INFORMATION IN ABUNDANCE ON TOY DOG BREEDS
Toy dog breeds are living proof that the best things do come in small packages. Toy dogs are fast to win over your heart and become your faithful companion due to their positive personality traits of love, energy, and loyalty. You’ll never be bored in the company of a pocket-sized pup because despite their diminutive stature, they pack a big punch in the entertainment department.
Here is a list of the best dog breeds in our opinion if you’re looking for a small dog that won’t grow any bigger than a puppy.
WHAT IS A TOY DOG BREED?
Different types of dogs are categorised according to their function, as working dogs, gundogs, and hounds. One such category is that of toy dog breeds, which includes the smallest types of canines.
The toy classification is so called because its members are typically small enough to be stuffed toys. Standard dog breeds provide the foundation for most toy dog breeds; they were simply bred down to a smaller size. Typically, their weight will be under 6 kg.
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Historically, and even today for some toy breeds, dogs were typically bred with a specific purpose in mind. However, the vast majority were created to serve as man’s most loyal companion. The term “lapdog” is used to describe a wide variety of toy dog breeds because of their small size and placid, sluggish attitude, both of which make them ideal candidates for spending all day curled up on someone’s lap.
Because their owners had the time to lounge around with a dog in their lap, toy dog breeds have come to be seen as a symbol of riches, celebrity status, and affluence.
WHY ARE TOY DOG BREEDS GOOD?
Toy dogs are a one-stop shop. Despite the stereotype that little dogs are content to do nothing except lie in your lap all day, many of them actually have boundless activity and incredible intelligence. Don’t generalise about dogs as a group; different breeds have different personalities, activity requirements, and interests; some even excel in canine sports. Whether you’re a couch potato or an active person, a toy dog is the perfect companion.
Compared to a huge dog, a tiny dog is easier to care for, less expensive, and requires less cleaning. If you have a smaller home and no yard, these plants are ideal because they are more manageable in terms of size and portability.
TOY DOG BREEDS
A compilation of the best small dog breeds we’ve come across. This is by no means an exhaustive list; rather, we’ve just picked a few of the most common toy dog breeds that work well as companions in a wide range of settings.
TOY POODLE
Aside from being one of the cutest and most lovable dog breeds, poodles are also among the smartest, as demonstrated in Stanley Coren’s seminal work, The Intelligence of Dogs. Toy poodles are the smallest of the three sizes available: regular, miniature, and toy.
In an effort to create the ideal companion dog, Toy Poodles were developed from Miniature Poodles. A Toy Poodle can be the ideal dog for you if you want a smart pet that you can carry around in one hand.
BREED STATS
- Height: 24-28cm
- Weight: 6.5-7.5kg
- Exercise needs: High
- Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, alert
PUG
Although the Pug’s popularity has soared in recent years, the breed has ancient roots and was even prized around 400 BC for its opulent lifestyle in China. Numerous Pugs can be seen these days posing for pictures on social media, clearly enjoying the good life.
They’re compact and hardy, with a signature squashy face that makes them endearing and expressive. Pugs are little, lovable, and funny.
RACE COMPARISONS
A person between these dimensions (height 25-33 cm, weight 6-8 kg)
Having to work out: Temperamentally mild: warm, welcoming, and adoring.
MALTESE
The Maltese can only be accurately characterised as a dog who is lavished with attention and care. If you want to keep your hair looking as silky and long as theirs, which practically touches the ground when they walk, you better get used to spending a lot of time with a hairbrush.
The Maltese may look regal, but don’t let that fool you; they are friendly and outgoing with everyone they encounter, whether they are human or canine.
They are endearing, sweet, and lively, and they love nothing more than to spend the day lazing on your lap or going for a stroll in the park.
RACE COMPARISONS
Dimensions: 5-10inches/20-25cm
Calls for Physical Activity: Moderate
Personality traits: kind, gentle, and assured
ITALIAN GREYHOUND
The Italian Greyhound is a tiny version of the normal Greyhound, as its name suggests. You may expect the same characteristics and appearance, just in a more compact form. This means that they are more than just a cute little pet; they have real athletic prowess and style.
A high hunting drive and a demand for speed characterise this sighthound breed, yet they also appreciate nothing more than a good nap with their master afterward. The Italian Greyhound is a kind and affectionate dog, although it may have its crazy moments.
On sometimes, you may return home to find your Italian Greyhound perched on one of the counters or a window ledge.
RACE COMPARISONS
Stature: 33-38cm
Amount of effort required to maintain a weight between 3.5 and 5 kilogrammes: High-to-Moderate Personality Traits: Loving, Active, and Mischievous
MINIATURE PINSCHER
The German Pinscher, the Italian Greyhound, and the Dachshund may all have contributed to the development of the toy dog known as the Min Pin. They appear like small versions of the popular Doberman breed, but these dogs have a richer history than their big-dog counterparts.
The Miniature Pinscher may be little in stature, but they make up for it in confidence and intelligence, earning them the title of “King of Toys.”
RACE COMPARISONS
25-30cm in height
Amount of effort required to maintain a weight between 3.5 and 5 kilogrammes: Moderate
Mentality: bright, jovial, and social
PAPILLON
The Papillon is a smart and adorable dog that loves to please its owners. Although they are smaller than most dogs, their intelligence far exceeds that of the average pet. They thrive in the competitive environment of agility and obedience trials, where they are sometimes accused of being a bit of a show-off.
Due to their naturally inquisitive, exploratory, and trainable intelligence, all you need to do to keep them stimulated is play some brain games with them at home.
Because of their unique and endearing butterfly ears, Papillons are known as “butterflies” in their native France.
RACE COMPARISONS
Those between 20 and 28 centimetres in height
Need for Exercise Percentage Based on Weight: Moderate
Personality traits: upbeat, intelligent, and active
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
As their name suggests, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was once a favourite of the royal family. And it’s no wonder that their status as one of the UK’s most popular breeds has remained unchanged since then.
Cavaliers are friendly, easy to train, and happy to meet new people. Despite being one of the largest toy dog breeds, they are the quintessential lap dog and content to spend all day in your lap.
RACE COMPARISONS
Individuals in the 30-33 cm, 5.9-8.2 kg height-weight range have the following exercise requirements: Moderate
Characteristics: warm, tolerant, and optimistic
CHIHUAHUA
Chihuahuas are the epitome of the lap (or purse) dog and are often linked with the affluent celebrity set. As the tiniest canine species, they are the first to come to mind when asked to name a toy dog breed.
Chihuahuas are one of the longest living canine breeds, yet they also happen to be sassy, loyal, and dedicated to their human companions.
They get a terrible rap for being overly bossy, but it’s only because they want to protect their families and it’s something that can be taught to them from a young age on.
RACE COMPARISONS
Average adult height: 15-25cm
1. 8 – 2.7 kg
Having to work out: Temperamentally low: protective, loving, and dedicated
POMERANIAN
The pocket-sized Pom is best distinguishable by their puffball fur and fox-like features. Although they prefer napping the day away lying on your lap, Pomeranians have an adventurous spirit that enjoys playfulness.
If your Pom wants to play, you don’t have much of a choice (and they can be quite demanding about it). The ability to bark makes them effective guard dogs, but unfortunately their bark is usually louder than their bite.
RACE COMPARISONS
between 18 and 30 centimetres in height
One-third to one-and-a-half tonnes
Having to work out: Negative Mood States: Inquisitive, Self-Assured, and Sassy
YORKSHIRE TERRIER
Despite their small size, Yorkies are one of the most popular toy dog breeds. A Yorkshire Terrier will keep you on your toes and in good spirits.
Originally designed to hunt rats, this delicate dog proved to be the ideal candidate for squeezing into tight spaces in search of rodents. Many Yorkies are seen with a unique haircut, with long, silky hair that is sometimes adorned with a bow or ribbon.
Don’t let their refined appearance fool you; Yorkies are still active and vocal dogs with characteristic Terrier traits.
RACE COMPARISONS
Inches: 20-28
The range of weight is between 1.8 and 3.2 kg.
Having to work out: Moderate
Characteristics: warm-hearted, determined, and courageous
BRUSSELS GRIFFON
Originating in Brussels, Belgium, this breed is sometimes known as the Griffon Bruxellois and packs a lot of personality into a small body.
The Brussels Griffon may come out as arrogant and haughty to onlookers (both human and canine), but this is only because they are so devoted to their human companions. They are said to be a touch clingy and would prefer to spend their days by their human’s side or on their lap.
They have a propensity to choose one person and become intensely devoted to that person, demanding that their partner devote absolutely all of his or her attention, resources, and time to the relationship.
RACE COMPARISONS
Measurements: 5-10 lb., 23-28″
Calls for Physical Activity: Moderate
Confident, dedicated, and sensitive; a balanced temperament
AFFENPINSCHER
The Affenpinscher, whose name comes from the German words for “ape” and “Terrier,” is known as the “Monkey Terrier/Dog” due to their outgoing and rambunctious nature.
The Affenpinscher’s original purpose in life was as a ratter, but today they are more commonly found as companion dogs who are not beyond getting into a little trouble on occasion.
However, you won’t be able to keep your anger at them for long once you catch a glimpse of that impressive moustache and floppy eyebrows. They’re a comical character for sure, and despite being miniature, they have no fear.
RACE COMPARISONS
Needs to exercise if you’re between 23 and 30 inches tall and 2.9 and 6 kg Moderate
personality traits: intrepid, cheeky, and a lover of a good time
HAVANESE
The Havanese may be little, but their big personalities can brighten up any environment.
Do not leave the room without your Havenese following close behind; they develop intense attachments to their owners and seek to please them at all costs. Get used to the idea that you’ll be joining a group for every activity from now on.
The breed is kind and friendly, and it has a long, silky coat that never seems to stop.
RACE COMPARISONS
Inches: 22-25
Low-to-Moderate Exercise Requirements: 4-6 kg, 7.5-15.5 lb.
Attitude: devoted, loving, and jovial
PEKINGESE
The Pekingese is the dog breed for the slobbering couch potato in your life. This dog’s ancestors were intended to be companions for Chinese aristocracy, so it’s not surprising that modern examples of the breed enjoy the finer things in life with little effort.
The Pekingese is a smart and fiercely independent dog whose distinctive and fluffy appearance belies a sturdier disposition. This furry little sphere will form strong relationships with members of its own family but may be wary of outsiders.
RACE COMPARISONS
The range of 15-23cm in height
Exercising requirements, according on weight, are: Negative Mood: Loving, Independent, and Stout-Hearted
CHINESE CRESTED
You can count on the Chinese Crested dog to grab everyone’s attention at the dog park. The Powderpuff Chinese Crested and the Hairless Chinese Crested are also possible offspring.
Just to be clear, the Powderpuff form has a fluffy coat, whereas the Hairless form has no hair.
Aside from being the ideal lapdog, they also have a hilariously eccentric attitude that ensures you won’t be bored. The lack of hair has no effect on this temperament. There would be less clutter and shedding if everyone went bald.
RACE COMPARISONS
Dimensions: between 23 and 33 centimetres in height
Dimensions: height: 73cm to 146cm width: 69cm depth
Having to work out: Temperamentally low: loving, eccentric, and humorous
RECAP
Although it would be inaccurate to suggest that there is a wide variety of toy dog breeds because they are all quite small, the wide variety of personalities available means that there is a toy breed perfect for anyone.