Toy Dog Breeds

Discover the best toy dog breeds perfect for apartments and lap dog lovers. These tiny companions pack huge personalities in small packages.

Why Choose a Toy Dog Breed?

Perfect for Apartments

Toy dogs are ideal for small living spaces and urban environments.

Portable Companions

Easy to travel with and take anywhere - perfect for those on the go.

Lower Costs

Require less food, smaller accessories, and often lower vet bills.

Longer Lifespans

Many toy breeds live 12-18 years or longer, providing extended companionship.

Chihuahua
small

Chihuahua

Mexico
Energy: Moderate
Charming
Graceful
Sassy
Yorkshire Terrier
small

Yorkshire Terrier

England
Energy: Moderate
Bold
Confident
Intelligent
Pomeranian
small

Pomeranian

Germany/Poland
Energy: High
Lively
Bold
Inquisitive
Maltese
small

Maltese

Malta
Energy: Moderate
Gentle
Playful
Affectionate
Papillon
small

Papillon

France
Energy: High
Intelligent
Energetic
Alert
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
small

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

England
Energy: Moderate
Affectionate
Gentle
Playful
Italian Greyhound
small

Italian Greyhound

Italy
Energy: Moderate
Gentle
Affectionate
Intelligent
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
small

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Wales
Energy: High
Intelligent
Alert
Friendly
Shetland Sheepdog
small

Shetland Sheepdog

Scotland
Energy: High
Intelligent
Loyal
Alert
Jack Russell Terrier
small

Jack Russell Terrier

England
Energy: Very High
Energetic
Intelligent
Bold
West Highland White Terrier
small

West Highland White Terrier

Scotland
Energy: Moderate
Loyal
Alert
Hardy
Poodle
small

Poodle

Germany/France
Energy: Moderate
Intelligent
Active
Alert
Poodle (Miniature)
small

Poodle (Miniature)

Germany/France
Energy: High
Intelligent
Active
Alert
Miniature Pinscher
small

Miniature Pinscher

Germany
Energy: High
Fearless
Outgoing
Energetic
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
small

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Wales
Energy: Moderate
Affectionate
Intelligent
Active
Cairn Terrier
small

Cairn Terrier

Scotland
Energy: High
Alert
Cheerful
Intelligent
Smooth Fox Terrier
small

Smooth Fox Terrier

England
Energy: High
Alert
Quick
Intelligent
Wire Fox Terrier
small

Wire Fox Terrier

England
Energy: High
Alert
Quick
Intelligent
Skye Terrier
small

Skye Terrier

Scotland
Energy: Moderate
Alert
Intelligent
Hardy
Miniature Schnauzer
small

Miniature Schnauzer

Germany
Energy: High
Alert
Intelligent
Energetic
Japanese Chin
small

Japanese Chin

Japan
Energy: Low
Gentle
Intelligent
Loyal
King Charles Spaniel
small

King Charles Spaniel

England
Energy: Low
Gentle
Affectionate
Intelligent
Toy Fox Terrier
small

Toy Fox Terrier

United States
Energy: High
Alert
Intelligent
Energetic
Yorkshire Terrier (Long Coat)
small

Yorkshire Terrier (Long Coat)

England
Energy: Moderate
Bold
Confident
Intelligent
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
small

Basset Fauve de Bretagne

France
Energy: Moderate
Friendly
Energetic
Intelligent
Bolognese
small

Bolognese

Italy
Energy: Low
Gentle
Affectionate
Intelligent
English Toy Spaniel
small

English Toy Spaniel

England
Energy: Low
Gentle
Affectionate
Intelligent
Toy Terrier
small

Toy Terrier

Various
Energy: Moderate
Friendly
Loyal
Intelligent
American Eskimo Dog (Miniature)
small

American Eskimo Dog (Miniature)

Germany
Energy: Moderate
Friendly
Alert
Reserved
English Toy Terrier
small

English Toy Terrier

England
Energy: Moderate
Stubborn
Alert
Companionable
Miniature American Shepherd
small

Miniature American Shepherd

United States
Energy: Very High
Energetic
Loyal
Intelligent
Russian Toy
small

Russian Toy

Russia
Energy: Moderate

Caring for Toy Dog Breeds

Exercise Needs

While small, toy dogs still need daily exercise and mental stimulation through play.

Health Considerations

Watch for dental issues, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, and tracheal collapse.

Training

Toy dogs are smart and trainable. Avoid "small dog syndrome" with consistent training.

Socialization

Early socialization is crucial to prevent fearfulness and aggression in toy breeds.

Safety

Toy dogs are fragile and need protection from larger dogs and rough handling.

Grooming

Many toy breeds require regular grooming and dental care to maintain health.

Popular Toy Dog Breeds

Chihuahua

Tiny but mighty with big personalities, loyal and devoted to their owners.

Yorkshire Terrier

Glamorous, confident, and courageous toy terriers with silky coats.

Pomeranian

Fluffy, fox-like spitz dogs with bold and lively personalities.