Hundar

What is a toy dog?

Toy dog traditionally refers to a very small dog or a grouping of small and very small breeds of dog.

A toy dog may be of any of various dog types. Types of dogs referred to as toy dogs may include Spaniels, Pinchers, and Terriers that have been bred down in size.

Not all toy dogs are lapdogs, which is the definition of a toy dog we find on the Wikipedia site.

Dogs found in the Toy Group of breed registries may be of the very ancient lapdog type, or they may be small versions of hunting dogs or working dogs, bred down in size for a particular kind of work or to create a pet of convenient size.

In the past, very small dogs not used for hunting were kept as symbols of affluence, as watchdogs, and for the health function of attracting fleas away from their owners - declares the site Wikipedia, being a kind of interesting and funny piece of information.

Hundar

What is a toy dog?

Toy dog traditionally refers to a very small dog or a grouping of small and very small breeds of dog.

A toy dog may be of any of various dog types. Types of dogs referred to as toy dogs may include Spaniels, Pinchers, and Terriers that have been bred down in size.

Not all toy dogs are lapdogs, which is the definition of a toy dog we find on the Wikipedia site.

Dogs found in the Toy Group of breed registries may be of the very ancient lapdog type, or they may be small versions of hunting dogs or working dogs, bred down in size for a particular kind of work or to create a pet of convenient size.

In the past, very small dogs not used for hunting were kept as symbols of affluence, as watchdogs, and for the health function of attracting fleas away from their owners - declares the site Wikipedia, being a kind of interesting and funny piece of information.

Categorized Toy Breeds

Toy breeds categorized by Fédération Cynologique Internationale members as "Companion and Toy"

Bichon Frise

Bolognese (Bolognese)

Boston Terrier

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Chihuahua

Chinese Crested Dog

Coton de Tulear

French Bulldog (Bouledogue français)

Griffon Bruxelois (Brussels Griffon)

Havanese

Japanese Chin (Chin)

King Charles Spaniel

Kromfohrländer

Löwchen( Little Lion Dog)

Papillon

Petit Brabançon (Small Brabant Griffon)

Phalène (Epagneul nain Continental, Continental Toy Spaniel)

Lhasa Apso

Maltese

Mi-Ki

Pekingese

Poodle (All three sizes are in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale Companion and Toy group)

Pug

Ruskyi Toy

Shih Tzu

Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan Terrier

Categorized Toy Breeds

Toy breeds categorized by Fédération Cynologique Internationale members as "Companion and Toy"

Bichon Frise

Bolognese (Bolognese)

Boston Terrier

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Chihuahua

Chinese Crested Dog

Coton de Tulear

French Bulldog (Bouledogue français)

Griffon Bruxelois (Brussels Griffon)

Havanese

Japanese Chin (Chin)

King Charles Spaniel

Kromfohrländer

Löwchen( Little Lion Dog)

Papillon

Petit Brabançon (Small Brabant Griffon)

Phalène (Epagneul nain Continental, Continental Toy Spaniel)

Lhasa Apso

Maltese

Mi-Ki

Pekingese

Poodle (All three sizes are in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale Companion and Toy group)

Pug

Ruskyi Toy

Shih Tzu

Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan Terrier

Additional national organizations

also, recognize the following breeds in their toy groups:

Affenpinscher

Australian Silky Terrier

Chihuahua (Long Coat)

Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)

Chihuahua (Short Coat)

English Toy Terrier (black and tan)

King Charles Spaniel

Italian Greyhound

Japanese Chin

King Charles Spaniel

Löwchen

Manchester Terrier

Mi-Ki

Miniature Pinscher

Pomeranian

Poodle

Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Manchester Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Mexican Hairless Dog

Italian Greyhound

Japanese Chin

King Charles Spaniel

Löwchen

Manchester Terrier

Mi-Ki

Miniature Pinscher

Pomeranian

Poodle

Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Manchester Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Mexican Hairless Dog

Additional national organizations

also, recognize the following breeds in their toy groups:

Affenpinscher

Australian Silky Terrier

Chihuahua (Long Coat)

Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)

Chihuahua (Short Coat)

English Toy Terrier (black and tan)

King Charles Spaniel

Not every small dog is a lap dog

Not every toy dog is a lap dog as mentioned in the definition, a lap dog is small enough to comfortably sit on someone's lap and psychologically wish to do so. They are friendly towards humans and love to be in their company.

This is all they do, being bred to be the perfect companions, in comparison with other breeds that are bred for multiple other tasks.

In essence, they have the proportions of a baby, size and weight, high forehead, short muzzle, and large eyes-it's impossible to not fall in love with these tiny loving creatures.

Not every small dog is a lap dog

Not every toy dog is a lap dog as mentioned in the definition, a lap dog is small enough to comfortably sit on someone's lap and psychologically wish to do so. They are friendly towards humans and love to be in their company.

This is all they do, being bred to be the perfect companions, in comparison with other breeds that are bred for multiple other tasks.

In essence, they have the proportions of a baby, size and weight, high forehead, short muzzle, and large eyes-it's impossible to not fall in love with these tiny loving creatures.

Interesting small dog facts

Two remarkable pieces of information are:

that a recent genetic study by Elaine Ostrander confirms that the Pekingese lapdog, bred in ancient China to fit inside the sleeves of a man's robe, is one of the oldest breeds of dog; and

The Pomeranian is named after the Pomerania region in Central Europe, split between Germany and Poland.

Interesting small dog facts

Two remarkable pieces of information are:

that a recent genetic study by Elaine Ostrander confirms that the Pekingese lapdog, bred in ancient China to fit inside the sleeves of a man's robe, is one of the oldest breeds of dog; and

The Pomeranian is named after the Pomerania region in Central Europe, split between Germany and Poland.

Brazil-the small dog's capital

In Brazil, there are most small dogs per capita, middle class working and earning more, they want to offer their kids the joy of having pets. Also, Latin America has a long history of owning dogs, since the Inca civilization.

Brazil-the small dog's capital

In Brazil, there are most small dogs per capita, middle class working and earning more, they want to offer their kids the joy of having pets. Also, Latin America has a long history of owning dogs, since the Inca civilization.

The USA loves small dogs

The United States of America also increased its preference for small dogs over time.

The USA loves small dogs

The United States of America also increased its preference for small dogs over time.

Why should you have a toy puppy?

They have a small size (which is a big advantage when it comes to traveling or other tasks that we need to do)

Different types of coat ( short or long, is known for its hypoallergenic property)

There are dog breeds that are less allergenic and better suitable for those with allergies, even though no dog is completely hypoallergenic.

Even if the amount of shedding is reduced for these breeds, there is no assurance that everyone will experience fewer allergy symptoms as a result. Even if there is less hair, you will still have contact with their saliva and dander.

Weak predator instincts (because they have always been used for companionship)

Affectionate personality and cheerful

Low exercise requirement

They are social and love people in general

They have a small size (which is a big advantage when it comes to traveling or other tasks that we need to do)

Different types of coat ( short or long, is known for its hypoallergenic property)

There are dog breeds that are less allergenic and better suitable for those with allergies, even though no dog is completely hypoallergenic.

Even if the amount of shedding is reduced for these breeds, there is no assurance that everyone will experience fewer allergy symptoms as a result. Even if there is less hair, you will still have contact with their saliva and dander.

Weak predator instincts (because they have always been used for companionship)

Affectionate personality and cheerful

Low exercise requirement

They are social and love people in general

Depending on the breed, they are not so noisy (only when it comes to alerting the owners about intruders or other strange sounds)

They enjoy playing games with their owners

They are very attached to their owner and want to spend time with them as much as possible

Lastly, they are perfect for people living in apartments or smaller places

An extra reason to get a small puppy is their longer median lifespan at 14,95 years (which is one of the best reasons to get a small dog, having more time to spend together with them).

But the most important point is that they increase our levels of oxytocin and make us happy every day (which is really helpful when we have a bad day at work);

Who can resist that big, cute puppy eyes ?!

They are extremely adorable and the main benefit is that small dogs will always have the puppy appearance, which gives them a free pass even when they are naughty 🙂

Depending on the breed, they are not so noisy (only when it comes to alerting the owners about intruders or other strange sounds)

They enjoy playing games with their owners

They are very attached to their owner and want to spend time with them as much as possible

Lastly, they are perfect for people living in apartments or smaller places

An extra reason to get a small puppy is their longer median lifespan at 14,95 years (which is one of the best reasons to get a small dog, having more time to spend together with them).

But the most important point is that they increase our levels of oxytocin and make us happy every day (which is really helpful when we have a bad day at work);

Who can resist that big, cute puppy eyes ?!

They are extremely adorable and the main benefit is that small dogs will always have the puppy appearance, which gives them a free pass even when they are naughty 🙂

The benefits of a small dog

Furthermore detailing the given reasons to get a toy puppy, having a small dog when it comes to traveling is much easier and cheaper than having a larger one.

All the problems that one might have when it comes to a big dog, it doesn't apply in the context of having a small one, which makes them a great advantage for a family or person that likes to travel a lot, but of course, they don't want to leave their pooch at home.

More in a funny way, one can just take their little friend in the bag with them wherever they go, but in the serious sense, this is a pretty good idea to bond with the dog and make them happy by just being with them most of the time.

The benefits of a small dog

Furthermore detailing the given reasons to get a toy puppy, having a small dog when it comes to traveling is much easier and cheaper than having a larger one.

All the problems that one might have when it comes to a big dog, it doesn't apply in the context of having a small one, which makes them a great advantage for a family or person that likes to travel a lot, but of course, they don't want to leave their pooch at home.

More in a funny way, one can just take their little friend in the bag with them wherever they go, but in the serious sense, this is a pretty good idea to bond with the dog and make them happy by just being with them most of the time.

Toy breeds with low shedding amount

Another great reason for owning a toy dog is their coat, there are a few breeds that hardly shed and have a hypoallergenic coat.

They are a good option for people that suffer from allergies but would like to have a small dog.

There are dog breeds that are less allergenic and better suitable for those with allergies, even though no dog is completely hypoallergenic.

Even if the amount of shedding is reduced for these breeds, there is no assurance that everyone will experience fewer allergy symptoms as a result. Even if there is less hair, you will still have contact with their saliva and dander.

Toy breeds with low shedding amount

Another great reason for owning a toy dog is their coat, there are a few breeds that hardly shed and have a hypoallergenic coat.

They are a good option for people that suffer from allergies but would like to have a small dog.

There are dog breeds that are less allergenic and better suitable for those with allergies, even though no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Even if the amount of shedding is reduced for these breeds, there is no assurance that everyone will experience fewer allergy symptoms as a result. Even if there is less hair, you will still have contact with their saliva and dander.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu dog breedRead more

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu dog breedRead more

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise dog breedRead more

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise dog breedRead more

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrrier dog breedRead more

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrrier dog breedRead more

Toy Poodle

Poodle and Toy Poodle dog breedRead more

Toy Poodle

Poodle and Toy Poodle dog breedRead more

Havanese

Havanese

Maltese

Maltese dog breedRead more

Maltese

Maltese dog breedRead more

Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier dog breedRead more

Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier dog breedRead more

Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested dog breedRead more

Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested dog breedRead more

Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon

Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier

Grooming small dogs

There are also toy breeds with double coats (Havanese, Pomeranian, Shi Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) that are high maintenance and need more care and attention for a healthy coat.

The good part though is that there is only a small area to groom so it doesn't take such a long time. Grooming is also important, helping the owners to observe and pay attention if there are any problems with the skin or the coat overall.

At the same time, is important to offer an enjoyable experience for the dog, so grooming doesn't become a bad or overwhelming experience for them, that only makes them frightened.

Positive reinforcement and rewards are the keys to achieving the goal on both sides: the owner taking care of their little dog and the dog being pleased with the offered treatment.

Grooming small dogs

There are also toy breeds with double coats (Havanese, Pomeranian, Shi Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) that are high maintenance and need more care and attention for a healthy coat.

The good part though is that there is only a small area to groom so it doesn't take such a long time. Grooming is also important, helping the owners to observe and pay attention if there are any problems with the skin or the coat overall.

At the same time, is important to offer an enjoyable experience for the dog, so grooming doesn't become a bad or overwhelming experience for them, that only makes them frightened.

Positive reinforcement and rewards are the keys to achieving the goal on both sides: the owner taking care of their little dog and the dog being pleased with the offered treatment.

The predatory instinct of small dogs

Additionally, toy dogs have a weak predator instinct, although they have been used for hunting small mice in the past, this task fading away in time, being replaced by the hunting dogs.

Anyway, some Terrier breeds might still have some instincts left. Sitting in the king and queen's lap it's the perfect description of these small breeds, enjoying human company at its finest.

The predatory instinct of small dogs

Additionally, toy dogs have a weak predator instinct, although they have been used for hunting small mice in the past, this task fading away in time, being replaced by the hunting dogs.

Anyway, some Terrier breeds might still have some instincts left. Sitting in the king and queen's lap it's the perfect description of these small breeds, enjoying human company at its finest.

Toy puppies need a lot of love and attention

Moreover, the affectionate side of toy puppies (living their best life on their owners' lap), might impede if they don't get the attention they want(and that means all the attention that can be given to anyone).

Toy puppies need a lot of love and attention

Moreover, the affectionate side of toy puppies (living their best life on their owners' lap), might impede if they don't get the attention they want(and that means all the attention that can be given to anyone).

Small breeds don't require much exercise

Just as important as the previous points, low exercise requirement is a big advantage of the small breeds.

This advantage makes them the perfect breed for elderly people especially, which can't give them so much exercise, although it's important for these dogs to have their daily walks, even though it's only in the garden. They need to stay fit and healthy.

At the same time, it is a big benefit also for people that work from home and doesn't prefer to hike, swim, or enjoy other outdoor sports.

These dogs are for sure not a good match for sport-loving people, with their fragile constitution and almost no strength or resilience. One thing is for sure, everyone has a dog match from the personality point of view.

Small breeds don't require much exercise

Just as important as the previous points, low exercise requirement is a big advantage of the small breeds.

This advantage makes them the perfect breed for elderly people especially, which can't give them so much exercise, although it's important for these dogs to have their daily walks, even though it's only in the garden. They need to stay fit and healthy.

At the same time, it is a big benefit also for people that work from home and doesn't prefer to hike, swim, or enjoy other outdoor sports.

These dogs are for sure not a good match for sport-loving people, with their fragile constitution and almost no strength or resilience. One thing is for sure, everyone has a dog match from the personality point of view.

The sociability of small dogs

From the social point of view, small breeds are dependent on their owners and prefer their company, instead of other dogs or animal's company.

They can bond very closely with their owners and are in general, friendly with other people too, although they don't enjoy the company of other dogs, they prefer their breed or other small dogs to be with (Péter Pongrácz, an ethologist at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary has discovered in a study that dogs have the cognitive ability to determine the other dogs' size by their growl- it is useful for them to know whether or not to participate in a battle with the other individual).

In other words, small dogs prefer to have friends of their size, giving them a sense of safety and equality.

The sociability of small dogs

From the social point of view, small breeds are dependent on their owners and prefer their company, instead of other dogs or animal's company.

They can bond very closely with their owners and are in general, friendly with other people too, although they don't enjoy the company of other dogs, they prefer their breed or other small dogs to be with (Péter Pongrácz, an ethologist at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary has discovered in a study that dogs have the cognitive ability to determine the other dogs' size by their growl- it is useful for them to know whether or not to participate in a battle with the other individual).

In other words, small dogs prefer to have friends of their size, giving them a sense of safety and equality.

How much noise do small dogs produce?

However, the levels of noise a dog is producing depend on their breed, whether they have some sort of guarding instincts if any intruders are coming nearby.

The breeder or other dog owners can give precious advice about the level of noise your new family member might produce.

How much noise do small dogs produce?

However, the levels of noise a dog is producing depend on their breed, whether they have some sort of guarding instincts if any intruders are coming nearby.

The breeder or other dog owners can give precious advice about the level of noise your new family member might produce.

Bonding with your small dog

Speaking of bonding with your small dog, they are lovable and kind, looking forward to spending every second of their life with you, which is why bonding is the most important part of this relationship.

In case your attention might not be available for them all the time(one has to work and do other activities) they can rely on other family pets such as other small dogs or even the family cat to keep them company.

Bonding with your small dog

Speaking of bonding with your small dog, they are lovable and kind, looking forward to spending every second of their life with you, which is why bonding is the most important part of this relationship.

In case your attention might not be available for them all the time(one has to work and do other activities) they can rely on other family pets such as other small dogs or even the family cat to keep them company.

Small dogs are predisposed to separation anxiety

On the contrary, despite all the good reasons to obtain a small dog, there are some small difficulties with this breed that require a little bit more work.

One of the difficulties with small dogs is separation anxiety: this type of dog is bred to be in someone's company all their lives and the idea of being left alone even for a really short period is devastating for them.

No need to worry though, because there are a lot of options related to these issues, such as simply training them and creating a cozy, comfortable, and safe corner for them or just taking them with you ( let's not forget the big advantage of their small size).

Making them used to enjoy their own company is also good salvation from this situation.

Also, if you have other pets, they can keep each other company.

Small dogs are predisposed to separation anxiety

On the contrary, despite all the good reasons to obtain a small dog, there are some small difficulties with this breed that require a little bit more work.

One of the difficulties with small dogs is separation anxiety: this type of dog is bred to be in someone's company all their lives and the idea of being left alone even for a really short period is devastating for them.

No need to worry though, because there are a lot of options related to these issues, such as simply training them and creating a cozy, comfortable, and safe corner for them or just taking them with you ( let's not forget the big advantage of their small size).

Making them used to enjoy their own company is also good salvation from this situation.

Also, if you have other pets, they can keep each other company.

Small dogs are picky eaters

On the other hand, there is another small disadvantage when it comes to small breeds and that is their well-known exquisite taste in food.

After all, they have always been the noble's company dogs for a reason.

The important idea that one should have in mind when it comes to food is that it shouldn't be replaced at the most minor sign of dislike, instead, it should be an inventive idea every time they get food so it becomes an exciting activity and not a boring tasteless one; for example, one can throw the dry food in the grass for the dog to get it: exercise and food, best idea.

When it comes to wet food, putting out the bowl in different locations is a good idea for the dog to entertain itself when seeking the food.

Small dogs are picky eaters

On the other hand, there is another small disadvantage when it comes to small breeds and that is their well-known exquisite taste in food.

After all, they have always been the noble's company dogs for a reason.

The important idea that one should have in mind when it comes to food is that it shouldn't be replaced at the most minor sign of dislike, instead, it should be an inventive idea every time they get food so it becomes an exciting activity and not a boring tasteless one; for example, one can throw the dry food in the grass for the dog to get it: exercise and food, best idea.

When it comes to wet food, putting out the bowl in different locations is a good idea for the dog to entertain itself when seeking the food.

Having a toy dog

All things considered, there are a lot of good reasons to obtain a small puppy, they are perfect for people that are at home most of the time, don't want to spend a long time on walks (shorter periods of exercise), want a dog who is attached to the owner, have a small property and want to increase their oxytocin levels every day:)

Having a toy dog

All things considered, there are a lot of good reasons to obtain a small puppy, they are perfect for people that are at home most of the time, don't want to spend a long time on walks (shorter periods of exercise), want a dog who is attached to the owner, have a small property and want to increase their oxytocin levels every day:)