Toy Dog Breeds
More than just Playthings
Toy dog breeds embody sheer delight and
wonderful companionship for city dwellers and for those without a large garden but don't be fooled many are as tough as nails.
Choosing a dog is a very important decision, one you have to live with for
many years, so take your time in deciding which of these tiny dog breeds could
suit your home life, your temperament and energy levels. Many of these
types of dogs are ideal for the elderly, however, not all small dog breeds are
easy to maintain and many need regular and vigorous exercise. Some toy dog
breeds are
even ideal as alert dogs, others are designed as
lap dogs
and many of these types of dogs are great
companions all giving unconditional love, create a soothing and constant presence for the
elderly or single people. Tiny dog breeds can even make great pets for
children, naturally well trained kids who respect their fragile frames and have
been taught how to handle these little sweetie pies.
Small dog breeds generally need less maintenance (even those high maintenance breeds), need less house care than a dog ten times larger.
The list of toy dog breeds below offers a quick profile of all toy dog breeds registered with AKC. (American Kennel Club)
Affenpinscher
Fun-loving, mischievous and full of personality typifies this little tot. Their intelligence, appearance and attitude make them a good house pet. Children must respect and be taught how to properly handle any of the toy dog breeds. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment. They are very active indoors and exercise needs can be met with indoor play. They do however enjoy daily walks if lucky enough to get them. These toy dog breeds should be brushed and combed twice a week and trimmed every few months.
Biewer Terrier
This rare and new breed makes excellent companion dogs. These small dog breeds are not typical of stereotype toy dog breeds. They are quiet, friendly and stable. Their active indoor lifestyle and small size makes them ideal for families with children (although all children must be supervised). Their gorgeous, silky coat needs regular brushing and are considered hypoallergenic. Shiny coat and black button nose, makes these truly gorgeous little dogs.
Brussels Griffon
This tiny creature makes a good companion dog. These small dog breeds are not typical of the "pampered pet" stereotype of toy dog breeds. They are affectionate, charming and curious. Their active indoor lifestyle and small size makes them ideal for apartment life, but still need to be taken for daily walks. They can have a rough or smooth coat, both of which needs regular brushing and shaping 4 times a year.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The true purpose of this angel has always been that of a companion. They are gay, friendly, and easy to train. The Cavalier is a trustworthy breed for children and must be part of the family. The coat requires weekly brushing, and no other grooming required. These toy dog breeds are adaptable in their need for exercise.. entirely happy sleeping on the couch or taking long walks. These types of dogs do not bark a lot and cannot expected to behave like an alert dog.
Chihuahuas
These alert dogs with terrier-like qualities make fantastic pets for single people.These types of dogs are highly suitable for the elderly, can be good for families if the children are gentle and patient. They require little exercise, good city dogs being very content on your lap. Can be sensitive to cold temperatures and must live indoors. Smooth coated Chihuahuas need little or no grooming. The long coat variety
need occasional brushing and some grooming. The tiniest dog in the world needs special attention.
Chinese Crested Dog
These unusual looking dogs are prone to more frequent skin irritations, allergies and sunburn than a coated dog would experience. Chinese Crested dogs shed little hair and are on AKC’s list of hypo allergenic breeds recommended for those with allergies. They are also alert and playful companions and do well in families with gentle children. The perfect toy dog breed for something different.
Havanese
The sweetly natured breed is an intelligent and highly trainable pet. They possess a natural affectionate temperament, making the breed an ideal family pet. Although a toy dog, they remain energetic and require some form of daily exercise. The breed’s non-shedding coat makes it suitable for allergy sufferers. Regular grooming is required to keep the coat in tip top condition.
Italian Greyhound
Playful and intelligent, the Miniature Greyhound is usually easy to train and prefers to spend most of his time with his owner. They like attention and lots of affection, are peaceful, gentle friend to adults and children. Italian Greyhounds are an active breed that loves to run and play and must have regular walks. Their petite size makes them ideal for an apartment. His short, smooth as satin coat makes him one of the easiest breeds to groom.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a bright, alert and playful breed. An affectionate and devoted family companion, this breed loves everyone it is familiar with, but may be reserved around strangers. Ideal for an apartment, but they still enjoy the opportunity to play in a small yard. Their silky and flowing coat requires twice-weekly brushing.
Maltese
This popular toy dog breed is brave and fearless in spite of their diminutive size. They are one of the most gentle mannered of all little dogs, are full of energy and very playful, making them great companion dogs. Maltese should be brushed daily, and groomed often to prevent mats from forming in their white, silky, long, coat. Fabulous too is that they have hair not fur and are considered a great choice of dog for those who are allergy sufferers.
Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is lively and sharp witted and is eager to learn. The breed is extremely loyal to its owner and forms a strong bond early on. Since it is also a "terrier breed", consistency is key in any form of training. This is not a "barky" or neurotic breed, but they are good watchdogs. They do well in rural and urban environments. They are neat and tend to groom themselves. These are fabulous little dogs for a single person. Lots of love to go round.
Miniature Pinscher
This is a joyful breed that can really spice up a person’s life. This dog is small, but he doesn’t know it! He’s quick and active, with a lively curiosity. They are good family companions and look out for their family, bravely challenging intruders with their bold, insistent bark. The "Min Pin" is happiest with a family that treats him like a big dog. Play and a daily walk will take care of their exercise needs. His short, easy-care coat requires occasional brushing.
Papillon dog
This litte breed is happy whether living in an apartment, out in the country or anywhere in between. They are known to be bright and alert little dogs that are neither shy nor aggressive.
They love to play outdoors, but they can be easily entertained and
exercised indoors. They require minimal grooming but should still be brushed regularly. The stand up ears are particularly gorgeous or Phalene which are ears that are not perked up.
Pekingese
This popular dog is good natured and a very affectionate family companion. Their small size makes them a good choice for apartment life, but they are sometimes difficult to housebreak. They are relatively inactive indoors and do not need a yard, but enjoy walks. Their long undercoats need at least an hourly brushing per week. Their pushed up Brachycephalic looks are very endearing.
Pomeranian
This pom pom is a highly intelligent dogs that loves to please. Their outgoing temperaments make them very good family dogs with the right training. This small sized tot don’t require much exercise, but are energetic needing constant attention from their owner. They possess a thick double coat, which needs to be brushed on a regular if not daily basis.
Toy Poodle
The French Toy Poodle, is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. They can accommodate nearly any size living quarters. His hypoallergenic coat may reduce allergic reactions, but requires regular professional grooming to keep his unique profile ideal. The Toy Poodle is an active breed and must have daily exercise. Well known as a breed for children as well as for individuals.
Pug dog breed
These are even-tempered, playful dogs. Their outgoing, loving dispositions and sturdiness makes these small dog breeds a family favorite for children. They are comfortable in small apartments because they need (prefer)exercise. The Pug shed haevily seasonally, but the short coat requires little grooming. This breed is prone to obesity and care should be taken to control this little one's weight.
Shih Tzu dog
The word Shih Tzu means "lion" and although this dog is sweet and playful, he is not afraid of much. Becoming one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the United States. The sole purpose of these beautiful dogs are companions and house pets. He is lively, alert, friendly and trusting towards most people. They requires minimal exercise, but the luxurious coat needs daily brushing and maintenance.
Silky terriers
This portable pooch can adapt to any living situation, but make sure you have plenty of time to devote to them – they do not like to be ignored, preferring to play fetch or go on walks with their family. The Silky Terrier breed of dog is keen and energetic, it's best to keep them occupied. These toy dog breeds must also be bathed and brushed on a regular basis.
Toy Fox Terrier
Both a Toy and a Terrier - American Toy Terriers (AmerToy) are outgoing and friendly. They are capable of any range of activities from hunting to obedience.They are not recommended for small children as their fragile frame are extremely delicate. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment, although they must be exercised regularly. They are easy to groom – a quick weekly brushing is all that is necessary.
Yorkshire Terrier
Affectionately known as "Yorkies," these beautiful dogs offer big personalities in a small package. Though members of the Toy Group, they are terriers by nature and are brave, determined, investigative and energetic. One of the most
popular breeds, they are adaptable to all surroundings, travel well and make suitable pets for all family sizes. They require limited exercise, their long coat requires daily brushing.
For other lists of Small Dog Breeds:
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Visit Out And About With Your Dog for lots of pictures of dog breeds including Jack Russells, Pomeranians and Chihuahuas.
