Toy dog breeds might be small, but they are known for having outsized personalities. Once a favorite of royal courts in Europe and Asia, they now rule living rooms across America. Compact, cute, and charming— sometimes with a dash of sass thrown in—toy breeds are the consummate companion dogs.

Portable, lively, and eager to please, toy breeds are considered the smallest of all the dog breed groups, with most dogs weighing less than 15 pounds when fully grown. There isn’t a hard and fast number of miniature dog breeds, but the American Kennel Club recognizes 21 breeds in the toy dog group, such as Havanese, Toy Poodles, and Pugs. Today, many dogs are mixed with Toy Poodles to get “designer breeds” such as Cavapoos and Yorkiepoos, expanding the breed group.

It’s important to note that “toy” refers to size, not temperament. Toy breed dogs are not solely lay dogs; there are a lot of different needs and personalities within toy dogs. Here’s everything you need to know if you are considering a toy breed dog.

History of Toy Dogs: What They Were Bred For

If mini dog breeds seem like they give off an air of superiority, it’s because they were originally bred as companion animals for nobility and royalty. They thrive in a life of luxury, swanning about their homes, exploring the outside world with their owners, and going for car rides.

This tiny dog attitude goes back thousands of years. For example, Pekingese Dogs were bred to keep Chinese emperors company. They were so important to the culture that only members of the Chinese imperial court could breed or own them for many years.

Another example is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which is named after King Charles II, who reigned during the 1700s. They started as comfort dogs for Tudor nobility, keeping their owners company in bed on cold winter nights. They are one of the most popular toy breeds today, perhaps doing the same thing!

As the middle class grew and society changed, these breeds became more widely available and popular. They are well-suited to city life thanks to their low physical stimulation needs and small stature. They are excellent companions for a variety of family situations, whether you are an older empty-nest couple, a single person, or a family with young children. They are beloved worldwide for their loving nature and eagerness to please their owners.

Toy Dog Breed Sizes and Coat Types

Many think of miniature dog breeds and think of pint-sized purse dogs, which can be true, as some of the breeds weigh only a couple of pounds when fully grown. The toy dog weight range varies from 2 pounds to 15 pounds, but don’t let their size fool you—they pack a lot of punch into tiny dog bodies.

Tiny dogs might not be able to keep up with you on a hike, but they make up for it by living a long time. Toy dog breeds live on average 12 to 16 years, with some pushing up to 20 years. That is a lot of cuddle hours over time!

Coat types can vary with toy dog breeds:

Smooth Coat Toy Breed

Toy dogs with short and smooth coats include the Chihuahua and the Dachshund. They have lower maintenance grooming needs than other coat varieties.

Long Coat Toy Breed

These breeds have longer hair that flows, often styled in ponytails to keep their eyes clear. Examples include the Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. You can also cut your long-coated toy dog breed in a puppy cut. That can keep the hair short and out of their faces, but it does require regular grooming every 4 to 6 weeks.

Curly Coat Toy Breed

Some toy breeds have curly hair, such as the Bichon Frise and Toy Poodle. They have higher grooming needs.

Wire Coat Toy Breed

This coat is rough and coarse, as seen in breeds like the Brussels Griffon and the West Highland White Terrier, commonly called a “Westie.”

Double Coat Toy Breed

Some toy breeds have double coats, which consist of a soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat. The Pomeranian and Pekingese are two popular breeds with double coats.

Popular Toy Dog Breeds

The AKC might only recognize 21 toy breeds, but there are many popular mini dog breeds to choose from. In the last 30 years, many dog breeds have been mixed with hypoallergenic ones like Toy Poodles to create loveable, small, and sneeze-free breeds like Maltipoos.

The most popular toy dog breeds include:

How to Choose a Toy Dog, and is This Breed Right For You?

When choosing to adopt a toy breed dog, there are a few things to consider before deciding that this breed group is right for your family.

Grooming

Many toy breeds are considered high-maintenance breeds, but not all. For flowy coats like those found on the Yorkie and Pomeranian, regular brushing prevents tangles. Dogs like Toy Poodles and Bichon Frises need more intensive grooming sessions, likely done by a professional to help prevent matting. Dachshunds need less grooming time thanks to their short, smooth coats.

All mini dog breeds will benefit from regular grooming maintenance such as nail trimming, baths, and brushing. Grooming, especially when it’s more intensive, can be an opportunity for bonding.

Exercise

Toy dogs don’t require a lot of exercise, and they’re more likely to want to curl up behind you on the sofa than go for a long run. They do fine in smaller spaces, making them ideal for urban living. Some toy dog breeds get by with short bursts of playtime in the house, and many might even catch the “zoomies”—and then promptly pass out from the exertion. They will enjoy walks and romps around, though, so be sure to offer it to them as part of a well-balanced day.

Training

Breeds that fall into the toy dog group are highly trainable, and many, like the Bichon Frise, have a history as entertainers who love doing tricks. Loyal, eager to please, and incredibly sharp, they take to training and commands easily in most cases, although miniature terrier breeds might be more stubborn than others.

Noise

Some toy dog breeds can be very vocal, and they’re not afraid to broadcast an alert from your lap. They make surprisingly effective security systems as they are naturally alert and ready to sound the alarm at any chance they get. While not intimidating, they are determined and loud. This is something to consider if you will be living near others, such as in an apartment.

Bonding With Your Toy Dog

Bonding with your dog is an important part of the process. It will vary based on the dog’s personality, confidence, and affection levels.

Personality

Many toy dogs don’t understand just how tiny they are, nor do they care. They generally have large, over-the-top personalities and egos, which makes them charming—and sometimes frustrating companions. Think of them as the Napoleon Bonapartes of the dog world: small, but with a mighty presence and outsized confidence.

Sociability

Mini dog breeds are known as social and outgoing dogs for the most part and get along with everyone, including people and other pets. They can be playful and engaging. Many tiny dogs make great family members.

Socialization is also important to build up a dog’s confidence by exposing them to different environments and situations. This can help toy dogs become more at ease out in the world and be well-behaved. Toy dogs that aren’t socialized properly might be anxious or overly protective of their owners.

Affection

Toy dogs were bred to be companion dogs, so they are brimming with affection and love. They enjoy cuddling, being on top of you, and following you from room to room. If you are looking for a passenger princess of a dog that is happy being wherever you are, a toy dog is a good fit.

Conclusion

Toy dogs are lovable, charming, and entertaining dogs. While their size is small, their personalities run the gamut from mischievous to gentle. Originally bred to be companions for nobility and royalty, they are the ultimate sidekick pets.

To start your dog search off right, head to our adopter quiz to narrow down the right toy breeds for you. Ready to search for toy dog breeds? Head to our dog adoption page to get started.

If you’re looking to adopt for the first time, start the relationship on the right paw by referring to our dog adoption checklist and our guide to preparing your home for a new dog. Then comes the fun part—picking out your dog’s name!

For more expert tips and information on other dog breeds, explore additional dog and puppy breed group articles.

Top 26 Toy Dog Breeds: The Complete Guide

33 Dog Breeds

Havanese

Toy Poodle

Pug

Cavapoo

Yorkiepoo

Pekingese

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Chihuahua

Dachshund

Maltese

Yorkshire Terrier

Shih Tzu

Bichon Frise

Brussels Griffon

West Highland White Terrier

Pekingese

Maltipoo

Pomeranian

Bolognese