People who search for mini toy breeds usually want a dog that stays small, and they quickly run into two labels that sound alike: "toy" and "miniature". Kennel clubs use the words in specific ways. Several breeds come in an official toy size and an official miniature size, and a handful of breeds carry "miniature" in their name even though they come in only one size.
This guide focuses on those size labels. It lists the breeds that come in more than one official size, gives American Kennel Club height and weight figures for each, and explains how single-size miniature breeds fit in. For a full list of every AKC toy breed, see our guide to types of toy dogs, and for health and care at the smallest sizes, see our toy breeds guide.
In This Article
- Quick Answer: What Are Mini Toy Breeds?
- What Are Mini Toy Breeds?
- What Is the Difference Between Toy and Miniature?
- Which Breeds Come in Both Toy and Miniature Sizes?
- What Are the Toy and Miniature American Eskimo Dog?
- What Are the Toy and Miniature Xoloitzcuintli?
- What Is a Toy Manchester Terrier?
- How Small Is a Miniature Dachshund?
- Which Miniature Breeds Come in Only One Size?
- Are Teacup and Micro Dogs Mini Toy Breeds?
- How Do You Pick the Right Mini or Toy Size?
- Do Toy and Miniature Dogs Need Different Care?
- What Do People Ask Most About Mini Toy Breeds?
- Sources
Quick Answer: What Are Mini Toy Breeds?
Mini toy breeds are small dogs sold under toy or miniature size labels. Kennel clubs use toy for the smallest size or the Toy Group, and miniature for a scaled-down version of a larger breed. The Poodle, American Eskimo Dog and Xoloitzcuintli come in official toy and miniature sizes, while breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher have one.
Updated November 1, 2026- Three-size breeds: Poodle, American Eskimo Dog and Xoloitzcuintli come in toy, miniature and standard sizes.
- Two-size breeds: the Manchester Terrier has a toy and a standard variety, and the Dachshund a miniature and a standard.
- One-size miniatures: Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Bull Terrier and Miniature American Shepherd.
- Not a size: "teacup" and "micro" are sales labels, not kennel club categories.
What Are Mini Toy Breeds?
Answer: Mini toy breeds is a buyer's phrase, not an official category. It covers small dogs marketed with toy or miniature in the description. Some are official size varieties of a larger breed, some are single-size breeds with miniature in their name, and some are members of a kennel club Toy Group. Each label means something different.
The American Kennel Club groups breeds by their original purpose, and its Toy Group is one of those groups. A dog can be tiny without being in the Toy Group, and a dog called "miniature" can sit in the Toy Group, the Terrier Group or the Herding Group. That is why it helps to look at the breed itself rather than the word in front of it. Source: AKC, Toy Group.
Size varieties add another layer. For a few breeds, the breed standard defines more than one size, each with its own height or weight limit. A Toy Poodle and a Miniature Poodle are the same breed with the same build, but they are judged separately. The table in the next sections shows which breeds work this way and where the size lines fall.
Understanding the labels protects you as a buyer. A breeder who says "mini" or "toy" should be able to tell you which official size the parents belong to, or explain honestly that the dog is simply a small example of its breed. If the answer is vague, ask to see the parents and their measurements.
What Is the Difference Between Toy and Miniature?
Answer: Toy usually means the smallest official size or membership of a Toy Group, while miniature means a reduced version of a larger breed. The Poodle shows both: the AKC Toy Poodle stands 10 inches or less and is shown in the Toy Group, while the Miniature Poodle stands over 10 up to 15 inches in the Non-Sporting Group. Source: AKC, Toy Poodle. Source: AKC, Miniature Poodle.
The names do not always line up with the groups. The Miniature Pinscher is a one-size breed that the AKC places in its Toy Group, despite the word miniature. The Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Bull Terrier are in the Terrier Group, and the Miniature American Shepherd is in the Herding Group. So a "miniature" can be smaller than some toy dogs, or larger than many. Source: AKC, Miniature Pinscher. Source: AKC, Miniature American Shepherd.
In practice, toy-sized dogs are the most fragile. They need careful handling, a harness instead of a collar on walks, and supervision around children and larger dogs. Miniature sizes of working or herding breeds can be tougher and far more energetic, which surprises owners who chose them for size alone.
Which Breeds Come in Both Toy and Miniature Sizes?
Answer: Under AKC rules, the Poodle, American Eskimo Dog and Xoloitzcuintli each come in toy, miniature and standard sizes. The Manchester Terrier has a toy and a standard variety, and the Dachshund has a miniature and a standard. Height or weight decides which size a dog belongs to, and each size has its own limits. Source: AKC, American Eskimo Dog. Source: AKC, Xoloitzcuintli. Source: AKC, Manchester Terrier.
Notice that the breeds measure size in different ways. The Poodle, American Eskimo Dog and Xoloitzcuintli are sorted mainly by height at the shoulder. The Manchester Terrier and the Dachshund are sorted by weight. Wikipedia adds that some kennel clubs outside the US separate miniature and standard Dachshunds by chest circumference instead. Source: Wikipedia, Dachshund.
The chart makes one thing obvious: a toy of one breed can be as tall as a miniature of another. A toy Xoloitzcuintli at 10 to 14 inches overlaps a miniature American Eskimo Dog at 12 to 15 inches. Compare breeds by their actual measurements, not by the label. Source: AKC, Xoloitzcuintli. Source: AKC, American Eskimo Dog.
What Are the Toy and Miniature American Eskimo Dog?
Answer: The American Eskimo Dog comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. The AKC describes a white coat with a lion-like ruff, a smiling face and a plumed tail carried over the back. The toy stands 9 to 12 inches and the miniature 12 to 15 inches, and all three sizes share one look. Source: AKC, American Eskimo Dog.
The AKC places all three sizes of the American Eskimo Dog in the Non-Sporting Group, and lists a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. Its dense double coat sheds, so regular brushing is part of owning one in any size. The breed is often called an Eskie. Source: AKC, American Eskimo Dog.
The toy Eskie is a good example of a "mini toy" dog that is still a complete, working-minded dog. It is alert, keen to learn and happiest with a job, whether that is trick training, short games of fetch or puzzle feeders. Choose the size that suits your home, then plan the same training and grooming you would for a larger dog.
What Are the Toy and Miniature Xoloitzcuintli?
Answer: The Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo, comes in three sizes and two coat varieties. The AKC lists the toy at 10 to 14 inches and the miniature at 14 to 18 inches, with a standard above that. Each size can be hairless or coated. Wikipedia notes that the founding breed club voted to recognize all three sizes from the start. Source: AKC, Xoloitzcuintli. Source: Wikipedia, Xoloitzcuintle.
The AKC describes the hairless Xolo's skin as tough, smooth and close-fitting, and the coated variety as covered by a short, flat coat. Both come in dark colors ranging from black and slate to red, liver or bronze. The breed is shown in the Non-Sporting Group, and the AKC lists a life expectancy of 13 to 18 years. Source: AKC, Xoloitzcuintli.
Hairless dogs need their own care routine. Their skin needs protection from strong sun and from cold, and many owners use a light coat or sweater in cool weather. Ask the breeder about skin care, and introduce gentle handling and bathing early so the routine stays calm.
What Is a Toy Manchester Terrier?
Answer: The Manchester Terrier comes in two varieties: Toy and Standard. Under the AKC standard, the Toy does not exceed 12 pounds and the Standard is over 12 and up to 22 pounds. Wikipedia adds that the Toy only has erect ears, and that the British Kennel Club treats it as a separate breed, the English Toy Terrier. Source: AKC, Manchester Terrier. Source: Wikipedia, Manchester Terrier.
Apart from size and ear type, the two varieties share the same overall appearance. The AKC describes a tight coat of rich mahogany tan and jet black, a long wedge-shaped head and tan spots above each eye. It also notes that all Manchesters are similar in temperament, body type and athletic ability despite the difference in size. Source: AKC, Manchester Terrier.
Because the Toy variety is a true terrier in a small body, it tends to be quick, curious and fond of chasing. Secure fencing and a reliable recall are worth more than any accessory. Short, upbeat training sessions suit the breed best, and toys that can be chased and caught make good outlets for its energy.
How Small Is a Miniature Dachshund?
Answer: The AKC recognizes two Dachshund sizes. A miniature weighs 11 pounds or under, while a standard usually weighs 16 to 32 pounds. Both sizes come in smooth, wirehaired and longhaired coats. Wikipedia notes that a third size, the kaninchen or rabbit size, is recognized in some countries but not in the US or UK. Source: AKC, Dachshund. Source: Wikipedia, Dachshund.
Wikipedia explains that miniature Dachshunds were bred to hunt small animals such as rabbits, and that the miniature differs from the full-size dog only in size and weight. It also mentions an unofficial in-between size that owners call "tweenies", which is not a kennel club class. Source: Wikipedia, Dachshund.
The long back is the main care point at any size. Keep your Dachshund lean, use ramps or steps instead of letting it jump off furniture, and support the back and chest whenever you lift it. Our toys for Dachshunds guide covers safe play for this shape of dog, and puppy stairs for the bed can help protect a young back.
Which Miniature Breeds Come in Only One Size?
Answer: Several breeds carry miniature in their name but come in one size. The Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Bull Terrier and Miniature American Shepherd are each separate breeds with their own standard. The Toy Fox Terrier is a one-size breed in the Toy Group. Their AKC heights range from 8.5 to 18 inches. Source: AKC, Miniature Pinscher. Source: AKC, Miniature Schnauzer. Source: AKC, Miniature Bull Terrier. Source: AKC, Miniature American Shepherd. Source: AKC, Toy Fox Terrier.
Each of these breeds has its own story. Wikipedia describes the Miniature Pinscher, or Zwergpinscher, as a German breed of pinscher type. The AKC notes its high-stepping hackney gait. The Miniature Schnauzer originated in Germany in the late nineteenth century, and the AKC says it was bred down from the larger Standard Schnauzer as an all-round farm dog and ratter. Source: Wikipedia, Miniature Pinscher. Source: AKC, Miniature Schnauzer.
The Miniature Bull Terrier traces back to the extinct English White Terrier, the Dalmatian and the Bulldog, according to Wikipedia, and was admitted to the AKC in 1991. The Miniature American Shepherd was developed in the United States from small Australian Shepherds starting in the late 1960s and gained full AKC recognition in 2015. Source: Wikipedia, Miniature Bull Terrier. Source: Wikipedia, Miniature American Shepherd.
The Toy Fox Terrier rounds out the list as a true toy with terrier drive. Our dedicated Toy Fox Terrier guide covers the breed in detail. Whichever of these breeds you choose, match its energy and instincts to your routine, since a herding or terrier mind does not shrink with the body.
Are Teacup and Micro Dogs Mini Toy Breeds?
Answer: No. Teacup and micro are sales labels for dogs bred smaller than their breed normally is, not sizes recognized by kennel clubs. Wikipedia notes that teacup dogs are usually bred by mating runts, and that several health problems are associated with runts and teacup dogs. A recognized toy or miniature size is a safer choice. Source: Wikipedia, Teacup dog.
Wikipedia lists the Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Pomeranian, Chihuahua and Pug among the breeds most often sold as teacups. None of these breeds has a teacup size in its standard. A breeder who charges extra for an unusually tiny puppy is selling the small size itself, and the health risks that come with it. Source: Wikipedia, Teacup dog.
If you want the smallest possible dog, choose a breed whose standard is already small, such as a Toy Poodle or Toy Fox Terrier, and pick a healthy puppy from parents of normal size for the breed. Our teacup Poodle guide looks at the label in more detail.
How Do You Pick the Right Mini or Toy Size?
Answer: Start with your household, not the label. Toy sizes suit calm adult homes and small spaces but are fragile around young children. Miniature sizes of working, terrier or herding breeds are sturdier but often need much more exercise and training. Meet adult dogs of the size you are considering, and ask the breeder to measure both parents.
- Decide how much exercise and training time you can give each day.
- List who lives in the home, including young children and other pets.
- Shortlist breeds whose official size, not marketing label, fits your space.
- Meet adult dogs of that breed and size, ideally the puppy's parents.
- Ask for health records for both parents and the puppy's vet check.
Think about grooming too. An American Eskimo Dog sheds a thick double coat, a Poodle needs regular clipping, a Miniature Schnauzer needs its wiry coat trimmed, and a hairless Xolo needs skin care instead of brushing. None of these is hard, but each takes a different kind of time.
If you are drawn to poodle-type coats in a small size, our guide to mini poodle breeds compares the Miniature Poodle with popular small poodle crosses such as the Cockapoo and Maltipoo.
Do Toy and Miniature Dogs Need Different Care?
Answer: The basics are the same for every size: good food, daily exercise, training, grooming and regular vet checks. The details change with size. Toy dogs need gentle handling, a harness, small meals for puppies and soft, well-sized toys. Miniature sizes of active breeds need longer walks, more mental work and tougher toys.
Gear should fit the dog in front of you. A light, well-fitted dog harness spreads pressure away from a small dog's throat. Toys should be too large to swallow but small enough to carry, which our small dog toys guide covers in detail. For puppies, see our toys for small breed puppies and small breed puppy food guides.
Dental care deserves special attention. Small mouths often have crowded teeth that trap plaque, so daily brushing with a dog toothbrush and regular dental checks at the vet go a long way. Ask your vet to set a routine that suits your dog's size, breed and age.
What Do People Ask Most About Mini Toy Breeds?
Answer: Most questions about mini toy breeds are about labels and size: what separates toy from miniature, which breeds come in both, whether teacup dogs are a real size, and which small dogs suit families. The short answers below summarize the AKC and Wikipedia facts covered in this guide, with sources listed at the end.
What is the difference between a toy and a miniature dog?
Toy usually means the smallest official size of a breed or membership of a Toy Group. Miniature usually means a reduced version of a larger breed. The Poodle shows both: the Toy Poodle is smaller and shown in the Toy Group, while the Miniature Poodle is larger and shown in the Non-Sporting Group.
Which dog breeds come in toy, miniature and standard sizes?
Under AKC rules, the Poodle, the American Eskimo Dog and the Xoloitzcuintli each come in toy, miniature and standard sizes. The Manchester Terrier has a toy and a standard variety, and the Dachshund has a miniature and a standard.
Is the Miniature Pinscher a toy breed?
Yes. Despite the word miniature in its name, the AKC places the Miniature Pinscher in its Toy Group. It is a separate German breed of pinscher type, not a smaller size of another breed.
Is a Miniature Schnauzer a toy breed?
No. The AKC places the Miniature Schnauzer in its Terrier Group. It was bred down from the Standard Schnauzer as a farm dog and ratter, and it is sturdier than most toy breeds.
Are teacup dogs a real size?
No. Teacup and micro are marketing labels, not kennel club sizes. Wikipedia notes that teacup dogs are usually bred from runts and that several health problems are associated with them. A recognized toy size is a safer choice.
How small is a miniature Dachshund?
The AKC defines a miniature Dachshund as eleven pounds or under, compared with roughly sixteen to thirty-two pounds for a standard. Some countries also recognize a smaller rabbit size, but the US and UK do not.
Which mini or toy breed is best for families with children?
Sturdier small breeds usually cope better with children than the tiniest toy dogs. Miniature sizes such as the Miniature Schnauzer or a miniature American Eskimo Dog are less fragile, but every small dog needs supervision with young children.
Do miniature breeds need less exercise than standard breeds?
Not always. A miniature of a herding or terrier breed keeps the drive of its larger relatives. The AKC describes the Miniature American Shepherd as a true herding dog despite its size, so plan for daily exercise and training.
Sources
- American Kennel Club: Toy Poodle
- American Kennel Club: Miniature Poodle
- American Kennel Club: American Eskimo Dog
- American Kennel Club: Xoloitzcuintli
- American Kennel Club: Manchester Terrier
- American Kennel Club: Dachshund
- American Kennel Club: Miniature Pinscher
- American Kennel Club: Miniature Schnauzer
- American Kennel Club: Miniature Bull Terrier
- American Kennel Club: Toy Fox Terrier
- American Kennel Club: Miniature American Shepherd
- American Kennel Club: Toy Group
- Wikipedia: Xoloitzcuintle
- Wikipedia: Manchester Terrier
- Wikipedia: Dachshund
- Wikipedia: Miniature Pinscher
- Wikipedia: Miniature Schnauzer
- Wikipedia: Miniature Bull Terrier
- Wikipedia: Miniature American Shepherd
- Wikipedia: Teacup dog