The Toy Group

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed is a close relative of the King Charles spaniel, from which it can be distinguished by its more pointed nose. The cavalier’s early relatives were derived from spaniels and Oriental toy dogs. In the 1700s, they were favorites of King Charles II of England.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Quiet, obedient
• Exercise needs: Moderate
• With children: Friendly, demonstrative

Appearance

• Size: Small (10–18 lbs, 12–13" tall)
• Color: Ruby, black and tan, tricolor
• Coat: Medium, silky
• Grooming: Brush every 2 days

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed. Though its historical origins are debated, the Chihuahua was most likely derived from crosses between tiny, hairless Chinese dogs and the techichi, a dog native to Central and South America. Several Chihuahuas were brought from Chihuahua, Mexico, to America in 1850, and the breed has since become very popular as a pet. There are shorthaired and longhaired varieties.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Lively and outgoing
• Exercise needs: Low
• With children: Not recommended for households with small children

Appearance

• Size: Small (3–6 lbs, 6–9" tall)
• Color: Any
• Coat: Short and smooth, or long
• Grooming: Brush smooth coat on occasion, long coat 2–3 times weekly

Maltese

The Maltese is an ancient breed from the island of Malta. Its ancestors belong to the Mediterranean bichon family. Despite the breed’s pampered looks, the Maltese was originally bred to catch rats.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Bold, companionable
• Exercise needs: Low
• With children: Not recommended for households with small children

Appearance

• Size: Small (4–7 lbs, 9–10" tall)
• Color: White
• Coat: Long, flat, silky
• Grooming: Brush every 1–2 days

Miniature Pinscher

Despite its name, the miniature pinscher is not related to the Doberman pinscher. The breed was developed in Germany in the 1600s and is thought to be derived from the shorthaired terrier, dachshund, and Italian greyhound.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Very energetic, not for inexperienced dog owners
• Exercise needs: High
• With children: Playful, but overly loud and demanding at times

Appearance

• Size: Small (8–10 lbs, 10–12" tall)
• Color: Black and rust, chocolate and rust
• Coat: Short, hard, smooth
• Grooming: Brush occasionally

Papillon

The papillon originated in 16th-century France as one of a number of dwarf spaniels popularized at the time. The little dog was a favorite of Louis XIV, who imported a number of them to his court. The breed’s name is French for “butterfly” and describes the shape of the papillon’s prominent ears.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Amiable, obedient
• Exercise needs: Low
• With children: Playful, loyal

Appearance

• Size: Small (9–10 lbs, 8–11" tall)
• Color: White with patches of any color
• Coat: Long, fine, silky
• Grooming: Brush 2 times weekly; trim every 3 months

Pekingese

The Pekingese was bred by Lamaist Buddhists in ancient China. During the T’ang Dynasty (from A.D. 700–1000) the breed’s popularity soared; many of these dogs even had personal servants. In 1860, following the Second Opium War, British soldiers introduced the Pekingese to the West.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Independent, aloof
• Exercise needs: Low
• With children: Not recommended for households with small children

Appearance

• Size: Small (8–12 lbs, 6–9" tall)
• Color: Various colorsand tan, brindle
• Coat: Long, coarse, straight
• Grooming: Brush 1–2 times weekly

Pomeranian

This breed is thought to have originated in Pomerania, Germany, in the 1800s. The tiny breed is the smallest of the German spitz family and is descended from sled dogs. Slowly bred down in size, the Pomeranian is now a popular pet and show dog.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Confident, adventurous
• Exercise needs: Low
• With children: Not recommended for households with small children

Appearance

• Size: Small (4–5 lbs, 8–11" tall)
• Color: Various colors and patterns, including red, fawn, black, tan
• Coat: Long, thick
• Grooming: Brush 2 times weekly; trim every 3 months

Pug

The pug is an ancient form of mastiff from the Orient. A favorite of Buddhist monks in Tibet, the pug was brought to Holland in the 1500s by Dutch East India Company traders and quickly became popular throughout Europe and the United States.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Loyal, confident
• Exercise needs: Moderate
• With children: Affectionate, playful

Appearance

• Size: Small (14–18 lbs, 10–11" tall)
• Color: Silver, black, or apricot and fawn
• Coat: Short, thick, smooth
• Grooming: Brush weekly; clean wrinkles daily

Shih Tzu

Developed in Beijing during the 1800s, the shih tzu is likely the result of crosses between miniature Chinese and Tibetan breeds. These dogs are often associated with Buddhism because they bear a striking resemblance to lions, which Buddhists consider holy.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Cheerful, sweet
• Exercise needs: Low
• With children: Playful, affectionate

Appearance

• Size: Small (10–16 lbs, 9–10.5" tall)
• Color: Various including red, fawn, black, tan
• Coat: Long, thick
• Grooming: Brush every 1–2 days

Yorkshire Terrier

This breed was developed in Yorkshire, England, as a vermin hunter. It originated through crosses between a variety of terriers including Maltese, Skye, Dandie Dinmont, and waterside. By the early 1900s the Yorkshire was a popular companion and show dog in both England and America.

 

Temperament

• Personality: Curious, determined
• Exercise needs: Low
• With children: Not recommended for households with small children

Appearance

• Size: Small (3–7 lbs, 8–9" tall)
• Color: Blue and tan
• Coat: Long, straight, shiny
• Grooming: Brush every 1–2 days