Poodles originated in Germany, where they were developed to retrieve waterfowl on hunting expeditions. Toy poodles were created by selectively breeding down the smallest specimens of poodles. Toy poodles became popular circus performers and revered companions in France. It was under the reign of King Louis XVI that the toy poodle became known as the national dog of France. In 1887, the American Kennel Club recognized the toy poodle as a member of the toy group.
Toy Poodles are small versions of regular poodles with long slender legs in proportion with their height. They are squarely built. Poodles have domed heads with long muzzles and large, pendant ears. Like regular poodles, Toy Poodles have an athletic build and are covered in thick curly or wiry coat. If the dog breed is shown at dog shows, it requires extensive grooming including regular bathing and coat clipping. If the dog is not shown at dog shows, grooming is a little less extensive, but the coat still needs to be clipped regularly as these dogs don’t tend to shed. The ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections.
Personality
Toy Poodles are friendly, affectionate and outgoing dogs. They are devoted to their families and very fond of children. Despite their small size, they tend to have a lot of energy and enjoy playing and romping outdoors. Toy Poodles are also very alert and inquisitive and make great watchdogs. They are friendly with other dogs and pets, as well as with people they don’t know.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Warm |
| Group: | Non-Sporting (Utility) |
| Life Span: | 13-18 Years |
| Nicknames: | Teddy poodle, French poodle, Teacup poodle, Pudle, Chien canne, Caniche, Barbone |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
Toy Poodle Build Information
The height of a toy poodle does not exceed 10 inches at the shoulders. Toy poodles weigh between five and 10 pounds. The toy poodle is covered in a dense coat of fine, curly hair that forms long cords when left untrimmed. Toy poodle coats may be any solid color, including black, gray, chocolate, apricot or white. The toy poodle’s short earflaps hang downward. The tail is docked to a length that is in proportion to the dog’s outline and is carried upward. Toy Poodles are small versions of regular poodles with long slender legs in proportion with their height. They are squarely built. Poodles have domed heads with long muzzles and large, pendant ears. Like regular poodles, Toy Poodles have an athletic build and are covered in thick curly or wiry coat. If the dog breed is shown at dog shows, it requires extensive grooming including regular bathing and coat clipping. If the dog is not shown at dog shows, grooming is a little less extensive, but the coat still needs to be clipped regularly as these dogs don’t tend to shed. The ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections.
| Size: | Toy |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 8-10 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 1 – 3 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Toy poodles are companionable dogs that are highly intelligent and very easily trained. They are affectionate, and they get along with other dogs and cats. They are not a good choice for families with young children. Their tiny size makes them too delicate for children to play with. They make alert watchdogs. Toy poodles are excellent candidates for living in apartment settings or with less active owners. As long as the toy poodle is walked daily and provided with indoor playtime and mental stimulation, its exercise needs will be met. Toy poodles are content to spend time on an owner’s lap, and they like to be involved in household activities. They are amenable to learning tricks to perform for the family, and they make excellent therapy dogs. Toy Poodles are friendly, affectionate and outgoing dogs. They are devoted to their families and very fond of children. Despite their small size, they tend to have a lot of energy and enjoy playing and romping outdoors. Toy Poodles are also very alert and inquisitive and make great watchdogs. They are friendly with other dogs and pets, as well as with people they don’t know.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Toy poodles require daily grooming. The curly coat needs to be trimmed by a professional groomer every six weeks. In between trims, toy poodles need to be brushed and combed daily to extract dead hair and prevent tangling and matting. As part of the daily grooming ritual, the teeth need to be brushed to reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease, a problem that is rampant in toy breeds. Each week, the ears should be inspected for signs of dirt or debris. If they appear dirty, they should be cleaned and kept dry to prevent ear infections.
| Colors: | Apricot, Black, Blue, Cream, Gray, Light Brown, Red, Silver, White |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Curly |
Toy Poodle Common Health Conditions
Toy poodles live lengthy lifespans of 14 to 18 years. Some health conditions that have been known to affect toy poodles include patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, collapsing trachea, periodontal disease, hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes, epilepsy, congenital deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma and cataracts.
Toy Poodle Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
With its keen intelligence and affectionate demeanor, it is no wonder that the toy poodle has steadily remained among the top ten most popular dogs on the American Kennel Club breed registry. The toy poodle originated in Germany. The toy poodle is also called a Teddy poodle, a French poodle, a teacup poodle, a pudle, a chien canne, a caniche and a barbone. The toy poodle is a highly intelligent and affectionate family companion. The toy poodle stands 10 inches or less at the shoulder and weighs 5 to 10 pounds. The toy poodle has a minimal energy level. The toy poodle requires extensive grooming. The average lifespan for a toy poodle is 14 to 18 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
