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Toy Poodle Dog Breed Introduction
Toy Poodle is a smaller-sized dog breed version of a Poodle. This dog was first developed in the 20th century. They are elegant-looking tiny dogs with slender muzzles and long necks. Their coat is profuse and curly and is always styled. This dog breed is the smallest of the three, standing no over 10 inches tall and weighing about 5 pounds. They have dark-colored eyes that appear alert.
Their coats come in a stunning array of colors from black to brown and yellow colors to white. They are devoted family dogs who love to be the center of attention, adopt tricks, as well as take walks. Toy Poodles are best in agility and obedience training and will play with kids for hours. Due to their extreme intelligence, they are even faster to learn how to engage in more complex games like hide and seek. On the flip side, these dogs can develop common stress behaviors accompanied by separation anxiety.
If you leave Toy Poodles alone for too long or don’t give them the attention they need, they can be passive-aggressive and do things they know you don’t like—while you’re around to take care of them. They are the best apartment-dwellers due to their small size, and make great pets for seniors and people with mobility problems due to their natural desire to be lapdogs. These dogs do best in households with other dogs, and their lower prey drive, high intelligence, and friendly attitude make them best for houses with cats. Regularly supervise kids when they play with Toy Poodles and teach them how to best interact with them.
Origin
This dog breed developed in the 18th century as a small type of the Standard Poodle. Toy Poodles were bred specifically for companionship. It was first bred in the early 20th century in America. They are believed to have developed in Germany where this dog was called Pudel, which meant “splash in the water,” an allusion to their ability as water retrievers.
This dog breed is popularly recognized for its proven perfection in shows. The dog’s curly and voluminous coat in addition to a confident strut always appears to steal the show.
Toy Poodle Lifespan
The life expectancy of Toy Poodles is 12 to 18 years, and their management differs with age, lifestyle, etc.
Average Lifespan
Their average lifespan is 16 years, with the range being 12 to 18 years.
Toy Poodle Grooming
The Toy Poodles have a coat that is thick and curly. Even if they shed a low amount of hair, they need regular brushing and clipping. This also assists in keeping mats and tangles from forming on the dog’s thick, curly coat. Besides frequent brushing, their coat needs trimming every 6 to 8 weeks.
A slicker brush is needed as a grooming tool since it removes loose and dead hair from the coat. Harshly pulling tangles and mats will make Toy Poodles not to look forward to grooming sessions with the owner. Rather, use your fingers to gently work on the tangle.
Toy Poodles need a bath every 6 to 8 weeks using a canine hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. Brush Toy Poodles’ coat before bathing them to remove dirt and mats that get messier when wet. Brush Toy Poodles teeth two times a week to get rid of tartar buildup by using a toothbrush and dog-formulated toothpaste. Also, trim their nails at least biweekly. Clean their ears once a week using cotton balls dampened in an ear solution to remove dirt and excess wax.
Cuts
They need haircuts from a professional groomer every four to eight weeks. Some of the Toy Poodles haircuts include:
The puppy cut style – is a trendy and versatile hairstyle for Toy Poodles in which the dog’s fur is cut half to one inch.
Teddy Bear Haircut – is mainly for curly fur and is a popular choice among Toy Poodles owners. Their facial hair is left longer and afterward trimmed circularly to a length of 2 inches.
Lamb Haircut – it is achieved while shortening the hair on their chest and jaw and leaving the legs unshaven.
Kennel Haircut – It is suitable for Toy Poodles that will be staying in a kennel or boarding facility. This style is achieved when their hair coat is trimmed uniform length all over, apart from their head, ears, and tail.
The Mohawk haircut – It is trimming the sides of the Toy Poodles’ head down to the skin, leaving a strip of hair in the middle of their head.
Cuts For Females
– Kennel Haircut
– The Puppy Cut.
– Continental Cut.
Cuts For Males
– The Mohawk haircut.
– Teddy Bear Haircut.
– Lamb Haircut.
Grooming Cost
The grooming price of Toy Poodles can range anywhere from $30 to $80.
Puppy Grooming
Puppy grooming involves brushing your Toy Poodles hair and teeth, and bathing it every 4 to 6 weeks. You will need to begin trimming their coat when they’re 5-6 months old, but it’s good to begin doing it at 2-3 months to get them used to it. Brush the coat daily, clean their ears once a week, brush their teeth with a soft brush at least twice a week, and trim their nails fortnightly.
Shedding
Toy Poodles are regarded as a low to non-shedding dog breed. Being curly-coated Toy Poodles sheds very little all year round.
Coat | Hair
They have a dense and curly coat.
Coat Change
Starting at around 9 months their coat gradually changes over to their adult coat.
Hypoallergenic
Toy Poodles are regarded hypoallergenic. Being a low to non-shedding breed, Toy Poodles are generally considered to be an allergy-friendly pet. It’s good to keep in mind that no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, but some breeds are more tolerable than others. These dogs are famously chosen as pets by those with allergies or sensitivities.
Hypoallergenic Price
Being hypoallergenic, Toy Poodles’ price is $1000 to $2500 depending on the age of the dog and the location of the breeder.
Toy Poodle Training
Toy Poodles are intelligent dogs that are easily trainable. They start training at an early age of three weeks before they are adopted. The training sessions should be short, fun, and challenging. Pet owners should train their dogs for five to ten minutes at a time.
However, if harsh correction is used when training them like yelling, that destroys the relationship with Toy Poodles to the point that they are no longer interested in your training sessions. Parents are encouraged to use treats, playtime, toys, petting, and verbal praise to inspire Toy Poodles’ positive behavior.
Socialization of Toy Poodles is the key to making them versatile to new things. To socialize Toy Poodles owners should expose them to a wide range of people, animals, places, surfaces, smells, sights, and sounds like lawnmowers, doorbells, and vacuum cleaners.
Teach Toy Poodles basic command words from the age of 8 weeks one at a time until the dog is well used to it. Some of the basic comma words that Toy Poodles may cope to follow are wait, sit, stand, heel, stop, get in, etc. Also housebreak Toy Poodles by potty training, creating a feeding guide, and crate training.
Potty Training
They are intelligent dogs that pick up new lessons quickly. Their potty training should start from 2 months when they join you from the breeder. Puppies may not become consistent until they’re between 12 and 16 weeks old. It requires patience, commitment, and consistency. Accidents are common, but if owners follow basic potty training tips, they can get Toy Poodles on the right track. Wipe the accident spot using an enzyme detergent or iodine solution to rid of bad odor.
It mostly takes 4-6 months for a puppy to be fully potty trained, but some of them may take a year. Never scold your Toy Poodles for an accident, hit them with a newspaper, or force them to sniff the pee or poo. Remember to watch out for signs that Toy Poodles want to go for a potty trip including whining, restlessness, sniffing, and circling.
Setting a home base will help the Toy Poodles spend their time when the owner is not around to supervise them. Some parents may use puppy gates to restrict Toy Poodles to stay in one room, putting an exercise pen, or using a playpen meant for puppies.
If you are not around at home more than four or five hours a day, paper-train the puppy by using pet pee pads, newspapers (cover the place with many bands of newspaper), or a box. Rather, train Toy Poodles to eliminate in an appointed place indoors. Take your Toy Poodles to the delegated potty spot immediately after they wake up, 30 minutes after meals and drinks, after a nap.
Toy Poodle Potty Training Problems
– They won’t use pads.
– Tearing up puppy pads.
– Peeing only when unobserved.
– Going for potty trips several times an hour due to the small bladder size.
– Eliminating in one corner of the crate especially if the crate is too big.
Temperament
– Athletic.
– Affectionate.
– Trainable.
– Loving.
– Intelligent.
– Eager to Please.
– Gentle.
– Loyal.
– Devoted.
– Calm.
Exercise Needs
They are playful and active, hence they are small enough to get enough exercise via one or two daily runs and playtime with owners either inside or outdoors. Some Toy Poodles are athletic and can love training for dog sports like agility and flyball.
Unfortunately, when they don’t receive enough exercise, these dogs can become anxious. Dogs that suffer from anxiety can tend to be destructive of items in a home. So, doing chase in the backyard, going for a lively walk in the neighborhood, or going to a dog park are all activities that can help Toy Poodles burn energy.
Barking
They are not frequent barkers but if not socialized can bark unnecessarily. Although, Toy Poodles will form a habit of barking excessively if they are left alone for long hours.
Barking Problems
– Fear or anxiety.
– Boredom or lack of exercise.
– Territorial behavior.
– Attention seeking.
– Genetic predisposition.
– Unfamiliar to new situations.
– Medical issues.
– Learned behavior.
Toy Poodle Full Grown
Full grown Toy Poodles weigh 6 to 10 pounds ( approx. 3 to 5 kg ) and are 7 to 10 inches ( approx. 18 to 25 cm ) tall.
Height
Mature Toy Poodles have a height of 7 to 10 inches ( approx. 18 to 25 cm ).
Weight
Toy Poodles have a weight of 6 to 10 pounds ( approx. 3 to 5 kg ).
Average Weight
The average weight of Toy Poodles is 6 to 10 pounds ( approx. 3 to 5 kg ).
Size And Weight
Mature Toy Poodles have a height of 7 to 10 inches ( approx. 18 to 25 cm ) and weigh 6 to 10 pounds ( approx. 3 to 5 kg ).
Aggressive
If Toy Poodles are not socialized early from 8 weeks old, they may become fearful of new places, animals, and people. Lack of socialization may also result to small dog syndrome which is accompanied with an aggressive behavior.
Bite Force
The bite force measurements typically fall between 120-140 PSI.
Biting
Toy Poodles that are not well trained not to bite unnecessarily can be prone to biting. As soon as your Toy Poodles nip or bite, give them a firm and clear ‘No’, stand up to assume a physically superior stance, and place them in the time-out area. Chilled carrots are a nice and nutritious treat for teething Toy Poodles.
Hair Loss
Hair loss in Toy Poodles can be because of food allergies, environmental allergies, sarcoptic mange, yeast, or bacterial infections. Also due to hormonal fluctuation, female Toy Poodles can suffer from hair loss. Foods that do not contain enough protein can cause hair loss.
Health Issues
Toy Poodles are healthy dogs but can be prone to certain health issues. They can still suffer from health issues such as patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, as well as dental issues.
Ear Infection
Toy Poodles always have the characteristic “flap ear” shape, which makes them more susceptible to ear infections than other breeds. These dogs are more affected by otitis externa, media, and internal ear infections. Media are infections of the middle ear canal while interna are the infections of the inner ear canal. Toy Poodles ear infections may result in deafness, facial paralysis, as well as vestibular symptoms. Toy Poodles’ main cause of ear infections can be excess wax buildup. To avoid this owners should clean their dogs’ ears once every 1-2 weeks using a reliable ear cleansing solution.
If your Toy Poodles ear is not too painful, a dog ear cleanser or a medicated ear cleanser is used to help get rid of wax build-up. Put a small amount into the ear and gently massage the base of the ear canal. Using a damp cotton ball to get rid of any discharge that is around the entrance to the ear canal is essential.
Seizures
They are prone to seizures. Toy Poodles seizures are caused by primary or secondary seizures. Primary seizures are hereditary but the cause is under the radar. Secondary ones are because of stroke, brain trauma, or a brain tumor. Additionally, there are reactive seizures that happen when the Toy Poodles’ brain detects metabolism issues because of low blood sugar or organ failure. When Toy Poodles are experiencing seizures, keep them away from stairs, cushion the head, and gently hold and comfort them until they begin to get back consciousness.
Apart from Toy Poodles, other dog breeds include:
Names
Toy Poodles parents can decide to get the name of the young dog before it joins them home from the breeder. They can get name inspirations from the best musicians, songs, TV shows, and creative projects we relate to help them name their pets. Their size, personality, or other qualities might make a good name.
Just know that naming your dog tells more about you as well as your pet. Toy Poodles names show your self-image. But the names can also be a way of showing off your creativity too. The dog’s names chosen should freely roll off the tongue. Some of the names that parents give to their Toy Poodles include:
Male Names
- Simon.
- Mitch.
- Bex.
- Calvin.
- Charlie.
- Cody.
- Corbin.
- Dustin.
- Barney.
- Jack.
Female Names
- Bella.
- Luna.
- Lucy.
- Coco.
- Daisy.
- Lola.
- Zoe.
- Lily.
Heat Cycle
The heat cycle of Toy Poodles lasts for a period of 3 weeks to 4 weeks. The heat cycle process recurs every 6 months. Toy Poodles may experience a heat cycle for the first time from the age of 6 months. After that Toy Poodles heat cycle then occurs every 5 to 11 months or two heat cycles per year. They are most fertile between days 10 and 14 of their heat cycle.
Some of the symptoms that Toy Poodles may exhibit while on a heat cycle include increased urination, bloody discharge, changes in eating behavior, tail flagging, mood swings, and swollen vulva. Bloody vaginal discharge that usually lasts between 14 and 21 days indicates that the female dog’s hormone levels are changing, making her ready for fertilization. Owners are advised to screen the dogs before breeding to ensure they have no underlying health problems.
To determine if Toy Poodles are fertile, owners can conduct a vaginal smear test and a blood test. For the dogs that are new to each other, allow them to meet a few days before the mating day. Keeping the environment calm is essential. In case a breeding tie happens, owners should calm down the dogs until the period is over.
Litter Size
After conception, Toy Poodles have a gestation period of 63 days before whelping a litter size of 2 or 3 puppies per litter.
Harness
Toy Poodles need a harness with a back attachment to prevent potential tracheal collapse. A standard body harness is preferred since it evenly distributes the pressure on the Toy Poodles’ back and shoulders compared to a collar that puts pressure on the neck when they pull.
Collar
The Toy Poodles need a collar as they act as a way to display identification tags or medical details. Make sure they sit comfortably on their neck if owners want them to have the best experience while wearing their collars.
Collar Size
Adult Toy Poodles neck size measures 8 to 14 inches ( approx. 20 to 36 cm).
Muzzle
Toy Poodles muzzle is used temporarily under supervision when the dog is in pain especially when taking it to the vet since it is prone to biting due to the pain. For this reason, pet owners should gradually introduce the muzzle to the pet by smearing it with a tasty treat like peanut and allowing the dog to have a taste. While doing so, they may fasten the muzzle for a few minutes until the dog gets used to it. However, the accessory should never be used as a means of correcting behavior issues such as excessive barking and destructive chewing.
Toy Poodle Food
The amount of food Toy Poodles feed on depends on their age, size, metabolism, body build, and activity level. Toy Poodle puppies and adult dogs have different diets that support their nutritional requirements. Owners should be more vigilant about the diet of Toy Poodle puppies and adult dogs that can help to keep them healthy. Toy Poodles will thrive on commercial dry or wet food, homemade, or raw diet.
They eat 1/3-1/2 cups of food a day based on their weight. On overage, the puppy feeds on a Lean protein diet which supports the growth of muscles, tendons, and tissue. Food rich in Calcium strengthens Toy Poodles bones, teeth, and nails. It’s also good for all puppies to get calcium in their diet, but mostly those prone to patellar luxation.
Toy Poodles adult dog feeds on protein to maintain its muscles, joints, and tendons. A limited amount of fat keeps Toy Poodles skin and coat healthy. Avoid feeding them dog-cooked bones or fatty table scraps. If owners choose to give them treats, do so in moderation. Some of them are susceptible to getting overweight, so watch their calorie consumption and weight level.
Best Toy Poodle Food
Adult Toy Poodles thrive best on commercial dry or wet food, homemade, or raw diet.
Toy Poodle Colors
They come in many different colors, the most common including red, apricot, brown, Black, white, and cream.
Black
Most Toy Poodles have a black coat. Their nose is also black.
Red
The Red Toy Poodles look like mini balls of red fur. Similar to other colored Toy Poodles, they stand to 10 inches in height.
White
White Toy Poodles have white soft caress plush coat and oval eyes.
Brown
Brown Toy Poodles are the most common. Due to their brown curly coat, they are popularly recognized for their proven perfection in shows.
Apricot
Toy Poodles that have Apricot color are rare to be found. Apricot is a recessive color which is shown in a Toy Poodle if their parents have a copy of that gene.
Grey
Most of the Toy Poodles that are grey have a black nose.
Types
Toy Poodle dog breed does not have types as it is one of the four varieties of Poodle. It is related to Standard Poodle, Medium Poodle, and Miniature Poodle.
Toy Poodle Allergies
Some Toy Poodles suffer from environmental or food allergies. Redness, dry skin, and bald patches in the Toy Poodles’ coat are all possible signs of allergies in this dog. A specialized veterinarian has tests that can detect a Toy Poodles’ allergies which can lead to an effective diagnosis and treatment plan.
Some of Toy Poodles allergies include:
Food allergies – Even if rare, some Toy Poodles suffer from a true food allergy that causes an immune response. Food allergies are mostly associated with many symptoms from skin issues to gastrointestinal issues.
Skin allergies – Toy Poodles skin inflammation can be caused by food, contact, and environmental allergens.
Environmental allergies – Some of the environmental allergies that affect Toy Poodles are pollen, grass, mites, dust, and house molds.
Eyes
They have oval-shaped eyes, which are medium in size, dark in color, and bubbling with sharp, intelligent utterances.
Ears
Their ears are long and have a curvy shape.
Ears Stick Up
They have upright ears when mature. Toy Poodles’ ears stand right up again when they are six months old.
Tail
Their natural tail length is moderate. Toy Poodles’ tail is carried high and arched giving them a nice look. In some cases, their tails are cropped to 2-3 inches in length when they are two and five days old.
Tail Docking
Their tail docking is done in the first 2 to 4 days after birth. 1/4 to 1/3 of the end of their tail is docked to avoid possible injury when ratting and baiting.
Undocked Toy Poodle Tail
Undocked Toy Poodles’ tail is moderate in length and is carried high when feeling relaxed.
Teeth
Mature Toy Poodles have a total of 42 permanent teeth. However, Toy Poodles puppies have 28 milk teeth which start to show up two weeks after birth and start falling out at the age of 12 weeks.
Teeth Problems
– Plaque and Tartar Buildup.
– Periodontal Disease.
– Oral Infections.
– Organ Damage.
– Gingivitis.
– Unerupted Teeth.
– Enamel Defects.
Teeth Falling Out
Toy Poodles puppies’ teeth show up two weeks after birth and start falling out at the age of 12 weeks. However, periodontal diseases can make older dogs lose teeth. Brushing their teeth daily with dog-specific toothpaste is an excellent way to avoid dental diseases, though some diets, treats, and chew toys also assist prevent plaque and tartar.
Teeth Cleaning
Using a toothbrush and dog-formulated toothpaste brush their teeth two times a week to get rid of tartar buildup.
Nose
The Toy Poodles have a refined nose which in most cases have black pigmentation.
Toy Poodle Dachshund Mix
Doxiepoo is a hybrid mix of a Dachshund variety with either a Toy or Miniature Poodle.
Price
The price of Toy Poodles is $1000 to $2500 depending on the age of the dog and the location of the breeder.
Toy Poodle Puppy
Toy Poodle puppies are elegant athlete dogs that have curly, low-allergen coat. They are highly trainable and loyal family companions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Big Do Toy Poodles Get
They stand 7 to 10 inches ( approx. 18 to 25 cm ) and weigh 6 to 10 pounds ( approx. 3 to 5 kg ).
How Big Does A Toy Poodle Get
Toy Poodles are 7 to 10 inches ( approx. 18 to 25 cm ) tall and have weight of 6 to 10 pounds ( approx. 3 to 5 kg ).
How Long Do Toy Poodles Live
This dog breed has a life expectancy of 12 to 18 years.
How Big Are Toy Poodles
This dog breed is 7 to 10 inches ( approx. 18 to 25 cm ) in height and weighs 6 to 10 pounds ( approx. 3 to 5 kg ).
How Much Does A Toy Poodle Weight
Toy Poodles weigh 6 to 10 pounds ( approx. 3 to 5 kg ).
What Size Is A Toy Poodle
They stand 7 to 10 inches ( approx. 18 to 25 cm ) and weigh 6 to 10 pounds ( approx. 3 to 5 kg ).
Toy Poodle How Much
The cost of Toy Poodles ranges from $1000 to $2500 depending on the pedigree of the dog, age, location of the breeder, and how famous the breed is at the time of purchase.
How To Groom A Toy Poodle Teddy Bear Cut
For the Teddy Bear Cut, their facial hair is trimmed to 2 inches in length.
How To Clean Toy Poodle Eyes
Clean Toy Poodles’ eyes using an eye wash wipe and a soft damp cloth. Wipe around their eyes to get rid of any dirt.
How Much Does Toy Poodle Cost
Toy Poodles’ cost ranges between $1000 to $2500 depending on the age of the dog and the location of the breeder.
How To Clean Toy Poodle Ears
Their ears are cleaned once a week using cotton balls dampened in an ear solution to get rid of dirt and excess wax.
Do Toy Poodle Shed
Yes, Toy Poodles do shed minimally.
Are Toy Poodle Aggressive
Toy Poodles are affectionate animals but sometimes they can become aggressive around other animals, and strangers and may bark or keep their distance until they’re settled.
Are Toy Poodle Hypoallergenic
Yes, their low to non-shedding coat makes them a good choice for people with allergies.
Do Toy Poodle Bark A Lot
Toy Poodles are not frequent barkers but if not socialized can bark unnecessarily.
What Size Is A Toy Poodle
They have a height of 7 to 10 inches ( approx. 18 to 25 cm ) and weigh 6 to 10 pounds ( approx. 3 to 5 kg ).
How To Cut Toy Poodle Hair
Their abdomen, ears, neck, and head are clipped with clippers. While doing so support their head with your free hand placed under its chin. Groom their eyebrow and eye hair downwards approaching the nose using a comb and cut away with the middle of the scissors, with blades facing upwards to prevent accidents.
Do Toy Poodle Shed A lot
No. They shed less, compared to other dogs.
Toy Poodle Quick Facts
- Their intelligence makes them well-suited for various dog sports and activities.
- Toy Poodles are hypoallergenic and won’t trigger your dog allergy symptoms.
- This dog breed is more prone to dental issues which occur due to bacterial tartar and plaque buildup.
