‘Toy dog breeds’ is an umbrella term for plenty of small dogs that have been developed and bred as companions rather than working dogs. This makes their ability to bond with humans unmatched, making toy dogs the ultimate companion for families. They seem to have a unique ability to make us fall in love with them at first sight, with their curly hair and button noses, but they’re not suitable for everyone. Toy dogs need plenty of socialisation, so they’re not always best for working professionals.
Toy dogs are simply very small dog breeds, which can include miniature versions of larger dogs, such as Pinschers and Terriers. Toy dogs have usually been bred plenty of times to make them so small, often with Chihuahuas thanks to their unique tiny size.
There are four main size categories for dogs – small, medium, large, and giant – but small dogs can be further categorized into teacup, miniature, and toy breeds. Toy breeds are tinier than small dogs (12 inches or less) but bigger than miniature dogs (8 inches or less).
Toy dogs are some of the most popular breeds in Australia, mostly because people want the cuteness that comes along with smaller breeds! They also tend to have lower energy levels and can live in apartments without constant access to a garden. Here are ten of the most popular toy dog breeds in Australia:
Weight: 6.3 to 8.1 kg
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Temperament:
Health issues:
Pugs are perfect pets to introduce to households with lots of members and crazy kids thanks to their patient temperament and sociability. They tend to be more laidback than other toy breeds that never seem to get tired, so they’re suitable for professionals who go to work every day. Many owners say their favourite thing about Pugs is their sassy attitude, so get ready for plenty of practical jokes!
Weight: 1.5 to 3 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Temperament:
Health issues:
Pomeranians are tiny little fox-faced dogs who love a good cuddle with their owners. Despite their tiny size, they love to challenge bigger dogs, so they’re best for single-dog households. Poms are usually bright, easy to train, and bursting with character, making them perfect for couples who want to introduce a new, larger-than-life family member. Just make sure you look after their double coats, as these take a lot of TLC to maintain.
Weight: 1.5 to 3 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Temperament:
Health issues:
While most toy breeds have been bred to be sociable and gentle members of the family, Toy Fox Terriers have their own agendas. These dogs often believe that they know best, even against bigger dogs and humans, making them more difficult to train. They’re best for families with plenty of time to train them and give them lots of exercise, as their high prey drive will otherwise see your belongings being torn to shreds during the day and night.
Weight: 3 to 6 kg
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Temperament:
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Havanese are complete fluffballs – and their personalities are often just as fun as their coats! They’re larger-than-life characters with lots of goofy traits that you’ll be able to pick up on the longer they’re in your house. Many owners fall in love with Havanese dogs as soon as they meet them, but bear in mind their grooming needs are a full-time effort. They also have a tendency to get anxious when left alone, so you’ll need plenty of time for them.
Weight: 3 to 7 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Temperament:
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English Toy Spaniels are laid-back and make excellent companions, but they prefer to live with individual owners who can give them plenty of attention. They love communication, so if you’re going to be out for long periods of time, this breed might not be for you. They also don’t require too much exercise, so a daily walk should be more than enough. English Toy Spaniels love being indoors and cuddling with their owners!
Weight: 2.7 to 4.5 kg
Lifespan:13 to 15 years
Temperament:
Health issues:
Italian Greyhounds are simply gorgeous dogs – sleek, elegant, and highly affectionate little dogs that carry most traits of their full-sized counterparts. They tend to be shyer than many other toy breeds, but this depends on how much socialisation they get during the puppy phase. Italian Greyhounds are adaptable and perfect for families, but they’re also active with high prey drives, so make sure you have enough time to exercise them every single day.
Weight: 2 to 5 kg
Lifespan: 18 to 20 years
Temperament:
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When you think of toy dogs, you might automatically think of Toy Poodles. An original teddy bear dog, Toy Poodles are just as regal and intelligent as their larger relatives. These dogs are excellent companions and get on well with children and other dogs, especially with their high play drives! Toy Poodles are hypoallergenic, which means they don’t shed and produce less dander, so they’re excellent if your family has allergies.
Weight: 1.3 to 2.7 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Temperament:
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Chihuahuas are extremely loyal dogs, often bonding with just one person in the family and listening to only them. They might be tiny, but their personalities are huge and they’ll often give you plenty of sass when they don’t want to listen to you. Despite this, they’re extremely friendly and love a long cuddle, and they can be socialised properly to fit into larger families. Chihuahuas are notorious for developing Big Dog Syndrome.
Weight: 1.81 to 3.17 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Temperament:
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Yorkshire Terriers are another super popular toy dog breed thanks to their playful and intelligent demeanours. They’re assertive and possessive over their owners, so plenty of training is needed to make sure this doesn’t become a problem as they get older. Yorkies are yappers, so they need plenty of physical stimulation to make sure they don’t get bored enough to start vocalising their feelings.
Weight: 4.5 to 7.5 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 16 years
Temperament:
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Shih Tzus are generally playful and fun dogs, but they also know when it’s time to unwind and calm down with the rest of the family. These dogs are known for slotting into families instantly, making them the perfect match for households with kids and other pets. They have moderate to high energy levels for a small dog, so two or three short walks a day should be enough to keep them happy and stimulated.
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