Toy Dogs

Toy dogs are small dogs kept chiefly as house pets and companions. They were first popularized by royalty. Most toy dogs have short, pushed-in muzzles, long coats, and high-set tails. Toy dogs are alert and active. Because of their size, they are well suited to apartment living.

a breed resembling a terrier. Its large eyes, bushy eyebrows, and prominent tuft of hair on the chin give it a monkeylike expression. (Affe is the German word for monkey.) The ears are cropped and the tail is docked. The wirehaired coat is solid black or black with red, gray, or tan. The affenpinscher is a fun-loving dog and makes a loyal companion. Ideal height: to 10.5 inches (26.0 cm). Typical weight: 7 to 8 pounds (3.2 to 3.6 kg).

a short, stocky dog originally bred to kill rats and mice in stables. It has a short, upturned face and short, erect ears. The tail is docked. The coat is either smooth or rough, and is reddish-brown, solid black, or reddish-brown and black. The dog is intelligent, active, and independent. Typical height: 8 inches (20.3 cm). Ideal weight: to 12 pounds (5.4 kg).

the smallest of all breeds. It is an ancient Mexican breed, dating back to the Toltec and Aztec civilizations. The dog has a domed skull, large prick ears, and a sickle tail. Two varieties of coat are recognized by the AKC: (1) smooth, with a ruff around the neck; and (2) long, with a fringe of hair on the ears, and feathering on the legs and tail. The coat may be any color. The Chihuahua makes an alert, affectionate house dog. Typical height: 5 inches (12.7 cm). Ideal weight: to 6 pounds (2.7 kg).

an unusual breed with two distinct varieties, the Hairless and the Powderpuff. The Hairless, despite its name, has hair on the head, tail, and feet; the Powderpuff is completely covered with hair. Both varieties may be born in the same litter. The Chinese Crested is fine-boned, elegant, and graceful. It is playful and entertaining, and is a loving companion. Ideal height: 11 to 13 inches (27.9 to 33.0 cm). Ideal weight: 5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.5 kg).

a breed popularized by English royalty as a lap dog. It has a domed head, an upturned nose, and long, hanging ears. The tail is docked. The coat is silky and wavy. Two varieties of coat color are recognized by the AKC: (1) solid—King Charles (black and tan) or Ruby (chestnut red); and (2) mixed or broken—Blenheim (chestnut red and white, or ruby red and white) or Prince Charles (black, white, and tan). The English toy spaniel is an active, fun-loving dog. Typical height: males, 10 inches (25.4 cm); females, 9 inches (22.9 cm). Ideal weight: 9 to 12 pounds (4.1 to 5.4 kg).

a miniature greyhound developed during the Renaissance. It has a long, slender head; small, folded ears; a curved spine; and a long, curved tail. The coat is short and glossy, and may be any color. The dog is affectionate and playful. Ideal height: 13 to 15 inches (33.0 to 38.1 cm). Typical weight: 8 to 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg).

an old breed originally from China, but popularized in Japan. It has hanging, V-shaped cars and a short muzzle. The fluffy tail is carried over the back and to one side. The straight, silky coat is feathered on the ears, tail, and thighs. It is particolored black and white or white and red. (The term “red” includes such colors as sable, lemon, orange, and brindle.) The Japanese chin has an aristocratic appearance and makes an affectionate companion. Typical height: 9 inches (22.9 cm). Weight: Two classes are recognized by the AKC—under 7 pounds (3.2 kg) and over 7 pounds.

an ancient breed from the island of Malta. It has feathered, hanging ears and a plumed tail carried over the back. The long, silky hair is solid white, occasionally with tan or lemon on the ears. The Maltese is an alert, active dog. Typical height: 5 inches (12.7 cm). Ideal weight: to 7 pounds (3.2 kg).

See Xoloitzcuintli, in this list.

a miniature Doberman pinscher. It has a compact, muscular body and erect ears; the tail is docked. The smooth, shiny coat is solid red, black with rust or tan markings, or chocolate with rust markings. The miniature pinscher makes a good watchdog. Ideal height: 10 to 12.5 inches (25.4 to 31.8 cm). Typical weight: males, 10 pounds (4.5 kg); females, 9 pounds (4.1 kg).

a breed named for its large, fringed ears resembling a butterfly's wings. (Papillon means “butterfly” in French.) The dog has a pointed muzzle and a plumed tail that arches over the back. The long, silky coat is parti-colored, and there are patches of dark colors on the ears and around the eyes. The hair on the hind legs is thick, and forms “breeches.” The papillon makes a friendly, lively pet. Ideal height: 8 to 11 inches (20.3 to 27.9 cm). Typical weight: males, 10 pounds (4.5 kg); females, 8 pounds (3.6 kg).

an ancient Chinese breed once considered sacred. It has a short, broad face and nose; drooping, heart-shaped ears; and bowed forelegs. The high-set tail curls over the back. The long, thick coat is feathered on the legs, tail, and toes, and forms a lionlike mane around the head. The coat comes in many colors, and there is a black mask on the face. The Pekingese is a hardy breed and can be stubborn. Typical height: males, 9 inches (22.9 cm); females, 8 inches (20.3 cm). Ideal weight: to 14 pounds (6.4 kg).

a small German breed. It has a foxlike face; small, erect ears; and a bushy tail carried low over the back. The long, coarse double coat is feathered on the legs, and forms a ruff around the neck. The coat is sable, black and tan, or any solid color. The Pomeranian is excitable and intelligent, and makes a good watchdog. Typical height: males, 7 inches (17.8 cm); females, 6.5 inches (16.5 cm). Ideal weight: 3 to 7 pounds (1.4 to 3.2 kg).

an ancient breed originally from Asia and later popularized in the Netherlands. It is named for its pushed-in, or pug, nose. The dog has rose ears or button ears and the tail curls tightly over the hip. The skin on the head, particularly the forehead, is deeply wrinkled. The soft, fine coat is either solid black, or silver or apricot fawn with a black mask, black ears, and a black trace. The pug is playful and makes a good companion. Typical height: 10 to 11 inches (25.4 to 27.9 cm). Ideal weight: 14 to 18; pounds (6.4 to 8.2 kg).

an ancient breed of China originally kept exclusively by royalty. It has short legs; long, hanging ears; a short muzzle; and a prominent mustache. The plumed tail is carried over the back. The coat is long and dense, and may be any color. The hair on top of the head is usually tied up to keep it out of the eyes. The Shih Tzu is a lively, hardy dog and is good with children. Ideal height: 8 to 11 inches (20.3 to 27.9 cm). Ideal weight: 9 to 18 pounds (4.1 to 8.2 kg).

an Australian shepherd dog originally used to exterminate rats on farms. It is covered by long, silky hair that is blue and tan. The dog is long and low-set, and has erect, V-shaped ears. The tail is docked and is held erect. The silky terrier is spirited and makes a good watchdog. Ideal height: 9 to 10 inches (22.9 to 25.4 cm). Ideal weight: 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kg).

a smaller version of the Manchester terrier. It has a narrow, wedge-shaped head; erect ears; and a tapering, whiplike tail. The short, thick coat is black with mahogany and tan markings above the eyes, on the face and chest, under the tail, and on the lower legs. The toy Manchester terrier is active and alert, and makes a good watchdog. Typical height: 6 to 7 inches (15.2 to 17.8 cm). Weight: Two classes are recognized by the AKC—under 7 pounds (3.2 kg) and 7 to 12 pounds (3.2 to 5.4 kg).

a tiny breed first popularized by French and English royalty in the 1700's. It has a long, slender head and hanging, feathered ears. The tail is docked and is high-set. The harsh, dense coat comes in all solid colors. It is professionally clipped in several styles. The toy poodle makes a playful family dog. Ideal height: to 10 inches (25.4 cm). Typical weight: 5 to 7 pounds (2.3 to 3.2 kg).

an unusual dog with no hair on its body. It was bred from the Mexican hairless, a dog that is thought to have been brought to Mexico by the Aztecs when they came from Asia. The Xoloitzcuintli resembles a chihuahua. The skin may be any dog color and is hot to the touch. This dog can be temperamental. Typical height: 12 to 16 inches (30.5 to 40.6 cm). Typical weight: 4 to 7 pounds (1.8 to 3.2 kg). This breed is not recognized by the AKC but has its own association, the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America.

a long-haired breed from England. The long, silky coat reaches the ground along the back and sides. It is parted and tied back to keep it out of the eyes and face. The dog has small, V-shaped ears, and the tail is docked. The puppies are born with a black coat and tan markings on the head, chest, and feet; the coat turns a steel-blue color by the age of two. The Yorkshire terrier is affectionate and gets along with other pets. Typical height: 6 to 7 inches (15.2 to 17.8 cm). Ideal weight: to 7 pounds (3.2 kg).