purse puppy

English

Etymology

From the idea that the dog is small enough to fit into a purse.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ʌpi

Noun

purse puppy (plural purse puppies)

1. (informal) A dog small enough to fit into a sleeve, purse, or backpack.
   • 2012, Nancy Mangano, Murder Can Be Messy, →ISBN, page 132:

     Regina quickly set Serena onto the floor and spoke baby jabber to the cherished purse puppy.

   • 2012, Debra Eldredge, Liz Palika, Your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Month By Month, →ISBN:

     Be aware that size descriptions such as teacup, micro, mini, baby doll, purse puppy, teddy bear, and other similar terms for smaller-than-normal Yorkshire Terriers are simply marketing ploys for Yorkies who don't fit the breed.

   • 2017, Kelly Collins, Set Up: The Second Chance Series, →ISBN:

     I was one of those women today, a girl looking for a purse puppy.

   • 2017, Raquel Fletcher, The Year I Turned 25: A Memoir About Sex, Anxiety and a Dog Named She-Devil, →ISBN:

     When Sam and I first moved into our apartment, we discussed getting a puppy. “A purse puppy!” We yelled at the same time. And then jumped up and down in an overly excited, sister roommate dance.