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20 Popular Toy Dog Breeds

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Small in stature but not in personality, there is a reason toy dog breeds are popular among dog owners.

They're commonly known for being loving, friendly, and easily totable, making them easy and flexible travel companions.

"First off, they are super cute! In fact, that is probably the number one reason that toy breeds are popular," Dr. Nell Ostermeier, D.V.M., an integrative veterinarian and consultant with AKC Pet Insurance, wrote in an email to Forbes Advisor. "Many toy breeds are loving and good cuddlers, which endears them to people who want the 'lap dog' experience."

Don't be fooled by their petite size; toy dogs are smart, trainable and extremely protective of their family.

There are a host of reasons to choose a toy dog breed, says Charlotte Reed,

a pet care and lifestyle expert and host of The Pet Buzz, a nationally syndicated pet talk radio show. Those reasons include:

Their playful personalities

They enjoy a good cuddle

How adaptable they are to living in apartments or small spaces

They live longer than larger dogs

There are pros and cons with each toy dog breed, and it's best to do your research into the dog you're considering bringing into the family. But with the wide range of personalities, temperament and coats, it won't be hard to find the best toy dog breed for your family.

Here's a look at 20 popular toy dog breeds, and what makes each one so special.

20 Popular Toy Dog Breeds 1. Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher, a small and almost human-like toy dog, is well-known for its loyalty, curiosity and playful demeanor. Originally bred for rat control, they quickly became devoted household companions with a confident yet diminutive stature. Despite their small size, they exude confidence and a charming seriousness that adds to their antics.

Affenpinschers have a medium-length wiry coat with diverse colors. These dogs are prone to breathing difficulties in heat and thrive in controlled temperatures. They make excellent apartment dogs since they only require indoor play and regular walks for exercise and socialization. Though they can be quite stubborn, affenpinschers have an eagerness to please that makes training easy. The affenpinscher is a loyal, intelligent and entertaining companion adaptable to various lifestyles.

2. Biewer terrier

The Biewer terrier is a charming, longhaired toy terrier known for its loving nature and quirky attitude. Despite its small size, this tri-colored dog is hearty and athletic. Biewer terriers are dedicated, loyal family members who are friendly with both familiar faces and strangers. Owners must be prepared for daily brushing of their long coat and the occasional bath, nail trimming and ear checks, all of which are important for their well-being.

Playful by nature, Biewer terriers engage in self-exercising activities and enjoy interactive games with their human companions, making them ideal for families. Their intelligence and easy-going nature make them easy to train, but house training may require extra patience.

3. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels griffon is a toy breed bursting with personality. Smart, devoted, and charmingly self-important, their big, expressive eyes are sure to win you over. Brussels griffons come in various colors and coat types, adding to their very distinct appearance. They have a stout build, confident demeanor and are easily trainable, although with their sensitive nature and small size they much prefer gentle play.

Griffons need regular grooming, with the smooth- and rough-coated dogs requiring different care routines. It's critical they receive early socialization and training, and they crave companionship to prevent loneliness-related destructive behaviors. The Brussels griffon's fascinating history dates back to its rat-catching origins, eventually becoming the sophisticated lap dogs they are today.

4. Cavalier King Charles spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is the perfect blend of a toy breed's gentle charm and a sporting spaniel's athleticism. This noble dog's beauty, grace and temperament make it a cherished member of the dog world. With a maximum height of 13 inches, their appearance is highlighted by round, expressive eyes and a silky, colorful coat.

Cavaliers happily transition from regal to playful, enjoying backyard play or chasing squirrels. They are friendly with children, other dogs, and easily adaptable to various lifestyles. They require low-maintenance grooming, including regular brushing and occasional baths. Cavaliers need only moderate exercise and outdoor activities. They are affectionate, easy to train, and very sociable dogs, making them ideal companions and even great therapy dogs.

5. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua, a tiny dog with a colossal personality, is a revered symbol of Mexico and can trace its ancient roots back to pre-Columbian times. These charming "purse dogs" have a terrier-like demeanor and a distinctive rounded head with expressive eyes. While they come in a variety of coat colors and lengths, their staunch loyalty and big-dog attitude does not waver.

Chihuahuas must be properly trained to avoid behavioral issues in your home. Chihuahuas thrive in city living as long as they receive plenty of lap time. Their grooming needs will vary, depending on the smooth or long-haired variety, but they do require regular nail trims, ear cleaning and dental care. This smart little dog does well with positive training methods, thanks to their eagerness to please.

6. Chinese crested

The unique Chinese crested stands out with its distinctive appearance of spotted pink skin, a mop of spiky hair, furry socks and a feathery tail. This playful and affectionate toy breed comes in both hairless and coated varieties. The hairless type has smooth skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and ankles, while the "powderpuff" has a soft, silky coat. Both varieties have a fine-boned elegance and graceful demeanor.

Grooming this breed is important, especially for the hairless crested, which requires special skin care to prevent irritations and sunburn. The coated crested needs daily brushing to prevent matting. They are low maintenance when it comes to exercise, needing short, regular walks and backyard play. They are sensitive dogs that do well with gentle training and make great therapy or competitive dogs.

7. English toy spaniel

Bred as royal companions, the English toy spaniel carries an aristocratic appearance but comes with a loving, eager-to-please personality. With a square frame and snub-nosed profile, the toy spaniel weighs under 14 pounds and features the trademark domed head with charming long ears, expressive eyes and chubby cheeks.

Owners will need to maintain their coat with regular brushing, trimming and bathing. English toy spaniels are moderately active and enjoy outdoor play, but are serene and dignified when at home. They have a quiet, devoted, and forgiving nature, but training will require both patience and positivity. They do well with early socialization and proper puppy training classes.

8. Havanese

The sole native dog breed of Cuba, the Havanese is well-known for its cheerful nature and expressive brown eyes. Their distinctive luxurious silky coat comes in a variety of colors and requires daily care, including baths and ear cleaning. The Havanese's intelligence, extroverted nature and comedic instincts make them great trick dogs and vigilant watch dogs while maintaining moderate barking. This small yet sturdy dog requires moderate exercise, and is perfectly content with a daily walk or indoor play.

Highly trainable and eager-to-please, these dogs respond best to positive training methods and require gentle socialization from an early age. Originating from the Bichon family, the Havanese shares ancestry with breeds like the bichon frise and Maltese.

9. Italian Greyhound

Resembling a miniature Greyhound, the Italian greyhound is a charming, alert and affectionate toy companion. Standing no more than 15 inches shoulder-high, they have a graceful, slender form and long legs. While they enjoy being couch dogs, they do have an instinct for pursuit. With a playful demeanor and aristocratic lineage, they are both attentive lapdogs and noble companions.

The Italian greyhound is highly attentive to their humans and would rather be close than ignored. Grooming involves regular teeth brushing, nail care and minimal baths. Despite their delicate appearance, Italian gre yhounds are robust and active, and need regular play and short walks for exercise. The intelligent and sensitive breed requires positive and rewards-based training.

10. Japanese chin

The Japanese chin is a delightful toy companion with a lush, silky coat and an elegant demeanor. Often compared to cats, this intelligent lapdog is graceful, picky and typically quiet. Their distinct appearance features a large head, short muzzle and expressive round eyes that convey an expression of perpetual astonishment. With a profuse mane, plumed tail and hind leg pants, they exhibit the elegant charm of Asian royalty.

Despite its appearance, the chin's coat is relatively easy to maintain with weekly brushing and monthly baths. They do require regular nail trimming, ear cleaning and dental care. They enjoy leisurely walks or backyard play, making them suitable for apartment living. Owners will need to bring patience, positive methods and engaging activities for proper training.

11. Maltese

The Maltese, known as the "ancient dog of Malta," has enjoyed luxury for ages, tracing back to biblical times. Maltese are affectionate dogs with a compact body, large dark eyes, floor-length coat and a black nose. Maltese are resilient and adaptable, and excel as alert watchdogs and agile athletes. Although they can be stubborn, they respond well to positive and rewards-based training.

Their beautiful white coat requires daily grooming to prevent tangles and mats, including regular baths, nail trimming and ear cleaning. The breed is susceptible to dental disease making proper dental care crucial. The Maltese is energetic but doesn't need extensive exercise; only a daily walk and some indoor play.

12. Manchester terrier

The Manchester terrier is a sleek and spirited breed with a striking coat of rich mahogany tan and jet black. Grooming for the Manchester terrier is relatively straightforward with the occasional bath and regular wiping to maintain their shine. This breed enjoys daily walks and playtime and is highly intelligent and trainable.

Owners will need to provide early socialization and lean on positive training methods to ensure Manchester terriers develop the proper temperament, which is suited for both city or suburban living.

13. Miniature pinscher

The miniature pinscher, often referred to as the "king of toys," is a proud and fearless toy breed with a shiny coat and a compact, wedge-shaped body. Their smooth coat comes in shades of solid red, chocolate-and-rust, or black-and-rust. Their self-assured personality is complemented by slightly oval eyes and high-set ears. The breed requires regular grooming including a weekly brushing to help keep their short, hard coat looking sleek.

Lively and athletic, the miniature pinscher needs daily walks and playtime to ensure proper mental and physical health. They are intelligent and are known to test boundaries, which makes obedience training and early socialization important. Historically believed to be a cross between the dachshund and Italian greyhound, the miniature pinscher has a long lineage and remains a popular choice among dog enthusiasts in Europe and the United States.

14. Papillon

Known for its beauty and lively nature, the papillon is a quick and curious toy dog. Easily recognized by their large, butterfly-like ears, papillons come in a variety of coat colors, often with a white base. These versatile companions thrive in the city or countryside. Despite their long silky hair, the breed needs very little grooming thanks to the lack of undercoat.

While they are excellent indoor pets, papillons need exercise and enjoy games like fetch. Papillons (and their owners) will benefit from early socialization and training, as they are intelligent and bond closely with their human family. The breed has a rich history as cherished lapdogs in European royal courts, often depicted in famous paintings.

15. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian, cherished by both royalty and the public, is beloved for its splendid coat, captivating fox-like face and lively personality. Its lustrous double coat, available in a variety of colors, requires consistent brushing to maintain its beauty. The breed, known for its intelligence and being highly trainable, excels as a watchdog and fun family pet.

While Pomeranians need short walks and some indoor play, their true joy lies in providing companionship to their humans. With origins linked to Arctic sled dogs, Pomeranians' popularity was boosted by Queen Victoria's fondness, earning them a place as a cherished pet and regal favorite.

16. Poodle

Under the toy poodle's hypoallergenic, curly coat lies an athlete and versatile companion. Poodles often defy stereotypes and are eager, athletic and highly intelligent with exceptional adaptability. Toy poodles are very smart and thrive on positive training.

Owners will need to provide regular grooming, especially if maintaining the poodle's full coat. Poodles are quite popular with allergy sufferers due to their minimal shedding. Poodles are energetic and enjoy various activities like swimming, jogging and retrieving.

17. Pug

Once a mischievous companion to Chinese emperors and later Holland's royal mascot, the pug is cherished globally today. These small yet robust dogs come in a variety of coat colors, including silver, apricot-fawn and black. Their large head, expressive eyes and wrinkled brow make pugs an endearing member to any family. Prone to gaining weight, owners must avoid overindulgence and provide moderate exercise.

The pug's short coat requires minimal grooming but does shed, which means they need weekly brushing. They excel in canine sports like agility and obedience, and their even temperament makes them easy to train.

18. Russian toy

The Russian toy is a charming small breed with long legs, a delicate frame and lean muscles. These dogs are active, intelligent, eager to please and form close bonds with their human companions. They are playful and good-natured, equally as happy chasing toys or enjoying lap time. The breed comes in both smooth-coated and longhaired varieties, each with its own unique traits.

Longhaired Russian toys require more grooming, while smooth-coated ones have short, shiny hair. Regular exercise is important, including walks and play sessions with their favorite humans. While they are easy to train, their terrier instincts can surface, leading to stubbornness. It's also highly recommended that the breed receive early socialization.

19. Shih Tzu

The shih tzu easily captivates with its lovable face and playful charm. These compact dogs are surprisingly sturdy. Shih tzus are known for their affectionate nature, particularly with children, making them wonderful additions to most families. To preserve their beauty, their multi-colored coat requires daily brushing and occasional trims.

Bred to be a house pet, shih tzus require little exercise, but do enjoy short walks and indoor play. Training can be a mix of enjoyment and frustration; owners will need to rely on positive reinforcement and gradual introduction of new behavior, as well as proper socialization and puppy training classes to ensure a well-mannered companion.

20. Yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire terriers, often known as Yorkies, have a feisty and determined spirit coupled with an elegant, floor-length coat. Despite their small size, they pack a big attitude and are often seen as cherished companions for city dwellers. Their unique coat, akin to human hair, requires daily grooming and the occasional bath. For the benefit of their physical and mental well-being, Yorkies do need regular walks and play.

Thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please, the breed does well with positive reinforcement training. Owners should also provide early socialization to ensure a well-adjusted companion.

Taking Care of Toy Breeds

Similar to large dog breeds, toy dog breeds do come with their own share of health concerns to consider, as well as their own particular set of needs.

They may be small, but that doesn't mean toy dog breeds are easier to take care of, Reed says. Potential owners should keep the following in mind:

They often require regular grooming

Regular exercise, as well as mental and physical stimulation, is important

They need proper socialization and obedience training to avoid bad behavior

Their small stature means they can be susceptible to injury, especially since their petite size means everyone wants to pick them up

It's also important to know that "smaller doesn't always mean calmer," warns Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer with Rover.

"Some small dog breeds are very active and energetic," she says.

Owners considering a toy dog breed should also be aware "that there are many health conditions in these dogs due to the breeding lines and genetic predisposition for certain serious health conditions and dental disease," Ostermeier says.

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Which Dog Breeds Are The Smartest? Find Out Here

Dogs have long been known as man's best friend because of their fierce loyalty, unconditional love, and playful personalities. What you may not have realized is how remarkably intelligent these animals are. Beyond tricks and simple commands, the smartest dog breeds around can be trained to solve problems and sometimes even get out of trouble. If you're wondering what your pup is capable of or perhaps you're considering what furry friend you should bring home, be amazed as you scroll and check out our complete list below!

For more of our favorite pups, check out the smallest dog breeds, the largest dog breeds, and the best guard dogs, plus, the most popular dog for each Zodiac sign.

Golden Retriever

Known for being gentle and loving, Golden Retrievers make excellent family dogs. They can be taught to hunt and even perform therapy services for those who have special needs or disabilities.

Mike Brinson - Getty Images

Poodle

Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs. They're loyal, easy-going, and eager to please their owners. The pups excel at obedience and agility and often beat out the competition in those categories at dog shows.

zhao hui - Getty Images

Border Collie

Border Collies can learn all kinds of commands. They're excellent problem solvers and have lots of energy, too, making them perfect for farm or ranch living.

Kane Skennar - Getty Images

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are versatile, easy to train, and are born with an innate instinct to protect. These hardworking dogs have a lot of stamina, and perform well in agencies like the military police force.

Jacques Julien - Getty Images

Papillon

Affectionate, confident, and perceptive, Papillons are as intelligent as they are adorable. They're one of the easiest to train and pick up commands quickly.

Denny Symes / 500px - Getty Images

Labrador Retriever

Super friendly and quick to learn, Labrador Retrievers have a long history of hunting and retrieving. They're the ideal canine companion for first-time pet owners and families.

Purple Collar Pet Photography - Getty Images

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs were bred for herding. If you have a lot of outdoor space, these dogs were made for you as they love to flex their herding and chasing skills as much as possible.

Marco Victervo / 500px - Getty Images

Collie

Next up is the perfect problem-solving family dog, Collies are protective and alert. They excel at herding, obedience, and agility.

关心 - Getty Images

Bloodhound

For centuries humans have relied on the Bloodhound's sharp sense of smell for tracking and hunting. Often called upon for search and rescue missions, you'll also love having one at home.

Jeremy Woodhouse - Getty Images

Miniature Schnauzer

Don't let their cute, bearded faces fool you. Miniature Schnauzers were bred to work on farms and thrive when they have a job to do. They require lots of mental stimulation and physical activity to ensure they don't get bored and misbehave.

coolbiere photograph - Getty Images

English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a sporting dog that's friendly, agile, and alert. They're top-notch hunters and who wouldn't want to have one of these sweet pooches around?

Mike Linnane / 500px - Getty Images

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Golden Retriever To German Shepherd-Best Dog Breeds For Indian Family

(MENAFN- AsiaNet News) Choosing the right dog breed for an Indian family depends on several factors, including the family's lifestyle, living conditions, and preferences. Here are seven dog breeds that are generally well-suited for Indian families.

Choosing the right dog breed for an Indian family depends on several factors, including the family's lifestyle, living conditions, and preferences.

Shih Tzus are small, friendly, and affectionate dogs known for their long, flowing coats. They are well-suited for apartment living.

Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs with friendly and curious personalities. They are good with kids and making them great family pets for active households.

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and loyalty. They make excellent guard dogs and are great for families with an active lifestyle and a spacious living area.

Pomeranians are small and fluffy dogs with a big personality. They are lively and love being the centre of attention.

Boxers are medium to large-sized dogs known for their energy and playful nature. They are loyal and protective of their families, making them excellent guard dogs.

Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are great family dogs, easy to train, and get along well with children and other pets.

Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and affectionate temperament. They are excellent with children and are easy to train.

Pugs are tiny and adorable dogs known for their playful and loving disposition. They are well-suited for apartment living and are good with children.

Cocker Spaniels are friendly, affectionate, and known for their beautiful, silky coats. They are good with children and can adapt well to apartment living.

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