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This doe-eyed delight is a true companion dog, ever-so-social and eager to please. A real family dog, they usually prefer the house but sometimes the spaniel in them comes out to play to give chase.
Depends if they are a prized possession or put to work, their smooth, silky coat generally needs regular attention and they shed twice a year on average.
Doe-eyed with a non-stop wagging tail, Cavaliers are real charmers and very social. They are generally housedogs, although their delicate demeanor can often belie a surprising sturdiness.
An intelligent member of the toy breed category, they are playful and easily trained, but watch out - they are known to chase birds and other small prey.
This is a true companion dog - highly affectionate, gentle, eager to please and great with children. Not a solitary dog breed at all.
Claudia Winkleman
Sasha, Doodle, Windsor
Medium but windy.
Loyal, affectionate, kind and gets along well with others: all of the qualities you might look for in a significant other, but with an unparalleled sense of smell and much easier to groom.
Popularised by Queen Victoria, Pomeranians are a breed with a high opinion of themselves, and want the world to know. Proof that big dogs can come in small packages.
In the Toy Group, these companion dogs are lively, cuddly, and love their owners. These small dogs have a lot of energy to expend.
Yorkies are one of the most popular breeds in the UK, and with good reason; they’re loyal little companions who’ll always look out for their owner’s best interests. Feisty and independent, they’ll always let you know when it’s time for a walk, play or food.
Westies are one of the most distinctive terrier breeds, with their little black eyes and nose peering out from under bushy eyebrows from a loveable face. Possessive of their owners and highly social, they tend to be friendly and playful.
Shih Tzu are an ancient breed from China. Calmer than many other toy breeds but just as loyal and affectionate, Shih Tzu are great indoor dogs, who generally prefer curling up on your lap to long walks.
These little policemen have the sideburns of a Victorian adventurer and the manners to match. Nobody seems to have told them they’re small dogs, or if they have, the Schnauzers aren't listening.
These little sentinels might look like a bundle of cuddles but they were originally bred to be watchdogs in the temples of Tibet. Smart and dominant, the Lhasa Apso is a challenge to train, but will prove her loyalty at every opportunity when housebroken.
Best known as a racing dog, Greyhounds are also capable of sleeping almost all day. They’re no divas though, and are among the most affectionate and unaggressive dogs going.
Known as much for their kind-heartedness as their magnificent physique and intelligence, Golden Retrievers are great family pets, and have amazing eyebrows.
Delicate, ferocious, cute, yappy, cuddly, demanding, loyal, entertaining: Chihuahuas can be all these things at once. Chihuahuas are an ancient breed from Mexico, and each one has their own quirks and personality.
Faithful and loyal to a fault, Boxers are halfway between a butler and a bouncer for your family. Despite their tough-guy face, Boxers tend to be gentle and patient, particularly with children.
Rugged and athletic, Border Terriers are surprisingly nimble, as suits their heritage as a hunting and ratting dog. Good for walks in the country, romantic sunset strolls, and long, meaningful looks into each other's eyes.
A teddy bear that barks, Bichon Frise are one of the original breeds of toy dog, having been popular with royalty and sailors in centuries gone by. Cheerful and affectionate, they love to learn tricks.
The Staffie is a seriously fun and courageous personality. The “tough guy” look masks a friendly and energetic little person who wants to be around humans and is a bit of a family guy.
One of the most popular dog breeds, their boundless energy and good nature make Labs ideal companions. No coincidence, then, that they are the number one guide dog breed in the UK.
Perhaps unfairly tarnished with the image of the ferocious guard dog, Rottweilers (whose origins were in Germany herding livestock and later as police dogs) are grand physical specimens who are as loyal and courageous as they come.
Cocker Spaniels are one of the friendliest breeds out there - incredibly affectionate and very willing to please. We should all be a bit more Cocker and the world would be a better place.
