There've been many controversies as to defining criteria for assigning dog breeds to the Toy Group. Experts from different kennel associations, pet owners and lovers have been debating whether all tiny dog breeds belong to this class just because of their size and whether they really can do nothing except for satisfying the eye. The group name suggests that the dog breeds forming it were developed as pets and are not intended for service. Another term commonly used and only adding to the confusion here is the "teacup" or "tiny toy" dog breeds referring to miniature adult dogs. However, it is not officially recognized and can't be seen as some reference definition.
These dogs are irreplaceable for people living on their own and will keep good company for the sick and elderly. Their size lets them fell free and easy even in small apartments and get a good deal of exercise simply running around the house.
Read on to check the list of most popular toy dog breeds!Yorkshire Terriers are the most popular representatives of this dog breed. They are very energetic and like to walk outside. As most of the other toy dog breeds, Yorkies get along well with children who are not too young and inquisitive, as thoughtless handling may cause harm to both of the little ones. Recently, this dog breed's become quite popular among celebrities who treat them as a kind of fashion accessory. This dog breed is considered safe for people with allergies as it does not shed.
Toy Poodle is a tiny and very cute dog breed. Besides, they are teachable and can be trained as circus and show dogs.
One of the most popular dog breeds of the group is the Shih Tzu (Lion Dogs in Chinese). According to the legends of Tibetan Lamas, these vigorous and playsome dogs can turn into lions. Despite this, Shih Tzus cannot be called aggressive. Though no fables of the kind can be told about Chihuahuas, the smallest dog breed in this group, these pets are extremely self-assured and can attack fearlessly dogs of much larger size. In the family ambiance, anyway, this dog breed becomes most friendly and charming.
The Papillons, being one of the oldest toy dog breeds in Europe, will close our list. Keep in mind that efficient and timely training can make this lively dog breed with the speaking name (Papillon stands for 'butterfly' in French) a great companion for walks and travel.
The hound dog breeds were specially developed by many centuries of careful selection to be great hunting dogs. Two types of hounds are usually distinguished basing upon what senses they use when finding the game: Scent-hounds (for example, Bloodhounds, Beagles and Basset Hounds) hunt by smell, Gaze-hounds (or Sight-hounds, such as Afghan Hounds, Russian Wolfhounds (Borzoi)) use their sight, some do both.
Hound dog breeds present a variety of appearances depending on the type of prey they originally were meant to chase. Sharp senses and intelligence helps these dog breeds become good police dogs able to detect drugs and bombs more accurately than the best machines can do. On the other hand, such sensitiveness to everything that's going on around distracts them from performing masters' commands during obedience training.
Kind-natured and somewhat goofy-like Bassett Hounds can be a bit slow to obey, but on the other hand their deliberateness let people follow their dogs on foot during hunts. This is a most reliable and faithful of all the dog breeds.
Beagles, one of the most popular hound dog breeds, are devoted, calm and friendly. Their sociability makes them good companions and family dogs. Beagles will not object to another pet in the house. Important: remember to keep this dog breed on leash as their inquisitive nose can lead them far away during walks.
The latter observation is also true for Bloodhounds, who have the sharpest sense of smell of all dog breeds: as soon as they pick up the trail, no obedience commands will matter. Presumably their name comes from the expression 'blue bloods' meaning that this is a pure dog breed developed specially for hunting.
Afghan Hounds belong to ancient dog breeds perfectly adapted to hunting in extreme weather conditions. They are very enduring and need to be given at least half an hour of intense training a day. This dog breed has a sharp eye and makes great house-dogs. Though Afghans have long hair they do not shed much and are seen as "hypo-allergenic".
'Borzoi' means swift and brisk in Russia, the country where same-name dog breed originated from. Another name for the dog breed is Russian Wolf-hound, explaining that Borzois were used to hunt wolves. Try not to let the dog off-leash as their eagerness to bring best prey to the master could lead them far from house yard. In general, however, it is a very well-mannered dog breed.
Some more famous dog breeds of this group include the Dachshund and Rhodesian Ridgeback (or African Lion Dog).
If you haven't found what you were searching for so far, continue with our articles on Working Dog Breeds, Herding Dog Breeds, Sporting Dog Breeds, Hound Dog Breeds, Terrier Dog Breeds, Toy Dog Breeds and Non-Sporting Dog Breeds. |