Currently there are the following sizes to classify a breed: giant, large, medium or standard, dwarf or small and toy and miniature. There has also been some discussion about whether or not to approve the size known as "teacup dogs". It is very common to confuse a dwarf dog with a toy dog, therefore, it is important to note that the International Cinological Federation (FCI), as well as other international canine organizations, consider that toy dogs are those that weigh as maximum 3 kgHowever, as we will see below, it is not always easy to classify a dog as miniature or dwarf.
If you are interested in adopting any of the mini toy dog breeds, don't miss this article on our site, where we will show you some of the main dog breeds considered miniature or toy, as well as other lesser-known hybrids.
Yorkshire terrier
One of the most popular small dog breeds is the Yorkshire Terrier. As an adult, its maximum size is around 3 kg, although there have been cases of Yorkshires weighing up to 7 kg. This mini toy dog is characterized by having a beautiful medium-long brown and silver gray coat, which is also smooth, fine and very silky. On the other hand, it is a dog easy to care for and educate, making it perfect for first-time guardians.
As a curiosity, did you know that in the 19th century the lower class used the yorkshire terrier to hunt rats? And it is not surprising, since these dogs are vigilant and alert by nature, which is why they usually bark so much. However, they are extremely loving and overprotective towards their family.
Chihuahua
Another of the most popular miniature toy dogs is, without a doubt, the chihuahua. This tiny breed comes from Mexico, specifically from the State of Chihuahua, where it was found for the first time and was domesticated by the indigenous people at the time of the Toltec civilization. Today, we can find different types of chihuahua, which can weigh 1, 5 to 4 kg, depending on the breed.
As a general rule, it is a dog very territorial and possessive with its owners, whom it will defend, if it is necessary, regardless of its small size. However, with a good education we can get a very affectionate and sweet dog for his family. To properly educate your dog and thus prevent harmful behaviors from arising for your coexistence or with other dogs, we recommend you consult this other article on our site about Tips for training dogs.
Prague Mouse
The Prague mouse, also known as the Prague buzzard, is a breed of mini toy dog whose weight is usually around 1.5 and 3.5 kg, although his ideal weight is 2.6 kg. Physically, it is characterized, above all, by the colors of its fur: black and tan ; although there are other varieties of colors accepted, such as blue and chocolate, chocolate and black, lilac, chocolate, red and merlé. In addition, it is one of the dogs that sheds the least.
Regarding his character, he stands out for being a very affectionate, obedient, active and intelligent dog which creates strong emotional bonds with their owners. On the other hand, did you know that in the old Czech Republic the Prague mouse was considered a social status symbol? At that time, it was a very popular breed of dog among the monarchy and the nobility. In fact, they were even worn to aristocratic parties!
Toy poodle
The toy poodle or toy poodle, as it is also known, is one of the most popular and appreciated dogs due to its good character and adorable appearance. Currently there are 4 variants of poodle: the large or standard, the medium, the dwarf or mini poodle and the toy or toy poodle. In the case of the toy poodle, it is a breed of less than 28 centimeters withers that, as an adult, weighs between 2 and 2.5 kg
The toy poodle is a very obedient, active and intelligent dog, which makes it an easy dog to train and educate. Without going any further, according to Stanley Coren, the poodle is the most intelligent dog in the world.
Papillon
The papillon, also called the dwarf spaniel or butterfly dog, due to the appearance of its ears, is another of the most popular mini toy dogs. The papillon measures about 23 centimeters at the withers and can weigh between 1 and 5 kg, depending on the dog and the size of its parents, so it is sometimes also considered a dwarf breed of dog.
Like the Prague mouse, in the 16th century, the papillon gained great popularity after various artists portrayed it in their paintings. Such was its success that the papillon came to be considered a royal dog In fact, it is said that even Marie Antoinettehad a papillon.
Miniature English Bull Terrier
As we said above, some dogs are difficult to classify. This is the case of the miniature English bull terrier, which, as its name indicates, is the toy variety of the English bull terrier. However, it must be borne in mind that it is a very muscular dog, so, despite measuring between 30 and 35 centimeters, can weigh between 9 and 16 kg
Like the Yorkshire, the mini bull terrier emerged in the 19th century in order to hunt and kill rats, a strange sport in which bets were made. Fortunately, in Victorian times this activity came to an end.
Pomeranian
Another of the most popular toy dog breeds today, especially in European countries, is the Pomeranian, a small dog with Lion-like appearance Weighing between 1.8 and 2.5 kg , the Pomeranian is characterized by having long, silky fur and being a hypoallergenic dog.
In the past, the Pomeranian weighed about 23 kg and was used as a cattle dog and, later, as a sled dog. Some time later, it became popular in ancient Greece and Rome, especially among the ladies of the high aristocracy It was at that time that it was decided to do a selective breeding to obtain a smaller dog with a noble character. This is how the Pomeranian we know today emerged.
M altese
The M altese is another of the smallest dogs in the world, weighing about 3 kg With a cheerful and fun character, the bichon M altese is a very affectionate dog with its owners. In fact, it is a dog that needs constant company.
Although the exact origins of the M altese are unknown, we do know that in Egypt it was a highly revered breed. In the tomb of Ramesses II, for example, stone statuettes have been found in the shape of today's M altese.
Bolognese Bichon
With a similar appearance to the toy poodle and the M altese bichon, the Bolognese is another of the best known mini toy dogs. Weighing less than 4 kg in weight and barely 30 centimeters tall, the Bolognese Bichon is characterized by its pure white coat, arched tail and long, forming tufts.
As a curious fact, in ancient times, the Bolognese was a very appreciated breed among the nobility and the monarchyIn fact, between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Felipe II considered it "the most majestic gift that can be given to an emperor". Currently, he is employed as a show dog.
Italian Greyhound
Also known as the Italian greyhound, the small Italian greyhound is a slender and proportionate breed of dog of reduced size, being one of the 5 smallest dogs in the world. Its appearance is reminiscent of Spanish greyhounds, however, the Italian greyhound is considerably smaller than the greyhound, measuring between 32 and 38 centimeters at the withers and weighing, in sometimes, less than 4 kg The largest specimens, meanwhile, can reach 5 kg.
Did you know that the Italian Greyhound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world? Fossils and paintings of the 3 Italian Greyhound have been found.000 a. In addition, evidence has been found that they accompanied the Egyptian pharaohs more than 6,000 years ago Like other breeds of mini toy dogs, the miniature greyhound it was also highly prized by nobles and kings for centuries, especially in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Other miniature or toy dogs
In addition to those mentioned above, we leave you a list of other dog breeds that can be considered toy or miniature:
- Chinese Crested.
- Pekingese.
- Affenpinscher.
- Yorkie poo.
- M altipoo.
- Miniature Pinscher.
- Pomsky.
- Teddy roosevelt terrier.
- Mal-shi.
- Chorkie.