Yorkshire Terrier with Dyed-Pink  Fur (All Photos By Gail)

Dogs: they’re like people, only better. Recently, I attended my second-ever  Meet The Breeds show, which is sponsored by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and held annually at NYC’s Javits Center.  If you’re looking to add a dog to your family, Meet The Breeds is the place to discover which breed is the perfect fit for you and to be overwhelmed by the cuteness of these gorgeous babies.


So. Many. Doggies.

The point of me  attending this show is  to share my experience with you, dear readers, so the day can be a bit challenging to distill. This year, I went in with a plan to focus my coverage on the Toy Breeds — and even that was overwhelming, because how do you choose which breeds to showcase from so many fantastic dogs?

It was not easy, but eventually I narrowed it down to my Top Ten Favorite Toy Breeds, plus one bonus photo up at the top of a crazy-cute Yorkie with pink fur. What can I say ? I felt a kinship.  If you look closely,  the Yorkie seen at the top right corner of the  photo — who  is groomed for show — looks a wee bit like Chewbacca. Try to un-see it.

Oh my goodness, where to even start. How about this little cutie: a Biewer Toy Terrier. Oringally from Germany the Biewer Terrier is a small, elegant, and playful breed with a distinct long, silky tri-colored coat (white, black, and tan). They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them excellent companion dogs. Biewers are intelligent, lively, and social, often getting along well with children and other pets. They typically weigh between 4 to 8 pounds and stand about 7 to 11 inches tall. Their luxurious coat requires regular grooming, and they thrive on attention and human companionship.

I am Dead Now, from the Cuteness

Something you will notice is that I have an unintentional fondness for Terriers. The Parson Russell Terrier is an energetic, intelligent, and athletic small breed originally bred for fox hunting. They have a compact, muscular build, standing 13–14 inches tall and weighing 13–17 pounds. Their coat can be smooth, broken, or rough, typically white with black, tan, or brown markings. Parsons are bold, confident, and highly active, requiring plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are affectionate with their families but can be independent and strong-willed, making early training essential. Their hunting instincts make them keen diggers and chasers, so a secure yard is recommended.

They also make excellent doorbells!

Oh man, I’m in love. The Boston Terrier is a small, compact, and lively breed known for its tuxedo-like coat, expressive eyes, and charming personality. They typically weigh 12–25 pounds and stand 15–17 inches tall. Their short, smooth coat comes in black, brindle, or seal with white markings. Boston Terriers are affectionate, intelligent, and friendly, making them excellent companions and family pets. They are playful yet adaptable, thriving in both apartments and larger homes. With moderate exercise needs and a love for human interaction, they are easy to train but can be a bit stubborn. Their short snout makes them prone to breathing issues, so they are sensitive to heat and intense exercise. They are also excellent kissers.

Boston Terrier Mascot in the Booth!

The West Highland White Terrier (Westie) is a small, sturdy, and confident breed known for its bright white coat and lively personality. They typically weigh 15–20 pounds and stand 10–11 inches tall. Westies are affectionate, intelligent, and independent, with a playful and sometimes stubborn nature. Originally bred for hunting vermin, they have a strong prey drive and love to dig and chase. Their double coat requires regular grooming to maintain its signature fluffy look. Despite their small size, they are energetic and need daily exercise. They make excellent companions, getting along well with families, but they can be feisty with other small animals. Feisty!

I am a sucker for a French Bulldog! The Frenchie is a small, muscular, and affectionate breed known for its distinctive bat-like ears, short snout, and compact build. They typically weigh 16–28 pounds and stand 11–12 inches tall. Frenchies are friendly, playful, and adaptable, making them excellent companions for city dwellers and families alike. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. While they don’t need excessive exercise, they enjoy short walks and playtime. Due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, they are prone to breathing issues and are sensitive to heat. French Bulldogs are social, love human interaction, and can be quite comical with their charming personalities. Squee!

Our family had a Poodle  when I was quite young and I can tell you that they are the best dogs! The Toy Poodle is an intelligent, affectionate, and highly trainable small breed, standing under 10 inches tall and weighing 4–6 pounds. They have a curly, hypo-allergenic coat that requires regular grooming. Known for their lively and playful nature, Toy Poodles are also very social and bond closely with their owners. They excel in obedience and agility due to their sharp intelligence. Despite their small size, they have plenty of energy and need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their friendly and adaptable temperament makes them great companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.

The Pomeranian is a small, fluffy, and energetic toy breed known for its thick double coat, fox-like face, and plume-like tail. They typically weigh 3–7 pounds and stand 6–7 inches tall. Pomeranians are intelligent, lively, and confident, often showing a bold personality despite their tiny size. They are affectionate with their owners but can be wary of strangers, making them good watchdogs. Their luxurious coat requires regular grooming. While they are playful and enjoy activity, they adapt well to apartment living. With proper training and socialization, they make loving, spirited, and entertaining companions.

Talk about little angel, meet the English Toy Spaniel, a small, affectionate, and gentle breed known for its silky coat, domed head, and large, dark eyes. They typically weigh 8–14 pounds and stand 9–10 inches tall. This breed is loving, devoted, and thrives on companionship, making them excellent lap dogs. English Toy Spaniels are relatively low-energy but enjoy short walks and playtime. They can be somewhat reserved with strangers but are very loyal to their families. Their long, wavy coat requires regular grooming. With their sweet and calm temperament, they make wonderful companions, especially for those looking for a quiet, affectionate pet.

Palate Cleanser

OMG, it’s a Brussel’s Griffon! This little guy was having the best time playing with his squeeky toy and he sure did steal the show rocking his red cap and blue sweater with clouds on it. Stylin! The Brussels Griffon is an expressive breed with a distinctive face and compact build. They typically weigh 8–12 pounds and stand 7–10 inches tall. Known for their bold, confident personalities, Brussels Griffons are affectionate, loyal, and often form strong bonds with their owners. They have two coat types: rough and smooth, both requiring regular grooming. Despite their small size, they are energetic and enjoy playtime and short walks. They can be a bit reserved with strangers but are generally good with families. Their charming, sometimes comical nature makes them delightful companions.

Oh, The Cuteness

I can’t explain why this adorable Miniature Shelty was spotted in the Dalmation booth, but he was so darn  cute I could hardly even live. The Miniature Shetland Sheepdog is a small, agile, and intelligent herding breed, standing 13–16 inches tall and weighing 15–25 pounds. They resemble the larger Shetland Sheepdog but are more compact. Miniature Shelties have a beautiful double coat with a long, thick outer layer and soft undercoat, requiring regular grooming. They are friendly, loyal, and energetic, enjoying activities like agility, obedience, and herding games. Known for their sharp intelligence, Miniature Shelties are highly trainable but can be sensitive, so gentle training methods work best. They make excellent companions for active families or individuals. Precious!

I hope you enjoyed meeting this fun group of small dogs and have maybe learned which breed could be your ideal companion animal! For more information on the AKC’s Meet The Breeds you can visit This Link!