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.
Miniature Pinscher
The leggy Miniature Pinscher, affectionately known as the “King of Toys,” is a proud, fearless, and lively companion with a striking personality. Compact yet confident, this glossy-coated toy breed carries itself like a much larger dog and is famous for its distinctive high-stepping “hackney” gait. Miniature Pinschers are sturdy, well-built dogs standing no more than 12.5 inches at the shoulder. Their smooth, shiny coat appears in solid red shades, as well as black-and-rust or chocolate-and-rust combinations. Dark, slightly oval eyes and high-set ears enhance the breed’s bold, self-assured expression. The hallmark of the Miniature Pinscher is its animated, high-stepping movement, reminiscent of a hackney horse trotting—an unmistakable feature that perfectly matches the breed’s confident, spirited nature.
Brussels Griffon
Weighing no more than 12 pounds, the Brussels Griffon is a remarkably expressive toy breed with a personality far larger than its size suggests. Often described as almost human in character, this sensitive and devoted companion is best suited to attentive, discerning adults. Intelligent, loyal, and amusingly self-important, the Griff brings outsized charm to any household. The Brussels Griffon offers a huge personality in a compact body ranging from 5 to 15 pounds. One glance into its large, soulful, human-like eyes is enough to win hearts instantly. The breed appears in four colors—red, black and reddish-brown (known as belge), black and tan, and black—and comes in either a smooth coat, similar to a Pug, or a rough coat resembling that of a Schnauzer. The Griff’s black muzzle, beard, and whiskers earned it the nickname “bearded dog” in traditional folk songs. Combined with its expressive eyes and short muzzle framed by a mustache and beard, the breed has been likened to a thoughtful, world-weary philosopher. Compact and sturdy, the Brussels Griffon moves with a confident, purposeful trot. Alert, sociable, and easy to train, Griffs are playful and energetic but also sensitive. Their small size and delicate nature make them less suitable for rough play with children. Deeply attached to their chosen human, they do not tolerate loneliness well and prefer to stay close, offering years of affection, humor, and companionship.
Russian Toy
The Russian Toy is a small, elegant, and lively breed, distinguished by long legs, fine bone structure, and lean musculature. Active and cheerful by nature, these dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and deeply affectionate with their human companions, though they may show a touch of reserve toward strangers. They are neither timid nor aggressive, maintaining a balanced and confident temperament. As a true toy breed with roots in Russian aristocracy, the Russian Toy combines charm with spirited energy. Many delight in running and playing, eagerly chasing toys around the house or yard, while others are perfectly content to spend hours nestled on a lap, enjoying their role as a treasured companion. They thrive on close human interaction and quickly express their feelings if they sense neglect. The breed comes in two coat varieties: smooth and long-haired. Long-coated Russian Toys feature a graceful chest ruff and distinctive feathering on the ears, tail, and limbs, with full adult coat development taking several years. The smooth-coated variety has a sleek, close-lying coat and tends to display a slightly more terrier-like attitude. Despite these differences, both varieties share a bold, expressive personality that feels far larger than their small size.
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka, meaning “Russian Colored Lapdog,” was originally developed as the ideal companion dog for apartment living. Sweet-natured, affectionate, intelligent, and eager to please, this breed is friendly with everyone and shows no tendencies toward aggression. Often referred to simply as the Bolonka, this small companion dog belongs to the Bichon family and narrowly escaped extinction in the period following the Cold War. Lively, humorous, and remarkably intelligent, the Bolonka forms deep bonds with its family and is known for its intense loyalty. Some individuals display an impressive ability to mimic sounds or behaviors, while others prefer to quietly observe and “supervise” household comings and goings. Spirited yet relaxed and sociable, the breed is excellent with children. Though naturally alert, Bolonki are not excessive barkers when guided early toward appropriate behavior. Compared to many toy breeds, they show a fair degree of independence and benefit from early socialization with people. They generally get along well with other dogs and animals. Highly intelligent and quick to learn, Bolonki excel in structured training activities such as obedience, rally, tracking, and agility when handled with a firm but gentle approach.
Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is a small, satin-coated terrier with a delightful sense of humor and a personality that perfectly blends toy-dog charm with true terrier grit. Originally developed as an efficient barnyard ratter, this breed has evolved into a captivating companion whose confidence and charisma far exceed its size. Compact yet well balanced, the Toy Fox Terrier combines the affection of a lapdog with the determination and boldness of a terrier. Its sleek, close-fitting coat highlights a refined but sturdy frame, while large, upright ears and dark, sparkling eyes reflect sharp intelligence and endless curiosity. Standing under a foot tall, this agile little entertainer delivers outsized spirit, energy, and presence, earning its reputation as a breed that is genuinely both a toy and a terrier.
Silky Terrier
A delightful member of the AKC Toy Group, the Silky Terrier is a compact, glossy-coated dog that retains the bold spirit of a true terrier. Originating in Sydney, Australia, the Silky Terrier is slightly larger than its close relative, the Yorkshire Terrier, and combines elegance with unmistakable terrier energy. Small yet sturdy, lively without being noisy, and attractive without appearing over-groomed, the Silky Terrier stands about 10 inches tall and is driven by curiosity and enthusiasm. Its striking blue-and-tan coat is straight, shiny, and behaves much like human hair in both texture and movement. A refined, wedge-shaped head is crowned with abundant hair neatly parted down the center, while upright V-shaped ears frame alert, almond-shaped eyes with a sharp and intelligent expression. Though more polished than many traditional ratting terriers, the Silky Terrier should still look and act like a genuine earthdog, true to its working roots.
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