toy dogs that tend to get along well with older children that are less likely to make loud noises, suddenly run or jump around or do something completely unexpected are more numerous. These dogs typically respond well to children, especially if they have been raised in a household with calm, respectful and responsible kids.

Each of the types of toy dog breeds require different types and amounts of care, training, food, and exercise. They have different “personalities” and drive, so if you want to own one, do take care to research their good points and the less liked points of behavior and health which apply to each toy dog breed.

Take care to gain your information from kennel club web sites, because depending on reading only the descriptions on the breeders sites may not alert you to some of the aspects the toy dog breeder may shall we say fail to see due to their familiarity and tendency to wear what we might call “rose tinted glasses” when thinking of their own sweet toy dogs dogs.

Nursing homes and adult care facilities have found toy dog breeds to be soothing for their patients. Contrary to common perception, there is no law preventing animals from living in nursing homes. Very many of these facilities have found the toy dog breeds to be very soothing for their patients, and with careful breed selection to match the care home residents physical exercise capabilities are not demanding on their ability or staff time to exercise them.

We are great fans of the toy Papillons, which unlike many other toy dogs, are not just a lap dog. Owners claim that this toy dog breed is truly well rounded in its personality and is a big dog in a small package.

Papillons, although dainty and small they are quite capable of taking long walks with their humans and often excel at the energetic sport of dog agility. The Maltese are another example of very robust daintiness, and would also feature in my list of toy dogs to consider.

We think that Papillons are wonderful spirited toy dogs, and find that their devotion as a companion are second to none. Papillons from the best toy dog breeders have been carefully selected for their own special traits, personalities and conformation.

Just like any dog, early socialization and training of the puppy to curb excessive barking and leg lifting is required. We would like to stress that even though these dogs are very small, they still enjoy lots of playtime and long walks. We also recommend consistent obedience training for these dogs just like dogs of any size the owner should be able to control them when in any public location.

Finally, if you are considering a toy dog breed have you thought of buying an adult dog? Adopting a homeless dog is not just the epitome of kindness. In fact the investment is one in loyalty, devotion and companionship for a lifetime. Adopting a really sweet toy dog is like giving a lease on life on the animal and having lost one owner they seem to heap even more devotion on a second owner.

Dogs like to chew. But, dog parents may be entering dangerous territory when choosing appropriate products. Some of the most popular chew items, like rawhide-type chews, hooves, snouts, vinyl dog toys and bones may be killing our dogs.

In 2005, a New York couple filed a $5 million lawsuit against the makers of Greenies – yes, those popular green toothbrush-shaped chews sold in pet stores and vet clinics nationwide.

According to the lawsuit, Burt, their beloved black and tan Dachshund, was given a petite-sized Greenie. The next day Burt, suddenly ill, was taken to a vet who suspected an intestinal blockage. The diagnosis was confirmed by X-Ray analysis, and Burt underwent emergency surgery. The surgeon removed what was described as a green and rubbery eraser-like object that was lodged in Burt’s small intestine. The lawsuit contends that the object was the "toothbrush" end of a chewed Greenie that had increased in size by approximately 25% while lodged in Burt’s body.

Over three feet of the 12-pound dog’s intestine had decayed and was surgically removed. Over the next 48 hours at the clinic, Burt suffered, bled internally, vomited blood and developed pneumonia and septicemia. He endured three cardiac failures before he died.

The lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount of money. The original Greenies were phased out and "new" Greenies soon became available. New Greenies came about following S&M NuTec’s recent acquisition by Mars earlier this year. Billed as the "next generation in canine dental care," new Greenies claim to be 96% digestible.

Greenies, however, are not unique. Many more potentially dangerous chew products fill the shelves of pet stores – rawhides, pig ears, snouts, bully sticks, cow hooves, smoked bones, and more.

There is little regulation on dog chew products, but the Food and Drug Administration has issued nationwide public health warning alerting consumers about a number of cases of human illnesses apparently related to contact with dog chew products made from pork or beef-derived materials.

The FDA warned that the products may pose a risk of bacterial infection such as Salmonella infantis which can cause flu-like symptoms in normally healthy people, but may cause far more serious – even life threatening illness in immune-compromised patients.

Additionally, many rawhide chews and related items are difficult to digest and some dogs swallow large chunks of hide that can lead to intestinal impactions. The harder type products, like hooves and bones have been reported to split, splinter or break and lead to damage in the digestive tract.

Rawhide is the processed skin of animals. Various techniques and chemicals are used in the preparation of these products along with similar versions of chew products such as smoked hooves, etc. Millions of these products are imported and it is physically impossible for the FDA to test all the products and the production methods utilized. Some techniques of hide tanning incorporate mercury and arsenic during the curing process. Distressingly, some chews do not even identify what kind of animal skin or bone was used to produce a chew treat.

Play it safe. Appropriately sized, hard rubber Kongs are the safest products available. They satisfy your dog’s chewing needs, and stuffed with your own foods can safely entertain your dog for hours.