The Complete Guide to 20 Popular Toy Terrier Breeds and Compact Companion Dogs

Small in stature but remarkably big in personality, toy terrier breeds and other miniature dog varieties have captured the hearts of pet lovers worldwide. These diminutive companions offer something special that larger breeds simply cannot replicate. “First, they’re absolutely adorable! That’s probably the primary appeal,” explains Dr. Nell Ostermeier, D.V.M., an integrative veterinarian and consultant with AKC Pet Insurance. “Beyond their cuteness, many toy terrier breeds and similar toy dogs demonstrate exceptional affection and make wonderful lap dog companions, which appeals to owners seeking that intimate cuddling experience.”

Don’t underestimate these petite pups. Toy terrier breeds showcase remarkable intelligence, trainability, and protective instincts toward their families. According to Charlotte Reed, a pet care specialist and host of The Pet Buzz, a nationally syndicated pet talk radio show, there are compelling reasons to consider adopting a toy breed. These advantages encompass:

• Spirited and playful temperaments that entertain and engage
• Exceptional cuddling abilities and affectionate nature
• Outstanding adaptability to apartment living and smaller spaces
• Extended lifespans compared to their larger counterparts

While each toy terrier breed and similar toy dog variety presents distinct advantages and challenges, thorough research before welcoming one into your home is essential. Fortunately, the incredible diversity in personalities, temperament, and coat types means you’ll likely discover an ideal match for your household. Let’s explore what makes each of these 20 beloved toy terrier breeds and small companion dogs so special.

20 Treasured Toy Terrier Breeds and Small Companion Varieties

Affenpinscher: The Confident and Clever Toy Companion

This small, almost humanlike breed stands out for its loyalty, curiosity, and spirited antics. Originally developed for rodent control, Affenpinschers quickly transitioned into cherished household companions. What strikes many owners is their remarkable confidence despite their diminutive stature, coupled with an endearing and charming seriousness that accompanies their playful nature.

Their medium-length wiry coat appears in diverse color variations. These dogs face potential breathing challenges during warm weather and thrive best in temperature-controlled environments. As exceptional apartment dwellers, Affenpinschers require only indoor play sessions and regular walks for proper exercise and socialization. Though they exhibit a stubborn streak, their desire to please makes training surprisingly manageable. This breed exemplifies the loyal, intelligent, and entertaining companion that adapts well to different living situations.

Biewer Terrier: The Athletic Long-Haired Toy Breed

Charming and distinctive, the Biewer terrier represents a fascinating toy terrier breed option with its luxurious long coat and loving disposition. Despite modest dimensions, this tri-colored beauty demonstrates impressive athleticism and heartiness. These terriers form dedicated bonds with their families, extending warmth to both familiar loved ones and new acquaintances.

Daily coat maintenance is non-negotiable for these dogs, requiring consistent brushing alongside periodic baths, nail care, and ear cleaning. Naturally playful, Biewer terriers engage in self-exercise and thrive during interactive play sessions with their human family members. Their intelligence and naturally easygoing temperament facilitate training, though housebreaking demands additional patience. This makes them particularly suitable for active family environments.

Brussels Griffon: The Expressive and Self-Important Toy Breed

Intelligence, devotion, and charming self-importance define this remarkable toy terrier breed relative. Their large, expressive eyes work as persuasive tools in any household. Brussels griffons display varied coat colors and types that contribute to their strikingly distinctive appearance. Their stocky build combines with a confident demeanor and responsive nature to training, particularly when handlers employ gentle methods suitable for their sensitive disposition.

Consistent grooming proves essential, with specific care routines varying between smooth and rough-coated individuals. Early socialization and training receive critical importance, as these dogs crave companionship and may develop destructive behaviors when lonely. Historically, griffons served as ratcatchers before evolving into the sophisticated lap dogs cherished in modern homes.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Perfect Balance of Grace and Athleticism

This breed masterfully combines toy dog gentleness with sporting spaniel athleticism, representing a noble and cherished addition to the canine world. Standing at a maximum height of 13 inches, Cavaliers showcase round, expressive eyes and silky, multicolored coats. They transition seamlessly between regal composure and playful exuberance, equally happy enjoying backyard games or chasing wildlife.

Exceptionally friendly with children, other dogs, and various lifestyles, Cavaliers require only moderate exercise and outdoor activity. Their grooming demands remain low-maintenance, needing regular brushing and occasional baths. Affectionate, trainable, and highly sociable, these dogs serve as ideal companions and proven therapy animals.

Chihuahua: The Tiny Dog with Immense Personality

Tiny yet possessing a colossal personality, the Chihuahua represents a revered symbol tracing back to pre-Columbian Mexico. These charming “purse dogs” display terrier-like temperaments and distinctive rounded heads with remarkably expressive eyes. Available in numerous coat colors and lengths, their unwavering loyalty and commanding attitude remain constant regardless of size.

Proper training prevents behavioral challenges in the home. Chihuahuas flourish in urban environments when receiving generous lap time. Grooming needs vary depending on smooth or long-haired varieties, though regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care remain essential for all. This intelligent breed responds well to positive training methods, appreciating their owner’s acknowledgment of good behavior.

Chinese Crested: The Uniquely Striking Toy Breed

Immediately recognizable through its distinctive appearance—spotted pink skin, spiky topknot, furry leg coverings, and feathery tail—the Chinese crested stands apart in the toy dog world. This playful, affectionate breed appears in both hairless and coated variations. The hairless type showcases smooth skin with hair tufts adorning the head, tail, and ankles, while the “powderpuff” variety displays a soft, silky coat.

Both varieties exhibit fine-boned elegance and graceful movement. Grooming deserves particular attention, especially for hairless varieties requiring special skin protection against irritation and sun damage. Coated crested dogs need daily brushing to prevent matting. With minimal exercise requirements—just brief walks and backyard play—they remain low-maintenance regarding activity. These sensitive dogs respond best to gentle training approaches and excel as therapy or competitive animals.

English Toy Spaniel: The Aristocratic Lap Companion

Bred as royal companions, the English toy spaniel carries an unmistakable aristocratic presence paired with a loving, eager-to-please personality. Their square frame and snub-nosed profile distinguish them, with weights under 14 pounds. The trademark domed head, charming long ears, expressive eyes, and chubby cheeks create irresistible appeal.

Coat maintenance demands regular brushing, trimming, and bathing. These moderately active dogs enjoy outdoor play yet maintain serene, dignified composures indoors. Their quiet, devoted, and forgiving natures require patient, positive training approaches. Early socialization and professional puppy training classes contribute significantly to successful development.

Havanese: Cuba’s Cherished Native Breed

The Havanese—Cuba’s sole native dog breed—earns recognition for its cheerful disposition and expressive brown eyes. Their luxurious silky coats appear in multiple colors and demand daily maintenance including baths and ear cleaning. This breed’s intelligence, extroverted personality, and natural comedic instincts make them excellent trick learners and capable watchdogs while maintaining moderate barking levels.

Small yet sturdy, Havanese require moderate exercise and contentedly manage daily walks or indoor play sessions. Highly trainable and eager to please, they respond optimally to positive reinforcement and gentle early socialization. Originating from the Bichon family, Havanese share ancestry with breeds like the Bichon Frise and Maltese.

Italian Greyhound: The Graceful and Alert Toy Companion

Resembling a miniature Greyhound, the Italian greyhound captivates through its charm, alertness, and affectionate nature. Standing merely 15 inches tall, these dogs possess graceful, slender frames and notably long legs. While they excel as couch companions, they retain instinctive pursuit drives. Their playful demeanor and aristocratic heritage establish them as both devoted lapdogs and noble household members.

Highly attuned to their humans, Italian greyhounds prefer proximity to neglect. Grooming involves regular teeth brushing, nail care, and minimal baths. Despite their delicate appearance, these dogs prove robust and active, requiring regular play and short walks for proper exercise. Their intelligent, sensitive nature demands positive, reward-based training methods.

Japanese Chin: The Cat-Like Elegant Lap Dog

This delightful toy companion features a lush, silky coat and elegant deportment. Often compared to cats, the Japanese chin displays grace, selectiveness, and typical quietness. Their distinct appearance includes a large head, short muzzle, and expressive round eyes conveying perpetual astonishment. With a profuse mane, plumed tail, and feathered hindquarters, they embody the elegant charm of Asian royalty.

Despite appearances suggesting otherwise, the chin’s coat requires relatively minimal maintenance—weekly brushing and monthly baths suffice. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care remain necessary. These dogs enjoy leisurely walks or backyard play, making them suitable for apartment residents. Training requires patience, positive methods, and engaging activities.

Maltese: The Ancient Dog of Luxury

The Maltese, known as the “ancient dog of Malta,” has enjoyed an opulent lifestyle since biblical times. These affectionate dogs possess compact bodies, large dark eyes, floor-length coats, and characteristic black noses. Remarkably resilient and adaptable, Maltese excel as alert watchdogs and surprisingly agile athletes. Though they can display stubbornness, they respond positively to reward-based training approaches.

Their beautiful white coats require daily grooming to prevent tangles and matting, including regular baths, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. The breed shows susceptibility to dental disease, making proper oral care crucial. Maltese prove energetic yet don’t demand extensive exercise—a daily walk and indoor play suffice.

Manchester Terrier: The Spirited and Sleek Breed

The Manchester terrier presents a sleek, spirited appearance with striking mahogany tan and jet-black coloring. Grooming proves relatively straightforward with occasional baths and regular wiping to maintain their characteristic shine. This breed thrives with daily walks, playtime, and intellectual engagement. High intelligence and trainability characterize the breed, though early socialization and positive training methods ensure proper temperament development suitable for city or suburban living.

Miniature Pinscher: The King of Toys

Often referred to as the “king of toys,” the miniature pinscher exudes pride and fearlessness within a compact, wedge-shaped body featuring a shiny coat. Their smooth coats appear in solid red, chocolate-and-rust, or black-and-rust colorations. Self-assurance complements slightly oval eyes and high-set ears.

The breed requires regular grooming including weekly brushing to maintain their short, hard coat’s sleek appearance. Lively and athletic by nature, miniature pinschers need daily walks and playtime for proper mental and physical well-being. Their intelligence and boundary-testing tendencies make obedience training and early socialization important priorities. Historically believed to descend from dachshund and Italian greyhound crosses, this breed maintains a lengthy lineage and continues popularity throughout Europe and the United States.

Papillon: The Intelligent and Elegant Small Companion

Known for its beauty and lively spirit, the papillon represents a quick and curious toy dog. Their large, butterfly-like ears provide immediate recognition, appearing in various coat colors often featuring white bases. These versatile companions adapt equally well to urban and rural environments. Despite their long silky hair, the breed requires minimal grooming thanks to lacking an undercoat.

While excellent indoor pets, papillons require regular exercise and enjoy games like fetch. Both dogs and owners benefit from early socialization and training, as these intelligent animals bond deeply with their human families. The breed boasts a rich history as cherished lapdog companions in European royal courts, frequently depicted in famous paintings.

Pomeranian: The Captivating Regal Companion

Cherished by royalty and the general public alike, the Pomeranian wins admiration for its splendid coat, captivating fox-like face, and lively temperament. Their lustrous double coat appears in varied colors and requires consistent brushing for maintenance. Known for exceptional intelligence and high trainability, Pomeranians excel as watchdogs and enjoyable family pets.

While Pomeranians need short walks and indoor play, their true satisfaction comes through providing companionship. Originating from Arctic sled dog lineage, their popularity surged following Queen Victoria’s fondness, establishing them as cherished pets and regal favorites.

Toy Poodle: The Hypoallergenic Athlete

Beneath the toy poodle’s hypoallergenic, curly coat lies an athlete and extraordinarily versatile companion. Poodles frequently defy stereotypes, proving eager, athletic, and exceptionally intelligent with remarkable adaptability. These toy dogs demonstrate high intelligence and thrive under positive training. Regular grooming becomes necessary, particularly when maintaining their full coat.

Poodles gain popularity among allergy sufferers due to minimal shedding. Their energetic nature drives enjoyment of diverse activities including swimming, jogging, and retrieving.

Pug: The Mischievous Imperial Companion

Once a playful companion to Chinese emperors and later Holland’s royal mascot, the pug commands global adoration today. These small yet robust dogs appear in various coat colors including silver, apricot-fawn, and black. Their large heads, expressive eyes, and wrinkled brows make pugs endearing family members.

Prone to weight gain, owners must avoid overindulgence and provide moderate exercise. Their short coats require minimal grooming but do shed, necessitating weekly brushing. Pugs excel in canine sports like agility and obedience, with even temperaments facilitating training ease.

Russian Toy: The Delicate and Active Companion

The Russian toy presents a charming profile with long legs, delicate frames, and lean musculature. These dogs prove active, intelligent, eager to please, and form close bonds with human companions. They equally enjoy chasing toys and savoring lap time, displaying playful and good-natured dispositions.

The breed comes in smooth-coated and longhaired varieties, each with unique characteristics. Longhaired Russian toys require more extensive grooming, while smooth-coated varieties display short, shiny hair. Regular exercise through walks and play sessions with favorite humans remains important. Though trainable, their terrier instincts sometimes surface, causing stubbornness. Early socialization receives strong recommendation.

Shih Tzu: The Lovable and Sturdy Companion

The Shih Tzu captivates instantly through its lovable face and playful charm. These compact dogs display surprising sturdiness. Known for their affectionate nature—particularly with children—Shih Tzus make wonderful family additions.

Preserving their beauty requires daily coat brushing and occasional trimming. Originally bred as house pets, Shih Tzus need minimal exercise but enjoy short walks and indoor play. Training combines enjoyment with occasional frustration; positive reinforcement, gradual behavior introduction, proper socialization, and puppy training classes ensure well-mannered companions.

Yorkshire Terrier: The Feisty Urban Companion

Yorkshire terriers, commonly called Yorkies, combine a feisty, determined spirit with an elegant, floor-length coat. Despite diminutive size, they pack substantial attitude and serve as cherished companions for city dwellers. Their unique coat, similar to human hair, demands daily grooming and occasional baths.

For physical and mental well-being, Yorkies need regular walks and play. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them responsive to positive reinforcement training. Early socialization ensures well-adjusted, pleasant companions.

Understanding the Specific Needs of Toy Terrier Breeds and Small Companion Dogs

Like their larger counterparts, toy terrier breeds and similar toy dog varieties present their own health considerations and particular care requirements. Though diminutive, these dogs aren’t necessarily easier to maintain, warns Charlotte Reed. Future owners should understand these important factors:

Grooming Demands: Many toy terrier breeds require consistent grooming to maintain coat health and prevent matting or skin issues.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Regular activity and mental engagement remain essential, despite their small size. Exercise needs vary significantly between breeds.

Socialization and Training: Proper socialization and obedience training prevent behavioral problems and ensure well-rounded temperaments.

Injury Prevention: Their small stature means increased susceptibility to injuries, particularly since their size tempts everyone to handle them frequently.

A crucial misconception exists around small dog behavior. “Smaller doesn’t always mean calmer,” cautions Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer with Rover. “Some toy terrier breeds display remarkable activity and energy levels.” This reality contradicts common assumptions about toy dog ownership.

Health considerations deserve serious attention as well. “Many toy terrier breeds experience health conditions tied to breeding lines and genetic predisposition to specific serious health conditions and dental disease,” explains Dr. Nell Ostermeier. Prospective owners must research breed-specific health issues and connect with reputable breeders who prioritize genetic health.

Selecting the right toy terrier breed requires considering your lifestyle, living situation, time availability for grooming, and commitment to proper training and socialization. With thoughtful consideration and proper preparation, toy terrier breeds and other toy dog varieties offer unmatched companionship, loyalty, and joy that enriches any household.