Toy Group

Small dogs or lap dogs have existed in Asia and Europe for centuries. Early carvings and art objects prove their existence, whilst historical records indicate their origins. Various types of small dog were brought down an early trade route from the Far East to the Mediterranean before the Christian era: traders would acquire these attractive dogs either as presents or exchange them for goods in the course of barter. All were similar in characteristics and appearance if not colouring, and were known as lion dogs. It is from the ancestors of these dogs – long coated, hairy faced and a fringed tail which is carried over the back in a curl – that a number of toy breeds are descended. As time passed Bichon-type dogs (bichon means lap dog and is usually applied to all small white dogs) were taken from Egypt to Rome where they became very popular. Gradually their popularity spread, and by the Middle Ages they were seen in the European courts. By the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries small dogs were not only kept as pets but also as a source of warmth. Dr Johannes Caius, physician to Elizabeth I described the toy spaniel as a "Comforter or Spaniell Gentle" meaning that they were used as a source of warmth by their owners when in the home, while attending church or travelling. It is also believed that the the word 'comforter' applied to a toy dog which was used for curing diseases; it was said to have been rubbed up and down the abdomen and chest of people who were suffering from pain or discomforture. Bichon-type dogs, the Italian Greyhound, the Papillon and the King Charles Spaniel, were all known to be favourites at the royal courts of Europe as well as in the homes of the nobility and the wealthy. While kings kept pack hounds for the chase their queens favoured the smaller dogs. The Barbichon breeds which include the Maltese, the Bichon Frise and the Bolognese have also found favour in high places. There have been times when their popularity waned, especially during the French Revolution, but nowadays they are once more popular and much loved breeds. The Italian Greyhound, a miniature breed, dates back to before the Christian era. A Colonel Smith wrote of the breed in the middle of the nineteenth century: "They were of great beauty and solely kept by the ladies". This was certainly true in the sixteenth century, when they were known to be favourites with ladies at both the Italian and Spanish courts. During the Renaissance, Italian artists portrayed these boudoir pets; a charming portrait at Hampton Court Palace by Honthorst shows the King of Bohemia's children with three beautiful Italian Greyhounds. Towards the end of the nineteenth century they lost their popularity through enthusiasts breeding abnormally small dogs. Nowadays they enjoy a moderate following; they are charming dogs and make affectionate companions. Papillons were the favourite of Henry III of France and also Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour. Their popularity can be judged by the number of Old Masters (such as Van Dyke and Rembrandt) who included these small dogs in their paintings. The King Charles Spaniel is thought by some to be the most attractive of all the toy breeds. Although popular in the reign of both Charles I and II, they were probably first introduced into the British Isles when Mary Queen of Scots returned to Scotland from France. Mary brought with her a pack of dogs which it is thought was given to her by her mother-in-law, Catherine de Medici. The Pekingese and Pug and the Japanese Chin came from China. The Pekingese is a breed of great antiquity although not brought to British shores until 1860. The Pug, thought to be descended from the Mastiff, was either introduced into the west by Portuguese traders or members of the Dutch East India Company. They were well established in Holland before coming to England in 1689. The Japanese Chin also originated in China, and was taken to Japan well before the Christian era. Like the Pekingese they were great favourites at court. It was first introduced to England in the 1860's. The public became interested in the breed when Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII, was seen to successfully breed and show them. The Chinese crested dog, of which there are two varieties, is believed to date back to the Han Dynasty. The Hairless type has hair on the head, toes and ankles – giving it the appearance of wearing socks – and hair, in the shape of a plume, forms its tail. The Powder Puff variety has a coat of long hair; any colour is acceptable. The Chihuahua comes from Mexico and is the smallest breed in the world. The breed is named after the state of Chihuahua, and it is thought to be the sacred dog of the Aztec and Toltec Indians. Canine experts believe that the dog originated in the Mediterranean and was taken to Mexico by soldiers and sailors at the time of the Spanish conquest. The breed has been developed in the United States during the twentieth century. There are two types: a long-coated and a short-coated version, both of which are of the same shape and size. The Affenpinscher, the English Toy Terrier, the Griffon Bruxellois, the miniature Pinscher and the Yorkshire Terrier all had one thing in common – they were first class ratters and good guard dogs. Today all these breeds are active little dogs that are good companions, excellent house dogs and they all delight in a good walk. Australia has the Australian Silky Terrier which was developed in the nineteenth century. Although bred to be a companion it is nevertheless a dog with plenty of character and can portray terrier characteristics. A compact little dog that will fit into most types of living. The Pomeranian, although a member of the toy group, would not have fitted into this group a century ago. In the nineteenth century it was a working dog, roughly the size of a Keeshond, and was used to herd sheep in Germany and other parts of continental Europe. Centuries ago some of the breeds in this group, although pets and companions, also had an important role to play in the community in which they lived. Most buildings, whether homes or farms, were infested with rats and mice, and had it not been for these tough little dogs the vermin population would never have been kept under control. Nowadays they are pets, successful show dogs and much loved companions. Rosamund Walters.