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{{about|the type of dog|dog-shaped toys|toy}}
{{merge from|Toy Group|date=February 2018|reason=Redundant WP:CONTENTFORK, maybe even a WP:POVFORK|discuss=Talk:Toy dog#Merge from Toy Group}}
[[File:Bichon Frisé - studdogbichon.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Bichon Frisé]] is an example of a toy dog that requires considerable grooming.]]
'''Toy dog''' traditionally refers to a very small [[dog]] or a grouping of small and very small [[Dog breed|breeds]] of dog. A toy dog may be of any of various [[dog type]]s. Types of dogs referred to as toy dogs may include [[Spaniel]]s, [[Pinscher]]s and [[Terriers]] that have been bred down in size. Not all toy dogs are [[Lap dog|lapdogs]], although that is an important and ancient type of toy dog. The very smallest toy dogs are sometimes called ''teacup'' size, although no major dog registry recognizes that term.

== Small dogs ==
<!--long string of pictures-->

[[File:Yorkshireterrierbowie.JPG|thumb|A well sized and healthy [[Yorkshire Terrier]]. The Yorkie is one of the most popular of the toy breeds.]]
[[File:Chinese Crested Dog 600.jpg|thumb|The [[Chinese Crested Dog|Chinese crested dog]] is a hairless toy breed.]]
[[File:Janne04.jpg|thumb|The [[Chihuahua (dog)|Chihuahua]].]]
[[File:Papillon_lying_in_the_grass.jpg|thumb|The [[Papillon (dog)|papillon]].]]
[[File:Chin posing.jpg|thumb|[[Japanese Chin]].]]
[[File:Freddie_(8467901543).jpg|right|thumb|[[Poodle]]]]
<!--end string of pictures-->

Dogs referred to as toy or teacup dogs, are dogs found in the ''[[Toy Group]]'' of breed registries, may be of the very ancient [[Lap dog|lapdog]] [[Dog type|type]], or they may be small versions of [[hunting dog]]s or [[working dog]]s, bred down in size for a particular kind of work or to create a [[pet]] of convenient size. In the past, very small dogs not used for hunting were kept as symbols of affluence, as watchdogs, and for the health function of attracting fleas away from their owners.<ref>{{cite book
|author= Bruce Felton and Mark Fowler
|title= The Best, Worst, and Most Unusual
|year= 1994
|publisher= Galahad Books
|location= New York
|isbn= 0-88365-861-5
|pages= 538
|chapter= Fashion and Grooming
|quote=
}}</ref>

== Breeds ==
Most major dog clubs in the English-speaking world have a [[Toy Group|toy group]], under one exact name or another, in which they place breeds of dog that the kennel club categorises as ''toy'', based on size and tradition. [[The Kennel Club]] (UK), the [[Canadian Kennel Club]], the [[American Kennel Club]], the [[Australian National Kennel Council]], and the [[New Zealand Kennel Club]] all have a group named "Toy", all though they may not all categorise the same breeds in this category. The United States has a second major kennel club, the [[United Kennel Club]] (UKC, originally formed for hunting and working breeds, though general today), and it does not recognize such a group; instead, small dogs are placed with larger dogs of their [[Dog type|type]], or into a UKC's [[Companion Dog Group|"Companion Dog" group]].<ref>[http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/WebPages/LrnBreedInfo United Kennel Club (US) breed groups]</ref> {{As of|2008|09|post=,}} the American Kennel Club began debating whether or not to change the name of their "Toy" group to "Companion", in order to emphasise that dogs are not playthings, but the name change was resisted by traditionalists.<ref>''Toys Are Us?'' by Stephanie Abraham, AKC Gazette, September 2008, pp 55-56</ref>

The [[Fédération Cynologique Internationale]] has established common nomenclature to ensure that pedigrees are mutually recognized in all 84 member countries. The following breed sections are recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in Group 9, Toy and Companion.<ref>[http://www.fci.be/nomenclature/9-Companion-and-Toy-Dogs.html Fédération Cynologique Internationale Group 9]</ref>

* '''Section 1''': Bichons and related breeds
* '''Section 2''': Poodle
* '''Section 3''': Small Belgian dogs
* '''Section 4''': Hairless dogs
* '''Section 5''': Tibetan breeds
* '''Section 6''': Chihuahua
* '''Section 7''': English Toy Spaniels
* '''Section 8''': Japanese Chin and Pekingese
* '''Section 9''': Continental Toy Spaniel
* '''Section 10''': Kromfohrländer
* '''Section 11''': Small Molossian type dogs

Not including the colour and size varieties, breeds categorized by Fédération Cynologique Internationale members as "Companion and Toy" are listed here. Those with flags are also recognized by the non-member countries indicated by the flag.
* [[Toy Mi-Ki|Mi-Ki]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Maltese dog|Maltese]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Havanese dog|Havanese]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Bichon Frise]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]]
* [[Bolognese dog|Bolognese]] (Bolognese) [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]]
* [[Coton de Tulear]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]]
* [[Löwchen]] (Löwchen, Little Lion Dog)
* [[Poodle]] (All three sizes are in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale Companion and Toy group)
* [[Griffon Bruxellois]] (Brussels Griffon) [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* Petit Brabançon (Small Brabant Griffon)
* [[Chinese Crested Dog]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Lhasa Apso]]
* [[Shih Tzu]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Tibetan Spaniel]]
* [[Tibetan Terrier]]
* [[Chihuahua (dog)|Chihuahua]] [[Image:Flag of Mexico.svg|25px]]
* [[Cavalier King Charles Spaniel]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[King Charles Spaniel]]
* [[Pekingese]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Japanese Chin]] (Chin) [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Phalène]] (Epagneul nain Continental, Continental Toy Spaniel)
* [[Papillon (dog)|Papillon]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Kromfohrländer]]
* [[French Bulldog]] (Bouledogue français)
* [[Pug]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Boston Terrier]]
* [[Russkiy Toy]]
* [[Shiba Inu]]

Registries within individual Fédération Cynologique Internationale members, such as the Australian National Kennel Council, may use slightly different nomenclature, depending on the country. Non-member countries use other terminology, but the term ''toy'' is only used to group dogs for show purposes.

[[The Kennel Club]] (UK) places breeds marked [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] in the Toy Group:<ref>[http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/7 The Kennel Club Toy Group]</ref>

The [[Canadian Kennel Club]] recognizes breeds marked [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] in Group 5, Toys:<ref>[http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=89 Canadian Kennel Club Group 5]</ref>

The [[American Kennel Club]] places breeds marked [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]] in the Toy Group:<ref>[http://www.akc.org/breeds/toy_group.cfm# American Kennel Club Toy Group]</ref>

In addition, these national organizations also recognize the following breeds in their toy groups:

* [[Affenpinscher]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Australia.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Australian Silky Terrier]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Australia.svg|25px]]
* Chihuahua (Long Coat) [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Australia.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]]
* Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Australia.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg|25px]]
* Chihuahua (Short Coat) [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]]
* [[English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan)]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Australia.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]]
* [[King Charles Spaniel]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Italian Greyhound]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Australia.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Japanese Chin]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]]
* [[King Charles Spaniel]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Australia.svg|25px]]
* [[Löwchen]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Australia.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg|25px]]
* [[Manchester Terrier]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* Mi-Ki [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Miniature Pinscher]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Australia.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Pomeranian (dog)|Pomeranian]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Australia.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Poodle]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Australian Silky Terrier]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Toy Fox Terrier]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Toy Manchester Terrier]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Yorkshire Terrier]] [[Image:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Australia.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of New Zealand.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]] [[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|25px]]
* [[Mexican Hairless Dog]] [[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px]]

The major national kennel club for each country will have its own list of breeds that it recognizes as Toy. In addition, some new or newly documented [[Rare breed (dog)|rare breeds]] may be awaiting approval by a given kennel club. Some new breeds may currently be recognized only by their breed clubs. Some rare new breeds have been given breed names, but may only be available from the breeder or breeders who are developing the breed, and may not yet be recognized by any kennel club.

In addition to the major registries, there are a plethora of sporting clubs, breed clubs, and internet-based breed registries and businesses in which dogs may be registered in whatever way the owner or seller wishes.<ref>[http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/breedregistries.htm#tips Dog Breed Registries in North America]</ref>

==Teacup dogs==

No major or reputable dog registry recognizes the term "'''teacup'''" dog, thus the toy/teacup boundary remains fuzzy. The standard size for a toy dog ranges from 4 to 7 pounds; anything smaller than the standard size of a toy dog may be a runt of a litter. No official size defines a teacup dog, but unofficially a teacup dog is considered{{by whom?|date=April 2016}} to be a dog that is 17 inches or less and weighs 4&nbsp;lbs or less at the age of 12 months. There are no specific teacup dog breeds, but popular types for breeding teacup dogs include: [[Shih Tzu]], [[Chihuahua (dog)|Chihuahua]], [[Yorkshire Terrier]], [[Poodle]], [[Pug]], [[Maltese (dog)|Maltese]], [[Pomeranian (dog)|Pomeranian]], and [[Silky Terrier]], among others.

Most recognized breeders do not breed anything smaller than 4 pounds and, therefore, most do not breed "teacup" dogs. "Teacup" dogs breed down and have a lifespan of 12–14 years.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}}

Because teacup dogs are bred to be unnaturally miniature sized, they are prone to many serious health issues. Teacup dogs often suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood-sugar), which can cause seizures and even death if not carefully monitored. Teacup dogs often need to be fed several times a day or more to avoid low blood-sugar levels. They also commonly suffer from liver shunts, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), heart problems, and respiratory problems.<ref>http://terriblyterrier.com/teacup-dogs/</ref> Teacup puppies also tend to have incontinence issues due to their extremely small bladder sizes.<ref>http://www.small-breed-dogs.com/Teacup-Puppies.html</ref> This is especially prevalent when genetic health testing and other health testing required by breed clubs is not performed.

Teacup dogs are particularly ''en vogue'',{{when|date=December 2014}} and because of this breeders can charge extremely high prices for coveted teacup dogs. Some breeders utilize breeding methods harmful to the health of the dogs involved. Teacup dogs are bred by mating two already unusually small dogs of the same breed. Since the mother dog is already so small, there are often birth complications which threaten the mother and puppies. Some{{quantify|date=April 2016}} breeders purposely induce stunted growth through malnutrition and even starvation in some cases.{{cn|date=April 2016}}

Since the teacup dog is not an official or regulated breed category, it's very easy for breeders to mislead uninformed buyers. Breeders can easily market a regular dog as a teacup dog simply by lying about the puppy's age. Teacup dogs are also often runts of a litter, which means that while they may be unusually small puppies, there is no guarantee they will not grow to become regular-sized dogs for their breed.<ref>http://www.dogbreedidentifier.com/teacup-dogs/
</ref>

== What makes a toy breed ==

=== Size ===
[[File:RileyChihuahua.jpg|thumb|Teacup [[Chihuahua (dog)|Chihuahua]]]]
The diminutive [[Yorkshire Terrier]] is in the ''Toy Group'' of many breed registries. The [[Australian Terrier]] is one of the smallest terriers, but is usually listed in the [[Terrier Group|Terrier]] group. In some registries, however, the Yorkshire Terrier is listed in the Companion Dog group. Some registries do not recognize a Toy category.

The use of the word "toy" to describe small dogs that belong to a toy breed is redundant and also incorrect, suggesting that the breed comes in different sizes&mdash;there is no such thing, for example, as a "toy Chihuahua"; all [[Chihuahua (dog)|Chihuahua]]s are categorized in the Toy Group. Some breeds do come in different sizes, such as [[Poodle]]s, which come in standard, miniature, and toy varieties. The size varieties may all be placed within one group, as with the [[German Spitz]] breed under the Fédération Cynologique Internationale rules, or the smallest varieties of a breed may be placed as a separate breed in the Toy Group or some other group. The exact categorization varies between registries and countries. The [[pug]] is probably the largest of the toy dog group, weighing an average of up to 18 pounds.

The very smallest toy dogs are sometimes called "teacup" size, although no major dog registry recognizes that term.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} Most dogs labeled "teacup" dogs are simply undersized dogs (usually runts). The name is often applied to small dogs by unscrupulous breeders in order to make more money off of the dog by making it seem special. Dogs bred to be "teacups" often have many health problems associated with them.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dale|first=Steve|title=Teacup' Dog Prone To Health Woes|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2457&dat=20040213&id=vR40AAAAIBAJ&sjid=HOEIAAAAIBAJ&pg=3029,3757180|accessdate=10 February 2014|newspaper=Bangor Daily News|date=Feb 13, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.notinthedoghouse.com/doggone-dog-dander-non-shedders/ | title=Doggone Dog Dander – Not With These Non-Shedders | accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref>

The Shih Tzu is a toy dog; however, some refer to the Shih Tzu as teacup, toy, toi, pint-size, pocket, imperial, IMP, Chinese imperial dog, CID, mini, miniature or standard. All these references are considered inappropriate and are categorically rejected by the American Shih Tzu Club, Inc. as the National Breed Club maintains there is but one “Shih Tzu” and the ideal weight is 9-16&nbsp;lbs. (This does not negate the fact that size may vary and those smaller than what is defined as the ideal are not uncommon in litters produced by sires and dams that fall within the ideal weight range.) The use of such descriptive labels is generally regarded as a misleading marketing ploy, as is pitching Shih Tzu to be of "rare color."

=== Form versus function ===
[[File:Pomeranian.JPG|thumb|right|[[Pomeranian (dog)|Pomeranian]].]]
Another area of contention is the idea that toy dogs are only [[companion dog|companion animals]], slow moving, with little need for exercise and with low endurance. [[Papillon (dog)|Papillon]]s are an exception to this; although dainty and small they are quite capable of taking long walks with their owners and often excel at the energetic sport of [[dog agility]]. [[Maltese (dog)|Maltese]] are another example of very robust daintiness. The United Kennel Club (US), which does not recognize a Toy group, defines [[Italian Greyhound]]s as having been bred exclusively as pets; the American Kennel Club states that these dogs were bred as [[Sight hound|gazehounds]], dogs that hunt by sight, and are quite fast and hardy, but they are nevertheless placed in the Toy group.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=THcqDc7GT4AC&pg=PA21&lpg=PA21&dq=American+Kennel+Club+Toy+dog+gazehounds&source=bl&ots=0VMaUvCE7n&sig=I-LSiz8lPjXok8gnWCsvHQeCIZo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=BZH4UtCDH8r4rQe9hIHwDw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=American%20Kennel%20Club%20Toy%20dog%20gazehounds&f=false | title=Bow Wow Missouri Dogs in History Mystery,Legends,Lore,Humor and More | author=Carole Marsh | location=21}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Companion dog]]
* [[Lap dog]]
* [[Pet]]
* [[List of dog breeds]]
* [[Toy Group]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{dmoz|/Recreation/Pets/Dogs/Breeds/Toy_Group/|Toy Group}}
* [http://www.dogbreedsthatdontshed.com/small-dog-breeds-that-dont-shed Toy Dog Breeds That Don't Shed]
* [http://www.dogalicious.net/types-of-small-dogs Types of Small Dogs] at [http://www.dogalicious.net Dogalicious.net]
* [http://www.dogsthatdontshed.net/ Dogs That Don't shed]
* [http://www.smalldogbreeds101.com/ List of Small Dog Breeds]
{{Toy dogs}}

[[Category:Dog types]]

Revision as of 19:42, 26 February 2018

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