Apart from being clever, proud, and elegant, poodles are an impressive dog breed that is considered one of the most intelligent in the whole world. Today we are going to talk about Toy Poddle, which is the most miniature version of the poodle breed. Being the smallest does not change the narrative about these dogs; they still have the same temperament, intelligence, and physical characteristics as their standard-sized counterparts.
The adorable appearance of the poodles is beautifully paired with their incredible kindness, devotion, and love. They are very loyal, friendly, and excellent companion dogs that are highly trainable and suitable for a wide variety of tasks. However, when they get bored, they can be pretty destructive, so it is imperative to keep them engaged on both physical and mental levels.
In this article, we are going to cover some interesting facts about the poodles, as well as their breed history, characteristics, physical appearance, habits, and ultimately, the price for which you can buy them. There is a lot to cover, so let us get into it.
History of the Poodle Breed
The history of the poodle breed is deeply rooted and connected to the world’s history. Experts in cynological science are not in agreement about their birthplace, ancestral origins, or the stages of the breed formation. This is due to the fact that at different times, Germany, Hungary, and France all claimed to be the original states of the poodles.
The original purpose of the poodles was mainly connected to hunting since their predecessors were shaggy shepherd dogs or “water dogs.” This type of dog is often connected to multiple Western Europe countries, and their job was to bring a shot from ponds during hunting.
Nowadays, experts who study dogs share the view that the poodle originated from several dog breeds that differed in terms of size but had a distinctive feature that was always recognizable and the same – a shaggy coat that covered their whole bodies.
As far as the name goes, the English word poodle is derived from the German word pudel, or pudelin, which translates to splash in the water. On the other hand, in France, poodles are called Caniche, which is a name derived from chien canard, which means duck dog.
Even the coat styling of the poodle breed is known for having practical purposes throughout history. The trimmed areas lightened the weight of the dog’s coat, and it would not snag on underwater debris, while the areas with longer hair protected the dog from the cold water.
As far as their origins go, it is commonly believed that the poodles are descendants of Asian herding dogs and then traveled with the Germanic Goth and Ostrogoth tribes to become German water dogs eventually.
Regardless of their ancestry, poodles are definitely one of the oldest dog breeds. There were even illustrations of poodle-like dogs on Egyptian and Roman artifacts and tombs that date all the way to the first centuries B.C. These drawings display dogs that look very similar to modern-day poodles.
The first poodle was registered back in 1874 by the Kennel Club in England, and just two years after that, the first British club for poodle lovers and enthusiasts arrived.
It is unknown when the first poodle arrived in the United States, but the first poodle was registered in 1886, while The Poodle Club of America was founded in 1896 and disbanded not very long after. However, poodle enthusiasts and lovers re-established the club in 1931.
It was very rare to encounter Poodle in the U.S. before World War II, but by the mid-1950s, this breed became the most popular in the country and held such status for over 20 years.
Poodle Sizes and Types
There is a total of three sizes of poodles that are considered the same breed. You have Toy, the Miniature, and Standard. The Standard is the oldest type of these three varieties, and some Standard Poodles continue the historical tradition of working as water dogs or water retrievers.
Regardless of their size, poodles are well-known for their playfulness, dignified persona, and sharp intelligence. Training-wise they are top-of-the-line students and excel at performance sports such as obedience, agility, and hunt tests. Poodles are also very people-friendly dogs that thrive the most when surrounded by big families.
However, when you leave them alone for longer periods, they tend to get lonely, depressed, and sometimes even sick, so it is safe to say they crave attention and are very much dependent on it. Now, let us review some important features and information about toy poodles.
Essential Information About Toy Poodles
As we already mentioned, toy poodles and poodles, in general, are largely dependent on human company, and the same goes for their training. If you do not pay enough attention to them and avoid training them properly, they might conclude they are alphas of the family and become quite destructive and “hard-headed.”
This is especially the case with the miniature version – toy poodles. They are more likely to get spoiled when untrained, so it is rather important to teach them good canine manners and insist they use what they learned in the training sessions in everyday life. It will show them that you, as an owner, are the leader of the pack and the one it needs to obey.
Due to the fact poodles are highly intelligent and playful creatures, it is essential to dose them with obedience training and keep their minds engaged. The dog who is thinking and learning hardly has the time to get bored; therefore, it will not get destructive or depressive. That is, of course, as long as you train it regularly and pay enough attention to it.
As far as a poodle’s coat goes, it requires regular maintenance to stay beautiful, healthy, and clean. Poodle owners generally opt for visiting professional groomers for these purposes, and they do so every three to six weeks. If you want to save some money, you can try to learn how to groom them by yourself. However, note that this is not an easy task, and it will take some time and effort to master it.
The Appearance of Toy Poodles
Although they are very small, Toy poodles have a very mighty and dignified yet very cute appearance. In the section below, we are going to break down all the essential features Toy poodles possess so that you can always recognize and differentiate them from the other poodle types.
Overview
Body Size | Maximum of 10 inches |
Body Weight | 6 to 9 pounds |
Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
Breed Type | Mixes and More |
Main Purpose and Role | Companion |
Owners | Families, Singles, Couples, and Seniors |
Colors | White, Cream, Apricot, Brown, Red, Black, Silver, and Parti |
Temperament | Lively, Playful, Intelligent, Loving, and Athletic |
Also Known As | Teddy Poodle, French Poodle, Barbone, and Caniche |
Size, Weight, Height, and Appearance
All poodle types are the same dog breed, and they look pretty much the same – except their body size differs. Toy poodles are the smallest variety of the three and are no more than 10 inches tall and 5 pounds heavy. They have squarish bodies and are typically as long as they are tall.
Poodles have proud bearing and stance, with their heads kept high and their dark-colored eyes looking alert and perceptive. Their coats come in a wide array of colors from black to brown, yellow, and white shades. You can also encounter poodles with bi-colored colors, but they are very rare.
One of the most recognizable poodle features is its curly fur coat. Since this dog species does not shed all that much, it is ideal for owners with allergies. Although Toy poodles are not hypoallergenic dogs, most owners consider them the next best thing in that regard.
The curly fur coat also adds them a lot of versatility since groomers can style it in many different ways, which is quite an attraction because cool show cuts made them hugely famous around the planet.
Personality and Temperament
The four words that precisely describe Toy poodles are intelligent, loyal, mischievous, and loving. They are very smart and often consider themselves a vital part of their family. Their personalities are powerful, and they are able to learn stuff in the nick of time, especially some more complicated things that would be rather difficult to some other breeds.
Another thing that is a big part of their personality is their connection to their owners. They will get very displeased, sometimes even depressed and angry, if they think they are being left out of the family activities, which is why you should ensure they are getting enough attention and care.
So, when you consider all of these factors, it is safe to say that this type of temperament and personality is a double-edged blade. Toy poodles are devoted companions and family pets who enjoy being around people and being the center of attention. They enjoy learning new tricks and especially thrive when going on frequent walks. However, if you fail to satisfy their needs, they can get quite grumpy and destructive.
They are also very active dogs that perform exceptionally in agility and obedience training sessions. Moreover, they really love children and can play with them for hours. Due to the fact they are highly intelligent, Toy poodles are quick to learn some games, such as hide and seek, which are rather complex for other dog breeds.
All of these things are very positive, and such behavior is a product of great care and devoted attention to the poodle. On the flip side, they can develop various stress behaviors if you stay separated from them for longer periods. Leaving them alone for too long can result in their passive-aggressive behavior, which will make them do things they know you do not like and do them in front of you so that you can be aware of their displeasure.
Toy poodles are very complex creatures, and sometimes too much care and attention can produce negative effects as well. You should not baby them, especially because their tiny size and adorable appearance may tempt you to carry them everywhere. If you start doing it, they will start expecting you to do it every time. In a nutshell, do not waste time, and start training them as soon as possible.
Toy Poodle Health
Toy poodles are generally a very healthy breed, but like all other species, there are certain types of conditions they are prone to. It is rather important to be aware of diseases they may succumb to, mostly to be able to anticipate them and prevent them from happening in the first place.
If you opt to buy a puppy, it is rather vital to find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for the puppy and its parents as well. These clearances are essential since they serve as proof that the pup was tested for or cleared of certain conditions.
For poodles, it is imperative to get health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and Von Willebrand’s disease. Here is the complete list of diseases and illnesses you should be aware of.
- Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Commonly known as bloat)
- Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
- Epilepsy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Legg-Perthes Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
- Sebaceous Adenitis
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
Care and Nutrition
Poodles are a rather athletic breed, and they do fine in just about any type of home, from apartments to estates, as long as they have their regular exercise and sufficient human companionship. Toy poodles prefer to live indoors with their families and very much enjoy company and games with their owners.
Since they are very intelligent, toy poodles can master new tricks very fast, which is why you have to be careful, because they will learn bad things as quickly as they learn good ones. So if you are relatively new to raising dogs, it is essential to get the assistance of a skilled trainer and take your pup to obedience classes. Many owners make a mistake with small dog breeds and skip training which results in lots of issues and bad behavior.
As far as nutrition goes, it is recommended for toy poodles to have 1/4 to 1/2 cups of top-notch dry food every day, split into two meals. We should mention that how much an adult dog eats depends on its size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. The quality of food also bears huge significance. The better the food is, the further it will go in terms of nourishment.
Same as is the case with other breeds, toy poodle will pack on the weight if he is overfed, which can cause joint problems and other inconvenient health issues. Make sure to limit their treats, increase their activity, and measure the food in their meals instead of leaving it available at all times.
It is also important to mention that they will often beg for table scraps, but you must be able to resist those cute hungry eyes. Keep them disciplined and their nutrition in check, as they are prone to becoming overweight, which is very dangerous for this breed and can lead to various health problems.
Do Toy Poodles Get Along With Other Pets?
Toy poodles are a very friendly breed, and they usually get along with other pets just fine. However, they are very sensitive to loud noises, negative emotions, and sudden movements, which is why you should keep your eye on them if you plan to pair them with some other pets.
It is much easier for your toy poodle to get along with other pets if he is trained and socialized from a very young age. When they learn to have some extra animal company from the time they are puppies, poodles easily get used to it and can be great companions to other pets as much as they are to humans.
How Much Exercise Does Toy Poodle Need?
Even though toy poodles require less exercise than their standard-sized counterpart, they still need a fair amount of it to release all that built-up energy and stay healthy. It is recommended to make their exercise sessions no longer than 30 minutes per day, including walking and playtime.
They have small limbs, so too much exercise can exhaust them or, even worse, lead to some type of injury, so make sure you do not overdo it. The 30-minute exercise is all they require and will do wonders for their psychological and physical state.
Three Interesting Facts About Toy Poodles
We did a bit of research and found some interesting and little-known facts about this adorable dog breed. Here are some cool pieces of information that you probably did not know before.
1. Elvis Presley Was a Huge Poodle Fan
The late rockstar Elvis Presley was a well-known and self-admitted poodle fan. His love for these creatures was so big that he wanted to spread that love with others by giving poodles as gifts to family and close ones.
2. Toy Poodles Do Not Shed
Toy poodles do not shed, which is why they are almost a perfect pet choice for people that suffer from various allergies. They have a hypoallergenic coat, and their petite size means they will thrive in a wide variety of home types.
3. Toy Poodle Can Fit Into Your Purse
Toy poodles are common pets for celebrities that often put them in their purses. As you can see, apart from being a great companion, they can also be part of your fashion statement, and since they are so small, they can definitely fit inside a bag or purse.
What Is the Price of Toy Poodle Puppies in the United States?
It is recommended to buy a toy poodle from an experienced, high-quality breeder so that you can get all the necessary information and instructions to raise him properly. The prices for toy poodles vary between $1000 and $1500, but you might be able to get one from a rescue shelter for a lower price.
Final Words
Toy poodles are adorable little companions that are very affectionate, cute, and smart. As long they have some human company, they are very happy and do well in sharing that positive energy with everyone around them. They can fit pretty much anywhere, they do not ask much from you, and with a bit of care and training, they can become your best friends and companions for life.