10 Most Popular Companion and Toy Dogs From Around the World

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world. This dog breed was discovered in Mexico in 1850 and was named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. They are lightweight dogs, weighing no more than 6 pounds and stand at about 5 inches and come in several colors with tan and black as the most common. The American Kennel Club considers Chihuahua as a toy dog belonging to Toy Group. Dogs belonging to this group were mostly bred as companion dogs and they excel in this task. Chihuahuas are sociable dogs and they hate to be left alone. They are ideal apartment dogs because they don’t occupy much space and do not require heavy exercise but they enjoy playing in outdoors on warm days. Life span is about 15 years.

Pomeranian (Poms)

Pomeranian dogs (also known as Poms) are originally from Greenland and were brought to Pomerania by European breeders. Pomerania is a place located somewhere in the north of Baltic Sea. English breeders were credited for reducing the size of this dog and for coming up with different colors. These were accomplished through trial and error breeding and the breeders were successful in keeping the dog small just like the Chihuahua. Average weight is 3 to 7 pounds but there are known Poms that weigh up to 15 lbs. Pomeranian dogs became popular during the early days because they were the favorites of known personalities like the Queen Victoria, King Edward, Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, King Edward, to name a few.

Today, a good number of popular celebrities are known owners of Poms, including Paris Hilton, Maria Sharapova and Nicole Ritchie, among others.

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkies)

The Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkies) is a small dog breed that usually weighs about 7 lbs. and 7-9 inches tall. This dog originated in Yorkshire, England. This long haired dog is highly independent with above average intelligence.

The Yorkies were brought to the United States in 1872 and immediately became a popular breed. The Yorkies participation in popular movies and shows has contributed immensely to its popularity as a companion or toy dog. These movies or shows include “Funny Face” with Audrey Hepburn, “Meet the Fockers” by Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streisand and Till Death do us Part, among others. Life span is about 15 years.