The toy group dogs generally thrive on attention and enjoy the antics of their playmates. Most are relatively low-key as compared to the larger dogs but some do get in higher arousal activities of chase. Most of these dogs are in the green category, although the high-spirited breeds such as Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers are in yellow due to their confident nature. Also, think about the small physical size of these breeds. This is a good time to talk about good playgroup matches and the importance of separating small dogs from large ones during play. The toy group dogs need to play with other small dogs to ensure their safety.
Green Traffic Signal
Toy Group | Playstyle | Management Tips |
---|---|---|
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Cat-like Chasing Neck biting | Monitor ensure balanced play |
Maltese | Cat-like Chasing Neck biting | Monitor ensure balanced play |
Pekingese | Cat-like Chasing Neck biting | Monitor ensure balanced play |
Pomeranian | Cat-like Chasing Neck biting | Monitor ensure balanced play |
Pug | Cat-like Chasing Neck biting | Monitor ensure balanced play |
Shih Tzu | Cat-like Chasing Neck biting | Monitor ensure balanced play |
Toy Poodle | Cat-like Chasing Neck biting | Monitor ensure balanced play |
Yorkshire Terrier* | Cat-like Chasing Neck biting | Monitor ensure balanced play *Yorkshire Terrier breed standard is 7 lbs maximum. Can be at a high-risk for injury, so should be matched with similar size playmates only. |
Yellow Traffic Signal
Toy Group | Playstyle | Management Tips |
---|---|---|
Chihuahua | Cat-like Chasing | Assert leadership; high-spirited and temperamental breeds Monitor to ensure balanced play At a high-risk for unjust so put with similar sized playmates only |
Miniature Pinscher | Cat-like Chasing | Assert leadership; high-spirited and temperamental breeds Monitor to ensure balanced play At a high-risk for unjust so put with similar sized playmates only |
Pomeranian | Cat-like Chasing | Assert leadership; high-spirited and temperamental breeds Monitor to ensure balanced play At a high-risk for injury so put with similar sized playmates only |
Italian Greyhound | Chasing | Very thin skin and legs; don't mix with body-slammers Can't take the cold well Monitor to ensure balanced play |
Yorkshire Terrier* | Cat-like Chasing | Assert leadership; high-spirited and temperamental breeds Monitor to ensure balanced play *Yorkie breed Standard is 7lbs maximum. Can be at a high risk for injury, so should be matched with similar sized playmates only. |