Toy Dogs are a show class of the American Kennel Club referencing small, cuddly canines whose chief job is human companionship. They can be of various breeds — spaniels and terriers for example — or shrunk-down versions of larger dogs like poodles. The one thing they all have in common is their diminutive size, which makes them easy to carry around.
Since I love dogs, and I loved making up dogs, here’s some breeds you can use for your world.
Toy Dog Breeds
| Argier d’Jules Court Dog | This breed has long light brown fur, small pointed ears, and a short pugged muzzle. Its eyes are large and soulful and can be either brown or blue; the most prized have one brown eye and one blue. Calm and observant, they are beloved by court ladies because they never bark or cause a fuss. At an average 10 lbs. in weight, they are easily carried in the lady’s silk muff. |
| Frigate Terrier | A small dog once kept by ship’s captains to keep the rats in check, the frigate terrier has a cheerful, happy-go-lucky personality. It is black or blueish-gray in color with a wiry, rough double coat that sheds water and also makes it buoyant. Its ears are small and fold over. This breed has a muscular build with short powerful legs and webbed feet for swimming. The tail is curved and carried over the back when the dog is happy.
The Frigate Terrier has adapted well to city life and is known as a low maintenance breed because its hypoallergenic coat requires little care other than the occasional brushing. |
| Hairless Temple Dog | Up to 14 pounds in weight, this hairless breed has a thin, athletic build and a narrow muzzle in proportion to its face. Its skin is a grayish brown in color and on its belly it is pinkish white, with speckles of the grayish brown. There often is a white tip on the long, graceful tail. Its ears are pointed and small, and the eyes are pale blue with a hypnotic stare.
The breed was once kept to rid temple complexes of vermin like mice. The largest temples could have over 100 of these animals and it was considered a grave sin to kill or neglect one. These dogs are friendly and energetic, but have a strong prey drive, with a loud bark and a scratchy, wavering howl. As they have no hair, owners must be protect them from the elements. (In temples, they wore specially made little silk coats.) |
| Ishido | Reddish brown with black eyes and nose, a short, straight tail, and a yodeling bark. Kept by nomads in their wagons to alert them of strangers. These dogs were fed on cooking scraps and encouraged to be fat so they could keep their owners warm in their beds at night. Their fur is short, but soft. If not allowed to become overweight they make fine companion dogs for the elderly. |
| Lapsian Singing Toy Dog | Tiny pet favored once by royalty, it weighs no more than 8 lbs. It has a brindle coat, tufted ears, and a prominent underbite. It does not bark, but whines in a musical way. |
