Small and Significant: The Enduring Dog Breeds of the Toy Group

In this pick-me-up episode, we introduce you to the characters, companions, clowns, and survivors that are the dogs of the Toy group.

Once seen as symbols of royalty and aristocracy, dogs of the Toy group were often the coveted spoils of revolutions, war, and palace coups. The refined elegance and charm of these compact dogs assisted in their survival and solidified their place in many decidedly non-royal homes of today. Join us as we look at how favorite breeds of kings, queens, monarchs, and fashionistas both plummeted and soared in popularity.

 

Bonafide Bits:

• Chihuahuas, originally named Techichis, were kept by the Toltecs to guide their human companions into the afterlife.
• Both Pekingese and Maltese are referred to as “lion dogs.”
• Aristotle called the elegant Maltese perfectly proportioned.
• In 1926, Roswell Eldridge Esquire offered a hefty purse to breeders who could replicate toy Spaniels of King Charles’ time.
• In the 1500s, Dutch traders smuggled Pugs out of China where they would become mascots in Holland’s House of Orange.

 

Featured Breeds:

Pekingese

Pekingese are compact, stocky toy dogs weighing up to 14 pounds. The coat is longest at the neck and shoulders, giving Pekes their famous “lion’s mane.” Coats come in various reds, from golden red to darker shades. The large, short-muzzled head is a wider-than-long, envelope-shaped rectangle, and the eyes are large, dark, and sparkly. A unique feature of Pekes is their effortless “rolling” gait. Pekes are charming, confident companions who develop a tight bond with their favorite human. Bred to live in palaces, they can be as serenely independent as the emperors who owned them. (They’re “opinionated,” Peke people say.) Ever alert, they make good watchdogs. Pekes will tolerate kids but won’t stand for a lot of roughhousing. Discover more about Pekingese at AKC’s Pekingese Breed Biography.

 

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a balanced, graceful dog of terrier-like demeanor, weighing no more than six pounds. The rounded “apple” head is a breed hallmark. The erect ears and full, luminous eyes are acutely expressive. Coats come in many colors and patterns and can be long or short. The varieties are identical except for the coat. Chihuahuas possess loyalty, charm, and a big-dog attitude. Even tiny dogs require training, and without it, this clever scamp will rule your household like a little Napoleon. Compact and confident, Chihuahuas are ideal city pets. They are too small for roughhousing with kids, and special care must be taken in cold weather, but Chihuahuas are adaptable as long as they get lots of quality time in their preferred lap. Discover more about Chihuahuas at AKC’s Chihuahua Breed Biography.

 

Maltese

The tiny Maltese, “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the Bible was a work in progress. Famous for their show-stopping, floor-length coat, Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions. Discover more about Malteses at AKC’s Maltese Breed Biography.

 

Papillon

The quick, curious Papillon is a toy dog of singular beauty and upbeat athleticism. Despite his refined appearance, the Pap is truly a “doggy dog” blessed with a hardy constitution