High Spirited Toy Poodles
The Toy Poodle is the smallest size of the Poodle breed. They stand up to 10 inches at the shoulders and weigh between 6 – 9 pounds. Poodles have existed for over 400 years and are said to have originated in France. While the Standard and Miniature Poodle varieties were used for hunting, the Toy Poodle was a popular companion that was well favored among the royal court, especially around the 18 th century.
Toy Poodles are elegant and high spirited dogs. They are sociable and friendly towards strangers IF they are properly socialized as a puppy. If not, they can be reserved towards anyone who is not a member of their family. In addition, the Toy Poodle can be nervous around children. This particular poodle variety is not recommended for young children who can unintentionally hurt the dog. Remember, Toy Poodles are small and can be easily injured. Furthermore, a Toy Poodle may snap at abusive children. However, they do like to play and enjoy the company of respectful older (ages 8 and up) children.
Although they are small, Toy Poodles should not be pampered, as this can create an overly aggressive and domineering dog. Toy’s require obedience training and need to know their place in your “pack”. In addition, the Toy Poodle is a highly trainable dog and is very intelligent. They are quick learners and will develop their own personality. The Poodle requires gentle but firm training.
The Toy Poodle loves to bark and makes an excellent watchdog. However, if not controlled they can bark frequently which can become quite aggravating to both owners and neighbors. In addition, it is not uncommon for a Toy Poodle to be high-strung and full of energy.
Toy Poodles are well suited to both city and country life. They are very active indoors and are fine without a yard, which makes them ideal apartment dogs. However, keep in mind that the Toy Poodle still requires sufficient exercise such as two, 15 minute walks daily as well as plenty of play time and the freedom to run. This breed is particularly fond of fetch and can be amused with this game for long periods of time. That being said, they also enjoy lying down in the company of their owner and are happy to be wherever their family is. These dogs are not happy on their own.
The Toy Poodle lives, on average, between 12-15 years. They are relatively healthy, but are prone to certain illnesses including runny eyes and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), skin conditions, ear infections, heart problems, digestive disorders, slipped stifles and immune, mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).
Like all Poodles, one of the most recognized features of a Toy Poodle is his full curly coat that is generally kept in three different styles such as the pet/puppy clip (hair is kept relatively short throughout the body); English Saddle clip (face, throat, forelegs, feet and base of tail are shaved, while puffs of hair are left on the front legs and pompom on the tail and both leg flanks have a small curved portion shaved, and two shaved bands on each leg); Continental Clip (the rear half of the Toy’s body is shaved and bracelets of fur are left around the ankles, while pompoms are left on the hips and end of the tail). Toy poodles do not shed and are a good breed for allergy sufferers.
Based on the above coat cut descriptions it should come as no surprise that the poodle is a high maintenance dog when it comes to grooming, and will need to be brushed daily, despite what coat cut he has. He will also require a bath every month, a clipping every two weeks and the occasional scaling of the teeth.
The coat of a toy poodle is available in white, cream, brown, apricot, red, black, silver, and blue.
The Toy Poodle is a happy-go-lucky breed and is a wonderful companion for an apartment dweller, and is a true show dog champion.
