AKA: Russian Toy Terrier, Russkiy Toy, Moscow Toy Terrier, Moscovian Miniature Terrier, Russian Long-haired Toy Terrier, Moscow Long-haired Toy Terrier

Description: The Russian Toy is also commonly known as the Russkiy Toy, and it is among the smallest dog breeds in the world. It is a toy-sized dog, and it comes as either long-haired or smooth-haired. The smooth-haired Russian Toy has the appearance of a small deer, with longs legs that are proportional to its size, a long neck, and a small head with standing triangular ears. The long-haired Russian Toy, also called as the Russian Toy Terrier or the Moscow Long-haired Toy Terrier, is distinguished from the smooth-haired Russian Toy because of the long fur on its ears. Aside from this, both kinds of Russian Toy look similar. The breed has a small head with a small nose that can be either black or goes along with its coat color. Its head is not that wide, and there is a well-defined stop and a pointed muzzle. The jaws form a scissors bite, with the lips dark or matching its coat color. It has smart big eyes that are set well apart. Its body is strong, with a deep but not wide chest, and its tail is shortly docked and carried high.

Dynamics: The Russian Toy is a loving and intelligent pet. It is a trustful and devoted companion, as well as an active and intelligent one. It is agile and hardy, and it loves action and play. It is also easy to train. The Russian toy is also neither shy nor vicious. However, one should take care to note that dogs will not be obedient if it doesn’t see you as the pack leader. Therefore, owners should train the Russian Toy firmly and confidently.

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 3- 6 pounds (1.3-2.7 kg)

Height: 8-10 inches (20-26 cm)

Color: Preferred coat colors for the Russian Toy are black and tan, any shade of red, and sable. There are also Russian Toys that come in brown and tn, and blue and tan, although this is rare. There can be white spots on the chest and toes. There are also Russian Toys that come in solid black, brown, or blue.

Country of Origin: The Russian toy is descended from the English Toy Terrier, a breed that was popular in Russia in the 20th century. Around 1920-1950, the shipping of toy terriers was almost stopped and the breed declined in the country. Russian breeders then began to develop a breed similar to the toy terriers, of which the result was the Russian Toy.

Activities: Like any other dog, the Russian needs and enjoys a daily walk. The Russian Toy is also fond of playing and running and is always very active and energetic.

Grooming: The smooth-haired variety of the breed only needs an occasional brushing or a simple wipe over with a damp cloth. The long-haired Russian Toy should be brushed everyday with a soft bristle brush. Bathe both types only when necessary. Check the ears and trim the nails.

AKA: Peke, Peking Palasthund, Lion Dog, Pelchie Dog, Foo (or Fu) Dog
Description: Pekingese breed is a flat faced dog. The body is compact and very short. They are considered small breed. They have a double coat, a head turner mane that is feathering on its ears, through their tail and legs. Their head is bigger when compared to their body. Their muzzle is wide and flat and its thick ones under their eyes. Their teeth also meet in a under bite and with their jaw bone that is as well wide. Eyes are round, expressive with a heart shaped ears settled on top of head laying flat. That is adding a rectangular look of their face. Their tail is set high especially when they are alert. Their coat comes in a variety of colors.

Temperament: The Pekingese is a very smart breed with dignity. Also very loving and confident dog. They are a calm and quiet dog. They are also very sociable to people around them and with other animals too. therefore its always easy to train them with socialization and good manners. They are a very brave dog too and doesn’t depend with anyone on their family. They are a perfect human companion too. Easy to be with and a jolly playful dog.They could also be a good watch dog as long as they are being handled very well by their owner.

Activity: They are required to have daily walk and jog as long as they heel beside their owner to let them understand that leader should lead the way. Play is also another form of exercise that will help them gain their energy and to be more healthy.

Health: They are prone to colds, as well as dislocated kneecaps, trichaiasis and some breathing difficulties. Their life span is from about 10-15 years.

Grooming: Daily brushing is required for them to avoid tangles and broken coat. Bathe only when necessary. Dry shampoo is also needed regularly. They are an average shedder breed.

Group: Herding, Toy
Color: It comes in all varieties of color.
Height: 6-9 inches (30.4-45cm.)
Weight: 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5kg.)
Country Of Origin: China

Dynamics: They have the looks like that of a Chinese guardian lions. That is why they are also called Lion Dog or Foo Dog in China. They are the favorite pet of the Chinese Imperial court so their name was originated from Beijing.

Photo by Jneh

AKA: n/a
Description: Mi-ki  dog bree is very petite dog and a perfect toy dog for all families. Their body is dense and solid. Head is small proportioned to their body. While ther are also an international breed of Mi-Ki that their head is round shaped. Muzzle is short that is long. Has good set of teeth. They have big, rounded dark eyes with medium sized nose that is flat on its top and nostrils is wide. They also have black nose others has brown too. And their ears will either be carried high or just down clinging to its ears and feathered. Feet are hairy and extended. Their tail is set high. They have two types of coat: the smooth coated Mi-Ki  that is soft to touch that has no mustache on their face while the long coated one has silky and straight and is feathering on it ears and may have mustache on face.

Temperament: The Mi-ki is a jolly, smart and sweet dog. They are loved by everybody. A must have pet dog. They are a very loving dog too, also alert and friendly to everyone. An admirable dog to be with. But they couldn’t be a good guard dog since they seldom bark. Top obedient and genius dog who always likes to be with people  and they also like to be with kids. They do possess traits of a cat like washing themselves. They are a sociable kind of breed and also loves to play around, climb and chasing toys. Their owner would not find any difficulties when training them. But owners should instill on their minds to that they are their pack leader so they won’t have a small dog syndrome that would later create behavioral problems.

Activity: The Mi-Ki is required to have daily walk and must heel beside their owner. So, owner must lead the way and the dog. Also, playing is one part of their exercise to help them gain more energy and to avoid behavioral problems.

Health: Those with short muzzles especially older ones may suffer respiratory problems. Their ears,eyes and toes must always be cleansed to avoid infections.

Grooming: To eliminate dead hair, wire comb is required especially for pets. Shave the neck ears, feet and head (from base to their skull) They are low shedding dog. Bathe them only when necessary.

Breed Group: Toy/companion
Color: Can be any color
Height: 10 – 11 inches (25-28 cm.)
Weight: up to 10 pounds (5 k g.)
Country Of Origin: USA

Dynamics: The Mi-ki has same ancestry of the Japanese Chin,Papillion and Maltese breeds. Their name Mi-Ki is pronounced as Mee-Key. They are an elegant dog that everyone would love to have. They are a perfect apartment dog they could live indoor as they behave well and very friendly to everyone. Also, they could adapt to any climate.

Photo by rarebreedmi-kidogs

AKA: Little Lion Dog, Petit Chien Lion

Description: The Löwchen is a bichon type dog, with long silky coat that is most often presented in a lion cut. The coat is not fluffy and thin like that of a Bichon Frise, though. Instead it is long and wavy, not curly, with a mix of thick and fine hairs. Its head is short but broad, and has black nose and round dark eyes. The ears are in pendant shape and feathered. The body is short as well, proportional, and ends in a medium-length tail.

The Löwchen’s body is advised to be clipped in the hindquarters, the part of the tail closest to the body, and part of the front legs in order to make the look of a lion to the Löwchen.

Dynamics: The Löwchen is a lively and cheerful dog. It is playful and affectionate, and are good with children and other dogs and pets. It is a very good toy dog for the family. It is also an intelligent breed and can learn fast. There will be little problems with its training. It is also fearless and can be aggressive for leadership, despite its size. But it can also be sensitive and gentle. Socialization is important, of course. This breed may like to bark or dig a lot.

Breed Group: Gun Dog

Weight: 9-18 pounds (4-8 kg)

Height: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm)

Color: The color of the Löwchen’s coat can be anything, even brown. But the most favored colors would be white, black, and lemon. Speckled Löwchen dogs are also acceptable.

Country of Origin: The Löwchen originated in France, and the breed was popular throughout the countries of southern Europe. The breed decreased in number throughout the 20th century and two World Wars. By 1960, it was declared by the Guinness Book of World records that the Löwchen was the ‘rarest breed.’

Activities: The Löwchen, like all other dogs, needs to have a daily walk and exercise. It also needs play as part of its physical needs. The Löwchen likes to play and run around in an open area, and must be granted this enjoyment to avoid behavior problems.

Grooming: The coat of the Löwchen should be brushed regularly. Bathe only when necessary. The Löwchen sheds little to no hair, which is a good thing for allergy sufferers.

Other Info: The Löwchen has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. It is a generally healthy breed, and will do well living in an apartment. This breed will do okay without a yard and is active even when indoors.

Photo: Ainus

AKA: Japanese Chin, Chin

Description: The Japanese Spaniel is a small spaniel-type breed that has a distinctive short broad face. Its forehead is round and there is a defined stop. The Japanese Spaniel also has a very short nasal canal. The nose is wide, the color matching the markings of its coat. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The teeth forms a either a level or undershot bite. The ears, usually hanging, are covered heavily with hair.

The Japanese Spaniel’s body is squarely proportional. The legs are well-boned, with the front legs straight. The tail is feathered and is curled up over the back. Its soft and feathered coat also adds to its distinguishing features, especially its thick ruff around the neck and on the chest.

Dynamics: The Japanese Spaniel is a lively, playful and cheerful breed. It has a very pleasant personality and affectionate temperament. It is extremely loyal and devoted to its owner. It is very loving to those it knows. It is careful and reserved around strangers. It may not be tolerant to children who are more playful and teasing than it is. It is good with other dogs and pets, however.

The Japanese Spaniel likes to be the center of attention. It is very obedient and eager to please. It is mild-mannered, and is not a barker.

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 4-15 pounds (2-7 kg)

Height: 7-11 inches (18-28 cm)

Color: The coat of the Japanese Spaniel is mainly white with colored patches, which is most often black. Other colors for the patches are red, lemon, orange, sable, and brindle.

Country of Origin: The Japanese Spaniel is considered to be a native of Korea. But it was developed in Japan and became a favorite of the Japanese Court. A pair was given by Commodore Perry to Queen Victoria as a gift, and it became popular in Europe.

Activities: There is no need to exercise the Japanese Spaniel, although it needs to be walked regularly because of a dog’s innate need to exercise its legs. The Japanese Spaniel can be used as a watch dog, and is good at performing tricks. It is mostly favored as a companion dog.

Grooming: Comb and brush the feathering hair everyday to avoid tangles and remove dead hair. Clean the eyes and check the ears for any signs of infection. Bathe and dry shampoo occasionally.

Other Info: The Japanese Spaniel has an average life expectancy of under 10 years. This breed tends to wheeze and snore because of its short face. It is prone to respiratory problems and heat prostration. It is sensitive to extreme temperatures. The Japanese Spaniel is okay living in an apartment.

Photo by Trysha

AKA: Bichon Havanais, Havanese Silk Dog, Havanese Cuban Bichon, Bichon Havanes, Havaneser, Havanezer, Bichon Havanero

Description: The Havanese is a small dog with long hair that gives it a rugged impression if not groomed and clipped. It has long silky hair that is either wavy or curly. Some have short hair and are nicknamed Shavanese.

The eye rims, nose, and lips are all solid black on all colors of the Havanese except the true chocolate dog. The Chocolate Havanese has green or amber eyes. Its ears hang down and are covered with long hair.

The Havanese has a lively gait that accentuates its cheerful character, with its tail carried over its back.

Dynamics: The Havanese is a very affectionate and playful breed. It has a gentle temperament and becomes very attached to its family. It is very sociable, getting along well with people and animals. It is excellent with children and has no problem getting along with other dogs.

It is intelligent and observant, and very easy to train. It can be taught not to bark too much. It is also voice sensitive so harsh and loud words will upset it. It makes a good watch dog, alerting you of any stranger coming near.

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg)

Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)

Color: the Havanese can come in any color and color combination. Colors include white, cream, gold, silver, blue, and black, Parti and tricolors are also common for the Havanese.

Country of Origin: The Havanese originated in Cuba, where at present it is a rare breed and is being protected by passionate dog breeders.

Activities: The Havanese has an average amount of energy. It should be taken outdoors from time to time to exercise and play.

Grooming: The coat of the Havanese can be clipped short for easier care. Nevertheless, it needs to be thoroughly brushed and combed at lest twice a week. Excess hair on between the pads of the feet should be clipped. The eyes and ears also need to be checked regularly to avoid infections.

Other Info: The Havanese has a life expectancy of 14-15 years. It is generally healthy, but is prone to PRA, cataracts, luxating patellas, poodle eye, and dry skin. The Havanese is also considered to be hypo-allergenic. The Shavanese, however, is not hypo-allergenic and not a good choice for allergy sufferers. The Havanese is fine living in an apartment. It is active wherever it is, indoors or outdoors. However, it should still be taken out for an exercise form time to time.

AKA: Bichon Bolognese

Description: The Bolognese is a small and compact dog with long and fluffy hair. Its hair is long all over the body, though shorter on the muzzle. The hair is in flocks and never form fringes. The body of the Bolognese is squarely. The neck is without dewlap. The tail is carried curved over its back.

The head of the Bolognese has an accentuated stop. It is slightly egg-shaped with the upper part flat. The nose is large and black. The jaw forms a scissors bite, although some has a pincer bite. The eyes are dark and round. The ears are set high on the head and long, hanging down.

Dynamics: The Bolognese is not a very active breed though it likes to play. It is serious, reserved, and shy. It enjoys the company of people, though, and is very attached and devoted to its owner and family. With its family and loved ones, it is playful and cheerful. It may sometimes sulk and howl mournfully when it is not given attention.

The Bolognese is very obedient and eager to please. It is timid with strangers but is generally a friendly dog. It gets along well with other animals, too.

Breed Group: Toy, Companion Dog

Weight: 4.5-9 lbs (2.5-4 kg)

Height: males 10.5-12 inches (27-30 cm), females 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)

Color: The Bolognese has a coat color of pure white. No other color patches and no other shade of white.

Country of Origin: The Bolognese comes from Italy, where it has been known since the Roman era. It is sometimes confused with the Maltese but is really more closely related to the Bichon Frise and Havanese.
Activities: The Bolognese has energy enough for a lot of play sessions. This breed generally serves as a toy or companion dog.

Other Info: The Bolognese has a life expectancy of 14 years. It is suited to live in an apartment so long as it is taken outdoors occasionally. In grooming the Bolognese, daily brushings and monthly grooming sessions are recommended.

AKA: Biewer Yorkie, Biewer Yorkshire, Biewer Terrier

Description: The Biewer is a toy terrier with long hair that hangs straight down the side of its body. Its body is neat and compact, with the tail carried up. The hair on the body is long enough to reach the ground and has a fine silky texture to it.

Dynamics: The Biewer is a very energetic dog, very eager for adventure and mischief. It is affectionate and loyal. It tends to be suspicious of strangers, though. It may not always be able to get along with other dogs and small animals. With regards to children, the Biewer takes well to older and considerate ones.

Training can be a little difficult with the Biewer. Sometimes it is easy enough to train but there are times when it becomes stubborn. It makes for an excellent watchdog. It becomes snappish when surprised or frightened despite its loving and happy temperament. The Biewer should not be overprotected to avoid it becoming neurotic.

Breed Group: Toy, Companion

Weight: 7 lbs (3.1 kg)

Height: up to 8.5 inches (22 cm)

Color: For its trunk and head piece, the Biewer’s hair is colored white, blue-white, blue, or black. For the breast, belly, and the legs, it is pure white. The Biewer’s head is white-blue-gold and symmetrically-colored.

Grooming: In grooming this breed, the owners must be ready to give it regular trimming. Bathing it every two to three weeks is also needed to maintain a healthy coat. Comb the hair with a wire comb once a week.

Country of Origin: The Biewer originated in Germany, where it was actually a piebald genetic recessive gene occurrence in two Yorkshire Terriers. In January 1984, Gertrude and Werner Biewer’s Yorkshire Terriers had one among its litter and found it attractive and cute. They then began a selective breeding process to produce more of the breed.

Activities: The Biewer is a very energetic and active dog that needs daily exercises and play sessions.

Other Info: The Biewer has a life expectancy of about 12-15 years. It is generally a healthy breed. The Biewer will do well in an apartment as long as it gets enough exercise an dot gets to play often.

AKA: Havanese, Havana Silk Dog, Havanese Cuban Bichon, Bichon Havanes, Havaneser, Havanezer, Bichon Habanero

Description: The Bichon Havanais, or more popularly known as the Havanese, looks rugged without any trims, clips, or alterations. Its coat varies from wavy to curly, with soft hair on both the outer and undercoat. The coat can reach up to 6 to 8 inches. It even covers the eyes and long tail of the dog.

There are some Havanese dogs that do have short hair, though, and are nicknamed Shavanese. Short hair on the Havanese is considered a fault in the show arena.

The Havanese has solid black eye rims, nose, and lips, except on the true chocolate dog. A chocolate Havanese, described so because of its patch of chocolate hair that is at least an inch long, has green or amber eyes and has only been recognized in recent years.

The Havanese has a unique lively gait that exudes its cheerful character, especially with its tail carried up over the back. It is physically solid and sound. While it is small, it gives an impression of being a sturdy and strong dog.

Dynamics: The Havanese is a natural as a companion dog. It is very affectionate and playful that it gets along well with children. It has a tendency to become very attached to its family. It is a very sociable dog that it can also get along with people, other pets, and other dogs. It is very easy to train and little effort is needed in socialization because the dog is already naturally sociable to others.

This is a very intelligent breed. It likes to observe and is very sensitive to a person’s tone of voice. A harsh tone would upset them. It can also be taught not to bark a lot. It is also quick to learn when a stranger is a friend or not by the way it sees its owner treat the stranger. The Havanese enjoys doing things for people and is very eager to please.

Breed Group: Toy, Companion

Weight: 7-13 lbs (3-6 kg)

Height: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)

Color: The Havanese comes in any color, most common of which are cream, gold, white, silver, blue, and black. Parti and tricolored are also common. Black chocolate colored Havanese are preferred by most breeders.

Grooming: To make caring for the coat easier, it can be clipped short. Grooming long hair, meanwhile, will need thorough brushing and combing at least twice a week. Excess hair from between the pads of the feet should be clipped. The feet can also be clipped to look round. Dead hair should be removed. The eyes and ears should also be checked, and the teeth brushed weekly.

Country of Origin: The Havanese originates in Cuba, where it is now actually rare. It went almost extinct after the Cuban and Russian revolutions, but is now presently being preserved. It was bred from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana (Havanese Silk Dog) and the French and German Poodles.

Activities: This playful dog has a normal amount of energy for a dog. Daily walks and play sessions are enough to keep it happy and content.

Other Info: The Havanese has a life expectancy of 14-15 years. It is a generally healthy breed, but it is prone to PRA, cataracts, luxating patellas, poodle eye, and dry skin. The breed is fine living in an apartment. It is active indoors and will be okay in a small area, although it should be taken outdoors from time to time. This breed is also good for allergy sufferers.

AKA: Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, Brussels Griffon, Petit Brabancon, Belgium Griffon

Description: The Belgian Griffon is a sturdy toy dog with a domed head and an undershot jaw. It has a very short nose and lustrous eyes. It has a pouting look that almost gives a human expression. The ears can be cropped. Its tail is docked and carried high.

There are two types of Belgian Griffon: the rough-coated, and the smooth-coated or petit Brabancon variety. The petit Brabancon requires less grooming than the former.

Dynamics: The Griffon is a cheerful and intelligent dog. It makes a fine companion as it is affectionate, willful, and charming. They can be very loving, but can also get moody at times. The Griffon basically loves to be spoiled.

The Griffon can get along well with other dogs and even with cats. It can be a little hard to housebreak, though. The Griffon can also be made into a good watch dog.

Breed Group: Terrier, Toy

Weight: 6-12 lbs (2.5-5.5 kg)

Height: 7-8 inches (18-20 cm)

Color: Griffons come in red, a mixture of red-brown & black, black & tan, or solid black.

Country of Origin: The Belgian Griffon originated in Belgium in the 1800s. The breed was popular among coach houses before the royal palaces recognized it as a pet.

Activities: A good walk will do for the Belgian Griffon. They are active indoors and don’t need much exercise outdoors.

Other Info: The Belgian Griffon has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. This dog is difficult to breed. It is also prone to eye and respiratory problems. The breed is fit for apartment life and is okay if the home does not have much space or a yard.

Grooming: Grooming the Belgian Griffon requires some attention, since the Griffon sheds little or no hair. But the coat can be clipped.