“Toy dog breeds” is a term used to refer to small-sized dogs that are kept typically for companionship, rather than for more traditional dog roles like security and hunting. The dogs in these categories are among the smallest of all dogs and have sizes varying from 6 to 18 inches in height. Here is a list of some of the most popular toy breeds.

Pug

Pugs have a charming and big personality, despite their miniature stature. They are easily among the most-recognizable and most-loved toy dog breeds in the world. Pugs have a short curled tail and a muzzled face with a glossy coat.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire terrier has been ranked the 6th most popular breed in the world. Weighing only 7 pounds and boasting a very furry coat, this tiny dog is everybody’s favorite companion dog.

Affenpinscher

Often confused for a terrier thanks to its long hair, the Affenpinscher has origins in Germany. It usually weighs between 6.5 and 13 pounds. Their most common coat color is black.

Toy Fox Terrier

A descendant of the larger Fox terrier, this small dog originated in the United States. It is known for its robust and athletic body. One of the toy fox terrier’s stand-out features is their V-shaped ears, large eyes, and short, fine coat.

Pekingese

Originating from China, the Pekingese is a tiny long-haired dog that has been around for a long time, dating back 2000 years! They have a flat face with large eyes. They come in black, white, brown, and mixture of the three colors.

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of all Greyhounds and weighs only around 15 pounds. Its stand-out features include its smooth and glossy coat and its long legs. Coat colors vary from black, grey to fawn.

Pomeranian

This tiny descendant of the German Spitz is loved for its wonderfully shaggy appearance. The dog was a huge favorite of the Royals in the 18th century, especially Queen Victoria.

Silky Terrier

The ancestors of the Silky Terrier have origins in Britain, though the dog was bred and developed in Australia. This black and brown dog is loved for its small size and long hair that hangs from its shoulders to its feet. Males have been known to reach about 10 inches in height.

Papillon

Also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, the Papillon has a small head with ears that have hairs shaped like a butterfly. The dog weighs between 8 and 10 pounds. Its origins can be traced to France.

Shi Tzu

Originating from the Tibetan Plateau, the Shi Tzu is the true definition of elegance. It has extremely long hair that covers its drooping ears. Their coats come in a wide variety of colors and adults weigh about 16 pounds.

Caring for Toy Breeds

Despite their small size, taking care of these small breeds requires just as much attention as their larger counterparts. Despite their small stature, they are still a big commitment!