Toy Group

Toy Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. "Toy Group" does not necessarily refer to one particular type of dog. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a "Toy Group" although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their "Toy Group". The international kennel club association, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, includes toy dogs in Group 9 "Companion and Toy Dogs", which is then further broken down into eleven "Sections" based on dog type and breed history. [ [http://www.fci.be/nomenclatures.asp?lang=en&sel=0 Fédération Cynologique Internationale breed nomenclature] ]

Toy dogs

The use of the term "toy" to refer to dogs is based on tradition, and is not a precise classification. Dogs traditionally referred to as "toy dogs" are usually the very smallest dogs. "Toy dogs" can be one of several dog types. Some are of ancient lap dog types, and some are small versions of hunting dog, Spitz, or terrier types, bred down in size for a particular kind of work or to create a pet of convenient size. The very smallest dogs are sometimes called "Teacup", although no major dog registry recognizes that term.

Toy Group breeds

In general, kennel clubs assign small breeds that are primarily kept as companions and pets to their "Toy Group". Some kennel clubs prefer to use the category Companion Group for small and medium-sized dogs kept primarily as pets, and do not recognise a "Toy Group". Other kennel clubs group small dogs with large dogs of the same type, or in the Utility Group or Non-Sporting Group.

Comparison of Toy Group breeds of major kennel clubs

*"Section 3: Small Belgian Dogs"
*"Section 6: Chihuahueño"

*"Section 9: Continental Toy Spaniel"

The remainder of breeds assigned to the "Toy Group" by other kennel clubs are placed with larger dog breeds of the same type by the Fédération Cynologique International; for example, the toy size terriers are in "Group 3, Section 2, Small-sized terriers" or "Group 3, Section 4, Toy Terriers".

Not included in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale "Group 9, Companion and Toy" are these breeds that are listed in the "Toy Group" of some kennel clubs:

*Terrier-type breeds included in the "Toy Group" of some kennel clubs:

*Sighthound-type dogs included in the "Toy Group" of some kennel clubs:

Other clubs

The United Kennel Club (US) is often considered among the major kennel clubs; it does not recognise a "Toy Group" (see Companion Group for a comparison.)

Most clubs in non-English speaking countries also list small dogs in either a "Toy Group" or a "Companion Group".

Very small dogs are also included in the listings of the enormous and ever-expanding number of specialty registries, minor kennel clubs, dog sports clubs, breed clubs, rare dog registries, and internet based dog clubs and businesses. Each will have its own definition of what breeds belong in their own Toy Group.

In addition, Toy dogs in particular have been used for crossbreeding to create what are called designer dogs, bred either accidentally or to enhance the marketability of puppies, often with cute portmanteau names created from syllables of each breed name. Although there are clubs willing to "register" such designer dogs, they are not breeds of dog. They may be called "toy dogs" but they are not part of any "Toy Dog Group".

ee also

*Breed Groups (dog)
*Toy dog
*Pet
*Lap dog
*Companion dog
*Companion Group

References