Toy dog breeds encompass all dog breeds that are small in size and build. The name was coined for dogs like the spaniels, terriers, and pinschers that have been bred down in size. Toy dog breeds were made as such to be companions of early European noblewomen.
Known for being lap dogs, toy dog breeds were favorite pets of women of royal bloodlines of ancient Europe. In this guide, we will give you extensive information and trivia about the cutest dogs that walk the planet earth, the toy dog breeds!
Our Favorite Toy Dog Breeds
Maltese
Toy dog breeds are a result of many interbreeding of species. One of the good results of this interbreeding is the Maltese dog breed. From the name itself, this breed is generally accepted to have originated from Malta.
Maltese dogs also have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. You would easily recognize the Maltese because of its usually long and silky coat. As such, Maltese dogs require periodic grooming and cleaning.
They stand short at around 7 to 9 inches and weigh a maximum of 7 pounds. Maltese are playful and gentle toy dogs that are favorite pets even by celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Marilyn Monroe.
Teacup Poodle
While toy dog breeds and teacup dog breeds are used almost interchangeably, the latter is much smaller types of dogs that have specific care needed. A popular example is the teacup poodle, a very cute yet clever member of the toy dog breeds. Teacup poodles are very sweet and can be quite clingy to their owners.
Like the Maltese breed, poodles require periodic grooming because of its thick coat. Teacup poodles grow at a maximum of 9 inches tall and weigh around 6 pounds. Toy poodles are highly responsive pets, especially when trained well. Celebrity Rihanna also owned herself a toy poodle.
Pugs
You cannot mistake pugs for other dog breeds with their distinctive wrinkly and short muzzle faces! If that is not enough to describe them, take a look at their distinctive curly tail too. When fully grown, they can also develop a muscular body that is usually square-shaped and compact.
Pug breeds are best known for being super friendly breeds and can be very playful when happy. They are also known as sponges as they are hypersensitive to their owners’ moods. Toy pugs can grow a foot high and can weigh up to 18 pounds. They have a full lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Shih Tzu
This affectionate toy dog breed originally came from China. Shih Tzu is innocently cute toy dogs that can live up to 16 years. They are usually hypoallergenic so extensive care for their thick and unruly coat must be done regularly. They can weigh up to 17 pounds when mature.
Like most toy dog breeds, Shih Tzus are very smart. They are also known for being obedient that many Shih Tzus are usual patrons of dog shows and obedience contests. Though they may take time in adapting to training instructions compared to other dogs, they prove to be very agile and active.
Famous personalities who are Shih Tzu dog owners are Andie MacDowell, John Stewart, and Bill Gates.
Yorkshire Terrier
Developed as a breed in the 19th century in Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Terrier breed is among the smallest dogs in the terrier type. Their maximum weight can go up to 7 pounds.
You cannot mistake these dogs because of their silky coat that reaches down to the floor! Because of these floor-length coats, intensive professional grooming is required from time to time. Yorkshire Terrier toy dogs are mostly hypoallergenic and have an average lifespan of 13 to 16 years.
Yorkshire Terriers are bursting with energy. They are also sweet and affectionate of their masters. Even though they are of the small build as toy dog breeds, they require frequent exercise to maintain physical health. These toy dogs like to have regular walks with their owners, chasing balls, and obedience exercises.
Pomeranian
Ahh, Pomeranian dog breeds always captivate the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Who would not be enthralled by that small, smiling foxy face? Pomeranian breeds have been a crowd favorite and that makes it one of the most popular toy dog breeds.
Growing up to 6 to 7 inches tall, Pomeranian dog breeds are very cuddly pets, especially by small children. They are alert and keen dogs who have hypersensitive moods. They usually bark a lot when they feel the need to be defensive.
Pomeranian dog breeds can weigh up to 7 pounds and can live up to 16 years with proper diet and regular exercise. They love both indoor and outdoor exercises like short walks and catch plays.
Like the other toy dog breeds, Pomeranians have a thick coat as a distinguishing feature. Most Pomeranian dog owners find frequent brushing helpful in maintaining a shiny coat. However, care must be observed to avoid hair shedding due to combing. Since Pomeranians are active dog pets, their nails must also be kept short to avoid being scratched during playtime.
Conclusion
Which of these toy dog breeds caught your dog lover heart? A little research on your chosen toy dog’s personality, features, and health will help your dog care journey an enjoyable one. Toy dog breeds can be cute companions but they also deserve all the care they need like other full-grown canines. Make sure to check out this article when you decide to get one for yourself!