Toy Poodle.

Toy Poodles should be fed twice a day to prevent hypoglycemia. However, exact serving sizes will still vary depending on the type of food, as well as the dog’s age, activity level, individual metabolism and overall health.

Take care to try and avoid ingredients such as MSG, artificial colouring, chemical preservatives, generic meats or oils and by-products, such as lunges, spinal tissue or intestines. Instead, look for 100% all-natural ingredients, natural preservatives and wholesome ingredients. If your Poodle does not do well with grains, stick to a diet containing traditional meats such as chicken, turkey, beef or fish. Dry food, as opposed to wet food, is also better for their gums and teeth. Biscuit is recommended to be part of their diet as this will help their teeth remain cleaner and healthier.

Poodles have hair as opposed to fur, which means it consistently grows instead of falling out like fur. This breed does not shed in the traditional sense – instead, when their hairs fall out of the coat, they often fall back into the coat. They have a single, dense coat of curled hair, which is more wool-like compared to other breeds. Toy Poodles are also great for allergy suffers as they are light shedders.

On the flip side, Toy Poodles require a significant amount of grooming. Their coats do take a great deal of, generally requiring professional grooming, on top of regular combing and brushing at home. If care is not taken to regularly brush their coats, it can easily become tangled and build up dirt. Due to their single layer of hair, compared to double coats that many other breeds have, this can make them tricky to groom.Toy Poodles should be taken to a groomer about every six weeks for a clip of your choice.

The Poodle’s ears will also need frequent cleaning or they will become infected and, especially for smaller Poodle types such as the Toy Poodle, daily teeth brushing is recommended to prevent a build-up of tartar. Ensure they are bathed regularly, about once every week or fortnight, to ensure they remain clean.

Whilst Toy Poodles are tiny in size, their exercise requirements are quite demanding! Toy Poodles require consistent training and regular exercise to keep content. Toy Poodles can adapt to life in different spaces, as long as they receive adequate exercise. They don’t need to be taken for long walks and are happy to just run around a small back yard. This breed has high levels of stamina, so without sufficient exercise, he may becme high-strung or nervous. Poodles love swimming and playing near the water, so take care when near water to ensure their safety.

Veterinary care is essential to a dog’s health and wellbeing, however the frequency of treatment and checkups will depend on the dog. Scheduled six-monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure your Toy Poodle is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. In these annual visits, your vet will complete a physical examination, take your dog’s temperature and check his heartbeat, among other things. Routine maintenance for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog’s growth and development and discuss any concerns with your vet, and forms a key part of preventative care.

Toy Poodles typically should go for eye-checkups, as they are prone to eye problems such as cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Due to their active lifestyles, Toy Poodles may also be prone to Patellar Luxation.

Toy Poodles have a friendly temperament and will adjust to almost any family situation that they are in. They are suitable as lapdogs for the infirm and elderly, playmates for children (over the age of 6), and fashion accessories and companions for those in between. If they are living with a family with children, ensure the children are trained to handle these small, delicate dogs with care. Due to their high exercise needs, they suit families that have the time to exercise them regularly.

Toy Poodles are renowned for being an intelligent breed, so are highly trainable. They thrive on attention and learning, and can pick up on commands very easily. Using gentle and consistent training methods have proven to be effective when training Toy Poodles. This breed excels at performance activities such as agility and obedience, reflecting their origins as popular show dogs in circuses. Toy Poodles are eager to please, and love to learn tricks and games.

Toy Poodles generally get along well with other pets in the household. They are peaceful and accepting towards them, how they must be socialised with them. Exposing your dog to play with other dogs is a great way to both burn energy and stimulate their mind, and can be done through walks in the park, around your neighbourhood or even at a local pet store.