The Toy Dogs
Most, if not all toy dogs, were developed to perform task such as hunting, herding, or guarding. Many of them are miniaturized versions of hunting or working dogs. It’s very easy to identify which toy breeds are the mini versions of their large counterparts, you can tell usually either by its name or/and look. For example,
- Italian Greyhound, a smaller version of Greyhound
- Toy and Miniature Poodles, are smaller versions of the Standard Poodle
- Pomeranian, a smaller version of German Spitz Dog
Today toy dogs are mainly bred to be lapdogs and companion dogs rather than “working” dogs.
Almost all toy dogs are relatively small compared to many breeds. Some weigh between 2 to 4 pounds (lighter than my dump bells 
) and are 4 inches in height at the shoulder. Despite the diminutive size, many toy dogs are quite tough, especially those that were bred down from larger breeds or were originally used for hunting or guarding work. Toy Fox Terrier is one example, this feisty and persistent hunter will spend hours tracking and hunt down any vermin even the most difficult ones.
Toy breeds, by nature, are very playful, high-strung, and always lovable. They are happy, lively, attention seeking, and can entertain you for hours with their seemingly unlimited amount of energy and enthusiasm. They are very affectionate of their owners and initially suspicious of strangers. They get along well with older children, however, toy breeds can be harmed by small children if they aren’t handled with care and gentleness. Parents should discourage kids to roughhouse with the dogs; this is to ensure both the child and dog’s safely.
They make excellent house pets, ideal for apartment dwellers. Having said, some toy dogs can be very nippy, anxious, noisy—tend to bark excessively when left alone even for a short while, unless trained. Because of their small size, owners tend to overly coddle them and are less lenient with them compared to larger breeds, often ignoring or delaying the necessary social training skills when they were pups. This is a big mistake I notice many toy dog owners do. Sadly, these adorable and fun loving toy dogs become nuisance house pets.
Toy dogs are often sought after by singles and “busy” people because these breeds do not need rigorous or regular exercise. Most get enough exercise just running around the house or at the backyard.
List of Toy Breeds:
- Affenpinscher
- Brussels Griffon
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chihuahua (smooth & long) (”hypoallergenic” dog)
- Chinese Crested (”hypoallergenic” dog)
- English Toy Spaniel
- Havanese
- Italian Greyhound (”hypoallergenic” dog)
- Japanese Chin
- Maltese (”hypoallergenic” dog)
- Miniature Pinscher
- Papillon
- Pekingese
- Pomeranian
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
- Silky Terrier
- Toy Fox Terrier
- Toy Manchester Terrier
- Toy Poodle (”hypoallergenic” dog)
- Yorkshire Terrier
Conclusion: Although toy dogs may seem delicate in the eyes of many, most of them are generally healthy and are long-lived. They have a life expectancy of at least 13-16 years on average and some live as long as 20 years old.
Most toy dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be spoiled rotten if owners do not bother to train them.
Just remember this important message, a toy dog has a big dog behavior, if not bigger, wrapped in a tiny package!
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