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Toy Dog Breeds
More than just Playthings


Toy dog breeds embody sheer delight and complete 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 toy 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 are ideal as alert dogs, others are designed as lap dogs and all are great companions giving unconditional love and make a constant companion for the single and some can them make great pets for children who respect their fragile frames.

Toy dog breeds, small dog breeds, choosing a dog, types of dogs, tiny dog breeds

Small dog breeds are generally less expensive to maintain and need less house care than a dog ten times the size. For a comprehensive list of toy dog breeds and small dog breeds for those with allergies go to  hypo allergenic dog breeds for short coated toy dog breeds and for fluffy coated dogs for people with allergies.  

The complete list of toy dog breeds below offers a quick glance at all the tiny dog breeds weighing less than 16 pounds (7 kgs)




Affenpinscher The Affenpincher  is fun-loving, mischievous and full of personality. Their intelligence, appearance and attitude make them a good house pet. Children must respect and  be taught how to properly handle any of the tiny dog breeds. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment. They are very active indoors and most of their exercise needs can be met with indoor play, but  they enjoy daily walks if lucky enough to get them. These toy dog breeds' coats should be brushed and combed twice a week and trimmed every few months.
Biewer Terrier Biewer Terriers are 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.
Brussels Griffon The Griffon Bruxellois 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, which needs regular brushing and shaping 4 times a year.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel King Charles Cavalier  true purpose 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.
Teacup Chihauhau Chihuahuas are alert dogs with terrier-like qualities. These types of dogs are highly suitable for the elderly they are good with families if the children are gentle and patient.  They require little exercise and are good city dogs and are very content on your lap in your apartment. 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. 
Chinese Crested Dog Chinese Crested 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.
Havanese The Havanese 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 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 affection, and are a 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 small size makes them ideal for an apartment and 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.  For Fast Facts on the Japanese Spaniel
Maltese The Maltese is a very small dog, but they are brave and wi fearless in spite of their diminutive size. They are one of the most gentle mannered of all little dogs, and 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.
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 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.
Miniature Pincher Miniature Pinschers 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 Papillon dogs are a happy breed whether living in an apartment, out in the country or anywhere in between.  They are known to be happy and alert little dogs that are not shy or 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.
Pekingese The Pekingese dog is a good natured and 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.
Pomeranian Pomeranians are very intelligent dogs that love to please. Their outgoing temperaments make them very good family dogs with the right training. Due to their small size they don’t require much exercise, but are an energetic breed that needs attention from their owner constantly. 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. The Poodle is an active breed and must have daily exercise.
Pug dog breed They are recognized for their even-tempers, playful personalities, and their outgoing, loving dispositions. Their sturdiness makes these small dog breeds a family favorite for children. They are comfortable in small apartments because they need minimal exercise. The Pug dogs shed, but its short coat requires little grooming.
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 the Shih Tzu 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. This toy dog breed 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 content and capable of any range of activities from hunting to obedience.  They are not recommended for small children who do not respect their fragile frame. 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 Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as "Yorkies," 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 many homes. They require limited exercise and their long coat requires daily brushing.

Visit Out And About With Your Dog for lots of pictures of dog breeds including Jack Russells, Pomeranians and Chihuahuas.


For information on Teacup Dog Breeds

Return from Toy Dog Breeds to Small Dogs Breeds List

For a list of fluffy dogs for People with Allergies

For a list of short coated Hypo Allergenic Dog Breeds

Go from Toy Dog Breeds to About Small Dog Breeds Home Page



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Small Dog Breeds



 Site  Map

An easy way to navigate through the information contained in this site is go to the Site Map for small dogs and dog breeds.


Loving Care

Our little pets rely on us for their every need.
They cannot feed themselves as we have bred them to be our companions which they do admirably.  We need to care for them as we would a defenceless baby.
Dog Grooming as well as when they are older
Caring for an older dog
are part and parcel of responsible pet ownership.       







 Breed Feature

They are all so beautiful making it  difficult to decide which one to feature!  The choice for this month is the Lhaso Apso Dog Character and Lhaso Apso Fast Facts.

 


 Lhapso Apso
For other gorgeous small dog breeds try our list of
Small Dogs if you are
hypoallergenic try our list of fluffy haired dogs for people with allergies.


Training/Behavior


Our features: Pack Behavior as well as Clicker Training For dogs are must reads for those looking at training methods for their new puppy.


Inspiration

When words fail you or you are just looking for some comfort or inspiration why don't you read some of our Pet Sayings
or for a light hearted look at our best friends look at our Funny dog sayings    


Health Articles

Our Veterinary Articles cover many Congenital Dog Health Conditions (see our chart). Kindly provided By Dr Sunelle Strydom. 

See our other common health issues.Such as an itchy dog  problem or dogs arthritis - a condition which affects most  dogs at some stage of their precious lives.