Chinese Foo dogs are unique in that they come in three distinct sizes: Toy, which is under ten inches, Miniature, which is between ten and fifteen inches, and Standard, which is above fifteen inches. Choosing which sized Chinese Foo to buy will depend on the family situation, size of the home and availability of space to exercise and play. In this article, we'll take a look at the pros and cons of each of the three sizes of Chinese Foos.

Like many Toy sized breeds, Toy Chinese Foos are energetic bundles of love that come in small packages. They are great for families that are constantly on the go, because their small size makes traveling much easier than larger breeds. Toy Chinese Foos are also an excellent choice for those that are interested in the breed but live in an apartment or a smaller home that doesn't have a lot of outside space in which to exercise.

The downside with these smallest of the Chinese Foo dogs is that they may not be suitable for smaller children or families that wish to expand their family in the near future. This is nothing against the dogs, that are reputed to be excellent with children, nor the children themselves, but the simple fact that small children and small dogs often do not mix well. Despite the fact that Chinese Foos are sturdy little dogs, the small stature of the smallest of these dogs means that they could easily be accidentally stepped on or sat on. Small children don't always understand their own strength and could play too roughly with them. Also, the energetic play, loudness and the unsteady walking of small children can make Toy dogs nervous, shy, or defensive.

This is not to say the Toy Chinese Foo dogs and children are impossible together, but it will mean constant supervision on the part of the parents to make sure that both children and dog play well together and respect each other.

Miniature Chinese Foos may be a better choice for families with small children. Because they are a little larger than Toys, they play better with children and tend to be more protective of them. Miniatures are also a great option for those that don't care for Toy dogs but don't have the space for a larger dog. Miniatures do very well in apartment living, given enough outdoor exercise.

Finally, Standard Chinese Foos are great for those with homes with a large yard and they are very calm and protective of children. Standards make excellent guard dogs and are generally wary of strangers but welcome them when they see that the family welcomes them. Standards would not be a good choice for those that live in smaller homes or do not have access to plenty of space for play and exercise.