Detailed informantion about the Visual Records dog

There is a wealth of visual records concerning the Toys because many were included in portraits, often on the lap of their prosperous master or mistress and from these we can see how little some of the breeds have changed, such as Hogarth's pet Pug, painted in 1745.

Early writers seem not to have been as enamored of the Toy breeds as they were of the larger, sporting breeds. Dr Cams, a notable writer on canine matters in the sixteenth century described them thus: 'These doges are little, pretty and proper, and fine, and sought to satisfy the delicateness of dainty dames and wanton women's wiles, instruments of folly for them to play and dally withal, to trifle away the treasure of time, to withdraw their minds from their commendable exercises'. I)r Caius seems to have overlooked the fact that many of the breeds classified as Toys may well be diminutive in size, but not in spirit. Indeed it can be amusing to watch one of these tiny dogs taking to task a dog many times greater m size, although of course it is only amusing if the owners exercise great care, for accidents can and do happen.

Thanks to ancient records kept by civilizations of the Far East we obtain insight into breeds of dog in that region. Several which had their origins there were brought to Europe as trade developed. Now this area has become important for the breeding of Toy dogs and even the Papillon, although it clearly carries a French name, very probably came from the Orient.

Few of the Toy Group have been kept other than as pets, but many have been developed and bred down in size from breeds which have indeed 'earned their keep'. Toys have long been thought of as ladies' dogs but as times have changed, so have opinions, and many a gent gets as much pleasure and enjoyment from a Toy dog as does a lady.

Whilst all are small in stature, the Chihuahua being the smallest and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at the larger end of the scale, all are small enough to curl up comfortably in a small corner of the sitting room or to sit on one's lap. There is plenty of choice where coat is concerned -the Chinese Crested has virtually none at all, while the Maltese and Yorkshire terrier have long, flowing coats to keep even the busiest hands occupied with grooming for hours if these dogs are to be kept in full show coat.

Small breeds always seem full of fun and packed with character, and the Affenpinscher with its monkey-like expression, or the perky little Griffon Bruxellois, cannot help but bring a smile to one's face and liven up any moment of the day.