Toy Poodle Background Information & History

Although the exact origins of the Poodle breed is still relatively unknown, many historians believe these dogs came from Germany and France back in the 1400’s. During this time, poodles were known to be excellent guard dogs and circus performers. The Toy Poodle didn’t come into play until the 18th century when breeders sought out a smaller version of their curler-haired favorite.

These dogs were mostly bred solely for their companionship, however, they were also used for hunting mushrooms and performing as show dogs. Since then, the toy poodle has become a popular pet throughout the United States and other countries as well.

Toy Poodle Temperament & Personality

Just like their larger cousins, the Toy Poodle is both loving and protective. These dogs crave human companionship and feel that it’s their duty to protect their owners at any cost. They also tend to be wary of strangers, which makes them an excellent watchdog for the entire family. At the end of the day, the Toy Poodle is a playful and outgoing breed that adapts very well to any kind of household.

Toy Poodle Training Tips

After taking a look at their long history in the show ring, it’s no surprise that the Toy Poodle is an easy breed to train. Simple commands are a breeze for these dogs, and they’ll need more challenging tasks to be mentally stimulated on a daily basis.

As a general rule of thumb, make sure to start the dog training process while they are still a puppy for best results. It is also recommended to socialize your dog with different places, people, sounds, and experiences from a young age. This will teach him the necessary skills they need in order to become a well-behaved pup later on in life.

Toy Poodle Exercise

The Toy Poodle needs to be physically and mentally stimulated on a daily basis to stay both happy and healthy. That’s why it’s critical that these dogs get a long walk and some solid playtime every single day.

Since these dogs are smaller than the average, they are well-suited for apartment living as long as they are taken out several times a day. A Toy Poodle that does not get enough exercise will develop bad behaviors and bark excessively.

Toy Poodle Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Toy Poodle is between 12 to 15 years.

Toy Poodle Popularity

Since the Toy Poodle is categorized with the average Poodle, it’s difficult to tell just how popular these fun-sized companions really are. As of right now, the average Poodle is ranked as the 7th most popular breed in the U.S. by the American Kennel Club.

Toy Poodle Feeding Requirements

When choosing your dog’s food, make sure to find a product that contains all-natural and organic ingredients that are free of any harmful preservatives or fillers. It is also important to give your Toy Poodle fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration.

Toy Poodle Grooming

The iconic coat of the poodle requires frequent grooming to stay at its best. Make sure to brush their coat at least every other day to prevent tangles and mats from forming. Aside from their coat grooming, the Toy Poodle should have their coat professionally clipped 4 times a year to maintain a clean and traditional look.

A Toy Poodle also needs their nails trimmed every couple of weeks if they do not wear down naturally on their own. Lastly, brush their teeth at least once a week to prevent tartar and bacteria from building up. This is especially important considering a majority of dogs will develop dental disease at some point in their life.

Are Toy Poodles Good With Kids?

Toy Poodles love the attention they get from children and in return, they can be an excellent playmate for them. However, with that being said, small children may be too rough for these fragile dogs and could accidentally injure them while rough-housing. That’s why it is recommended that the child be at least 6 years of age in order to have a safe and fun relationship with their pet.  

Toy Poodle Health Problems

Generally speaking, the Toy Poodle is a relatively healthy breed, but they are still prone to several health problems. These dog health problems may include:

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to produce a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones. Once this happens, the dog may become lethargic, experience weight gain, or have many other symptoms. Luckily for these dogs, hypothyroidism can be cured by taking a synthetic hormone pill.

Epilepsy: Canine epilepsy is the number one cause of seizures in dogs. These seizures can be triggered by a number of different factors such as brain tumors, trauma, or cancer.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: Poodle Club of America

Rescue: Toy Poodle Rescue