Toy dogs are a type of small dog breed. These types of dogs are the smallest dogs available. Costs for small dog breeds tend to be less because of their size; they eat less, get tired faster and leave less mess. So you don't have to buy as much food, spend less time exercising them etc.

Small dogs originate from ancient lap dogs, small versions of work dogs, hunting dogs, or dogs that may have been breed down for convenience. In olden times small dogs were a sign of affluence and used to attract fleas away from their owners. Placing certain breeds of dogs in the toy category stems from competition and tradition.

There are certain dog breeds that are exclusive to the toy dog breed; Shih Tzu and the Chihuahua. But there are other dogs that come in different sizes, both large and small like the poodle. All small dogs tend to have a lot of energy and character and are great pets. They are well suited to apartment living and are well suited for the elderly or disabled as they don't need a lot of exercise.

Some small dog breeds are also excellent watchdogs such as the Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. These dogs are always on alert and will bark if they notice any unusual behaviour. You can also train your small dog but certain breeds may be more difficult to train than others.

If healthy small dogs so not have many health issues. They are more prone to bone breakage as their bones are very small. You need to keep an eye out when they are playing with children ad they can get hurt easily. As long you obtain a healthy dog and keep it healthy then you should have minimal problems. It is important to regularly exercise your dog and feed it a healthy diet as well as regularly visit your veterinarian.

Some well known small dog breeds are the Mittel German Spitz, Miniature Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Pekingese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cesky Terrier, Chihuahua, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Tibetan Spaniel, Toy Fox Terrier, Toy Poodle, Toy American Eskimo, Lowchen, Lundehund, Maltese, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Punscher, Yorkshire Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Toy Mexican Hairless, Lhasa Apso, Klein German Spitz, Japanese Chin, Jack Russell Terrier, Swedish Vallhund, Skye Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Schipperke, Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu, Pug, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Podengo Portuguese Pegueno, Patterdale Terrier, Papillon, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Border Terrier, Affenpinscher, and the Australian Terrier.