Toy Poodles: What you Need to Know

Toy PoodlesToy poodles are a small breed of dog. The AKC recognized toy poodle breed is regulated by height, not weight.This breed of dog can be up to 10 inches in height and weigh between six and eight pounds. Poodles are known to be obedient, graceful, agile dogs. These small poodles love to jump and run and are happiest when they can sprint and play in open spaces.

Within this poodle breed, are two different physiques. The AKC build is recognized as the square breed. Their legs are long enough that their height is equivalent to their length. The second body type of this poodle is built lower to the ground and have a long back and short legs. This type of poodle has a physical deformity known as chondrodysplasia and they lack the agile elegance of their poodle counterparts. Additionally, poodles who have chondrodysplasia are more prone to spine and disk diseases.

Despite the type of build, a poodle is one of the most intelligent, coachable of all dog breeds. They are dogs who pay special attention to their owners, respond enthusiastically to teaching and pick up tricks and commands quickly and efficiently. This breed of poodle needs intellectual stimulation to be genuinely happy. Games between owner and dog can include hide and seek, catch, fetching, tug-of-war, or just playing with a variety of doggie toys.

In addition to being fun, high energy dogs, toy poodles make highly effective watch dogs. They have a sharp, high pitched bark and tend to be more reserved with strangers. While they are more standoffish with humans they do not know, they are affectionate, engaging dogs. They require daily attention and exercise. They are dynamic, vigorous dogs who need daily physical movement. If left alone for long periods of time, they can suffer from loneliness and extreme separation anxiety. They enjoy regular routines and can become agitated if these routines are adjusted or changed.

These poodles are delicate animals and can be prone to hypersensitivity. Loud noises, unexpected movements can make them nervous. While they are good dogs with a present demeanor, they startle easily and can become stressed around small children. Toy poodles can become emotionally distressed in households where there is loud activity or conflict. They prefer quiet homes
without roughhousing, but the way that poodles react to their surrounds is very much dependent on how they are socialized and what kind of training they have received. This type of dog can be well adapted to families of all types when they can experience their environments in a healthy manner.

If you prefer a dog breed who:

  • is small, agile, athletic, light and vigorous
  • has a short coat that sheds very little
  • is one of the most hypoallergenic breeds for allergy sufferers.
  • is easy to train and housebreak
  • is one of the smartest dog breeds
  • is attentive and easy to train
  • is gracious to other people and dogs
  • comes in an assortment of colors

A toy poodle may be the right dog for you.

The main things to consider when choosing whether a toy poodle is right for you are:

  • Poodles have a difficult time dealing with high stress environments. To avoid neurotic poodle temperaments, ensure your
    home is quiet, consistent and free of loud noises. Healthy, stable dogs can be obedient and behavioral issues can be avoided if you create an environment that allows them to thrive. They are known to bark when their environment is not constant.
  • Poodles are one of the easiest dogs to groom is they are taken care of properly. They are very light shedders, but they require constant clipping. To keep up with their short, curly coats, it is important to clip them every four to six weeks to keep the mats out of their hair. Failure to do this will result in tangles and mats within their coat. One can opt for the professional grooming and traditional pom tails and trimmed legs.

Proper socialization for poodles is important. Most of these dogs can be very friendly, but can be apprehensive. It is vital to expose these dogs to an outside environment of other dogs and people at a young age and throughout his/her life.

Toy poodles are exceptional dogs. These dogs can live up to 15 years and are relevantly healthy if they receive regular visits to a vet. Chronic health issues can include: eye diseases, disk problems, cardiac diseases, bronchial disorders and joint trouble. These issues can be avoided with regular check-ups. This breed of dog can be a wonderful friend to a loving family and provide years of companionship and camaraderie when given the love, training and affection they need and deserve.