Miniature Dog Breeds
Also Known As The Toy Dog Group

Spirited, spunky, and sweet, miniature dog breeds also known as toy dogs, have in the past been called "sleeve dogs". This name came about around the time of the Renaissance when balloon sleeves were fashionable with the nobility. It was an affectionate practice to carry miniature breed dogs within these roomy sleeves, where they were also enjoyed as arm warmers! Remember this was before central heating!

But, though the small dogs have a reputation as lap dogs and appear toy-like, this does not imply that their characters are timid or frail. Far from it. Most of these miniature breed dogs are sturdy and confident and not afraid of anyone. At the same time, they are oh so appealing and delightful. With an eagerness to please and a loving nature, they make wonderful companions and are always ready to be pampered.

You've probably noticed that miniature breed dogs always turn heads and get a smile. It makes me think of them as the "aah" group of dogs, sweet in appearance and real attention getters - rightfully so, of course!

If you like to travel with your dog, the miniature dog breeds are easy to take along. And, after all, no pampered pooch expects to stay home alone!

Most toy dogs can fit into airline qualified carriers, so you can happily fly the friendly skies with them beside you in the cabin. Toy dog breeds are easy to take almost anywhere and fit in very well with city life style and apartment dwellers. I bet you've spotted miniature dogs from time to time peeking out from fancy small dog carriers!


Many of the miniature dog breeds are quite fearless and make good watchdogs - seemingly unaware or indifferent to their size. Another plus for the toy dogs, is that they are mostly light shedders, very much appreciated by fastidious housekeepers and those who may be prone to allergies.

At the end of this page is a chart with links to profiles of miniature dog breeds which are to be found in the Toy Dog group. These are the dogs that are registered breeds within the AKC Toy Dog category. I hope you will find the profiles and pictures of help to you in choosing your small dog breed. But remember, they are not the last word! The described traits are those that have been "generally" observed in the miniature breeds over time.

Bear in mind though, that each dog is unique and can express one trait more than another or even defy a typical characteristic. Fido would expect you to dig a little deeper and read a few books about the miniature dogs of interest. And, if you want a miniature dog breed of show quality, by all means check the AKC standards for the breed so you'll know what details to look for.


In any event, it's better to get "up close and personal" with a real live look at the chosen breed, before deciding. This may also help you see signs of the traits you were drawn to in the first place. Be sure to observe the activity level, their sociability and all the other things on the checklist you've prepared before starting out. You DO have a checklist, don't you!!

Doing your homework before you go looking for a dog, will give you and Fido the best chance of finding the "ideal" match with each other.

Dogs make wonderful lifetime companions. We have so much to learn from them. It is an experience not to be missed.

Ready? Go fetch - your dog buddy is waiting for you somewhere!

Affenpinscher	BrusselsGriffon	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	Chihuahua	Chinese Crested
English Toy Spaniel	Havanese	Italian Greyhound	Japanese Chin	Maltese
Manchester Terrier	Miniature Pinscher	Papillon	Pekingese	Pomeranian
Poodle	Pug	Shih-Tzu	Silky Terrier	Toy Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

Return from Miniature Dog Breeds, to pedigree dog breeds - Main Page

Return to Miniature Dog Breeds - Top Of Page
Return to to dog-spoiling HOME