toy dog

toy dog, Any of several breeds of dogs that were bred to be small, portable, good-natured companions. Toy dogs were traditionally pampered and treasured by aristocracy around the world, and several breeds are ancient. They range from hairless (e.g., the Chinese Crested dog) to profusely coated (e.g., the Shih Tzu). Some breeds, such as the Pekingese, could be owned only by royalty. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was a favourite of English royalty. English toy spaniels and toy Poodles are popular in the United States. The Miniature Pinscher resembles the Doberman Pinscher but has a different ancestry. Other toy dogs include the Affenpinscher, Maltese, Papillon, Pomeranian, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Selected breeds of toy dogs

	name	origin	height in inches* dogs (bitches)	weight in pounds* dogs (bitches)	characteristics	comments
*1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram
	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	England	12–13 (same)	13–18 (same)	moderately long coat with feathering on ears, chest, tail, and legs; large, round eyes	most popular toy dog in England
	Chihuahua	Mexico	5 (same)	maximum 6 (same)	large, erect ears; coats are either short and smooth or long and soft with fringing	smallest recognized dog breed
	Chinese Crested	China	11–13 (same)	5–10 (same)	two coat types: hairless (except for tufts on head, feet, and tail) and powderpuff (long, silky coat)	possesses a harefoot that can grasp and hold objects
	Maltese	Malta	5 (same)	4–7 (same)	long, silky, white coat; sturdy build	noted for its fearlessness
	Papillon	France/Belgium	8–11 (same)	maximum 11 (same)	fine-boned and dainty; long, silky coat	named for ears that resemble butterfly wings
	Pekingese	China	6–9 (same)	maximum 14 (same)	long, coarse coat with heavy feathering; black-masked face with short muzzle	considered sacred in ancient China
	Pomeranian	Germany	6–7 (same)	3–7 (same)	cobby body; abundant double coat; small, erect ears	descended from sled dogs of Iceland and Lapland
	Pug	China	10–11 (same)	14–18 (same)	square, cobby body; massive head; tightly curled tail; wrinkled face and neck	miniature Mastiff
	Shih Tzu	Tibet	10 (same)	9–16 (same)	sturdy build; long, flowing coat; proud carriage	considered a non-sporting dog in Canada
	Yorkshire Terrier	England	8–9 (same)	maximum 7 (same)	long, silky coat, parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail, hanging straight down each side of the body	also called Yorkie; noted for its independent nature