Breed Directory

Toy dog breeds

18 toy breeds under 12 lbs. They carry the lowest food and medication costs of any group, but are prone to dental disease, luxating patellas, and tracheal collapse.

18 Breeds
<12 lbs Weight range
12–18 yrs Avg lifespan
Lowest Food costs

All toy breeds by popularity

Ranked by AKC popularity. Search or click any breed to see its full cost breakdown.

Yorkshire Terriertoy · 11–15 yrs
#1
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Shih Tzutoy · 10–18 yrs
#2
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Pomeraniantoy · 12–16 yrs
#3
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Maltesetoy · 12–15 yrs
#4
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Chihuahuatoy · 14–16 yrs
#5
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Papillontoy · 14–16 yrs
#6
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Italian Greyhoundtoy · 14–15 yrs
#7
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Miniature Pinschertoy · 12–16 yrs
#8
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Chinese Crestedtoy · 13–18 yrs
#9
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Brussels Griffontoy · 12–15 yrs
#10
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Toy Fox Terriertoy · 13–15 yrs
#11
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Silky Terriertoy · 13–15 yrs
#12
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Japanese Chintoy · 10–12 yrs
#13
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English Toy Spanieltoy · 10–12 yrs
#14
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Bolognesetoy · 12–14 yrs
#15
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Lowchentoy · 13–15 yrs
#16
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Russian Toytoy · 12–14 yrs
#17
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Biewer Terriertoy · 12–16 yrs
#18
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Why toy dogs aren't always cheaper

Toy breeds eat a fraction of what a large dog does and need the smallest medication doses, so day-to-day costs are low. But their tiny mouths crowd teeth, driving frequent dental cleanings and extractions, and many are predisposed to luxating patellas and collapsing tracheas.

Because their premiums are the lowest on the market, insurance for toy breeds is often the most cost-effective coverage you can buy once you factor in these breed-specific risks.

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