Famed as being one of the world’s cutest dogs, the toy poodle is a miniature breed that is known for its loyalty and charm! Here is everything you need to know about this pint-size companion deemed one of the world’s favorite breeds.
Breed Snapshot
Size Small Dog (2-3kg); 25cm in height
Coat Low shedding, Grooming is required every 3-6 weeks to keep fur from matting.
Energy High energy breed that requires a brisk walk for at least 30 – 60 minutes daily.
Lifespan 10 – 18 years
Country of origin France
Breed type Related to larger Poodles, Toy Poodles were first bred in France around 400 years ago. Toy Poodles are hunting dogs that are now mostly bred for companionship and dog shows. Affectionate dog that loves attention and has a spunky personality.
Other names “Duck Dog” is the French name.
Great breed for:
- Families with kids
- Apartment living or homes with a yard
- Dog shows
- Outdoor enthusiasts and joggers
About Toy Poodles
Toy Poodles are aristocratic to their core and love to be doted on! This dog develops a strong bond with his or her family and is truly a fun-loving bundle of joy. Toy Poodles were first bred in France more than 500 years ago to be hunting companions as they love to go for a swim and are good at retrieving ducks and other small hunted animals. These adorable little dogs have been and continue to be a beloved pet of nobility.
With a loving home, plenty of exercise, and a healthy diet, dogs in the Toy Poodle group can enjoy a long life of up to 18 years! Toy poodles are intelligent dogs that love to run wild and free with those who care for them.
What do Toy Poodles look like?
Toy Poodles are a miniature version of a traditional Poodle dog and are known for their elaborate poofy-trim haircuts. Dogs in the Toy Poodle group are small, never growing taller than 25cm in height. They are popular among owners who like to tote their dog around with them wherever they go and fit easily into a small over-the-shoulder bag.
Toy Poodles colouring ranges from bright white to browns and silvers to a deep shade of black. Most Toy Poodles are a solid colour but can be found in a two-tone brown and white. Their fur is thick They are quite muscular and have a thin protruding snout.
Toy Poodles like to be groomed like Royalty
Just like the royal little nobles that they are, Toy Poodles require a lot of grooming, which can be just as fun for you as it is for your dog. Toy Poodles are show dogs and feature a thick and luxurious coat that can be sculpted to give your dog a very unique look.
Their fur should be brushed out daily to maintain its fluffy and healthy appearance. Whilst some prefer to shave their Toy Poodles on their own, others prefer to have it done professionally and the cost is approximately $30 to $90 per trip to the groomer depending on the size of the dog. Special attention should also be paid to keeping their nails trimmed and their teeth brushed.
What makes Toy Poodles so special?
Toy Poodles are special because of the strong bond they form with their human family. They tend to act like little people and always want all the attention on them. Toy Poodles are very intelligent dogs and provide a lot of love and affection when it is needed the most.
Dogs of this breed make excellent therapy dogs for those who have PTSD or suffer from anxiety as they prefer to stay close to their owner and love to be petted and played with.
How often should I walk my Toy Poodle?
Toy Poodles are little balls of energy and they require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and fit. Your Toy Poodle should go on plenty of walks and be exercised for 30 – 60 minutes each day. This dog breed loves to run alongside family members on a jog or play fetch in the back yard.
What dog food should I feed my Toy Poodle?
To live their best and healthiest life, Toy Poodles should only be fed high quality dog food that is meant for small dog breeds. Consult with your vet to determine the best meal plan for your Toy Poodle.
How can I adopt a Toy Poodle?
If you have decided that a Toy Poodle is the perfect pet for you, this adorable little dog can be adopted directly from a breeder. Check out RSCPA’s website where you will find an adoption guide as well as several other resources that will assist you on your journey to finding the right dog.
Popular Toy Poodle Questions
Are Toy Poodles territorial?
Toy Poodles are very protective of their owner and tend to become territorial when strangers are near. You can limit their tendency to be territorial by socialising them with lots of people and other dogs when they are puppies.
Are Toy Poodles barkers?
Yes! Toy Poodles can find just about anything or anyone to bark at. Keep them mentally stimulated with toys and plenty of playtime and you can reduce their barking.
Are Toy Poodles good family dogs?
Toy Poodles can be good family dogs if they are socialised with all family members from puppyhood. These dogs can be territorial around kids if they are not used to cohabitating with them all the time.
Can Toy Poodles be left alone?
No! Toy Poodles are very social dogs that require almost constant attention from their “human pack.” They suffer from social anxiety when left alone and are not meant for people who go to work each day.
Are Toy Poodles Hypoallergenic?
Toy Poodles are one of the most hypoallergenic dogs you can own and are the perfect breed for those who have pet allergies.
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