Toy Group

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Toy Group consists of small dog breeds that were historically bred for companionship and entertainment rather than work or hunting. These breeds are known for their small size, often making them ideal for apartment living and as lap dogs. The history of the Toy Group reflects the role these dogs played in society over time, from being royal companions to household pets for all classes of people.

 

Early Beginnings

 

The origins of the Toy Group breeds can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, China, and Europe. Many toy breeds were created as companion animals for nobility, and their small size was often a sign of status. The history of these dogs involves both deliberate breeding to create small-sized companions and natural selection that favored tiny dogs.

1. Ancient Origins: Some of the earliest toy breeds, such as the Chihuahua and Pekingese, date back over a thousand years. The Chihuahua is believed to have been domesticated in Mexico, possibly as far back as the Aztec or Toltec civilizations. The Pekingese was favored by Chinese royalty and had a presence in Imperial China for over a thousand years.

2. Medieval and Renaissance Europe: In the Middle Ages, toy dogs were often kept by royalty, nobility, and the aristocracy. Breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier were used as ratters and companions in the homes of English nobility. The Maltese has a long history of being a beloved lap dog among European royalty, particularly in ancient Rome and Greece.

3. Victorian Era: The Victorian era, particularly in England, saw an explosion in the popularity of toy breeds. These dogs were bred primarily for companionship, and they flourished in the courts of the wealthy. During this period, many of the modern toy breeds were refined, including the Toy Poodle and the Shih Tzu. The industrial revolution also led to an increased middle class who desired smaller, more affordable pets. This increased demand for toy dogs, including breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Pomeranian.

 

Development of the Toy Group in the AKC

 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) was founded in 1884, and over time, it began to recognize different dog breeds, organizing them into specific groups. The Toy Group was officially established to accommodate the smaller breeds that didn’t fit into the working, sporting, or terrier groups.

1. Formation of the AKC Toy Group (1900s): The AKC’s creation of the Toy Group was in response to the growing popularity of small dogs as companions. These breeds were valued for their size, companionship, and often their glamorous appearances. As the AKC began registering more breeds, many small companion dogs found their place in the Toy Group.

2. Early Recognized Breeds: The Toy Group began with a number of breeds already recognized by the AKC, including:

• Chihuahua (recognized in 1904)

• Pekingese (recognized in 1906)

• Maltese (recognized in 1888)

• Yorkshire Terrier (recognized in 1885)

• Papillon (recognized in 1915)

These breeds gained prominence for their size and companionship, and many were bred with a focus on elegance and appearance.

3. Post-War and Modernization (20th Century): After World War II, toy breeds continued to be popular, especially with the rise of celebrity culture in the U.S. Small dogs like the Pomeranian, Chihuahua, and Shih Tzu became symbols of luxury, often seen with movie stars and the elite. This helped solidify the position of toy dogs in the hearts of American pet owners.

During the late 20th century and into the 21st century, new breeds were added to the Toy Group, such as:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (recognized in 1995)

• Havanese (recognized in 1996)

• Chinese Crested (recognized in 1991)

4. AKC Toy Group Today: The AKC Toy Group today is composed of 23 distinct breeds, each with its own unique history and characteristics, but all sharing the common trait of being small and primarily bred for companionship. Some of the most popular breeds in the Toy Group include:

• Chihuahua

• Pomeranian

• Shih Tzu

• Pekingese

• Maltese

• Yorkshire Terrier

 

Characteristics of Toy Group Dogs

 

While each breed in the Toy Group is unique in terms of appearance and temperament, they share several characteristics that make them popular companions:

• Small Size: Toy breeds typically weigh less than 15 pounds, making them ideal for apartment living and easy handling.

• Affectionate Nature: Many Toy Group dogs are highly affectionate, seeking constant human companionship and forming strong bonds with their families.

• Long Lifespan: Toy dogs generally have long lifespans, often living well into their teens, with some breeds reaching 15 years or more.

• Active Personalities: Despite their small size, many toy breeds are energetic and alert, making them good watchdogs, though they may not have the physical stamina of larger working or sporting breeds.

 

Conclusion

 

The AKC Toy Group has evolved over centuries, with its members deeply ingrained in the history of royalty, aristocracy, and later the general public. These small dogs were bred primarily for companionship and have continued to thrive as popular pets in homes worldwide. From the Chihuahua and Pekingese to newer breeds like the Havanese, Toy Group dogs offer a wide variety of sizes, coats, and temperaments, but they all maintain the core characteristic of being lovable companions.