Good things really can come in small packages. Case in point: toy dog breeds, which in addition to being downright adorable make excellent companions.
Of course, all dogs are good dogs, but all dogs are also unique in terms of personality and temperament. If you’re looking at toy dog breeds, the following are great ones to set your sights on, though make sure to visit with a pup before committing so that you can make sure you’re a perfect match.
With that in mind, here are 28 toy dog breeds that make excellent pets.
What is a toy dog breed?
The phrase "toy" refers to a very small dog, often weighing less than 15 pounds. They have been selectively bred to be small through several generations and can range in type, appearance, and temperament.
- 01 of 28
Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas are small dogs with huge personalities, and they’re as trainable as they are tiny. Chis tend to become super attached to their humans and don’t often tolerate being left alone for long periods of time, but it’s easy to forgive their clinginess when you realize just how fun they are to be around.
These little dogs are sassy but dainty. With a moderate to high energy level, they need a good amount of exercise every day. They also need proper training and socialization to ensure they’ll get along with everyone and not feel defensive. And when it comes to grooming, those with long coats will need more frequent brushing.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 6 to 9 inches
WEIGHT: 2 to 6 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Lively, companionable, attentive
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short or long; variety of solid or two-combination colors, including black, tan, fawn, cream, white, blue, silver, chocolate, and red
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
02 of 28Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
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Yorkies are one of the most popular toy dog breeds, thanks in no small part to their tendency to be both highly affectionate and always down to play. They aren’t always kid-friendly though, so keep that in mind if you have human little ones at home.
In addition to being active, Yorkies love to snuggle. And they can be little watchdogs, letting you know when they see something outside that needs your attention. When it’s very cold out, a sweater can keep them warm, if they’ll tolerate wearing one. Plus, these dogs are hypoallergenic and don’t shed a lot, even though they have a long coat.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 8 to 9 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Bright, playful, loving
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Long, straight, and silky; variety of color combinations, including black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, and blue and tan
Life Span: 11 to 15 years
03 of 28Pug
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The pug’s wrinkles, snorts, and curly tail are hard to resist, as are their sweet nature and fun-loving personality. What pugs lack in trainability they more than make up for in friendliness, and they’re an excellent toy breed for families with children and other pets.
Because of the shape of their face, they can have brachycephalic syndrome that causes breathing problems and susceptibility to overheating in hotter temperatures, so make sure your dog doesn’t overexert themselves when it’s warm out. Their short coat is easy to groom, and these dogs don’t need as much exercise as other more active breeds.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: 14 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, loving, sweet
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Smooth and short; fawn or black
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
04 of 28Maltese
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If you know your way around a dog brush, then consider the Maltese—a toy dog with a long, silky coat that loves a good grooming. Maltese are charming lap dogs with lots of smarts, and they enjoy a leisurely snooze as much as a walk around the block.
These dogs don’t shed a lot and are hypoallergenic, so they’re worth considering for people who have allergies. However, they aren’t the right choice for those who aren’t home a lot, as they can develop separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors or excessive barking when they’re alone for too long.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 8 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: 4 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, courageous, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long and silky single-layer coat without an undercoat; white
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Continue to 5 of 28 below05 of 28Affenpinscher
The Spruce / Kristie Lee
The affenpinscher is another one of the best toy dog breeds to consider. They are shaggy little pups that fit a big personality in their tiny frames. While they’re not very kid-friendly, they are generally laid-back dogs who do well in apartments and love to play with their humans.
These adorable little dogs have a face that is described as “monkey-like.” They have a lot of energy and can be a little difficult to train because they can be strong-willed. Although they don’t shed much, their coat needs to be brushed and trimmed regularly.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 9 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Fearless, lively, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Wiry and shaggy; black, gray, silver, red, or black and tan
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
06 of 28Japanese Chin
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The Japanese chin, also known as the Japanese spaniel, is a noble toy breed out of Asia. These affectionate pups are still a rather rare breed this side of the Pacific, but if you’re looking for a small dog with cat-like tendencies they may be worth seeking out.
Japanese chins are loyal and affectionate, and they like sitting in your lap. What’s interesting about them is they can climb, so you can’t be surprised when you find them in a high spot in your home. When letting them exercise or spend time outside, keep in mind that this is a brachycephalic breed.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 4 to 9 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Independent, loyal, intelligent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, sleek, and smooth; variety of color combinations, including black and white, lemon and white, sable and white, and black, white, and tan
Life Span: 10 to 14 years
07 of 28Italian Greyhound
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Italian greyhounds offer all of the great qualities of standard greyhounds in a smaller package, including lightning-fast speed and high levels of affection toward their humans. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that they’re also kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and always up for some playtime.
These sleek little dogs will curl up in your lap and enjoy spending loads of time with you. They are sensitive to cold temperatures, so care needs to be taken to keep them warm when the temperature drops outside. And these dogs respond best to gentle, positive training methods because they are emotionally sensitive.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 13 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 14 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Companionable, playful, loving
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and smooth; gray, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, red, sable, or a combination
Life Span: 14 to 15 years
08 of 28Havanese
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Havanese have a long history (they date all the way back to 1500's Cuba!), which is a testament to their ability to endear themselves to humans. They’re smart, good-natured, and loving and can also be trained to make great therapy dogs.
The Havanese is another hypoallergenic breed for those with allergies, but their beautiful coat requires routine grooming that includes brushing and trimming. When it comes to training, these smart dogs learn fast, though they can be difficult to housebreak.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 13 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, companionable, intelligent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Silky straight to curly; one or two colors that may include black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, or red
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
Continue to 9 of 28 below09 of 28Miniature Pinscher (Min Pin)
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Another small dog with big dog vibes, the miniature pinscher is known as the “King of Toys” for their intelligence—and stubbornness. Min pins are friendly and high-energy, though they have a tendency to bark that might not make them the best fit for apartment dwellers.
Miniature pinschers do best in active families. They have a lot of energy that they need to let out through various daily activities like walks, fetch, agility, and puzzle toys. Their very short coats are easy to manage with a basic brushing routine, and they also don’t shed much.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 10 to 12.5 inches
WEIGHT: 8 to 10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, brave, playful
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short coat; solid red, stag red (red with some black hairs), black with rust markings, chocolate with rust markings
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
10 of 28Pekingese
Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography / Getty Images
Pekingese have a unique and dignified personality that’s been around since their days of favor among Chinese royals. They’re not snooty though, and the breed can be quite friendly and social (if a little intolerant of young children).
Also known as the Peke, this dog is alert, brave, and independent. They have a thick coat and flat face, so they are prone to brachycephalic syndrome and overheating. They can also be challenging when it comes to training, so starting at a young age is best to ensure their best traits shine through.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 6 to 9 inches
WEIGHT: Up to 14 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, stubborn, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, thick double coat; variations of gold, red, or sable
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
11 of 28Papillon
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Small, smart, and social, papillons are one of the more active toy breeds and love exploring with their humans in tow. Interested in dog sports? The breed takes well to training, making this dog a popular competitor in agility and obedience.
In addition to being active, this toy dog breed is a great choice for those who want a lap dog. They’re great for first-time dog parents and those living in apartments or small houses. When properly socialized, they can get along with other pets, including cats, but they can be hurt by bigger dogs.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, alert, intelligent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Straight, long, single-layer coat; white with markings and a mask of color
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
12 of 28Brussels Griffon (Griffs)
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Griffs are smart and sturdy, with a reputation as one of the natural entertainers of the toy dog breed world. They’ve got a ton of personality and almost-human-like features, as well as a sensitive nature that occasionally leans toward self-importance—in the most adorable way possible, of course.
This breed isn’t suitable for those who aren’t home often and aren’t able to spend a lot of time with their dog. And the Brussels griffon isn’t ideal for families with kids who are young and won’t know how to interact gently with such a little dog.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 7 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: 6 to 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, stubborn, active
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Smooth or rough; red, black and tan, or solid black
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Continue to 13 of 28 below13 of 28Silky Terrier
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Silky terriers may look like Yorkies, but this breed is all their own, exhibiting endearing traits like high affection and intelligence levels. And while they’re not always keen on being a lap dog, they do love to socialize and play.
This toy dog breed from Australia has a spunky personality, requiring exercise for at least one hour per day. Because their coat grows continuously, grooming involves brushing, bathing, and trimming. And even though they can learn quickly, these little dogs can also be stubborn when it comes to training.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 9 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: About 10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, affectionate, active
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, straight; blue and tan
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
14 of 28Toy Poodle
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Like other types of poodles, the toy poodle is confident and whip-smart, with lots of affection for the special human(s) in their life. They have low exercise needs but require a good amount of socialization, so plan on being available for plenty of one-on-one bonding time.
This is a toy dog breed that is great for families. They can get along with kids and other pets, can live comfortably in a small house or apartment, and are hypoallergenic, too. Just bear in mind that they can have separation anxiety, so they shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods of time.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 6 to 9 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Lively, intelligent, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Curly, dense; apricot, black, blue, brown, cafe au lait, cream, gray, or red
Life Span: 14 to 17 years
15 of 28Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Another great toy dog breed is the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. They are among the largest of the toy dogs, with a noble lineage that can be traced back to 17th-century England. They’re friendly, loving, and trainable, and usually get along with kids and other pets, all of which makes them a fantastic choice as a companion.
This dog is eager to please, so they aren’t difficult to train, but they do have a hunting instinct that may entice them to chase after wildlife while outside. Their coat also requires more grooming than other breeds to ensure it remains free of tangles and mats.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: 13 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, sleek, and silky; tricolor, Blenheim, ruby, and black and tan
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
16 of 28Shih Tzu
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Shih tzus are high up on the list of popular toy dog breeds, and for good reason. The breed is confident, playful, and super lovable, though expect lots of snorting and snoring out of that smushy face.
This dog’s coat doesn’t shed much, but it does grow continuously, so you might opt to keep it short with regular trimming. Whether kept long or cut short, the coat needs to be brushed often. Also, training these dogs from a young age is key because they can be stubborn and difficult to housebreak.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 9 to 16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, lively, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long double coat; nearly any color
Life Span: 10 to 16 years
Continue to 17 of 28 below17 of 28Chinese Crested
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If you want a dog who will stand out, the Chinese Crested is a good way to go. Generally hairless with the occasional tuft of fur, the breed is as original in personality as in appearance, and is loving and playful to boot.
For those who prefer a toy dog with a full coat, there is a powderpuff variety of the Chinese crested. Dogs with coats will need to be brushed often, while hairless dogs will need sweaters and sunscreen to protect their skin throughout the year.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 11 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, companionable, lively
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Mostly hairless with soft and silky hair on the head, feet, and tail; full-coated powderpuff variety; white, gray, or black hair; gray, pink, or brown skin with white patches
Life Span: 13 to 18 years
18 of 28Pomeranian
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No list of toy dog breeds would be complete without the popular Pomeranian. Poms might be a bit bossy, but with the right human by their side, they can be quite loving pups. The breed displays high degrees of loyalty, with guard dog qualities that are a bonus if you live alone.
These tiny dogs are vocal, so that’s something that might bother neighbors if you live in a condo or apartment. They also need about an hour of exercise daily, and their thick double coat needs to be groomed often.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 6 to 7 inches
WEIGHT: 3 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Lively, bold, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, double coat; many colors, including red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
19 of 28Toy Fox Terrier
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Another little dog with a big personality, the toy fox terrier has many standard terrier traits—including intelligence, energy, and a fondness for human interaction. Plan on plenty of walks, and don’t forget to mix in some extra playtime, too.
This is a dog that will form a strong bond with you, and they will love spending time with you whether you are being active in the great outdoors or lounging at home (they even make good lap dogs). However, because they have a high prey drive, you need to be careful when they’re around other animals.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 4 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, playful
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Smooth and shiny single coat; two- or tri-color combinations
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
20 of 28Toy American Eskimo
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The American Eskimo dog comes in three varieties, including a toy size. Similar in appearance to a Siberian husky, this dog has a beautiful white coat with a thick ruff around the neck and chest. In addition to their good looks, these dogs are playful, smart, and easy to train.
Although they are small, American Eskimo dogs aren’t ideal for apartment life, as they are vocal and bark a lot. They also aren’t best for families that are busy because they require a lot of attention, becoming destructive if they get bored. And their gorgeous coat needs to be brushed often as well.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting
HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: 6 to 10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Protective, friendly, intelligent
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Thick, glossy double coat; ruff around neck and chest; white or slightly cream colored
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
Continue to 21 of 28 below21 of 28Shih-Poo
Shih-poos can look a lot like Shih Tzus. Getty Images/Wirestock
The shih-poo is a hybrid, or designer, toy dog breed that was developed by crossing a shih tzu and miniature or toy poodle—therefore, these dogs can have the looks and characteristics of both breeds. These little dogs make sweet and friendly companions, and this is another hypoallergenic breed that doesn’t shed a lot.
Shih tzus can be stubborn, while poodles tend to be eager to please, so the shih-poo can be easy or challenging to train, depending on the traits they inherit. And when it comes to grooming, a professional groomer can trim the coat regularly to keep it looking great.
Breed Overview
Group: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 8 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Straight, wavy, or curly; black, white, brown, red, silver, gold, blue, or apricot, with or without white markings or dark-colored patches
Life Span: 10 to 17 years
22 of 28Chiweenie
Chiweenies can come in a variety of colors. Getty Images/Jaclyn Vernace
The Chiweenie, or Choxie, is another designer toy dog breed that was made by crossing the Chihuahua and the dachshund. Though small, they have a big personality with plenty of energy. They are bold and loyal, and will bark to let you know if something needs your attention.
Chiweenies don’t need a lot of physical exercise, but they do need mental stimulation, so puzzle toys are a great choice. They can experience jealousy and be stubborn, so socializing them is important in addition to properly training them from young age.
Breed Overview
Group: Designer
HEIGHT: 6 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Brave, alert, active
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, long, or wire-haired; fawn, chocolate, black, white, blue, dapple, and combinations of these colors
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
23 of 28Cavachon
Ashley Drake / Getty Images Yet another designer toy dog breed is the Cavachon, which is a mix of the bichon frise and Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Like other mixed breeds, the Cavachon can inherit the various traits of their parent breeds. Generally, though, these are great family dogs that are quiet, can be comfortable living in an apartment, and will show you loads of affection.
If you have kids or other pets, properly training and socializing your Cavachon will help ensure they all get along. Also, this is a breed that will need their coat trimmed regularly, so a professional groomer will be necessary if you can’t groom the dog yourself.
Breed Overview
Group: Designer
HEIGHT: 9.5 to 13.5 inches
WEIGHT: 10 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Quiet, friendly, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Straight to curly; many colors including black and tan, ruby, Blenheim, tricolor, or white
Life Span: 10 to 15 years
24 of 28Biewer Terrier
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The Biewer terrier is also known simply as BT. This bright little dog is social and easygoing. They are even described as Velcro dogs because they love being around the people they care about. They make wonderful family dogs because they can get along with children and other pets.
Like all dogs, the Biewer terrier needs daily physical exercise, but this breed is also a good choice if you are looking for a lap dog. Their beautiful coat is not difficult to maintain either, as you can just bathe and brush your dog regularly to keep them clean and smooth.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 7 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 4 to 8 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, playful, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, silky; blue/black, gold/tan, or white
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
Continue to 25 of 28 below25 of 28Coton de Tulear
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Another dog breed that makes a perfect family companion is the coton de Tulear. This fluffy dog breed is from Madagascar and loves spending time with their favorite people, no matter what they are doing. Considered low-maintenance, this is a dog that can live comfortably in an apartment, and is quite easy to train because of their intelligence.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind before bringing a coton de Tulear home. First off, they can develop separation anxiety if they’re left alone for too long. Also, they need to be brushed often to keep their long coat healthy. And they can become destructive if they’re bored.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting
HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 8 to 15 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Companionable, affectionate, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Waxy, long double coat; white; can have gray or yellow markings
Life Span: 15 to 19 years
26 of 28Norwich Terrier
The adorable little Norwich terrier is only about 10 inches tall, but they are yet another small breed that is big in personality and affection. They love being with people and are eager to please, making them easy to train.
These dogs can get along with kids very well, and can also live happily with other pets, particularly if trained and socialized. Daily walks and playtime in a fenced-in yard will keep these dogs happy. Their coat should be hand-stripped, so you might need to use a groomer to keep your pet’s coat looking perfect.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
HEIGHT: 10 inches
WEIGHT: 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, bright, lively
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Hard, wiry, straight; red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
27 of 28English Toy Spaniel
As the name implies, the English toy spaniel is a toy dog breed from England. These quiet dogs love their families and can experience separation anxiety, so they shouldn’t be left alone for too long. They can also be wary of strangers, but proper socialization can help them feel more at ease around different people.
Because the English toy spaniel is a brachycephalic breed, they can find it hard to breathe when it’s hot out, so that’s something to bear in mind when exercising them outside during the summer. They also can be stubborn, so patience is required when training them.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
HEIGHT: 9 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: 8 to 14 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, companionable
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium-length, silky double coat; black and tan; black, white, and tan; red; red and white
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
28 of 28class="comp sources mntl-block">Miniature Dachshund
Yoshihisa Fujita/MottoPet/Getty Images The miniature dachshund is a smaller version of the dachshund, which is a popular dog breed. These are alert dogs that can make good watchdogs. And they’re friendly, playful, and upbeat, making them fun little companions for individuals and families.
To keep this dog fit and happy, they need about an hour of exercise each day. Training them can be a little challenging at times if they show their stubborn and independent side. Also, even though they are small enough to live comfortably in an apartment, they are vocal and might disturb neighbors with their barking.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound
HEIGHT: 5 to 6 inches
WEIGHT: 11 pounds or less
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, alert, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired; black and cream, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate and tan, cream, red, wheaten, wild boar, blue and cream, fawn and tan, fawn and cream, or chocolate and cream with/without brindle, sable, piebald, or dapple
Life Span: 12 to 16 years
Breed Characteristics
There are a lot of benefits to going pocket-sized with your pup, including easier handling and less fur pickup. Toy dog breeds also tend to have lower veterinary costs than medium and large breed dogs, and fewer space and exercise needs, too—which is good news if you live in an apartment or smaller home.
Are Toy Breeds Healthy?
Every dog breed can be susceptible to certain health problems, and toy breeds are no exception. For example, toy dogs can become overweight, develop dental problems, and have orthopedic issues, and can also be prone to mitral valve disease and tracheal collapse. However, with the right care and veterinary attention, they can live into their teens.