Country of Origin: United Kingdom
  • Activity Level: high
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  • Shedding Level: low
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  • Grooming Level: high
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  • Trainability: high
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  • Good for Novice Owners: high
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  • Adaptability: high
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  • Kid/Pet Friendly: sometimes
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  • Prey Drive: moderate
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  • Watchdog: aware
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  • Average Size: Small
  • Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
  • Registered?: aca
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Toy Poodle Dog Breed Information

Overview

Temperament

Adaptability

Health

Owner Experience

Grooming

Activity Level

Size

Life Span

Did You Know?

Breeders developed Toy Poodles in 18th century England as smaller versions of their German predecessors. These tiny, regal dogs were favored by King Louis XVI and often featured in his court. The Toy Poodle began to represent social status, and nobles would decorate their dogs in high fashion of the time. They became so popular, in fact, that they were one of the first toy breeds recognized by the Kennel Club.

Toy Poodles are smart cookies. Their intelligence is one of their predominant features, and is often showcased during obedience training. These dogs have tremendous problem-solving capabilities that make them ideal for competitions. On the other hand, this same intelligence makes for an easily bored pup. They need mental stimulation, like challenging games and toys, to keep their busy minds occupied. The Toy Poodle may also be suspicious of strangers and slow to warm up to new people.

This dog breed can adapt to a wide range of living situations due to their small size. They can thrive in small apartments or sprawling properties – as long as they’re close to their owners. As a matter of fact, they have trouble dealing with any kind of alone time. As such, the Toy Poodle is an excellent companion animal for people who love a little company.

Toy Poodles aren’t particularly receptive to small children. Their discomfort stems from tots’ energy and grabby nature; if children can handle them with care, it eases their anxiety a great deal.

There are a few health conditions that Toy Poodles are more susceptible to than other dog breeds. For example, they may suffer from eye disorders, like cataracts, or blood clotting disorders, like Hemophilia. Because of their size, they may also bear the risk of dental crowding, kneecap migration, or trachea instability. With regular visits to the veterinarian, many of these potential health concerns can be comfortably managed.

Owners typically have an easy time during obedience training with Toy Poodles. Their intelligence often hastens the training process. However, they can present destructive tendencies when left to their own devices for too long. With something to do, and someone to love, these pups usually don’t resort to chewing your shoes.

Toy Poodles have famously low-shedding coats. They lack undercoats, so their shedding is minimal. Their fur is hypoallergenic and mats rather than sheds. These pups will only need to be groomed to prevent matting and increase shine. Usually, brushing your Toy Poodle once or twice a week and grooming every six weeks is sufficient.

In addition to coat care, you’ll need to trim your Toy Poodle’s nails monthly, check their ears weekly, and brush their teeth or use an enzyme toothpaste daily. As a small dog breed, they are more prone to developing dental disease so good dental care is important.

This dog breed is a member of the Toy Group and is recognized by the AKC and ACA. Poodles are an active breed in general, and Toy Poodles in specific are just as active. Because of their size, however, they don’t need as much room to run around as their larger counterparts. After a few laps around the kitchen, the Toy Poodle will tire out and happily sit by their owners during daily activities.

The Toy Poodle stands at a mighty 7-10 inches at the shoulder. Their weight ranges from 6-9 pounds and usually averages around 8 pounds.

Toy Poodles usually live 12 – 15 years.

The Poodle coat is built for the water and even the Toy Poodle tends to have excellent, practically innate, swimming abilities.