friendly and playful.
Personality: Affectionate and alert.
Lifespan: 14-16 years.
Health: Generally healthy; occasional eye issues.
Grooming: Regular brushing and trimming.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys daily walks and play.
Training: Intelligent and eager to please.
Nutrition: High-quality food appropriate for small breeds.
9. Italian Greyhound
History: Originated in Italy, known for its elegant appearance.
Standards: Small and slender with a short coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children and other pets.
Physical: 13-15 inches tall, 7-14 lbs.
Coat: Short and smooth; low grooming needs.
Social: Gentle and affectionate.
Personality: Playful and alert.
Lifespan: 14-15 years.
Health: Prone to dental issues and leg fractures.
Grooming: Minimal; occasional brushing.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys short runs and playtime.
Training: Intelligent and responsive.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
10. Japanese Chin
History: Originated in China and Japan; known for its elegant appearance.
Standards: Small with a distinctive, long coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children and other pets.
Physical: 7-11 lbs.
Coat: Long, silky; regular grooming needed.
Social: Affectionate and playful.
Personality: Alert and intelligent.
Lifespan: 12-14 years.
Health: Prone to dental issues and eye problems.
Grooming: Regular brushing to maintain coat.
Exercise: Low; enjoys gentle play.
Training: Intelligent and relatively easy to train.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
11. Maltese
History: Originated in the Mediterranean; known for its long, white coat.
Standards: Small, with a long, flowing coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children and other pets.
Physical: 4-7 lbs.
Coat: Long, silky; requires daily grooming.
Social: Loving and playful.
Personality: Active and affectionate.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Health: Prone to dental issues and patellar luxation.
Grooming: Daily brushing and regular trims.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys play and short walks.
Training: Intelligent but stubborn.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
12. Manchester Terrier
History: Developed in England, originally used for ratting.
Standards: Small, sleek with a smooth coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children and other pets.
Physical: 12-16 lbs.
Coat: Short and smooth; minimal grooming.
Social: Alert and energetic.
Personality: Intelligent and active.
Lifespan: 14-16 years.
Health: Generally healthy; occasional eye issues.
Grooming: Minimal; regular brushing.
Exercise: High; requires regular activity and play.
Training: Intelligent and responsive.
Nutrition: High-quality food for small breeds.
13. Miniature Pinscher
History: Originated in Germany; known for its compact size and energetic nature.
Standards: Small, muscular, with a smooth coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children; some are reserved with other pets.
Physical: 10-12.5 inches tall, 8-12 lbs.
Coat: Short and smooth; minimal grooming.
Social: Alert and lively.
Personality: Bold and confident.
Lifespan: 12-16 years.
Health: Prone to patellar luxation and eye issues.
Grooming: Minimal; regular brushing.
Exercise: High; enjoys active play and walks.
Training: Intelligent but stubborn.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
14. Papillon
History: Originated in France; named for its butterfly-like ears.
Standards: Small, with large, distinctive ears and a silky coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children and other pets.
Physical: 8-10 inches tall, 4-9 lbs.
Coat: Long and silky; regular grooming is needed.
Social: Friendly and intelligent.
Personality: Active and playful.
Lifespan: 12-16 years.
Health: Generally healthy; occasional dental issues.
Grooming: Regular brushing to maintain coat.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys playtime and short walks.
Training: Intelligent and easy to train.
Nutrition: High-quality food for small breeds.
15. Pekingese
History: Originated in China; known for its lion-like appearance.
Standards: Small, with a distinctive flat face and long coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with families but some are reserved with strangers.
Physical: 6-14 lbs.
Coat: Long and dense; requires regular grooming.
Social: Affectionate and loyal.
Personality: Independent and dignified.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Health: Prone to respiratory issues and eye problems.
Grooming: Regular brushing and occasional trims.
Exercise: Low; enjoys short play sessions.
Training: Intelligent but stubborn.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
16. Pomeranian
History: Originated in Germany and Poland; known for its fluffy coat.
Standards: Small, with a distinctive fluffy coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with families; some are reserved with other pets.
Physical: 4-7 lbs.
Coat: Long and fluffy; requires regular grooming.
Social: Outgoing and alert.
Personality: Energetic and confident.
Lifespan: 12-16 years.
Health: Prone to dental issues and luxating patella.
Grooming: Regular brushing to prevent matting.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys playtime and short walks.
Training: Intelligent and eager to please.
Nutrition: High-quality food for small breeds.
17. Poodle (Toy)
History: Originated in Germany; the Toy Poodle is a smaller version of the standard Poodle.
Standards: Small, with a curly coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children and other pets.
Physical: 10 inches tall, 4-6 lbs.
Coat: Curly and hypoallergenic; requires regular grooming.
Social: Friendly and intelligent.
Personality: Energetic and playful.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Health: Generally healthy; occasional eye and dental issues.
Grooming: Regular brushing and professional trims.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys playtime and walks.
Training: Highly intelligent and easy to train.
Nutrition: High-quality food for small breeds.
18. Pug
History: Originated in China; known for its wrinkled face and curled tail.
Standards: Small, muscular, with a distinctive face.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children and other pets.
Physical: 10-14 inches tall, 14-18 lbs.
Coat: Short and smooth; minimal grooming.
Social: Affectionate and playful.
Personality: Charming and lively.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Health: Prone to respiratory issues and eye problems.
Grooming: Minimal; regular brushing.
Exercise: Low to moderate; enjoys playtime and short walks.
Training: Intelligent but stubborn.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
19. Russian Toy
History: Originated in Russia; known for its elegant appearance.
Standards: Small with a delicate frame.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with families; some are reserved with strangers.
Physical: 6-12 lbs.
Coat: Smooth or long; minimal grooming.
Social: Alert and affectionate.
Personality: Lively and intelligent.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Health: Generally healthy; occasional dental issues.
Grooming: Minimal for smooth coat; regular brushing for long coat.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys playtime and short walks.
Training: Intelligent and responsive.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
20. Shih Tzu
History: Originated in China; known for its distinctive long coat and sweet demeanor.
Standards: Small, sturdy with a long, flowing coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children and other pets.
Physical: 9-10.5 inches tall, 9-16 lbs.
Coat: Long and dense; requires daily grooming.
Social: Affectionate and friendly.
Personality: Playful and alert.
Lifespan: 10-16 years.
Health: Prone to respiratory issues and eye problems.
Grooming: Daily brushing and regular trims.
Exercise: Low; enjoys gentle play and short walks.
Training: Intelligent but stubborn.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
21. Silky Terrier
History: Originated in Australia; developed from the Australian Terrier.
Standards: Small, with a long, silky coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with children; some are reserved with other pets.
Physical: 8-10 lbs.
Coat: Long and silky; requires regular grooming.
Social: Energetic and alert.
Personality: Confident and intelligent.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Health: Generally healthy; occasional dental issues.
Grooming: Regular brushing and occasional trims.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys playtime and walks.
Training: Intelligent and responsive.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
22. Toy Fox Terrier
History: Developed in the U.S. from the Smooth Fox Terrier.
Standards: Small, with a smooth coat and a lively demeanor.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with families and other pets.
Physical: 8.5-11.5 inches tall, 3.5-7.5 lbs.
Coat: Short and smooth; minimal grooming.
Social: Friendly and energetic.
Personality: Lively and intelligent.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Health: Generally healthy; occasional dental issues.
Grooming: Minimal; regular brushing.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys playtime and walks.
Training: Intelligent and eager to please.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
23. Yorkshire Terrier
History: Originated in England; known for its distinctive long coat.
Standards: Small, with a fine, silky coat.
Traits:
Family Life: Good with families, but some are wary of other pets.
Physical: 4-7 lbs.
Coat: Long and silky; requires regular grooming.
Social: Affectionate and alert.
Personality: Energetic and confident.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Health: Prone to dental issues and patellar luxation.
Grooming: Regular brushing and trimming.
Exercise: Moderate; enjoys playtime and short walks.
Training: Intelligent and relatively easy to train.
Nutrition: High-quality small-breed food.
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