Toy Dogs
(Small dog breeds, Teacup dogs)
Toy dogs are a dog group of small to very small dog breeds.
The exact number of breeds that should be included in this group is still subject of discussion. Likewise, there is still no consensus whether the word "Toy" refers exlusively to the dog's small size (in which case small working dogs could be considered as well) or to both its size and function as pet or companion dog (in which case only small companion dogs would be considered "toy dogs"). However, there is no mention as to which should be the maximum height at the whithers to consider a dog a toy breed.
Chihuahua in bowl
Chihuahua in bowl
In some cases the word "toy" refers to the smallest variety within a breed, as is the case for example with the Toy poodle.


The term teacup dogs is not officially recognized and refers to dogs that are even smaller than toy breeds. A further implication is that in some countries only very small dogs and tea cup dogs are considered toy dogs.

Toy dogs are popular with city dwellers and make ideal apartment dogs. However, size should never be the sole selection criteria when choosing a dog breed; factors such as activity level, excitability level (barking), cleanliness and compatibility with children (or other pets) should also be considered when selecting a pet.
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List of toy breeds:
Affenpinscher
Bichon Frisé
Bolognese
Belgian Griffon
Brussels Griffon
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested Dog
Coton de Tulear
English Toy Spaniel
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
King Charles Spaniel
Lhasa Apso
Löwchen (Little Lion Dog)
Maltese
Miniature Pinscher
Papillon
Pekingese
Phalène
Pomeranian
Pug
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Small Brabant Griffon
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy Poodle
Yorkshire Terrier

Other dog breeds sometimes included in the Toy breed group:
Australian Silky Terrier
Australian Terrier
Boston Terrier
French Bulldog
Manchester Terrier
Schipperke
Yorkshire Terrier and Pomeranian