Introduction
All pure breeds of dog can be categorised in 1 of 7 groups. These categorisations are used by bodies that organise dog shows in order to ensure parity in high level competitions and it is possible for one breed to be in several groups. The names of the groups are loosely based on the specific function the dog has, for example there are working dogs, gundogs and utility dogs to name but a few.
Group 1 Toys
As the name would suggest, the Toy dog group categorises the smallest of the breeds, Chihuahuas, Chinese Crested, Pug and Papillon are all included in this group. Dogs in the Toy group are often favoured by people living in smaller accommodation and are well known for being the dog of choice for many celebrities.
Characteristics & Care
Some Toy breeds can be highly strung, and as such do not do well in households with young children or other pets. Because of their small stature they tend to be wary around strangers like the Chihuahua for example, but there are some who are blissfully unaware of how small they are and will take on dogs and people ten times their size with no thought of the consequences.
Just because they are small doesn’t mean do not need exercise, although obviously the amount of exercise differs from that of a large breed. The best way to exercise your Toy dog is through play and there are numerous dog toys available that will both stimulate and exercise at the same time. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that a small dog will only need puppy toys, always choose a toy that is both age and breed appropriate from a reputable manufacturer like Air Kong Dog Toys. In general, Toy breeds are quite intelligent and will require mental as well as physical stimulation to keep them fit and healthy.
The maintenance of a Toy breed can vary immensely. There are short haired, long haired and hairless dogs in this group, so it would be fair to say that the amount of dog grooming needed is not dictated by the size of the dog, but the length of coat. However it is wise to choose a dog brush suitable to the breed, a large brush on a small breed can be very uncomfortable if not painful for the dog. Hairless breeds also need grooming, but not in the traditional sense. Their skin needs to be kept clean and oiled, and during sunny weather a dog friendly sun screen should be used to prevent sunburn. When out walking, a dog harness is preferable to a dog lead due to the delicate bone structure.
Summary
The Toy group contains over 25 breeds of dog, all of which have their own individual personalities and foibles. However, in general these are dogs that have very specific needs and should only be considered as a pet by someone who has either researched the breed or who has had some experience of the Toy Dog Group.
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This article was written by Jason Balchand who is a pet lover and writes for the pet blog at Online Pet Accessories. If you would like to read more or have some topic suggestions for us head over to our Blog or Facebook page.
