NOT TOYS
Reading some of the recent posts here I see a term I do not like. Some folks refer to small dogs as Toy Dogs. I do realize they are refering to a specific dog group. But labeling a living thing with the word "Toy" makes me cringe.

I believe that some folks take this term too literally. They treat small dogs not the way they should be...like dogs. Real toys can be treated anyway one desires. But all dogs, small or large have certain requirements. One of them is how they are raised and socialized. I have seen more unsocialzed little dogs then any other group of dogs. People think that a snarling growling Lhasa Apso is cute or even amusing. A snarling growling German Shepard would not be tolerated. Why then tolerate a brat dog just because he is small?

I prefer the British classification of small dogs. They do not use the term "Toy", they use the term "Companion Dog."

Does anyone else agree that the word "toy" should not be used in conjunction with the word "dog"?

I prefer "small dog". But the AKC has the "toy group" so thats why people call them "toy breeds".

PUPPY-LOVE
The official term for a female dog is b*itch. However, we don't go around using it. "Toy Breed" might be an offical term, but we don't have to use it.

exactly, I totally agree. I prefer small dog.

PUPPY-LOVE
Look at all the other dog groups. There are the herding dogs and the hunting dogs and scent hounds and so on. All the other group names refer to a function the breeds have or had at one time.

So why would anyone refer to a whole group of dogs as "Toys"? They did once function as inanimate play things? Are they to be treated like a stuffed animal?

I guess you and I are the two smartest people on this forum!

I don't mind the use of the word toy. If people think of dogs as toys, maybe it has to do with unethical breeders making them into teacups.

ANGEELETA
You understand what the term "Toy Breed" means. I understand this term. Most people with any sense should understand this term.

But, look at some of the postings here about Toy Breeds. Read how they are described. I ask you, is that the way to describe any dog of any size. All dogs are canines. They are animals. They need to be trained and socialized. They do not need to be spoiled. They do not need to be carried around everywhere like they are crippled.

In my opinion, the British have a more logical naming system for the different dog groups. As I said before, what we refer to as toy dogs they refer to as companion dogs. It makes sense. Little dogs are usually kept just to have a canine pal around.

I do really feel that some folks take the word "Toy" too literally.

I have cavaliers and I call them small dogs or companion dogs. They arent toy breeds to me.

CAVALIER-LOVE
Good for you. At least there are now three smart people here.

quote:

Originally posted by lizziedog1:
ANGEELETA
You understand what the term "Toy Breed" means. I understand this term. Most people with any sense should understand this term.

But, look at some of the postings here about Toy Breeds. Read how they are described. I ask you, is that the way to describe any dog of any size. All dogs are canines. They are animals. They need to be trained and socialized. They do not need to be spoiled. They do not need to be carried around everywhere like they are crippled.

In my opinion, the British have a more logical naming system for the different dog groups. As I said before, what we refer to as toy dogs they refer to as companion dogs. It makes sense. Little dogs are usually kept just to have a canine pal around.

I do really feel that some folks take the word "Toy" too literally.

*shrugs*

Again, I find more pressing issues at hand for the world at large. I find the word "toy" to be close to the bottom of my list of 1,295,747.

ANGEELETA
You must be a fast typist!

Are your fingers sore?

quote:

Originally posted by lizziedog1:
ANGEELETA
You must be a fast typist!

Are your fingers sore?

Naw, my superhero powers keep me content and never feeling pain.

ANGEELETA
That makes sense. Responding to over one million inquiries a day could only be accomplished by someone with super-human powers.