Miniature Dogs

Miniature Dogs

Miniature dogs are another name for toy dogs, a group of dog breeds that are characterized by their diminutive size. They are companion dogs, kept as pets, as opposed to another group of small dog breeds that are nevertheless classified under working dogs.

Below are some of the more popular miniature dogs and their description:

Affenpinscher

Tracing its origins to Europe, the Affenspinscher miniature dogs were known as hunters of rodents. They are frequently described as having terrier-like personalities with the attitude of big dogs contained in the body of a toy poodle.

In other words, the Affenpinscher displays behavior that is seen as aggressive, even to larger dogs, which of course leads him into trouble. However, when not provoked, this breed of miniature dogs is quiet. Often, they are very devoted to their masters, highly intelligent with a tendency to get excited. All in all, they make great house pets.

Bolognese

Bolognese miniature dogs are known as intelligent dogs with quiet personalities and loyal natures. These qualities make them excellent watchdogs – fiercely protective of family and yet at the same time are not nuisance barkers. A Bolognese dog is a bichon, yet unlike other bichons, it is more square in shape. Its coat, which is solid white, is flocked, unlike other solid white dogs like the Maltese and Bichon Frise. His name comes from Bologna, Italy, his place of origin.

Boston Terrier

Like all other breeds of the terrier group, Boston Terrier miniature dogs are lively and highly intelligent. They are well-balanced dogs with smooth coats, often dark in color with crisp white markings. The Boston Terrier breed is a result of crossbreeding the Bulldog with the English Terrier. They are distinctive in appearance with a bulldog's compact, muscular body and round eyes but with the English Terrier's lively, friendly character and sweet disposition.

Cairn Terrier

As one of the oldest of the British Terriers, Cairn Terrier miniature dogs originated from the British Isle of Skye off the coast of Scotland. It was (and still is) a favorite among Scottich lairds who found this breed of miniature dogs useful in routing foxes, vermin, badgers, and otters. Despite its reputation for being among the oldest of British Terrier breeds, the Cairn Terrier is actually the smallest. Yet, its size belies these miniature dogs' fierce intelligence, strength, and fearlessness.

Chihuahua

The world's smallest dog, the Chihuahua breed of miniature dogs have a history shrouded in mystery. While some believe that they come from Asia, others believe that the breed may actually originate in Europe. Regardless, no matter where this breed of miniature dogs started, it is clear that the dog made its first mark in Mexico. In fact, there are many studies revealing that "chi" in ancient Mayan dialect refers to "dog," thus placing the breed, or at least its ancestors, somewhere in the Mayan period.