Discover 10 Adorable Types of Toy Dog Breeds

Cute, charismatic, affectionate, and among the easiest breeds to own and care for, toy dogs such as spaniels, terriers, and pinschers are defined primarily by their small size. Many owners appreciate that they remain short and compact forever, almost like puppies. This article will cover some interesting facts about the most popular types of toy dog breeds from all around the world. However, keep in mind that a toy dog is not necessarily the same thing as a lap dog. Not all of the breeds on this list have the temperament to be handled all the time.

1. Italian Greyhound

Weighing anywhere between seven and 14 pounds, the Italian greyhound is a mini version of the regular greyhound but is considered to be a separate breed entirely. It is characterized by a sleek, athletic body and a thin coat of smooth brownish-gray hair. Alert, sensitive, and very fast, this sighthound was immensely popular among European nobility, including Frederick the Great and Queen Victoria. One of their most appealing qualities is the ability to match the pace and lifestyle of their owner. Assuming it receives enough daily exercise, this dog will curl up on the couch with its owner for the remainder of the day.

2. Chinese Crested Dog

Weighing no more than 12 pounds, the Chinese crested dog is a small, affectionate breed with a spunky personality and upbeat attitude. The origin of the Chinese crested is still shrouded in mystery. They may have been brought to China thousands of years ago from Africa. There are two different varieties: the hypoallergenic hairless dog has bare, smooth skin almost everywhere except for long tufts around the head, tail, and legs (giving it a very distinctive appearance), whereas the powderpuff dog has a thick double coat of fur. Either way, they are great dogs for families and kids alike.

3. Maltese

Weighing no more than seven pounds, the tiny Maltese is elegance personified. With its luxurious coat of long white hair, which nearly obscures the feet, this breed probably originated in Europe and eventually became synonymous with the small island state of Malta just to the south of Sicily. One of the more interesting facts is that the ancient Greeks appreciated this breed for its geometric precision, whereas some Romans considered it to be an eccentric fashion statement. Modern families are sure to be charmed by their playful and gentle personalities. The coat is hypoallergenic but will need extensive brushing and grooming.

4. Chihuahua

A national symbol of Mexico, the affectionate and sassy Chihuahua may be the smallest dog breed in the world. It measures no more than eight inches at shoulder height and never exceeds six pounds. Exceptionally small members of this breed are known as teacup Chihuahuas, so-named because they can fit inside a teacup. While not technically their own variation, the teacup Chihuahuas are the smallest puppies in the litter and typically weigh no more than three pounds. Chihuahuas have a typical lifespan of 14 to 16 years.

5. Pug

Originating some 2,000 years ago from China, the pug is a flat-faced breed with a fawn-colored coat and a black mask and ears. This small dog stands up to 13 inches at shoulder height and weighs between 14 and 18 pounds. The pug’s charming, affectionate, and somewhat mischievous personality is perfect for kids of all ages. It regularly ranks among the top 30 of AKC’s most popular breeds. One of the most interesting facts about them is that Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, had a loyal pet pug named Fortune. He was said to carry messages back and forth between Josephine and her first husband when he was imprisoned during the French Revolution.

6. Havanese

The Havanese is the only dog breed entirely native to Cuba. Weighing between seven and 13 pounds, it is characterized by a long silky coat with a huge variety of different colors, including black, cream, fawn, red brindle, red sable, and many more. This intelligent, outgoing breed, which thrives on human attention and companionship, is great for families of all kinds. Thanks to their friendly attitude and trainable disposition, they are natural trick dogs. While ideal for city living, they do extremely well in almost any situation.

7. Pomeranian

Weighing anywhere between three and seven pounds, the Pomeranian is a charismatic little puffball. It has a long, double coat of orange or red fur (as well as many other color combinations), dark, round eyes, a smiling, fox-like face, and a vivid, beaming personality. The Pomeranian is ideal for families with slightly older children who are mature enough to handle such a small breed. It is fairly easy to train and loves both indoor play and short walks outdoors. It even makes for a surprisingly decent watchdog. This breed originated from the region of northern Europe along the Baltic coast that bears its name.

8. Shih Tzu

Weighing anywhere between nine and 16 pounds, the Shih Tzu is a spunky little dog with a big personality. The name is even derived from the Chinese word for lion. With its long flowing coat of elegant fur, which comes in a large variety of different colors and patterns, it was once a popular breed among the Chinese royalty. Today, their affectionate, playful, and outgoing personalities, combined with their gentle habit of resting on laps, make them ideal companions for families of all kinds. They require minimal exercise but should be trained thoroughly to obey your commands.

9. Yorkshire Terrier

Weighing no more than seven pounds, the Yorkshire terrier is among the smallest terriers (vermin-hunting dogs) in the world. Feisty and affectionate, it originated from the English county of Yorkshire in the 19th century and was among the earliest breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. Today, it routinely ranks among the AKC’s top 10 most popular types of dog breeds. The Yorkie is characterized by a straight, silky coat that reaches the floor. It comes in several variations, including black and tan, black and gold, blue and gold, and blue and tan. The lifespan is typically between 11 and 15 years.

10. Toy Poodle

Toy poodles are smaller versions of the standard poodle, weighing four to six pounds, and with a shoulder height of around 10 inches. The toy poodle originated early in the 20th century by breeding an even smaller version of the miniature poodle.

Their hypoallergenic coat, which can vary from coarse and woolly to soft and silky, comes in a diverse range of colors, including black, apricot, blue, red, and brown. While there are some straight-haired poodle varieties, most poodles have curly, dense fur that requires frequent brushing. It’s important to understand the grooming requirements before choosing a poodle as your next pet, since their curly manes are very prone to painful mats and tangles if they aren’t properly maintained.

The toy poodle is one of the most intelligent and trainable breeds in the entire world, with an excellent lifespan of 10 to 18 years. It is also a great choice for kids and adults alike, due to its friendly nature.