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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 could 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.
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 recognised 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.
