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toy dog
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A Maltese toy dog with a long, silky white coat stands on a paved path, wearing a red bow on its head, with red foliage in the background. Doggie bingo White Maltese toy dog with a neatly trimmed coat, facing forward against a blurred green background. Two miniature pinscher dogs standing side by side, one with a solid reddish-brown coat and the other with a black and tan coat, both with upright ears. Papillon toy dog with long, flowing white fur, black patches, and large, upright ears stands alertly outdoors.
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Various retriever dog breeds sitting in a row. L-R: curly coated retriever, golden retriever, Labrador retriever, duck tolling retriever, flat coated retriever. hunting sporting dogs
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Maltese
Maltese A toy dog named for the island of Malta.

toy dog

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History

toy dog, Any of several breeds of dogs that were bred to be small, portable, good-natured companions. Toy dogs were traditionally pampered and treasured by aristocracy around the world, and several breeds are ancient. They range from hairless (e.g., the Chinese Crested dog) to profusely coated (e.g., the Shih Tzu). Some breeds, such as the Pekingese, could be owned only by royalty. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was a favourite of English royalty. English toy spaniels and toy Poodles are popular in the United States. The Miniature Pinscher resembles the Doberman Pinscher but has a different ancestry. Other toy dogs include the Affenpinscher, Maltese, Papillon, Pomeranian, and Yorkshire Terrier.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.