Choosing a Puppy:
A Toy is a Toy only in so far as its smaller size is concerned. Many are hunters and display the personalities of the larger family members from which they have descended. For this reason, we see associated with their names the nouns griffon, spaniel and terrier. While specifically stated in the breed standard of the Pug regarding their personalities, the motto multum in parvo - a lot of dog in a small package - applies to all of them. Some have so much spunk that they rule the roost over larger breeds. They have origins from all parts of the world, where they were commonly prized by royalty and other ruling classes. As a breed they are much more than lap dogs, they are very vocal guardians of home and family and are ideal for a family where space is limited. However, like all dogs, they enjoy a romp in open space to burn off their energy. There is such a diversity in this group that there is a breed for everyone who wants a small dog.
Sixteen breeds currently constitute the Toy Group recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). While they share the lowest of height and weight, their origins and temperaments are far-ranging. The Papillon is a miniaturized French gun dog, who today excels in formal competitions as varied as obedience trials, tracking tests and agility. Brussels Griffons were once called Griffons D'Ecurie, or stable dogs, so efficient were they at keeping varmints at bay. Their coats are short and long, fine and coarse; their colors as varied as their origins.
Keep the following in mind before deciding which Toy is best suited for you: your family lifestyle - how large or active your family is; how much time you have to spend with these ultra people-oriented breeds; the amount of care required to maintain the coat; and yes, even with a Toy dog, the necessity of training, socialization and firm but fair leadership.
We suggest you attend dog shows whenever possible to see various breeds and talk to the owners or handlers to gain as much information as possible. There are pros and cons in owning any breed, and the more you know the better advised you will be to make the right decision.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has codes of ethics for their members. Members should always strive to produce physically and temperamentally sound dog. If you intend to become a pet owner, don't worry about whether your pup is show quality. A mark here or there might disqualify the pup as a show winner, but has no impact on its ability to be a loving and healthy pet.
The initial price for a good, sound pet is negligible compared to its lifetime care cost, so it's better to start with a healthy dog from a responsible source.
The following brief breed descriptions will provide only basic information. There are authoritative books of substance on all these breeds that can be obtained at book stores, pet stores and dog shows, or by contacting breed clubs.
Sixteen breeds currently constitute the Toy Group recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). While they share the lowest of height and weight, their origins and temperaments are far-ranging. The Papillon is a miniaturized French gun dog, who today excels in formal competitions as varied as obedience trials, tracking tests and agility. Brussels Griffons were once called Griffons D'Ecurie, or stable dogs, so efficient were they at keeping varmints at bay. Their coats are short and long, fine and coarse; their colors as varied as their origins.
Keep the following in mind before deciding which Toy is best suited for you: your family lifestyle - how large or active your family is; how much time you have to spend with these ultra people-oriented breeds; the amount of care required to maintain the coat; and yes, even with a Toy dog, the necessity of training, socialization and firm but fair leadership.
We suggest you attend dog shows whenever possible to see various breeds and talk to the owners or handlers to gain as much information as possible. There are pros and cons in owning any breed, and the more you know the better advised you will be to make the right decision.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has codes of ethics for their members. Members should always strive to produce physically and temperamentally sound dog. If you intend to become a pet owner, don't worry about whether your pup is show quality. A mark here or there might disqualify the pup as a show winner, but has no impact on its ability to be a loving and healthy pet.
The initial price for a good, sound pet is negligible compared to its lifetime care cost, so it's better to start with a healthy dog from a responsible source.
The following brief breed descriptions will provide only basic information. There are authoritative books of substance on all these breeds that can be obtained at book stores, pet stores and dog shows, or by contacting breed clubs.
AFFENPINSCHER
The Affenpinscher is a little wiry-haired, terrier-like toy dog. He was developed in Germany, where the name means 'monkey-like terrier.' In France the name means 'mustached little devil.' Both translations fit this dog's demeanor and appearance. He was bred to keep rats out of the house, stable and granary. He is a good house pet.
BRUSSELS GRIFFON
A delightful dog loaded with personality who would like nothing more than to remain forever the little Belgian street urchin. You'll never convince him that he is just a small, carefree dog with a turned-up nose. He was the rodent destroyer of the stable. He has a short, stocky body, a smart bearing and an almost human expression. He can be either rough or smooth coated.
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
The Cavalier is a well-balanced toy spaniel, fearless and sporting, yet gentle and affectionate. His attitude and elegance give him a royal appearance. His coat is of moderate length, silky and free of curl, but may have a slight wave. He comes in different colors: Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby or Black and Tan.
CHIHUAHUA
Named after the state in Mexico, the Chihuahua is the smallest canine in recorded history, weighing as little as one pound! Chihuahuas have distinctively domed foreheads and lean cheeks and jaws, and are bred in both long-and shorthaired varieties. Fierce rat hunters in their native state, they retain their strong personality.
CHINESE CRESTED
They come in two varieties, the so-called Hairless and the full-coated Powderpuff. The Hairless is not completely so, as he has a tuft of hair on his forehead, neck, feet and tail. When seen for the first time the Hairless variety is a bit shocking but in spite of the appearance, he has become quite popular and more readily identified than its full-coated counterpart. As is the case in all the hairless breeds, the premolar teeth are missing. Both have warm, friendly temperaments.
ENGLISH TOY SPANIEL
Of ancient origin, this breed was known in southern Europe, where he made his way from Japan. It is untrue, though an often-repeated mistake, that he came to England under the reign of Charles II. It was in Charles's honor that the Black and Tan was named. The English Toy is a cobby, square dog with a short nose and domed head, a lustrous eye, and a silky, flowing coat the colors of which are Blenheim, Tricolor (Prince Charles), Black and Tan (King Charles), and Ruby. He has a fine demeanor and is a charming pet.
HAVANESE
The Havanese is a small sturdy dog of immense charm. He is slightly longer than tall, and covered with a profuse mantle of untrimmed long, silky, wavy hair. Their height range is from 8½ to 11½ inches. Havanese are natural companion dogs. They are gentle and responsive. They become very attached to their human families and are excellent with children. Very affectionate and playful with a high degree of intelligence. These cheerful dogs are very sociable and will get along with everyone including people, dogs, cats and other pets. They are non-shedding and are virtuly odorless making them a perfect pet for allergy sufferers
ITALIAN GREYHOUND
The list of royal owners is long for this perfectly miniaturized Greyhound: Mary Queen of Scots, Charles I, Queen Anne of Denmark, Frederick the Great, and Queen Victoria. While this breed does not enjoy such status today, to his committed followers he is still the intelligent, elegant dog he has always been. In appearance he resembles the Greyhound, but is a much higher stepper in front.
JAPANESE CHIN
These lion dogs of Peking were presented to the Emperor of Japan by the Emperor of China. They represented Buddha and were perceived as royal and sacred gifts. They have sweet, charming temperaments and are easily trained and eager to please. They have a distinctive Oriental expression.
MALTESE
In top show coat, the Maltese is the epitome of confidence and beauty with his long, flowing, silky, snow-white hair trailing out around him, his black eyes and black button nose and his top locks tucked into tiny ribbons. Backstage, as a pet or with a show career behind him, the Maltese is a playful, mischievous and even cunning companion whose inherent cuteness prevents anyone from staying mad at him for long.
MANCHESTER TERRIER (TOY)
Today's Toy Manchester Terrier is linked to the black and tan terriers of England documented by Caius as early as the 16th century. Once a game terrier who hunted rodents, the Toy Manchester has a steady following and needs proper training and socialization to develop his winning personality. Except for size, he is the same as the standard variety.
MINIATURE PINSCHER
Stand in the presence of a MinPin and you'll know why he's called the 'King of Toys.' He is a self-assured character of a dog. He's also handsome and proud, with erect carriage and a glossy, short, stag red or black-and-tan coat. Developed in Germany to be a rat-catcher, it is his braveness and determination, coupled with his looks and personality, that have made him as popular as he is today. He is an outstanding guard dog.
PAPILLON
This breed is named for his papillon (butterfly) ears, and is also distinguished by the white blaze that runs down the middle of his face. He was one of the foremost European toy breeds, already a treasure in the courts of France, Spain and Italy in the 1500s. Today his owners treasure him for his good looks and rugged character - Papillions are regularly seen in competitions like tracking, agility and obedience.
PEKINGESE
The Peke was developed in China centuries ago, and if you are interested in this breed it's worth exploring his vast history. Bred to resemble the sacred lion as well as be a toy in all respects, the Pekingese was revered by his people. Today he is still adored by his devotees, as his dignity demands.
POMERANIAN
The diminutive Pom is a spitz breed like many Arctic dogs, known and loved for his plush, full, radiant coat. He has the tough constitution and independent nature of his sled-pulling ancestors, and is of German ancestry. In fact, he received his name from the German town of Pomerania, where dogs of his type were abundant. Queen Victoria was an early admirer of the Pom, who is quite popular today. He is a cheeky dog who says 'Look at me, I am somebody.'
POODLE (TOY)
The Toy Poodle is everything his brethren the Miniature and Standard are, but in a smaller package. The Poodle has always been a very popular breed because of its abilities, intelligence and appearance. Its practically non-shedding coat can be trimmed in a number of styles. Of French and German origin, the Poodle made its mark in nearly every country it visited. He was a French circus dog, a German water retriever - even a Belgian lace smuggler. Most of all, he was and still is a superb companion in any size: smart, athletic and loyal.
PUG
The Pug is a miniature Mastiff of Oriental origin, domesticated since 400 B.C. He was a prized companion in Japan, Holland and England before making his way to the U.S., where he was immediately welcomed. He is definitely more massive and solid than his fellow toy breeds, making him a hardy companion. His big eyes, upturned nose and tightly curled tail are other distinctive features of this uniquely charming breed. He is the epitome of multum in parvo.
SHIH TZU
An ancient Chinese breed, the Shih Tzu was the darling of emperors for centuries, and was so prized that a pair was given to distinguished visitors as a token of good will. The words of the Chinese standard for the breed reveal that his personality and utility are tied into his anatomical features: 'lion head, bear torso, feather-duster tail, and movement like a goldfish.' He's loved by all who see this proud, fleet-tooted dog. His coat requires a great deal of care, so be prepared.
SILKY TERRIER
This breed was developed in Australia in the 1800s by crossing the Skye Australian and Yorkshire terriers. His sole purpose in life is as a companion, and he excels at his job. He is spunky enough to serve as protector and friend, handsome enough to impress strangers, and outgoing enough to charm even the coldest hearts.
YORKSHIRE TERRIER
An intercontinental darling, the Yorkshire Terrier is loved for his long, glossy, blue-tan coat, worn parted down the middle and tied up between his ears with a bow. The Yorkie's humble beginnings were cross-breedings of the English Black and Tan Terrier, the Skye Terrier and the Maltese, but his refinement came at the hands of extraordinarily knowledgeable breeders, who wanted style and substance in a little dog. He is a spunky dog, reminding everyone that he is a terrier.