Small and compact but with plenty of personality, that’s the calling card of the Toy Group. This is the AKC’s designation for the smallest of dog breeds, a group that has always been among the most popular among owners. But what makes these tiny canines such a draw? We take a closer look at the group here and discover that as the old saying goes, good things definitely do come in small packages. Read on to see what the experts at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado have to say about Toy breeds.
Small in Size with Plenty of Presence
Small companion dogs are hardly a new concept, they’ve actually been around for thousands of years but it wasn’t until 1884, with the establishment of the American Kennel Club (AKC), that the Toy Group formally came into existence. While the breeds in this group are generally designed to be low energy, loving pets that doesn’t mean that they are low maintenance. Far from it actually. These are dogs that require quite a bit of care and very particular handling but they also bring their owners joy far beyond their tiny size.
Containing many of the most popular breeds, including the Chihuahua, Pug, Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, the Toy Group definitely garners more than its share of attention from prospective owners and with good reason. Here at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO, we see many adoptions among Toy breeds every day. Not surprisingly, these smaller breeds are particularly popular among apartment and small house dwellers as they can fit comfortably in almost any space and generally don’t require a tremendous amount of regular exercise.
Toy dogs tend to be perfect companions, being loving and loyal and often forming a strong attachment to one or several of their human family members. Many people enjoy the idea of tucking their little furry friend in a bag or carrier and taking them with them wherever they go. At the same time, most toy breeds have longer life spans than their larger counterparts, often living at least 12-15 years, which is also attractive to owners who want plenty of time with their beloved pet.
While this may sound ideal, there are a few things you should bear in mind before jumping head first into Toy breed ownership. While they may live long, their small stature also makes most of these breeds delicate, meaning they can be injured easily and require delicate handling. As a result, they aren’t always a great choice for families with young children or other, larger, pets. They can also be prone to several health concerns, including knee problems, which can lead to a lot of vet expenses.
Breeds like the Pekingese, Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier with their long, silky coats also require quite a bit of regular grooming in order to maintain their looks. Many Toy breed owners rely on the services of professional groomers to stay on top of their pet’s extensive needs. Of course, there are also shorter haired breeds like the Chihuahua, Pug and Italian Greyhound that are lower maintenance, so you should choose your breed wisely.
No matter which member of the Toy Group you choose, you’ll no doubt find that these little dogs are often very big on personality. Many don’t even seem to realize just how small they are! This feistiness makes them great watch dogs, but it can also be a lot to handle. With early training and the proper approach, however, you’ll likely find a loving, loyal friend who likes nothing more than to be by your side. So if you’re looking for a lot of dog in a little package, come see us at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado and see what the Toy breeds have to offer. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
