
Other Names:
Caniche, Barbone, Chien Canne, Teacup Poodle, French Poodle, Pudle, Teddy Poodle.
Price Range:
$1,500 – $3,000
Size:
Tiny
Dog Group:
Non-Sporting
Coat Length:
Medium
Energy:
High
Kid Friendly:
High
Life Expectancy:
14-16 years
Available in these colours:
Toy Poodles come in a wide variety of colours, including Blue, Light Silver, Silver, Apricot, Brown, Red, White and Black.
Characteristics & Tendencies:
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
APARTMENT FRIENDLY
HYPOALLERGENIC
About the Toy Poodle
As the smallest type of Poodle, the Toy Poodle is a highly intelligent, sweet and playful breed. They are a popular choice of pet for celebrities and royalty, and are known for their eager love for humans and companionship. They come in a variety of colours, and have a curly coat that requires extensive grooming, but also makes them one of the most hypoallergenic breeds as they do not shed.
Toy Poodles are highly trainable, lively and eager to please. They require a fair deal of mental and physical stimulation to keep their boredom and destructive behaviour at bay. At the same time, Toy Poodles can easily get emotionally upset if there is too much conflict going around in the household. They are highly strung, and prefer peace and harmony. They are well suited for singles, couples or families, however care must be taken around children as they can be easily injured due to their tiny size.
The Toy makes a good-tempered and caring canine companion, who is protective of their owners. He is happy to work alongside humans as long as he gets enough attention and cuddles!
Top health issues
What are the most common health issues for Toy Poodles?
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand Disease
IN DETAIL
Common Toy Poodle diseases & conditions, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in detail:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a late onset, inherited eye disease affecting many breeds of dogs. It affects the retina, which is the picture screen at the back of the eye, and causes the blood vessels of the retina to atrophy and die. The first symptom noticed is usually dilated pupils – a ‘glow’ or increased ‘eye shine’, and the dog may appear to have difficulty seeing in the dark or dusk (“night blind”). Breeds commonly affected include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Labrador and Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. There is no cure for PRA, however an eye exam by a registered Ophthalmologist will diagnose the disease. DNA testing for late consent PRA is available, and is done by taking a cheek swab of your Border Collie. The PRA DNA test identifies one type of PRA, which is related to night blindness. There are another two types of PRA, for which there are currently no DNA tests available.
Cataracts in dogs refers to where a disease process has occurred affecting the lens of the eye, causing the lens to lose its transparency and impairing one’s vision as a result. Cataracts may progress slowly or rapidly, depending on a number of underlying factors. It is most commonly caused by inherited cataract formation, but may also develop with age. It may also be a consequence of eye infections, eye inflammation or diabetes. Symptoms your dog may have cataracts include a bluish, grey or white layer in their eye, clumsiness, eye irritation or redness, discharge and blinking. If you suspect your dog has cataracts, consult your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist to discuss whether surgery is right for your dog.
Patellar luxation is a knee cap problem in dogs. It occurs when the dog’s kneecap (patella) is dislocated from its normal anatomic position in the groove of the thigh bone (femur). When the kneecap is dislocated from the groove of the thigh bone, it can only be returned to its normal position once the quadriceps muscles in the hind legs of the animal relax and lengthen. It is for this reason that most dogs with the condition will hold up their hind legs for a few minutes.
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder arising from a deficiency in the Willebrand factor protein (vWF). Like hemophelia A, an inherited blood clotting defect in human beings, vWD affects dogs and breeds at high risk should be screened before being allowed to breed. Breeds routinely tested include Golden Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Rottweilers, Miniature Schnauzers, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles and Scottish Terriers. There are three types of the disease, classified into Type I, II and III, defined by the quantity and structure of plasma vWF. Clinical signs include a mild to severe bleeding tendency, and bruising of the skin. Many dogs with vWD actually don’t require treatment unless a surgery is planned or lose a lot of blood due to an injury. Due to its hereditary nature, unfortunately there is no prevention or cure for vWD. If your dog has vWD, make sure to notify your veterinarian.
Feeding
How much does a Toy Poodle eat?
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.
Shedding
How often does the fur fall off?
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.
Grooming
Are Toy Poodles high maintenance?
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.
Exercise
How much exercise does a Toy Poodle need?
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.
Vet Visits
How often should a Toy Poodle visit the vet?
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.
Family Suitability
Are Toy Poodles kid-friendly and sociable with humans?
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.
Trainability
Are Toy Poodles difficult to train?
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.
Compatibility with other pets
Do Toy Poodles get along with other dogs or cats?
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.
Need for company
How often do they need to be around humans?
The breed tends to develop separation anxiety also, meaning regular and quality human contact is essential. Toy Poodles prefer being with people all the time, and are very human-oriented in nature. They need lots of daily companionship, as they do not do well if they are left alone for hours, as this may lead to destructive behaviour. Toy Poodles love spending time with their families, making for popular companion dogs as they are happy to recipricate love of company.
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