Toy Dog Breeds are Not a "Toy"!Yes, toy dog breeds are small. If you have younger children they would not be a good breed to have around them. With small dogs, they tend to get stepped on or injured very easily from rough play. However, if you have older kids then they would be a great addition.
Chihuahua 
This is a fairly new toy dog breed originating in Mexico. It was brought to America in the mid 19th century. Chi's are tiny, little dogs with a big heart. The head is round, with large, bulbous eyes and large ears. The coat comes in two lengths, short and long. The short coat requires very little grooming. This is a sensitive dog and is not apt to get cozy with other people or pets. Yes, they do shake and shiver. My husband's parents owned one for 13 years. The Chi is content to sit on your lap rather than partake in vigorous games. Size is 6-9 inches with a weight of 3-6 pounds.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a non-sporting dog breed which originated in England and was bred to control rats and mice in mines and mills. It wasn't until the late 1800's that Yorkies became lap dogs. This breed is small with a long, silky coat. He has pricked ears covered with hair and hairy eyebrows that cover his bright, round eyes. Even though he is small and cute, the Yorkie is every inch a terrier (sometimes terror). He can be aggressive and combative with other animals, but gets along fine with children. This dog may be a little difficult to train due to stubbornness. His size is only in inches, 7-9 and weight, 4-7 pounds, however he sees himself as a much bigger dog.
Mya, photo by asra_valorshon
This breed originated in Tibet hundreds of years ago and were owned by Emperors. They came to America in the mid 19th century. The Lhasa is a small dog covered in very fine, flowing hair. The tail is carried over the back with lots of hair on it. Daily brushing is needed to keep his coat in good shape. Intelligent and a good watchdog, the Lhasa isn't good with children and very shy of strangers. This is a good dog for mature persons to own. Size is 10-12 inches, weight is 13-15 pounds.
photo by Photos8.com
This dog also has its origins in China. Known as the "lion dog" statues of these dogs are at the entrance to the Imperial Palace, even though the statues look like lions. The breed came to the U.S. in the early 19th century. The Peke is a small, compact dog with a double coat which requires regular brushing to keep it in good shape. The head is round with long ears, round dark eyes and short muzzle. Like most small dogs, he does have an attitude. He doesn't get along with children and tends to be stubborn. This dog is not easily trained. At 7-9 inches at the shoulder and a weight of 9-14 pounds, this little dog has the heart of a lion.
photo by Meeka5
This is one of the small non-sporting dog breeds that originated in Europe, Germany to be exact. Again, a lap dog for the rich, these canines came to the U.S. in the late 19th century. The Pom is a small, foxy looking dog with prick ears and a double coat. Frequent brushing is required. This dog is self cleaning, which means he grooms himself and the coat repels dirt. He is very intelligent and easy to train. He can be standoffish to strangers and sometimes his family, depending on his mood. Size, 9-11 inches; weight, 4-7 pounds.
As you can see, there is a variety of toy dog breeds for you to choose from. All have their own personality and will make a wonderful addition to your family. return to best dog breeds from toy dog breeds return to the best dog for you from toy dog breeds |
