toy dog vs dog toy

[outofdejavu]

Good day!

Regarding the word toy, for the objects for children to play with, it is described in learner's dictionaries that the structure of the nominal phrase is toy truck/soldier/train/etc.


In this anecdote, "dog toy" is used to mean a stuffed toy. (In this case, a "stuffed toy dog," right?)
According to dictionaries, a "toy dog" will mean a small breed of dog that is kept as a pet. Is this usage only reserved for dogs?


When toy is put before animals other than dogs, it can only be understood as "objects for children to play with." Am I right on this?

The more comments, the better. :up:

 

[Tarheel]

A dog toy is a toy for dogs. A toy dog is a small dog. (Example: toy poodle.)

 

[jutfrank]

A dog toy is a toy for dogs. A toy dog is a small dog. (Example: toy poodle.)

Right.

Also, a toy dog could be a toy for a child, in the shape of a dog.