black and tan or white, black and red or rich red or white and red

The Cavalier King Charles spanielis a breed recognized in Britain and the United States. It appears in the same coat colours as the English toy spaniels, but it is larger (13 to 18 pounds [6 to 8 kg]) and has a longer muzzle. By the early 20th century, the English toy spaniel had been bred to a type less and less like the dogs shown in old paintings (as, for instance, in Edwin Landseer's painting The Cavalier's Pets [exhibited 1845]). In 1926 American Roswell Eldridge began offering prizes at the Crufts dog show to the dog most like an old Cavalier spaniel. Eventually, breeders became interested in the type, and by 1945 the Kennel Club of England had recognized the Cavalier King Charles spaniel as a distinct breed for which championships could be awarded.

four varieties, all similar except in colour

breed of dog known in Britain since Tudor times but that apparently originated in ancient Japan or China. It was favoured by Mary, Queen of Scots, King Charles II (after whom it was named the King Charles spaniel), and Queen Victoria, as well as by members of the aristocracy. It is said that Charles II was rarely without his dogs, and he had an edict passed that such spaniels could not be refused entry to any public place in Britain. A compact little dog with a domed head, short nose, and large, dark eyes, it has long, heavily haired, hanging ears and a long, soft, wavy coat. It stands 9 to 10 inches (23 to 25.5 cm) and weighs about 9 to 12 pounds (4 to 5.5 kg). There are four varieties, all similar except in colour. The King Charles variety is black-and-tan, as in the original members of the breed; the Prince Charles is black, tan, and white; the Blenheim is red and white; the Ruby is solid mahogany red. In Britain all varieties except the Blenheim are grouped as King Charles spaniels

variable in colour

Is the smallest recognized dog breed, named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where it was first noted in the mid-19th century. The Chihuahua is thought to have been derived from the Techichi, a small, mute dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as long ago as the 9th century AD. Typically a saucy-looking, alert dog that is sturdier than its small build would suggest, the Chihuahua stands about 13 cm (5 inches) and weighs 0.5 to 2.7 kg (1 to 6 pounds). It has a rounded head, large, erect ears, prominent eyes, and a compact body. The coat is variable in colour and may be either smooth and glossy or long and soft.

any color of brown, sedge, or deadgrass

There are two very different varieties of the Chinese Crested: hairless (except for tufts on head, feet, and tail) and powderpuff (long, silky coat).Possesses a hare foot that can grasp and hold object. An intelligent and entertaining dog, the Chinese Crested loves to climb and dig holes. The hairless does best in warmer climates, while the Powderpuff is partial to both.

white

The maltese is a breed of toy dog named for the island of Malta, where it may have originated about 2,800 years ago. Delicate in appearance but usually vigorous, healthy, affectionate, and lively, the Maltese was once the valued pet of the wealthy and aristocratic. The Maltese exudes great joy and delight. They are highly intelligent, animated, and playful. They are very social. It has a long, silky, pure-white coat, hanging ears, a compact body, and a plumed tail that curves over its back. It stands about 5 inches (13 centimetres) and weighs up to 7 pounds (3 kilograms).

white with patches of any color

Papillon is a breed of toy dog known from the 16th century, when it was called a dwarf spaniel. A fashionable dog, it was favoured by Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette, and it appeared in paintings by some of the Old Masters. The name papillon (French: “butterfly”) was given to the breed in the late 19th century, when a variety with large, flaring ears resembling the wings of a butterfly came into vogue. There is another variety of papillon, with drooping ears. A slender, graceful dog with a plumed tail, the papillon stands 11 inches (28 cm) or less and weighs up to 11 pounds (5 kg). The coat is soft, full, and usually white with patches of black or of pale tan to dark reddish brown.
The Papillon is always alert, playful, and elegant. They are intelligent and friendly, taking great delight in meeting and greeting everyone they come into contact with. The Papillon does not display a shy or aggressive nature.

all colors

Pekingese is a breed of toy dog developed in ancient China, where it was held sacred and was kept as a palace dog by members of the Imperial family. It was introduced to the West by English forces that looted the Imperial Palace at Peking in 1860. The Pekingese has been known, both in the Orient and in the West, as the “lion dog”—presumably because of its appearance, although it is also acclaimed as having a lionlike independence and courage. It stands about 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 centimetres) and weighs up to about 14 pounds (6.5 kilograms).
The celebrated “sleeve dogs” are very small Pekingese once carried by Chinese royalty in the sleeves of their robes. A long-haired dog, the Pekingese has a full mane and heavily haired thighs, forelegs, tail, and toes. Its head is broad and flat, with hanging ears and a short, wrinkled muzzle. The coat may be solid or variegated in colour, but there is always a black mask across the face.

all colors

The Pomeranian is a breed of toy dog that can be traced back, like the related Keeshond, Samoyed, and Norwegian elkhound, to early sled-dog ancestors. The breed is named for the duchy of Pomerania, where, in the early 19th century, it is said to have been bred down in size from a 30-pound (13.5-kilogram) sheep dog.
The Pomeranian is a compact, active toy breed. They are intelligent, extremely loyal to their family, and loving. They are eager to please, gentle, and affectionate. They also exhibit an inquisitive expression and curiosity. Characteristically spirited but docile, the Pomeranian is a compactly built dog with a foxlike head and small, erect ears. Its long coat, especially full on the neck and chest, may be any of a variety of colours, including white, black, brown, and reddish brown. The Pomeranian stands about 6 to 7 inches (14 to 18 cm) high and weighs about 3 to 7 pounds (1.5 to 3 kg).

silver, apricot-fawn, or black, with black muzzle or mask, ears, cheek moles, and trace down back

The Pug is a breed of toy dog that probably originated in China and was introduced to England near the end of the 17th century by Dutch traders. The pug has a short muzzle and a tightly curled tail. It is a squarely built, muscular dog, with a large head, prominent, dark eyes, and small, drooping ears. At maturity it stands 10 to 11 inches (25.5 to 28 cm) and weighs about 14 to 18 pounds (6 to 8 kg). Its coat is short and glossy; colour is given in the breed standard as black or as silver or apricot fawn with a black line on the back and a black mask on the face. Typically loyal and alert, the pug is a valued companion dog. The Pug should never be timid, and should never show signs of aggression. He should always be friendly and playful.

all

Tibetan dog breed developed from the Pekingese and the Lhasa apso. Listed in the toy group by the American Kennel Club, the shih tzu, called in Chinese shih-tzu kou (“lion dog”; Pinyin shizi gou), is a longhaired, characteristically active and alert little dog standing about 10 inches (25 cm) and weighing 9 to 16 pounds (4 to 7 kg). This breed gets along very well with older children and other pets. They are outgoing and self-assured, keen and alert. It is longer than it is tall and is sturdily built and short-legged, with a short muzzle, hanging ears, and a heavily haired tail carried over its back. Its dense coat, which may be a variety of colours, falls over its eyes and forms a beard and whiskers on the face.

born black, gradually attaining their blue and tan coloration as they mature

The Yorkshire Terrier is also called Yorkie, breed of toy dog developed about the mid-1800s in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. The lineage of the breed is unknown but appears to include several terriers, such as the Skye and Dandie Dinmont; it may also include the Maltese. The most outstanding feature of the Yorkie is its straight, silky coat, parted on the back from nose to tail and long enough to sweep the ground. Colour is dark blue-gray, with tan on the head and chest. A small, compact dog, the Yorkshire terrier stands about 20 to 23 cm (8 to 9 inches) with a maximum weight of 3 kg (7 pounds). Generally healthy and spirited, it is valued as a pet and companion.