PicoPets

Toy Breeds

Small in Size, Big in Personality

Toy Breeds are adored for their compact size, making them ideal companions for individuals or families living in apartments or smaller homes. Despite their small stature, breeds such as the Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, and Maltese are known for their larger-than-life personalities. Toy breeds are often affectionate, loyal, and full of energy, thriving on human interaction and being the center of attention. They are perfect lap dogs, but don't let their size fool you—they require plenty of mental stimulation and exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Breed Activity + Play Recommendations

How They Stay Active

Though small, Toy Breeds are surprisingly active and playful. They enjoy indoor games like fetch, tug-of-war, and interactive toys that challenge their minds. Regular short walks and low-impact activities help maintain their fitness without overstraining their small joints. These breeds can be prone to boredom if not engaged, so frequent playtime, even in small spaces, is essential to keeping them stimulated. They are also prone to weight gain if not properly exercised, so maintaining a regular routine is key to their overall health.


Breed-Suggested Toys + Pet Play Types

  • Soft chew toys that are gentle on their small jaws
  • Mini fetch toys suitable for indoor play
  • Puzzle toys to keep their sharp minds engaged
  • Interactive toys for mental stimulation and bonding
  • Short, low-impact walks to keep them fit without over-exertion
  • Tug-of-war games using lightweight ropes

Social Traits + Interaction Patterns

Family Bonds + Socialization Tips

Toy Breeds are known for their strong attachment to their owners and thrive in close-knit family settings. They tend to form deep bonds with one or two primary caregivers and enjoy being in the spotlight. Early socialization is important to prevent "small dog syndrome," a behavior where they might become territorial or anxious around strangers or other pets.


Many Toy Breeds are friendly and playful with children, but supervision is recommended to ensure gentle handling due to their fragile size. These breeds also do well in multi-pet households when properly introduced.

Strong Attachment

Social + Affectionate

Playful With Children

Breed-Type General Temperament

Toy Breeds are affectionate and lively but more sensitive to stress due to their small size. They may develop separation anxiety, showing it through barking, trembling, or chewing. Consistent companionship, a regular routine, and positive reinforcement training help keep them calm and content.

Common Stress Indicators:

  • Excessive barking or vocalization
  • Trembling or shaking,
  • Destructive behaviors
  • Clinginess or restlessness when left alone

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

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Common Breed Health Goals

Due to their small size, Toy Breeds often face health challenges related to dental issues, luxating patellas (kneecap dislocation), and tracheal collapse. Regular dental care is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, as their smaller mouths can crowd teeth. Keeping them at a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is crucial to avoiding joint problems. In addition, their small windpipes can make them more prone to breathing issues, especially if they become overweight.

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Suggested Preventive Care

Toy Breeds need regular dental cleanings and at-home brushing to prevent oral issues. Joint support is important, especially as they age, to prevent conditions like luxating patellas. Managing their weight through a balanced diet and ensuring they get regular, low-impact exercise can help reduce the risk of joint strain and breathing difficulties. Due to their delicate size, regular check-ups with a veterinarian are critical to monitoring for common health concerns such as heart issues, dental disease, and respiratory problems.

Maximizing Your Pet's Health Potential

These scales provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s overall well-being by assessing 11 critical health and lifestyle factors. Each factor is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, offering clear insights into your pet's strengths and areas that may need additional care or attention. This in-depth assessment allows pet owners to create a more tailored care plan, including appropriate supplementation, to support optimal health. By addressing each aspect of their pet's well-being, owners can ensure their furry companions maintain peak vitality, promote longevity, and enhance their quality of life, no matter the breed.

3: Hydration + Electrolyte Balance

Moderate hydration needs, but regular water intake is essential to prevent dehydration, especially in hot climates.

Moderate hydration needs, but regular water intake is essential to prevent dehydration, especially in hot climates.

3: Innate Immune Function

Average immune function, but they benefit from regular immune support to protect against infections.

Average immune function, but they benefit from regular immune support to protect against infections.

4: Skeletal Strength + Mobility

Prone to joint issues such as luxating patellas, requiring consistent joint support and care.

Prone to joint issues such as luxating patellas, requiring consistent joint support and care.

3: Digestion + Nutrient Absorption

Generally good digestive health, but Toy Breeds require high-quality, nutrient-dense food due to their small size.

Generally good digestive health, but Toy Breeds require high-quality, nutrient-dense food due to their small size.

4: Energy Utilization + Metabolism

High energy needs despite their small size, requiring regular exercise and a balanced diet to prevent weight gain.

High energy needs despite their small size, requiring regular exercise and a balanced diet to prevent weight gain.

4: Cognitive Awareness + Clarity

Highly intelligent, requiring mental stimulation through training and interactive toys to prevent boredom.

Highly intelligent, requiring mental stimulation through training and interactive toys to prevent boredom.

3: Respiratory + Lung Health

Small breeds are more prone to respiratory issues, particularly if they are overweight, so monitoring is essential.

Small breeds are more prone to respiratory issues, particularly if they are overweight, so monitoring is essential.

3: Skin Health + Wound Healing

Generally good skin health, but sensitive breeds may need occasional skincare support.

Generally good skin health, but sensitive breeds may need occasional skincare support.

3: Heart Health + Circulation

Small breeds are more prone to heart issues, so regular check-ups are important, especially as they age.

Small breeds are more prone to heart issues, so regular check-ups are important, especially as they age.

3: Infection + Resistance

Average infection resistance, but immune support helps protect against respiratory and dental infections.

Average infection resistance, but immune support helps protect against respiratory and dental infections.

4: Longevity + Aging Gracefully

Toy Breeds are known for their long lifespans but require proper joint and dental care to ensure they age comfortably.

Toy Breeds are known for their long lifespans but require proper joint and dental care to ensure they age comfortably.

Health Priorities + Preventive Care

Suggested Diet Supplementation

To support their overall health and longevity, Toy Breeds can benefit from targeted supplements that promote joint health, dental care, and immune support:

  • PicoMyte: Helps maintain strong bones and joint mobility, particularly important for preventing luxating patellas and other joint issues common in Toy Breeds.
  • ReMag®: Promotes muscle relaxation and supports proper muscle function, helping to prevent strain and keep your dog active and agile.
  • Pico Silver®: Boosts immune function and helps protect against infections, which is especially important for Toy Breeds prone to respiratory and dental issues.
  • Pico Selenite®: Provides powerful antioxidant support to promote long-term cellular health and overall wellness, helping your Toy Breed stay active and healthy as they age.