Toy Group Dogs Are Tougher Than They Look
Don’t let their small size fool you. The small size and charming facial expressions of Toy Group Dogs will delight anyone. For example, if you haven’t yet experienced the barking of an angry Chihuahua, be prepared to be amazed.
However, many AKC toy group dogs are as tough as nails. Toy Dogs will always be popular with city dwellers and people without much living space. They make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap buddies.
Small dog breeds exist in every Group, not just the Toy Group. For example, the Miniature Schnauzer is a small breed in the Terrier Group. Everyone should seriously consider getting a small breed, if for no other reason than to minimize some of the problems inherent in dogs, such as shedding, creating messes, and cost of care.
It’s easier to control a ten-pound Affenpenscher tugging on its leash than a 100-pound Rottweiler.
dogs in the toy group
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is an entertaining family member that everyone will love. Like many small dogs, it may be wary of very small children.
Affens do not like being squeezed or chased. The Affenpinscher was born to be a ratter, so it might not be a good companion for rodent-type pets such as gerbils, hamsters, and mice. They became a member of Toy Group Dogs in 1936. AKC parent club: The Affenpinscher Club of America
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a terrier-type dog and, like many terriers, was bred to control the rodent population in Brussels, Belgium.
These little toy group dogs have big personalities. They will likely attach to one person. They are good with children if appropriately treated. Their face resembles an [wiki]Ewok[/wiki]. The AKC registered the Griffon in 1910. It is in the toy dog group. AKC parent club: American Brussels Griffon Association
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very affectionate toy group dog who must be with people. It would not be a good choice for people who are gone from home for long periods.
They get along well with children and are unafraid to become friends with larger dogs. AKC parent club: American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, Inc.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a sassy but very loyal toy dog and loves attention. Without proper training, it will take over and try to be the boss. They may be small, but they do not know it.
They are not good dogs for rough play due to their small size. They are in the toy group. AKC parent club: Chihuahua Club of America
Chinese Crested
There are two variations of the Chinese Crested toy group dog breed, one has hair, and the other does not. Both varieties are alert, playful, and devoted to their family.
The hairless, of course, does not shed and has no body order. The coated Crested is often called a “Powder Puff.”
AKC parent club: American Chinese Crested Club
English Toy Spaniel
If there is such a thing as a professional lapdog, the English Toy Spaniel is a contender for the most experienced.
This small toy group dog may have originated in East Asia. Still, they became popular in Europe in the 1500s as favorites of several members of the [wiki]House of Tudor[/wiki] and [wiki]House of Stuart[/wiki] dynasties.
AKC parent club: English Toy Spaniel Club of America
Havanese
The Havanese, the national dog of Cuba, is a [wiki]bichon[/wiki] similar to the Maltese and the Bichon Friese. Two very famous writers, [wiki]Charles Dickens[/wiki] and [wiki]Ernest Hemingway[/wiki], owned Havanese.
After the [wiki]Cuban Revolution[/wiki], many Cuban refugees brought Havanese, extending the toy dog breed’s popularity worldwide. AKC parent club: Havanese Club of America
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest toy group dog breed called [wiki]sighthounds[/wiki]. It’s a lapdog, although it is ready to chase any cat that decides to run.AKC parent club: Italian Greyhound Club of America
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin, also known as a Japanese Spaniel, has a rich history. It was initially a royal companion and are affectionate little entertainers at heart.
This naughty little toy group dog belongs to the Toy Group and weighs a mere 6-15 lbs, making for the ideal lap dog. Because of the Chin’s small size, they may not be a good choice if you have young children.
AKC parent club: Japanese Chin Club of America
Maltese
Despite its name, Maltese dogs most likely do not come from the island of [wiki]Malta[/wiki]. It is an ancient breed that was a favorite of the early Greeks and Romans. [wiki]Aristotle[/wiki] They mention the Maltese as early as 370 BC.
They are affectionate lapdogs with long silky white coats. It is a popular dog in the toy group.
AKC parent club: American Maltese Association
Manchester Terrier
The Toy Manchester Terrier was developed in the United States by breeding the Manchester Terrier to a smaller size. The [wiki]Kennel Club[/wiki] and the [wiki]FCI[/wiki] do not recognize the Toy Manchester as a separate breed.
The Toy must weigh under 12 pounds in the US or be considered a Standard Manchester Terrier. The Canadian and American Kennel Clubs recognize two Manchester Terrier varieties: original and miniaturized (toy). AKC parent club: American Manchester Terrier Club
Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is not a reduced-sized Doberman Pinscher or [wiki]German Pinscher[/wiki]. They may have common ancestors, but they are now entirely separate breeds.
The Miniature probably was bred to be a [wiki]ratter (dog)[/wiki]. The common nickname for the Miniature Pinscher is the “Min Pin.” AKC parent club: Miniature Pinscher Club of America
Papillon
These small, very intelligent dogs are easily trained. They are self-assured, happy, and friendly members of any family.
The Papillon owes its name to the French word for butterfly. It is easy to see how appropriate the name is when you look at its face framed with its ears. These small, very intelligent dogs are easily trained. They are self-assured, happy, and friendly members of any family. AKC parent club: Papillon Club of America
Pekingese
For a long time, Pekingese could only be owned by members of the Chinese Imperial Palace ([wiki]Forbidden City[/wiki]). These little dogs were sometimes carried in the sleeves of their owners and acted as personal guard dogs.
The flat nose and big eyes are characteristics of the Pekingese. These small dogs were favorite lap dogs and companions of Chinese royalty for centuries.
Pomeranian
They have thick coats in many colors, although red and orange are the most common.
The Pomeranian is the smallest of the [wiki]spitz[/wiki] type dogs. Hard to believe, but this tiny dog is a descendant of sled dogs from Iceland and [wiki]Finland[/wiki].
Poodle (Toy)
The Toy Poodle is not a separate breed from the Miniature and Standard Poodles. Poodles under 10 inches tall are Toy Poodles. They are very intelligent (ranking only behind the Border Collie), and they expect you to treat them as an equal.
The admirable qualities of the Poodle make it a very popular breed to combine with other dog breeds to produce designer dogs. AKC parent club: The Poodle Club of America
Pug
These somewhat chunky little dogs are willing to give and want love in return. Pugs emigrated to Europe from China in the 1600s and became popular with royal families, including the [wiki]House of Stewart[/wiki] and the [wiki]House of Orange[/wiki].
AKC parent club: Pug Dog Club of America
Shih Tzu
These dogs were so treasured in China that none were sold or given away outside the country until the 1930s. Since then, the Shih Tzu has become one of the most popular toy dogs.
The Shih Tzu is another small Chinese dog that has become a famous companion dog. AKC parent club: American Shih Tzu Club
Silky Terrier
They are affectionate and loyal but may be stubborn because of the Terrier thing.
Silky Terriers were developed in Australia by crossbreeding the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier. Although the Silky Terrier is a companion dog, its Terrier background gives it the instinct to react to rodents and snakes.
AKC parent club: Silky Terrier Club of America
Toy Fox Terrier
Due to its lineage, the Toy Fox Terrier is perhaps a bit more mellow than other Terriers.
Toy Fox Terriers descend from the Fox Terrier, Chihuahuas, and Italian Greyhounds but are considered distinct. They retained many terrier traits and began earning their livelihood as a [wiki]ratter[/wiki].
AKC parent club: American Toy Fox Terrier Club
Yorkshire Terrier
Few dog breeds can equal the elegance and charm of the Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) when it’s all dressed up for a dog show.
The Yorkie is a true show-stopper with its magnificent, long, silky coat and a bow on its forehead. But keep in mind that the Yorkie’s last name is Terrier. The Yorkie tries to live up to that last name when it’s not strutting its stuff in the show ring.
