If you are thinking about welcoming a Toy Poodle into your family, you will need to get familiar with the Toy Poodle temperament.
Adopting a new pet is a big decision. It is important to learn as much as you can about various breeds before making a lifelong commitment to a new dog.
If you are intrigued by the idea of a Toy Poodle, you are not alone. Toy Poodles are popular dogs that make wonderful companions. In fact, Poodles are consistently within the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) list of the top 10 most popular breeds on a yearly basis.
What is a Toy Poodle?
The Toy Poodle temperament is often described as smart, loyal and fun.
Toy Poodles are lively and engaging. They tend to do well in small living spaces such as apartments.
The biggest perk for many families is the Poodle’s non-shedding, hypoallergenic fur!
This article will provide you with an introduction to the Toy Poodle temperament. Read on to find out if the Toy Poodle temperament might be the perfect match for you.
What are Common Toy Poodle Temperament and Personality Traits?
In this section, we will explore the most common components of the Toy Poodle temperament.
However, please keep in mind that dogs are individuals. Therefore, not every Toy Poodle will display the exact same temperament traits.
Toy Poodle behavior can vary widely depending on the personality of the individual dog.
However, this list will still give you a basic idea about what to expect if you bring a Toy Poodle into your home.
Intelligent Toy Poodle Temperament
A high intelligence level is one component of the Toy Poodle temperament.
Poodles are very inquisitive, clever and trainable.
It is important to provide your Toy Poodle with plenty of mental enrichment to prevent them from getting bored.
Mental exercise can take the form of toys, food puzzles, brain games, or trick training.
People-Oriented
The Toy Poodle temperament makes this dog very people-oriented.
Poodles need to feel like they are part of the family.
They are companion dogs, and they want to be with people at all times.
These dogs do not do well being left alone for long periods of time, and they may develop separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behavior such as barking, digging or chewing.
Make sure you have plenty of time to devote to this breed if you are considering a Toy Poodle.
If you think your dog is developing this condition, consult with a trainer and your veterinarian. You can also read our article to learn training tips you can use to alleviate separation anxiety
Playful Toy Poodle Temperament
The Toy Poodle temperament is playful, happy and fun.
Even though they are small, they still need plenty of daily exercises, especially when they are young.
Toy Poodle exercise can include walking, jogging or playing fetch. Since they are so small, they do not need a lot of space. You can provide them with sufficient exercise just by playing inside or in a small backyard.
Delicate
Toy Poodles are very small and delicate.
A full-grown Toy Poodle may weigh only 4 or 5 lbs.
Due to their small stature, they should always be supervised with children and other pets.
Appropriate for Apartments
If you are looking for a pet that will be happy in an apartment, the Toy Poodle is a good choice!
However, they still need daily outdoor walks and playtime.
As long as they still get outdoor exercise, they can be quite happy in a small living space.
Toy Poodle History: The Story of the Toy Poodle Origin
Many people incorrectly assume that the Toy Poodle dog originated in France because they are so popular with the French.
The French certainly love this breed. In fact, the Poodle is the national dog of France!
However, Poodles actually originated in Germany more than 400 years ago.
Although Poodles today are predominantly companion dogs, the breed was originally developed as a hunting breed. Standard Poodles were used for duck hunting and other water retrieving.
However, they soon became popular pets, and people started breeding them in miniature and toy varieties. The smaller varieties are ideal for city dwelling.
The Toy Poodle is also sometimes referred to as the Toy Caniche. The word “Caniche” means “duck dog” in French.
Toy Poodle Size and Appearance
According to the AKC breed standard, the Toy Poodle is described as an “elegant dog with an air of distinction and dignity.”
How big is a Toy Poodle?
The Toy Poodle is the smallest of the three recognized Poodle varieties. The categories are as follows:
- Standard Poodle height- Over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders
- Miniature Poodle height- Between 10 and 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders
- Toy Poodle height- 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders
The typical Toy Poodle weight range is between 4 and 6 lbs.
Toy Poodle Colors
Toy Poodles can be found in a wide array of colors including white, black, gray, apricot, blue, brown, café-au-lait, cream, and silver.
The coat is always a solid color. Parti-color poodles are not permitted.
One of the most unusual varieties is the red Toy Poodle. The red color is extremely rare. The deep red color comes from a recessive gene that causes the darkening of the apricot or brown coloration.
Toy Poodle Training: How to Train a Toy Poodle?
The clever Toy Poodle temperament makes this breed fun and easy to train.
Toy Poodles are intelligent, alert, and eager to work with their owners.
As with all breeds, the Toy Poodle breed does best with engaging, positive training methods.
Avoid training methods that use punishments or physical corrections. Such tactics are not necessary with such a delicate dog.
Instead, find an obedience trainer who uses positive reinforcement, force-free training methods.
Training should be enjoyable for you and your Toy Poodle.
The one thing that may take a little bit longer than normal is housetraining.
Toy Poodles are tiny dogs with tiny bladders. When they are puppies, they physically cannot hold their urine as long as other types of puppies. Be patient. It may take a little extra time and effort to potty train your Toy Poodle. You can always invest in pee pads or a doggie door if needed.
Helpful Dog Training Resource:
Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan a world-class Dog Trainer from New Zealand is worth taking a look at. This online resource has hundreds of fun informative dog training videos that can help you learn the basics and more.
Once you complete basic training, you can sign up for more advanced activities with your Poodle. For example, Poodles enjoy agility, rally obedience, nosework, and many other canine sports.
Toy Poodle Grooming: How to Groom a Toy Poodle?
The Toy Poodle is a breed that requires a lot of grooming.
Please think carefully about the financial commitment and time commitment of frequent trips to the groomer.
Grooming this breed is not optional. These dogs can become horribly matted if their grooming is neglected.
If you are not willing to spend a substantial amount of time and money on grooming your dog than a Poodle is not the right dog for you.
On the plus side, the Poodle’s fur is ideal for people with allergies. Poodles hardly shed and their hair is considered hypoallergenic. Check out this article for more information about hypoallergenic breeds.
Toy Poodle Hairstyles
There are many different Poodle hairstyles. Talk with your groomer about which style makes the most sense for your Poodle. Some of the options include the show cut, the puppy cut, the summer cut, the bikini cut, and the modern clip.
Staying Healthy: Toy Poodle Health Issues
All breeds are prone to certain genetic health issues and the Toy Poodle is no exception.
Talk with your veterinarian about what to expect in terms of Toy Poodle health problems. Make sure you are emotionally and financially prepared to handle these conditions if they arise.
Some of the most common Toy Poodle health concerns include:
- Eye Issues such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, Blindness, Dry Eye, etc.
- Luxating Patellas
- Allergies, and other skin issues
- Ear infections
- Epilepsy
- Dental Disease
- Hypothyroidism
Your Toy Poodle should visit a veterinarian at least once per year for an annual check-up and yearly vaccines.
Helpful Dog Health Resource:
Note: Don't let the many issues above scare you. The best way to approach health problems is to prevent them in the first place. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is a great place to start. Get a copy to keep at home. It will help you prevent the painful health issues that can plague your lovely dog from expressing his winning personality and maximizing his life expectancy.
Your Toy Poodle should also be on monthly flea, tick and heartworm prevention for the duration of their life. There are many brands on the market, so talk with your vet about which brand is best for your dog.
Spaying and neutering are highly recommended for health and behavioral reasons. It also helps reduce pet overpopulation.
You should feed your Toy Poodle a high-quality dog food. Talk to your vet about the best brand for your dog. Avoid cheap food with filler ingredients such as corn or animal by-products.
With excellent care and nutrition, the Toy Poodle lifespan can reach 18 years.
Toy Poodle Rescue and Adoption
If you think the Toy Poodle temperament is the perfect fit for your family, please consider adoption as the first option for finding your new best friend.
There are a staggering number of purebred Toy Poodles as well as Toy Poodle mixes in American animal shelters.
Most of these dogs are there through no fault of their own. Sometimes they end up in shelters due to moving, financial crisis, or death of the owner.
The Benefits of Adoption
There are many good reasons to adopt your next pet.
First of all, there is already an overpopulation of animals in this country. It is very rewarding to give one of these animals a loving home.
Dogs in shelters and rescues are usually a little bit calmer and more mature. They are usually past the destructive chewing phase. Many of them are already housebroken, which is a huge perk, especially with this breed.
If you do not have the time or energy to housetrain a puppy, adopt an adult!
There is also a financial incentive to adoption.
When you work with a rescue group or an animal shelter, you will find that the Toy Poodle cost is significantly less expensive.
Adoption fees can range between $25 and $250 depending on the organization. Public animal shelters are on the lower end of the spectrum and private rescue groups are usually towards the higher end.
Furthermore, this adoption fee almost always includes basic veterinary services such as spay/neuter, vaccinations, deworming, heartworm test, and microchipping.
Where to Find a Toy Poodle for Adoption
A good place to start your adoption search for any animal is always at your local animal shelter or humane society.
Let the staff know what kind of characteristics you are looking for. Ask to leave an application on file so they can call you if any good matches come in.
The staff can also refer you to rescue groups that specialize in certain types of dogs such as Poodles or other small breeds.
You can check out a listing of Poodle Rescue groups on the website for the Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation, Inc.
You can also search for adoptable Toy Poodles on Petfinder.com, Adoptapet.com, Getyourpet.com, and Facebook.
Toy Poodle Names
Once you bring your new Toy Poodle home, it is time to pick its name!
Even if your Toy Poodle had a name at the animal shelter or rescue group, it is ok to rename your new pet!
Here are a few of the most popular Toy Poodle names: Gigi, Chloe, Mocha, Peanut, Button, Curly, Prince and Charlie.
Finding a Toy Poodle for Sale from a Reputable Breeder
If you decide to purchase a Toy Poodle puppy from a breeder, check out this comprehensive article about how to find a reputable breeder.
Sadly, there are many unscrupulous breeders who are only interested in making money. You will need to be vigilant and spend the extra time and effort to make sure your puppy comes from an ethical source.
Never purchase Toy Poodle puppies over the internet or from pet stores.
Instead, contact The Poodle Club of America for a list of reputable Toy Poodle breeders.
Make appointments to visit the breeders in person to view the breeding dogs and the living conditions.
Ask the breeder about medical records and genetic screening.
A good breeder will welcome your visit and will want to ask you questions, too.
If a breeder tries to discourage you from visiting the property, be very cautious. This is a red flag.
Toy Poodle Price
The cost of a Toy Poodle puppy will vary depending on the breeder.
The average price is between $700 and $1000 from a responsible breeder.
However, certain coat colorations and bloodlines can go for between $1200 and $2000+.
Conclusion: Why the Toy Poodle?
The charming Toy Poodle temperament makes this breed an extremely popular pet in the United States.
If you are looking for a tiny, fun companion, the Toy Poodle might be the perfect dog for you, too!
Just be sure to do your research before you join the Poodle party! Make sure you are ready to meet a Toy Poodle’s health, grooming and socialization needs before you bring one home.
Allie has worked in the field of animal welfare for over ten years and as a freelance writer the space for many years. She has had many different kinds of dogs (and cats) throughout her life—all adopted. She currently shares her home with a lovable pit bull mix named Huckleberry.