Toy Group
The Toy Group includes small dog breeds with big personalities. These affectionate and adaptable companions are ideal for apartment living and enjoy close bonds with their owners.
Affenpinscher
Loyal, inquisitive, and irresistibly funny, this almost human-like toy dog carries a fearless spirit that far exceeds his small size. Like any great comedian, the Affenpinscher’s dead-serious expression is exactly what makes his playful mischief so entertaining. The Affen’s “ape-like” face has inspired countless nicknames—“monkey dog,” “ape terrier,” and in French, diablotin moustachu (“little mustached devil”). Some even joke that he resembles a Star Wars character, debating whether he looks more like a Wookiee or an Ewok. Standing under a foot tall, these sturdy, terrier-styled dogs take on life with remarkable confidence. As one professional handler puts it: “You don’t really train this breed—you build a friendship. He’s almost like a person.” Their dense, harsh coat is often described as “tidy yet shaggy,” comes in several colors, and is paired with a light, self-assured gait. While they can be stubborn or a bit bossy, most Affens are devoted, affectionate companions who keep their families smiling—so much so that fans of the breed say they don’t own an Affen; the Affen owns them.
Maltese
The Maltese, often referred to as “the ancient dog of Malta,” is a tiny companion breed that has enjoyed a life of elegance and comfort for thousands of years. Renowned for its spectacular, floor-length coat, the Maltese is playful, charming, and remarkably adaptable as a toy companion. Weighing under seven pounds, Maltese dogs are affectionate little companions cloaked in a long, straight, silky white coat. Beneath this flowing mantle lies a compact body that moves with a smooth, effortless gait, creating an overall impression of grace and perfect balance. The irresistible face—highlighted by large, dark eyes and a button-like black nose—has a way of winning over even the most reserved admirers. Despite their aristocratic appearance, Maltese are hardy and adaptable pets. They make alert and fearless watchdogs in a delightfully toy-dog manner and can surprise many with their enthusiasm and ability in agility activities. Low shedding and long lived, Maltese are sociable dogs who enjoy meeting people of all ages. Though they can be a bit stubborn at times, they respond very well to positive, reward-based training.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is an elegant toy companion distinguished by its silky, abundant coat and unmistakably aristocratic presence. Often described as having a distinctly feline nature, this intelligent and entertaining lapdog is graceful, meticulous, and generally quiet in demeanor. Regarded as the noble aristocrats among Japanese breeds, Japanese Chins are delicate, indoor-loving companions with a refined Eastern appearance. They feature a large head, a short muzzle, and round, dark eyes that give what enthusiasts fondly describe as a “look of astonishment.” A lavish mane around the neck and shoulders, a feathered tail carried gracefully over the back, and flowing feathering on the hind legs combine to create an exotic elegance reminiscent of cherished companions from Asia’s royal courts.
English Toy Spaniel
The cheerful English Toy Spaniel was originally bred as a royal companion, sharing the lives of kings and nobility. Yet, despite its aristocratic background, the breed remains a true spaniel at heart—intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please rather than merely a pampered lapdog. Compact and square in build, the English Toy Spaniel weighs no more than 14 pounds and is instantly recognizable by its short muzzle and distinctive, domed head. Its long, silky ears, large dark eyes with a soft expression, and full cheeks are defining characteristics of the breed. The luxurious coat appears in four traditional color varieties, each with its own historic name: red and white (Blenheim), black and tan (King Charles), white with black and tan markings (Prince Charles), and solid red (Ruby). Blenheim dogs often display a unique red marking on the crown known as the “Blenheim Spot.” Like many toy breeds favored by royalty, the English Toy Spaniel developed a refined and selective personality. They can be proud, independent-minded, and highly discerning when choosing companions. With those they trust, however, they are deeply affectionate at home and lively, playful, and inquisitive during moments of activity.
Papillon
The Papillon is a quick, inquisitive toy dog celebrated for its striking beauty and lively athletic spirit. Despite its refined and delicate appearance, the Papillon is a surprisingly sturdy and resilient little dog with a true canine heart. Enthusiasts describe the breed as cheerful, alert, and warmly friendly. Standing just 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder, the Papillon is instantly recognizable thanks to its large, wing-shaped ears, which inspired the breed’s name—“papillon,” the French word for “butterfly.” Most Papillons have erect ears, while a variety known as the Phalène features ears that gently fall downward. Elegant and dainty in outline, Papillons have a plumed tail and a long, silky coat in various color combinations, always based on white. Stronger and more adaptable than their appearance suggests, Papillons thrive in a wide range of environments, from city apartments to country homes, and in both warm and cool climates. They love being involved in family activities and excel in dog sports, particularly agility, where they frequently compete at the highest levels. For less competitive households, Papillons are equally happy learning tricks and showing off their intelligence and charm.
Italian Greyhound
A true Greyhound in miniature, the Italian Greyhound is an elegant toy companion known for its alertness, playfulness, and deep affection for its people. Though often seen as a decorative lapdog, at heart this breed remains a swift coursing hound with a strong instinct to chase. Italian Greyhounds are slender and refined, embodying the same grace and elegance as their larger Greyhound relatives. Ideally standing between 13 and 15 inches at the shoulder, they display the smooth, flowing lines typical of all sighthounds, highlighted by long, delicate legs with fine bone structure. This breed uniquely blends the attentiveness of a lapdog with the complexity and dignity of an ancient aristocratic hound. Bred for centuries as devoted companions and playful entertainers, Italian Greyhounds thrive on close contact and refuse to be overlooked. They strongly prefer the warmth of a lap or bed to the solitude of the floor. Despite their affectionate nature, they are true sighthounds and will instinctively sprint after fast-moving prey. With their short coat and low body fat, Italian Greyhounds are sensitive to cold and require extra care in cooler weather.
Poodle (Toy)
Despite its small stature, the Toy Poodle carries itself with the confidence and elegance of true canine nobility. Beneath its distinctive curly, low-shedding coat lies a graceful, energetic companion well suited to every lifestyle and season. Poodles are classified into three size varieties: the Standard, standing over 15 inches at the shoulder; the Miniature, measuring 15 inches or less; and the Toy, which does not exceed 10 inches in height. All three share the same balanced structure and refined proportions. In dog shows, Poodles often appear in the traditional Continental clip, while most pet owners favor the practical Sporting clip that highlights the dog’s strong, well-muscled body. Setting aside outdated stereotypes, Poodles are intelligent, athletic, and highly adaptable dogs. The Standard Poodle, with its larger size and strength, is the most versatile athlete of the group, yet all Poodles excel in training and performance.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian, long cherished by royalty and commoners alike, is often regarded as the ideal companion dog. Its luxurious coat, cheerful fox-like expression, and lively personality have secured the Pom’s place among the most popular toy breeds in the world. Despite weighing no more than seven pounds, the Pomeranian carries itself with the confidence and presence of a much larger dog. The breed’s abundant double coat, featuring a full ruff over the chest and shoulders, appears in nearly two dozen colors and a variety of patterns, though orange and red are the most commonly seen. Intelligent and alert, Pomeranians are quick learners who make excellent watchdogs and spirited family pets—best suited to homes with children old enough to understand that a toy dog is not a toy. Active yet adaptable, Poms get sufficient exercise through indoor play and short walks, making them well suited to both city and suburban living. While they readily learn tricks and games, their greatest joy lies in offering laughter, affection, and devoted companionship to their special person.
Manchester Terrier (Toy)
The Manchester Terrier takes its name from the English city where the breed was first developed. Sleek and athletic, this terrier blends the fearless ratting instinct of its working roots with the smooth, elegant lines of a coursing hound. Spirited, intelligent, and energetic, the Manchester Terrier is built for speed, agility, and action. The breed comes in two size varieties: the Toy, which weighs no more than 12 pounds, and the Standard, which does not exceed 22 pounds. Despite their size difference, both varieties share the same temperament, structure, and athletic ability. Manchester Terriers are instantly recognizable by their short, glossy coat in jet black with rich mahogany tan markings. The long, wedge-shaped head features distinct tan spots above the eyes, highlighting an alert and watchful expression. In motion, Manchesters display strong reach in front and powerful rear drive, propelled by well-developed, muscular hindquarters.
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