Toy Breeds

The Toy Breed group includes:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
English Toy Spaniel
Havanese
Italian Greyhound
Maltese
Miniature Pinscher
Papillion
Pekingese
Pomeranian
Poodle
Pug
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Toy Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

The most obvious characteristic this breed carries is its size.  The small size of these dogs can make it difficult for some people to train.  Having to bend over constantly during training can get tiresome.  Also because these dogs are seen as so cute and cuddly because of their size, many owners think that they should not receive the same rules and exercise as a larger dog.  This is a big mistake.  Just because a dog is small, does not mean it doesn't need exercise.  I've known a Toy Breed dog that ran circles around his larger counter-part on a daily basis.  Depending on your dog, this breed may need as much, if not more mental and physical exercise than a dog several times it's size.  Also do not be fooled into that "cute little face" and let your toy breed dog get away with bad behavior.  Everyone thinks the little toy puppy that bites at your face is so cute until they actually make contact.  Just because they are small dogs, does not mean that they cannot cause damage.  Toy breed dogs need the same consideration for exercise and rules as any other dog.

For more information on the Toy Breed Group visit the American Kennel Club's website.

Breed of the Month--Pomeranian

Pomeranian

Color:  All colors, variations, and patterns (but no white and black shadings).

Height:  7-12 inches

Weight:  3-7 lbs

Life Span:  13 to 15 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Hypothyroidism, patent ductus arteriosus, collapsing trachea, and patellar luxation.

Coat:  Double coat.  Ruff neck, fluffy, soft, thick undercoat; harsh, straight, long, glistening outer coat.

Country of Origin:  Germany

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

The smallest of the German Spitzes, the Pomeranian is known as the Zwergspitz in many countries.  The breed originated in the German province of Pomerania.  In the 1800s, Queen Victoria's love of the breed steered the dog in a smaller direction.  Originally near 30 pounds, Queen Victoria's kennels bred the dog closer to its current size, usually no more than 5 pounds.  Noteworthy proponents of the breed include:  Marie Antoinette, Emile Zola, and Amadeus Mozart.

Pomeranians are quite active and enjoy doing most anything with their family.  The Pom excels at obedience, and in agility and the show ring.  This toy dog is intelligent, active, and alert.  The Pom can make an excellent watch dog, as he barks any time he is suspicious.  Training this breed from day one is very important so the dog does not develop a spoiled nature.

Exercise:

Although the Pomeranian is small, he still has tons of energy and needs regular exercise.  Daily walks and outings are important for the Pom, as he loves to accompany his family anywhere.  Short play times of activity are also important for the Pom.

Grooming:

The fluffy coat of the Pom must be given regular attention to keep him looking his best.  Brushing the Pom's long shedding coat several times a week is recommended.  Extra care should be taken to make sure his eyes stay clean, and that his teeth receive regular check-ups.

Training:

Socialization from early puppyhood will help the Pom gain confidence, and training will be a breeze.  Using positive reinforcement training with the Pom makes it easy to teach basic obedience.  The Pomeranian is eager to learn and can excel at tricks and agility.

A client's Pomeranian getting a hair cut…

Breed of the Month--Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinscher


Color:  Black with rust markings, stage red, solid red, chocolate or fawn with rust markings.
Height:  10-12.5 inches
Weight:  9-13 lbs
Life Span:  15 years or more


Breed Health Concerns:  Epilepsy, heart problems, patellar lunation, Legg-Calve-Perthes, eye problems, cervical disk problems.


Coat:  Dense, close, smooth, shiny, straight, short
Country of Origin:  Germany

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

Although this breed looks like a smaller version of the Doberman Pinscher, the two breeds are actually not related.  The Miniature Pinscher comes from breeds including:  Italian Greyhounds, terriers, Dachshunds.  The breed comes from the word "pinscher," which refers to the way the dogs actually attack vermin.  The dog literally pinches his prey.  The "Min Pin" is the top toy breed in Italy, Holland, and Denmark.

It is important to properly socialize this breed and to not allow him to get too spoiled.  The Min Pin is a fun-loving, self-assured dog that bonds very quickly with his family.  This breed does enjoy using his voice and can become a real behavior problem if not properly trained and managed.

Exercise:
The Miniature Pinscher enjoys getting exercise by accompanying his owners anywhere, as much as possible.  He also enjoys draining mental and physical energy with obedience and agility.  A short walk each day will be enough exercise for this toy breed.

Grooming:
The Min Pin coat is easily cared for with occasional brushing and rub downs.  Keep the face clean.

Training:
This little dog is athletic and able; he does not need to be carried around everywhere he goes.  In fact, it is better for the dog to walk alongside his owner than to be carried by him.  Socialization is important and training from puppyhood is key.  Short, reward-based, and motivational training sessions are best.

Did you hear something?

I think I'm seeing double.

Breed of the Month--Chihuahua

Chihuahua


Color:  Any color, short coat any color, long coat solid-colored markings/ solid color
Height:  6-9 inches
Weight:  Up to 6 lbs
Life Span:  15 years or more

Breed Health Concerns:  eye problems, patellar lunation, seizure, collapsing trachea, hypoglycemia, pulmonary stenosis.

Coat:  Long and short coat types, both types can be double or single coat...smooth, soft, silky
Country of Origin:  Mexico

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

The Chihuahua is the smallest and oldest breed on the American continent.  It is believed that travelers from Spain brought the beginnings of this breed, mixing them with hairless breeds, making the Chihuahua of today.  The Chihuahua is one of the most popular toy breeds today.

The Chihuahua is affectionate, lively, playful, and alert.  He will bond quickly with his family and must be properly socialized so strangers will not intimidate and frighten him.

Small and easy to transport, the Chihuahua is a favorite choice for many Americans.  It is important that even these small dogs still learn rules, boundaries, and basic manners.  Many people let these little dogs get away with a lot of bad behaviors because they think it looks cute or funny coming from such a small little dog.  It's not cute, and it's not funny!  It is very important to teach these dogs proper manners and socialization.  I have also found this breed to be very susceptible to anxiety.  The Chihuahua owner would do well to create a nice calm home life and give their dog plenty of regular exercise to keep this from becoming a problem.

Exercise:
The Chihuahua can be prone to short little bursts of energy.  An easy daily walk and following his owners around are usually enough exercise for this breed.  It is important to give the Chihuahua several little play sessions each day.

Grooming:
The shorthaired Chihuahua is easily kept clean with regular brushing and bathing.  The longhaired version needs more attention, including trimming.  All Chihuahuas must be kept clean around their eyes and ears.

Training:
Positive, fun, upbeat training is necessary to keep the Chihuahua'a attention.  This breed can be difficult to potty training.  Never use punishment or harsh tones with this breed.  Socialization is especially important to keep the Chihuahua comfortable in all situations throughout his lifetime.

Breed of the Month--Papillon

Papillon


Color:  White with any patches of color except liver, tricolor
Height:  8-11 inches
Weight:  Two categories: 1) both sexes less than 5.5 lbs, 2) Males:  5.5-10 lbs/ Females:  5.5-11 lbs
Life Span:  13-16 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Patellar luxation.

Coat:  Single coat, straight, silk, fine, long, flowing.
Country of Origin:  France

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

Papillons are descended from toy-sized spaniels.  Erect ears replaced the drop ear look for this breed in the late 1800s.  The Papillon is small enough that many people enjoy taking them everywhere, and have done so for centuries.  This breed is adept at tracking, agility, and obedience.

Papillon need lots of socialization from puppy to adulthood.  Although you may be surprised to hear this, but Papillons are not generally a yappy or barky dog by nature.  Although this breed has very high energy, he is easily trained in all sorts of different ways.

Papillons are very easy to fall in love with because of their small size and cute, fluffy coat.  Many people will find your pet of interest in you add this breed to your family, and therefore socialization of this breed tends to come quite naturally.

Exercise:
Although the Papillon enjoys the occasional cuddle, he is very energetic and needs regular daily exercise.  The Papillon is athletic and enjoys being part of outdoor family activities.

Grooming:
Because the Papillon has no undercoat, the breed sheds very little to no hair.  The coat is easy to care for and does not require any extra special grooming or trimming.  Occasional bathing is sufficient.

Training:
The Papillon is a very versatile dog that enjoys many different activities.  Motivational training and positive reinforcement make training this breed an ease.  The Papillon must be well socialized.