Toy Poodle

4-8 lbs
8-10"
Germany
Poodle, Barbone, Caniche
The Toy Poodle may be small in stature but they are big in cuteness and personality. If you are looking for a dog companion that has spunk and intelligence to boot, then this little dynamo is right for you. Weighing in at 4 to 8 pounds, this pooch won't take up a lot of room around the house. However, their impact on your life and your wellbeing make all the effort of a new puppy in the home worthwhile.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
1900s
ancestry Ancestry
Water Dog, Barbet

Toy Poodle Health

Average Size
Male Toy Poodle size stats
Height: 8-10 inches Weight: 4-8 lbs
Female Toy Poodle size stats
Height: 8-10 inches Weight: 4-8 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Addison's Disease
  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Cushing's Disease
  • Idiopathic Epilepsy
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Various Eye Conditions
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Eye examination
  • Blood Analysis
  • Cardiac Ultrasound
  • Complete Physical Examination

Toy Poodle Breed History

The Toy Poodle was developed in the 1900s and resulted from the breeding of small Poodles together. They have origins in Germany, with ancestors like the Portuguese, Hungarian, and Spanish Water Dogs and the North American Barbet.

Developed mainly in France, Poodles have been long recognized for their alertness and incredible tracking abilities. Once used as an aid to the duck hunter, they skillfully waded into the water to retrieve the downed fowl. They were first clipped in the fancy clipping patterns that we see today as a way of keeping the joints of the legs and hips covered, as well as the chest. Patterns shorn into the fur today, such as the Continental, Sporting, and Saddle Patterns are a tribute to the early coat creations.

Truffle hunting was another job that this working canine excelled at and they still have an innate love for using their nose hundreds of years later. Former circus performers adored by the crowds, these agile and strong dogs showcase their talents every time they enter the conformation ring. Following their working history, this dog breed became favorite pets of the nobility in France and Europe. They joined the roster of the American Kennel Club in 1887.

Toy Poodle Breed Appearance

The Toy Poodle may be small but they have a mighty, yet cute appearance. Most commonly, they are apricot, black, and white in color but there are several shades in their coat color lineup. They have a refined nose and their snout is tiny and fine. Their eyes are alert and display an air of high intelligence. They have a sparkle when they smile and display small white teeth with a scissor bite. Their ears are long and can sometimes seem to overwhelm the little face. Their stance is proud and they have no problem puffing out their deep chest in pride. The tail of the Toy Poodle is docked and sits on a level topline. They have sturdy shoulders and despite being tiny are compact. The height of this dog is always less than 10 inches and the weight is usually around 4 to 8 pounds.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Toy Poodle eyes
Brown
amber Toy Poodle eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Toy Poodle nose
Black
brown Toy Poodle nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Toy Poodle coat
Black
gray Toy Poodle coat
Gray
brown Toy Poodle coat
Brown
sable Toy Poodle coat
Sable
white Toy Poodle coat
White
silver Toy Poodle coat
Silver
blue Toy Poodle coat
Blue
fawn Toy Poodle coat
Fawn
cream Toy Poodle coat
Cream
red Toy Poodle coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Toy Poodle curly coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Toy Poodle Breed Maintenance

The Toy Poodle can have matted fur if you are not careful, so daily brushing and grooming every three to six weeks or more is a must. Their fur does not shed, instead grows long and needs to be clipped often to keep them looking dapper and smart. The pin and slicker brushes can be used for daily maintenance. A groomer can clip your pup for you unless it is a chore you enjoy doing yourself. Keep your pup’s teeth white and healthy with daily brushing. This will avoid decay that tiny breeds are prone to experience.  Maintain the nails as needed by grinding them once or twice a week, or cutting them with nail clippers twice a month. Toy Poodles may have tear staining and will need to have the area around the eyes gently wiped every day.

Brushes for Toy Poodle
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Clipper
Clipper
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Toy Poodle requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Toy Poodle Temperament

Perky and happy to join in the fun, the Toy Poodle likes to play. This breed, however, is best suited for a home with older children. Their bones can be fragile due to their tiny size and cannot be dropped or handled roughly. They are a delight to own and have great affection for their owners. They are no stranger to mischief, especially if they are not adequately challenged mentally and physically every day. Don’t let their size fool you – they can compete and win just like the larger breeds can. They may turn into little barkers if you do not teach them their manners. They love to learn and will eagerly show their stuff in obedience classes.

Toy Poodle Activity Requirements

Small and ready to go, your Toy Poodle has energy and will need daily walks to burn it off. Take them to a dog park designated for small pooches and let them run or chase a ball. Socializing them with other dogs (and people) will enable them to become well-rounded doggy-citizens. They adore being the center of attention and are keen to try rally and tracking contests and also like to be part of meet and greet sessions with the neighbors. Give them 45 minutes a day of active time and they should be ready for a snuggle in the evening.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Toy Poodle Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Toy Poodle Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Toy Poodle size stats at six months
Height: 5.0 inches Weight: 2.0 lbs
Female Toy Poodle size stats at six months
Height: 5.0 inches Weight: 2.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Toy Poodle size stats at 12 months
Height: 7.0 inches Weight: 4.0 lbs
Female Toy Poodle size stats at 12 months
Height: 7.0 inches Weight: 4.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Toy Poodle size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 7.0 lbs
Female Toy Poodle size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 7.0 lbs

Toy Poodle Owner Experiences

Doodles
9 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Nap
I love my poodle I bias they are very smart and loyal
2 years, 11 months ago
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