Toy Dog Breeds

22 toy breeds to explore. Small companion breeds.

Affenpinscher

Toy · Toy

The Affenpinscher, often called the 'Monkey Dog' due to its distinct facial expression, is a small but bold breed with a big personality. Originally bred in Germany to hunt rats, these loyal and curious dogs are known for their wiry coats and famously funny, almost human-like antics.

BoldConfidentCurious

Biewer Terrier

Toy · Toy

The Biewer Terrier is a whimsical and affectionate toy breed known for its long, silky tri-color coat and lighthearted attitude. Originally bred in Germany from Yorkshire Terriers, they possess a unique genetic heritage and a personality that remains puppy-like throughout their lives. They are excellent companions for families who enjoy a loyal and social pet.

PlayfulDevotedIntelligent

Bolognese

Toy · Toy

The Bolognese is a small, enchanting companion dog originating from Italy, specifically the city of Bologna. Known for its distinctive white, fluffy coat and serene personality, this breed is much calmer and more reserved than many of its toy-group counterparts. They are deeply devoted to their owners and excel as loyal, affectionate house pets.

LoyalPlayfulDocile

Brussels Griffon

Toy · Toy

The Brussels Griffon is a smart, alert, and sensitive breed with a nearly human-like expression. Originally bred as ratters in Belgian stables, these 'Velcro dogs' are known for their deep devotion to their owners and their distinct, bearded appearance.

AlertLoyalCurious

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Toy · Toy

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a graceful, affectionate, and gentle toy breed known for its large, melting dark eyes and silky coat. Originally bred as a companion for royalty, they are exceptionally social dogs that thrive on human interaction and adapt well to both city and country life. Their sweet expression and wagging tail reflect a truly kind-hearted personality that makes them one of the most beloved family pets.

AffectionateGentleGraceful

Chihuahua

Toy · Toy

The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge personality and a distinctive 'apple' head. Named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, they are one of the oldest breeds of the Americas and are known for being fiercely loyal to their favorite person.

CharmingGracefulSassy

Chinese Crested

Toy · Toy

The Chinese Crested is an exotic and distinctive toy breed known for its hairless body and tufts of fur on the head, tail, and paws. They come in two varieties—the Hairless and the Powderpuff—and are cherished as devoted, lively companions who love to cuddle. Despite their elegant appearance, they are surprisingly athletic and excel in agility and performance events.

AffectionatePlayfulAlert

English Toy Spaniel

Toy · Toy

The English Toy Spaniel is a small, aristocratic companion known for its distinct domed head and large, dark eyes. Historically favored by British monarchs, they are gentle and quiet lapdogs that thrive on human companionship. Unlike their more energetic spaniel cousins, they are relatively sedentary and perfectly suited for relaxed apartment living.

AffectionateGentleQuiet

Havanese

Toy · Toy

The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, known for its long, silky coat and lively personality. These small but sturdy companions thrive on human interaction and are often referred to as 'velcro dogs' due to their extreme loyalty. They are charming, adaptable, and make excellent family pets for various living situations.

PlayfulAffectionateIntelligent

Italian Greyhound

Toy · Toy

The Italian Greyhound is a miniature version of the Greyhound, known for its elegant build and deeply affectionate nature. Often called 'Iggies,' they are devoted companions that love to snuggle under blankets but are equally capable of high-speed sprints. Despite their fragile appearance, they are spirited and ancient dogs that have been the favorites of royalty for centuries.

AffectionatePlayfulSensitive

Japanese Chin

Toy · Toy

The Japanese Chin is an ancient, noble breed known for its distinctively cat-like personality and elegant appearance. These charming companions are famous for their sensitivity to their owners' moods and their unique habit of climbing to high vantage points to survey their surroundings.

AffectionateIntelligentCat-like

Maltese

Toy · Toy

The Maltese is an ancient Mediterranean breed famous for its floor-length, silky white coat and gentle, playful disposition. Despite their aristocratic appearance, they are sturdy and brave companions that have been cherished by royalty for over two millennia.

PlayfulGentleFearless

Miniature Pinscher

Toy · Toy

Known as the 'King of Toys,' the Miniature Pinscher is a proud and spirited breed with a distinctive high-stepping hackney gait. Despite their small stature, they possess a fearless personality and a big-dog attitude, often acting as excellent watchdogs. They are highly energetic companions that require consistent training and plenty of mental stimulation.

FearlessEnergeticAlert

Papillon

Toy · Toy

The Papillon is a refined and elegant toy spaniel distinguished by its beautiful butterfly-like ears. Despite their dainty appearance, they are remarkably athletic and highly intelligent dogs that excel in agility and obedience training.

AlertEnergeticHappy

Pekingese

Toy · Toy

A breed with a lion-like appearance and a regal bearing, the Pekingese was once the sacred companion of Chinese royalty. Known for their flat faces and long, flowing coats, they are independent yet deeply loyal to their chosen humans. Despite their small size, they possess a surprisingly bold and dignified personality.

AffectionateLoyalRegal

Pomeranian

Toy · Toy

The Pomeranian is a compact, short-backed dog with an abundant double coat and a distinct foxy expression. Originally large sled dogs, they were bred down in size and became popular royal favorites known for their bold and spunky personalities. These tiny 'Poms' are highly intelligent and excel as both alert watchdogs and affectionate companions.

ExtrovertedIntelligentVivacious

Pug

Toy · Toy

The Pug is often described as 'multum in parvo' (much in little), packing a big personality into a small, sturdy frame. Originally bred as lapdogs for Chinese emperors, they are famous for their wrinkled faces, curled tails, and affectionate, clown-like nature.

CharmingMischievousLoving

Shih Tzu

Toy · Toy

The Shih Tzu is a charming companion breed developed for Chinese royalty, prized for its affectionate nature and regal look. These little dogs are social, adaptable, and happiest when close to their people, making them excellent apartment pets. Their flowing coat and expressive face give them a distinctive, almost lion-like elegance.

affectionateoutgoingalert

Silky Terrier

Toy · Toy

The Silky Terrier is a small but spirited dog with a beautiful, floor-length coat that belies its tough, 'big dog' personality. Originally bred in Australia to hunt vermin, they are more prey-driven and energetic than a typical lapdog, combining the elegance of a toy breed with the feisty nature of a true terrier.

AlertFriendlyInquisitive

Toy Fox Terrier

Toy · Toy

The Toy Fox Terrier is a compact American breed that blends terrier boldness with toy-dog charm. Originally developed from small Smooth Fox Terriers and other toy breeds, they were prized as farm ratters and later became famous circus performers. They are bright, funny, and deeply devoted companions who stay athletic and eager for action despite their tiny size.

alertplayfulintelligent

Toy Manchester Terrier

Toy · Toy

The Toy Manchester Terrier is a small, sleek dog with a smooth, mahogany-tanned coat and a spirited personality. Originally bred as a rat hunter in Victorian England, they combine the feisty nature of a terrier with the compact size and devotion of a toy breed. They are known for being elegant yet sturdy, making them excellent companions for those who appreciate a keen-minded and active small dog.

AlertAgileDevoted

Yorkshire Terrier

Toy · Toy

The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny dog with a huge personality: confident, lively, and deeply devoted to its people. Originally developed in 19th-century England to catch rats in textile mills, the breed later became a fashionable companion while keeping its fearless terrier spirit. Yorkies stand out for their silky, human-like coat and big-dog attitude in a toy-sized body.

affectionateboldspirited