Small and cuddly yet intelligent and friendly, Toy Poodle puppies can be wonderful, loving family members
Known for their success in the show ring and bred to be tiny and portable companion dogs, Toy Poodles still retain some of the breed’s original working instincts, making them intelligent, loyal and eager to please. They have their origins in Germany, but the Toy version of the breed really came into popularity in France. The Toy Poodle is the smallest version of the breed, standing up to 10 inches tall and weighing between six and nine pounds. Like the larger Standard and Miniature varieties of the breed, their dense, curly coat is hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for individuals with allergies, and comes in several shades including blue, black, white, gray, silver, brown, café-au-lait, apricot and cream.
History
As one the oldest dog breeds, Poodles date back as far as the first century B.C. in both Egypt and Rome. While the larger versions were bred as working dogs in Germany, the Toy Poodle was first bred in France in the 1400’s as a companion dog for the nobility and wealthy merchant class. Many owners took to carrying their tiny four legged friends in their large shirt sleeves, earning the Toy Poodle the nickname "sleeve dogs". Registered in England in 1874, the breed would eventually find its way to the United States where it was originally registered by the AKC in 1886 but didn’t truly gain popularity until the mid 1950’s.
Temperament
Despite their dignified attitude, Poodles are generally regarded as loyal, loving, intelligent and mischievous. Toy Poodles can be a bit more high strung than the larger Standard Poodle but they have the same tendency to be quick learners, making them easy to train. Like all Poodles, Toys are friendly and fun and always up for playing. With proper training and early socialization, they can develop a calm demeanor that helps them get along with children and other pets. They are loyal and protective when it comes to their family and may be a bit hesitant around strangers.
Environment
Their easy going and adaptable personality lets Poodles get along in almost any environment and the compact size of the Toy allows for comfortable apartment living. In fact, like most Poodles the Toy prefers nothing more than to be inside with his human companions. If you are living in close quarters, you may need to curtail the breed’s natural tendency to bark at strangers but with their extraordinary intelligence, this training should come fairly easily.
Exercise
Though they retain the original high energy characteristics of the breed, Toy Poodles can usually get more than enough exercise in the house. Their intelligence and eagerness to please means obedience and agility training are great choices for this tiny, powerhouse pup.
Grooming
Like the larger versions of the breed, the Toy Poodle has a dense, curly coat that does not shed but does require plenty of regular grooming. Many owners opt to use professional grooming services but maintenance can also be done at home as long as you don’t mind putting in the time, generally every three to six weeks. While many people prefer trimming, clipping and shaving the Toy Poodle’s thick coat into fancy shapes, it can also be left in a more "natural" look. Either way, it will require daily brushing in order to avoid mats. Aside from coat maintenance, you will also need to clip their nails and carefully check their ears for signs of infection regularly as well as wipe away tear stains that tend to accumulate under their eyes and can be particularly noticeable against lighter colored coats.
