What’s good and bad about the IG?

Pros:

• Clean and nearly odorless. May be a good choice for owners with allergies
• Moves with beauty and grace. He’s a delight to watch
• Quiet and refined, your neighbors will appreciate him as well
• A peaceful, undemanding nature that needs little obedience training but does require daily exercise

Cons:

• May be prone to broken legs and slipped kneecaps
• Will take off like a shot if not on a leash
• Best for childless households; he dislikes commotions
• Not a watchdog
• Difficult (putting it mildly) to housebreak
• Thin skin (literally) makes him a poor choice for cold climates

See these cuties in action.

Havanese The only dog originated in Cuba; he continues to gain popularity in the USA

Vital Statistics: Life span: 14-15 years Adult weight: 7-14 pounds Adult height: 8.5-11.5 inches

What’s good and bad about the Havanese?

Pros:

• He’ll probably be at the top of his obedience class
• He has a sweet disposition and gets along well with other pets
• He’s one of the few Toy breeds that make good family dogs assuming the children do not play roughly with him

Cons:

• He’s may be too high energy, even indoors, for couch potatoes or the elderly
• He’s susceptible to genetic eye disease. Only buy from a breeder who can provide Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) certificates (and check the website)
• He requires daily grooming

The normal, happy state of a Havanese.

He once lived in Chinese imperial courts but will be completely satisfied perched on a window sill in your apartment

Vital Statistics: Life span: 12-15 years Adult weight: 8-12 pounds Adult height: 8-10 inches

What’s good and bad about the Chin?

Pros:

• Gentle and playful personality
• Loves to curl up on your lap
• Must have affection – this is a dog that enjoys following his owner from room to room
• Ideal for apartment living and senior owners

Cons:

• Too fragile for roughhousing
• Must own a vacuum cleaner; he’s a spaniel and he sheds
• Regular brushing and combing is necessary
• Poor watchdog; this is a lapdog

Good example of a Chin.

If you want attention, this is the dog. People will ask you why you shave your dog or where you got the miniature horse.

Vital Statistics: Life span: 12-15 years Adult weight: 5-10 pounds Adult height: 11-13 inches

What’s good and bad about the Crested?

Pros:

• Devoted to his owner, this dog will reward you with affection and constant attention (like it or not)
• Only Poodles come in as many colors including blue, pink and lilac
• Hairless variety are non-shedding and odorless

Cons:

• The most emotionally needy dog among the Toy breeds. He cannot be left alone all day while you go to work.
• Don’t equate hairless with maintenance free. Bare skin is prone to problems and requires safeguarding.
• Although less fashionable, the powder puff, even with a long white coat, is easier to maintain.

Here’s a short video with a Crested. Yes, they really sound like this.

What’s good and bad about the Pug?

Pros:

• At peace with the world and good with children and other pets
• Requires minimal grooming
• A walk or two around the block is all the exercise he needs

Cons:

• He’s an indoor dog who needs air conditioning and must avoid hot, stuffy environments
• He sheds a surprising amount
• He may wheeze, snort, snore, grunt and experience breathing problems
• You must protect his eyes from injury

 The famous Pug head tilt.

Don’t let the fierce look fool you. This is a dog bred to be a playful companion.

Vital Statistics: Life span: 12-14 years Adult weight: 9-16 pounds Adult height: 8-11 inches

What’s good and bad about the Shih Tzu?

Pros:

• Good watchdog
• Low maintenance – little shedding, minimal exercise
• Bright dogs with almost-human expressions
• Usually gets along with other dogs and cats

Cons:

• Sensitive dogs that expect a lot of love
• May be obstinate – he will require socialization and training
• Rare enough breed that he hasn’t been overbred, but may be difficult (and expensive) to find.

Here’s a quick video showing a well-trained Shih Tzu.

What’s good and bad about the Silky?

Pros:

• He’s lively indoors or out
• A good watchdog
• Much hardier and tougher than his dainty cousin, the Yorkie or other Toy breeds
• Mentally and physically quick

Cons:

• He must get regular exercise
• He’s a true terrier – he’ll chase and dig and bark although training helps with all three
• Grooming demands are high to maintain a long, silky coat

If you think Silkys can’t be trained, take a look at this one.

What’s good and bad about the TFT?

Pros:

• He should be at the top of his obedience class as he’s intelligent and learns quickly
• He’s probably the easiest of the Toy breeds to housebreak
• Recognized as a Toy breed in 2003, he has not been overbred and genetic health problems are few compared to other breeds
• Good watchdog who will bark at strangers
• Born with a naturally docked tail
  

Cons:

• Terrier instincts to chase, dig and flee remain
• He’s generally considered to be a one-person dog. The good news is he will be devoted to that one person
• Can be snappy with children. He’s best with adults and he loves to be cuddled
• Spindly legs can be broken. Don’t let him jump on and off furniture

 Here’s a cute video that shows how brave these little guys can be.

What’s good and bad about the Yorkie?

Pros:

• A true beauty
• Feisty but loving
• Loyal to his owner
• Vigilant watchdog

Cons:

• Gorgeous coat must be groomed AT LEAST three times a week
• S/he’ll always bark – you can curb but not eliminate it
• Usually do not get along with young children, they prefer a quieter lifestyle
• There’s enough terrier to cause them to chase moving targets. Buy a leash and body harness first thing.
• This popular dog has been overbred and you need to carefully select a breeder and line. Otherwise you’ll understand how small dogs got a reputation as yappy, snappy and possessive.

Here’s an example of how they ‘talk.’

Vital Statistics: Life span: 10-14 years Adult weight: 6-9 pounds Adult height: up to 10 inches

Smart, very very smart. Avoid chronic barking by keeping him mentally stimulated.

What’s good and bad about the Toy Poodle?

Pros:

• Little physical exercise is required so he is perfect for apartments and condominiums
• As much as any dog can be considered a non-shedder, this is the one. People with allergies often are able to live with a Toy Poodle
• He makes an excellent watchdog
• He’s a lively companion with amusing antics

Cons:

• Professional grooming is required every four to six weeks
• Because he’s so popular, he’s been overbred which accounts for all the potential health problems. Buy only from a reputable breeder
• Avoid any Toy Poodle labeled “tea cup.” That’s just marketing language for a neurotic and sickly runt

Here’s an example of how smart these dogs can be.