Chihuahua (Toy Group) from Mexico
Graceful,
alert and swift moving with a saucy expression. Chihuahuas are
highly intelligent and should not be underestimated even though
small in size. The breed can be any color and the coat may be
long or short. The Chihuahua’s history is shrouded in mystery,
but some believe he originated from the Fennec Fox, a very small
animal with big eyes and ears, which could explain the tiny
frame, luminous eyes and large ears on the breed today.
Chihuahua’s were used in religious ceremonies and were pets to the upper class. The breed derives its name from the Mexican State of Chihuahua, where the earliest specimens of the breed were found. Chihuahuas are alert dogs with terrier-like qualities. They are good with families if the children are gentle and patient. They require little exercise and are good city dogs, but can be sensitive to cold temperatures. Smooth coated Chihuahuas need very little grooming due to their short hair. Long coats need occasional brushing but still require minimal grooming. The Toltec’s, who existed in what is now Mexico as early as the 9th century AD, possessed a breed of dog called the Techichi. The breed was small, but not tiny and heavy-boned. This breed regarded as indigenous to Central America, is the progenitor of the Chihuahua that exist today. It is assumed that the small size of the modern Chihuahua results from a cross of the Techichi with the small hairless dog brought from Asia to Alaska over the land bridge that is now the Bering Strait. Chihuahuas are alert dogs with terrier-like qualities. They are good with families if the children are gentle and patient. Due to their small size, they require little exercise and are good city dogs, but can be sensitive to cold temperatures. Smooth coated Chihuahuas need very little grooming due to their short hair, and long costs need occasional brushing but still require minimal grooming. Chihuahuas rang from sizes under 6 lbs according to AKC standards.
Maltese (Toy
Group) from Malta in the Mediterranean
A toy dog covered from head to toe with mantle of long, silky white hair, the Maltese is gentle mannered and affectionate, known for being lively, playful and fearless despite its small size. Maltese are intelligent little dogs that are very fast learners if they feel sufficiently rewarded. Today, their refinement, cleanliness and portability make them a popular choice as a companion dog.
The Maltese was once known as “Ye ancient dogge of Malta” for that is where they were first recognized and how they received their name. The breed has been an aristocrat of the canine world for over 28 centuries, owned by royalty all over the globe. Even as far back as the 1500’s they were claimed to be sold for $2000. Also the first Maltese were the same size as the dogs we see today. Even though the Maltese is a very small dog, they tend to be brave and without fear. They are one of the most gentle mannered of all little dogs, but also full of energy and very playful, making them great family dogs. Maltese should be brushed daily, and groomed often to prevent mats from forming in their long white coat. Maltese rang in size from 4 lbs to 7 lbs according to AKC standards. The Maltese has a fine silky coat and does not shed. They are hypo-allergenic and a great choice for a family with allergies.
Shih Tzu
(Toy Group) from China
A compact and solid dog, the Shih Tzu’s long, flowing double coat is its most distinctive feature. The word Shih Tzu means “lion” and although this dog is sweet and playful, he is not afraid to stand up for himself! One of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC registration statistics, this portable pooch has a distinctively arrogant carriage with his head well up and tail curved over the back. All colors of Shih Tzu are allowed. Cherished by Chinese royals as prized house pets for over a thousand years, it is believed to have descended from crossing the Lhasa apso or Tibetan mountain dog and Pekingese. The Shih Tzu was the house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty and was discovered by soldiers in England during World War II. As the sole purpose of the Shih Tzu is companion and house pet, he should be lively, alert, friendly and trusting towards all. He requires minimal exercise, but his long, luxurious coat needs daily brushing and maintenance. Shih Tzu’s rang in size from 9 lbs to 16 lbs according to AKC standards.
Yorkshire
Terrier (Toy Group) from England
Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as “Yorkies,” offer big personalities in a small package. Though members of the Toy Group, they are terriers by nature and are brave, determined, investigative and energetic. They have long, luxurious blue and tan coats. This portable pooch is one of the most popular breeds according the AKC registration Statistics. Named for the England city from which they originally hail, Yorkshire Terriers were used in the nineteenth century to catch rats in clothing mills. Surprisingly enough, in its beginnings, the Yorkie belonged to the working class, especially the weavers; in fact, facetious comments were often made about how the dogs fine, silky coats were the ultimate product of the looms. Eventually, the breed left the workforce and became a companion animal to families of European high society. Yorkies are easily adaptable to all surroundings, travel well and make suitable pets for many homes. Due to their small size, they require limited exercise, but need daily interaction with their people. Their long coat requires regular brushing. Yorkies rang in size from 4 lbs to 7 lbs according to AKC standards. The Yorkies coat is silky and fine, and the Yorkie is considered to be a hypo-allergenic breed. A Yorkie is a great choice for people with allergies because of the texture of its coat.
