Toy Poodles:
Are you a dog enthusiast living in a small apartment but dreaming of owning a dog pet??? Or you are bored with standard-sized dogs and want to own a cute little companion this time???
If you’re seeking a dog companion with both energy and intelligence, this lively little dynamo (Toy Poodles) is the perfect match for you. Because these small little companions are the perfect blend of intelligence, jolly personality, and cute appearance.
Although they never stand more than 10 inches tall and weigh between 4-6 pounds their impact on your life and your well-being makes every challenge of welcoming a new puppy into your home completely rewarding.
Overview of Toy Poodles:
| Origin | 1900s |
| Ancestry | Water Dog, Barbet |
| Weight | 4-6 lbs |
| Height | 8-10 inches |
| Lifespan | 10-18 years |
| Common Health Issues | Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Patellar Luxation, Legg-Clave-Perthes, Ear Infections, Dental Diseases, Tracheal Collapse. |
| Shedding Level | Low |
Origin of Toy Poodles:
Poodles originated in Germany, where they were initially bred as water retrievers. Their name comes from the German word “pudel,” meaning “to splash in water.“
For those captivated by the Poodle’s spirit but seeking a more compact companion, the Toy and Miniature Poodles were bred. These smaller versions embody the same vibrant personality and work ethic as their larger counterparts.
Until 1907, both miniature and toy poodles were known as Toy Poodles but as the smaller versions became more popular the poodles under 28cm were called Toy Poodles and over 28cm and under 38cm Poodles were called miniature poodles.
Toy Poodle Appearance:
Toy Poodles are one of the cutest Poodles due to their tiny features. They are usually found in apricot, black, and white colors and many other shades are also found in them. They have refined noses with tiny snouts. Their expressive eyes show their high intelligence and charm. Their smiles have a sparkle, revealing small white teeth aligned in a neat scissor bite. Their ears, long and floppy, can sometimes seem to dwarf their tiny faces. The Toy Poodle’s tail is docked and positioned level with its topline.
They generally weigh around 4-8 pounds and their height is less than 10 inches.
| Eye-Color | Brown, Amber |
| Nose Color | Black, Brown |
| Coat Color | Black, Gray, Brown, Sable, White, Silver, Blue, Fawn, Cream, Red |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Coat Density | Medium |
| Coat Texture | Curly |
Height and Weight Chart
| Age | Weight | Height |
| 6 Months | 2.0 lbs | 5.0 inches |
| 12 Months | 4.0 lbs | 7.0 inches |
| 18 Months | 7.0 lbs | 9.0 inches |
Toy Poodle Maintenance:
Their fur can be prone to matting if not properly groomed thus grooming every 6-8 weeks is essential and daily brushing must be part of their routine. Their coat never sheds thus it increases and requires clipping to keep them in a manageable condition. Slicker and pin brushes are good choices for daily grooming. Clipping can be done by a professional groomer or it is an enjoyable chore that can be done by yourself. To prevent your Toy Poodle from decay-like issues regular teeth brushing is also very important. Keep the nails maintained by grinding them once or twice a week or trimming them with nail clippers twice a month.
Toy Poodle Temperament:
Toy Poodles are known for their lively, intelligent, and affectionate temperament. They are highly trainable, eager to please, and often excel in obedience and tricks. Despite their small size, they are confident and playful, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. Toy Poodles are also sensitive and attuned to their owner’s emotions, making them loyal and loving pets.
As poodles are intelligent breeds they love continuous mental stimulation. If you leave them alone at home they will feel boredom which can result in jumping, barking, destructive or misbehaving.
Activity Requirements:
Your tiny furry friends have a lot of energy which should be burnt to prevent destructive behavior to keep them active. Toy Poodles due to their small size and ready-to-go nature require regular activities and exercise. Taking them to the nearby dog parks for walking and socializing with other dogs and people will enrich their positive behavior and help them to adopt a more social and lively nature. They usually require 45 minutes of activity per day to fulfill their exercise requirements.
| Activity Level | High |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 7 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 45 minutes |
Toy Poodle Health Concerns
The average life span of toy poodles is about 10-18 years thus in this long life they can be prone to some health issues. Toy Poodles are usually healthy breeds and can enjoy a healthy life if provided with proper care, diet, exercise, and regular vet checkups. Some common health issues a toy poodle can face in life are given below:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy:
Photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) on the retina can be broken by the group of diseases known as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). The condition causes dark blindness initially and causes permanent blindness over time.
Patellar Luxation:
The kneecap, or patella, is a small bone that typically resides within a groove located in the femur at the knee joint. In dogs, when the knee is flexed the patella moves outside of its assigned groove. It will cause discomfort and eventually results in arthritis.
Joint supplements including fish oils and glucosamine and inflammatory medicines are used as the treatment but in severe cases, surgery is recommended.
Legg-Calve- Perthes:
When the head of the femur breaks down which can cause a lack of blood supply, this condition is known as Legg-Calve-Perthes. It causes limping and pain due to the breakdown of a bone. It usually occurs in younger dogs especially toy poodle puppies younger than 18 months. For severe cases, surgery is recommended while initially medications are used to reduce the pain.
Ear Infections:
Mostly dogs develop ear infections when there is overgrowth of yeast or bacteria within the ears. Symptoms to indicate ear infections include:
- Redness
- Visible Debris
- Odor
- Head-Shaking
- Scratching
If you find any three of the above signs in your dog take them to the vet for a proper checkup. Toy Poodles have more chances of developing ear infections because Poodles have long ear canals often covered with thick curly fur. Their long ear canal make them to trap more debris and moisture resulting in different ear infections. Trimming and proper ear cleaning are essential to prevent your poodle from ear infections because ear infections can trigger different allergies and infections in pets.
Dental Diseases:
Dental issues are the most common problem found in dogs, especially in small breeds like toy poodles. When bacterial tartar and plaque build up, it causes inflammation of tissues around teeth which causes tooth and bone decay. Dental issues can be painful for your dog and also affect the health of the internal organs of your pet.
Some common issues you should measure to prevent your toy poodle from such painful dental issues are:
– Oral hygiene plays an important role in preventing your dog from oral infections. Thus, Brush your Poodle’s teeth regularly with dog-specific toothpaste.
– Remove Plaque and Tartar some chew toys play a significant role in removing them.
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse happens when the trachea, or windpipe, becomes flattened. This occurs due to either weakened cartilage rings or a sagging membrane within the trachea.
Toy Poodles are more likely to be prone to this disease. Some common symptoms to identify this condition include severe cough especially when your toy poodle is eating or excited. To treat this issue some medications are also used and in more severe cases surgery is also recommended.
To prevent this issue maintain the weight of your dog and also use a harness instead of a collar because further pressure on the neck area can cause more issues.
FAQs
| Q1. Is the Toy Poodle the smallest variety of Poodles? Yes, Toy Poodles are the smallest variety of the Poodles family. Q2. Is the Toy Poodle a good pet? Yes, Toy Poodles are known for being intelligent, affectionate, and great companions, making them an excellent choice for families or individuals. Q3. Is the Toy Poodle difficult to maintain? Yes, Toy Poodles require regular grooming and attention to keep their coat in good condition, making them relatively high-maintenance dogs. Q4. What is the size of a fully-grown Toy Poodle? A fully grown Toy Poodle typically stands around 10 inches (25 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighs between 4 to 6 pounds (1.8 to 2.7 kg). |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Toy Poodles are intelligent, affectionate, and adaptable dogs that make wonderful companions for a variety of households. Despite their small size, they are active and playful, thriving in environments where they receive attention and mental stimulation. However, their high grooming needs require consistent care to keep their curly coats in top condition. Overall, Toy Poodles are a delightful breed, blending elegance with a friendly and loving nature, making them a great choice for pet owners seeking a loyal and charming companion.
