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Best Toy Dog Breeds: Chihuahua, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Pug And Shih Tzu
By:
Published: January 16, 2008
Ever since the public began to see Paris and Britney with a pint-sized pooch peeking out from their designer purse, toy dog breeds have become more popular. But new owners need to understand that although celebrities make toy dog breeds look like expendable accessories, these are unique animals that require specific care.
Each toy breed has individual characteristics that potential owners need to consider before investing in a life-long friend.
Toy dog breeds are small dogs bred for companionship purposes rather than work. They are popular for apartment dwellers or other individuals with limited space. Toy dog breeds generally live longer than larger dogs. But because these small dogs are fragile and can be very skittish, they may not be good children’s pets.
Among the most famous of the toy dog breeds is the Chihuahua. Known as the smallest of the toy dog breeds, these pets range in weight from 2 pounds to 10 pounds. Named after the Chihuahua area of Mexico, these animals are oldest breed of dog in North America. Both the smooth-coated and long-coated varieties have large ears, straight tails, and can be any color. Like some other toy dog breeds, the Chihuahua has a larger-than-life personality; they are high-strung, loyal pets that will bark at anything unfamiliar.
Another member of toy dog breeds is the Maltese. This breed is the latest descendant of the “Melita,” the most ancient canines in history. Measuring 8 to 10 inches high and weighing between 5 to 15 pounds, these dogs make excellent house pets. The Maltese is typically white in color and has a long, silky coat that needs regular grooming. Known for their intelligence and loyalty, these dogs can live to be 16 years old.
The Yorkshire Terrier is yet another representative of the toy dog breeds. This type of dog was created in the 19th century when Tan and Black Terriers were bred with the Clydesdale Terrier. Their colors vary although they have tendency to be black or grey on top and brown or gold on the face and legs. Although their long, soft coats require constant maintenance, they do not shed and are therefore gentle on allergy sufferers. The Yorkshire Terrier is most noted for its spirited temperament that allows it to coexist well with other animals. Unlike the more high-strung toy dog breeds, this animal would make a great children’s pet.
The pug is another of the toy dog breeds that works well with children due to its sociable nature. Originating in the Orient, the pug is a flat-faced, pudgy lap dog that commonly weighs between 14 and 18 pounds. They have distinct curly tales and can be fawn, black, or silver in color. Although they have wonderful, mild dispositions, they shed heavily which may be a problem for people with allergies.
The Shih Tzu is one of the most well-known toy dog breeds because of its long, colorful coats. Measuring approximately 10 inches in height, the Shih Tzu is distinguished by its long facial hair that must be tied back to keep from covering its eyes. This breed is devoutly loyal to its owner and can easily become jealous if it feels its being ignored.
No animal deserves to be treated like a fashion trend, especially toy dog breeds. Toy dog breeds encompass distinct animals that should be loved and cared for throughout their long lives. What they lack in stature, toy dog breeds make up for in personality.
Sources:
“Chihuahua.” Canine Crib. 2004. 15 Jan. 2008. http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/breeds/chihuahua/.
“Maltese Dog.” Canine Crib. 2004. 15 Jan. 2008. http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/breeds/maltese/.
“Pug.” Canine Crib. 2004. 15 Jan. 2008. http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/breeds/pug/.
“Shih Tzu.” Canine Crib. 2004. 15 Jan. 2008. http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/breeds/shihtzu/.
“Toy Dog.” Wikipedia. 13 Jan 2008. 15 Jan. 2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_dog.
“Yorkshire Terrier.” Canine Crib. 2004. 15 Jan. 2008. http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/breeds/yorkshireterr ier/.
Toy dog breeds are small dogs bred for companionship purposes rather than work. They are popular for apartment dwellers or other individuals with limited space. Toy dog breeds generally live longer than larger dogs. But because these small dogs are fragile and can be very skittish, they may not be good children’s pets.
Among the most famous of the toy dog breeds is the Chihuahua. Known as the smallest of the toy dog breeds, these pets range in weight from 2 pounds to 10 pounds. Named after the Chihuahua area of Mexico, these animals are oldest breed of dog in North America. Both the smooth-coated and long-coated varieties have large ears, straight tails, and can be any color. Like some other toy dog breeds, the Chihuahua has a larger-than-life personality; they are high-strung, loyal pets that will bark at anything unfamiliar.
Another member of toy dog breeds is the Maltese. This breed is the latest descendant of the “Melita,” the most ancient canines in history. Measuring 8 to 10 inches high and weighing between 5 to 15 pounds, these dogs make excellent house pets. The Maltese is typically white in color and has a long, silky coat that needs regular grooming. Known for their intelligence and loyalty, these dogs can live to be 16 years old.
The Yorkshire Terrier is yet another representative of the toy dog breeds. This type of dog was created in the 19th century when Tan and Black Terriers were bred with the Clydesdale Terrier. Their colors vary although they have tendency to be black or grey on top and brown or gold on the face and legs. Although their long, soft coats require constant maintenance, they do not shed and are therefore gentle on allergy sufferers. The Yorkshire Terrier is most noted for its spirited temperament that allows it to coexist well with other animals. Unlike the more high-strung toy dog breeds, this animal would make a great children’s pet.
The pug is another of the toy dog breeds that works well with children due to its sociable nature. Originating in the Orient, the pug is a flat-faced, pudgy lap dog that commonly weighs between 14 and 18 pounds. They have distinct curly tales and can be fawn, black, or silver in color. Although they have wonderful, mild dispositions, they shed heavily which may be a problem for people with allergies.
The Shih Tzu is one of the most well-known toy dog breeds because of its long, colorful coats. Measuring approximately 10 inches in height, the Shih Tzu is distinguished by its long facial hair that must be tied back to keep from covering its eyes. This breed is devoutly loyal to its owner and can easily become jealous if it feels its being ignored.
No animal deserves to be treated like a fashion trend, especially toy dog breeds. Toy dog breeds encompass distinct animals that should be loved and cared for throughout their long lives. What they lack in stature, toy dog breeds make up for in personality.
Sources:
“Chihuahua.” Canine Crib. 2004. 15 Jan. 2008. http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/breeds/chihuahua/.
“Maltese Dog.” Canine Crib. 2004. 15 Jan. 2008. http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/breeds/maltese/.
“Pug.” Canine Crib. 2004. 15 Jan. 2008. http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/breeds/pug/.
“Shih Tzu.” Canine Crib. 2004. 15 Jan. 2008. http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/breeds/shihtzu/.
“Toy Dog.” Wikipedia. 13 Jan 2008. 15 Jan. 2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_dog.
“Yorkshire Terrier.” Canine Crib. 2004. 15 Jan. 2008. http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/breeds/yorkshireterr ier/.
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