Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle, is a small Dog Breed. The poodle ranked number two on the list of smartest dogs. They might not come across as it or be thought as such, but they are extremely bright dogs. They are easy to train and have a coat that is easily maintained. They are typically good with strangers, other dogs and pets. Poodles excel at performance activities such as agility and obedience. They are active dogs who thrive on attention and learning and the toy version is no different. They come in many different colors and the silver toy poodle, black toy poodle, red toy poodle, and apricot being some of the more popular colors.
While we really recommend that you acquire one through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder. Always screen your breeders as much as possible to ensure that you are getting as high a quality dog as is possible.
If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.
Here are some pictures of the Toy Poodle
Toy Poodle Price
The toy poodle can range in price, but expect to pay at least $500 for one of these little guys. Typically going through a rescue is cheaper than a breeder and is your best bet!
Toy Poodle History
Poodles are thought to have originated in Germany, where they worked as water retrievers. The fancy coat they have today was initially made that way to keep them warm in the water.
The toy was simply created by selectively breeding for a smaller size. They, too, were working dogs. Miniatures are said to have sniffed out truffles, a type of edible mushroom that grows underground.
King Louis XVI in France apparently adored the little guys and the breed became thought of as France’s national dog. It was in France that the breed achieved status as companions, and Poodles still enjoy that status today.
Awesome videos of Toy Poodle puppies
Toy Poodle Size and Weight
Typically stand 10 inches.
Typically range from 5 pounds to 10 pounds.
Toy Poodle Personality
Poodles have a terrific sense of humor and personality and like to be the center of attention. They are known for their ability to perform tricks and are fun to train. Toy Poodles like to be with their families and are the ultimate companion dogs. If you aren’t home much or don’t plan on taking your dog with you when you go, this might not be the breed for you. They want to be a part of the family and have a higher energy level. They love to learn and aim to please. Plan on taking your dog for walks, even though they aren’t as high energy as their larger counterpart, exercise is good for them both physically and mentally.
If you get one as a puppy, don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training. This will create bad habits that might be hard to stop. Go ahead and start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Do everything you can to socialize the young puppy. Take him to puppy classes, doggy day cares, etc. Just keep socializing him as much as you can.
Even though this refers to acquiring one as a puppy, you can also get one through a rescue and find a little bit older, more mature and well socialized dog looking for a new home.
Toy Poodle Health
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
Here are some conditions that have been seen in the breed; Addison's disease and Cushing’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, deafness, diabetes, and patent ductus arteriosus are all common health problems in the toy poodle.
Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. A careful breeder and one who truly cares about the breed itself, screens their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens. One of the most common health problems with dogs is obesity. Keeping this under control is your responsibility.
Toy Poodle Care
Grooming is a significant consideration in Poodles. They have a unique fine, curly coat that works well in the water and for what it was designed to do, but needs to be clipped regularly, typically about every six to eight weeks. Be prepared to pay a groomer to keep them in good condition. Their hair mats easily, and requires regular brushing at home, even with professional grooming care. Left untrimmed, the coat will naturally curl into cords.
Trim his toe nails every couple of months and brush his teeth or get him an approved bone to chew on that will clean them for you. Their teeth can be finicky due to their small mouth so that will need to be monitored more than in larger breed dogs.
Toy Poodle Feeding
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet.