What’s one of the world’s most intelligent dogs but one of the smallest? The Toy Poodle. I’m pretty confident that this beautiful little canine was not the first dog that sprung to your mind when answering that question. But, the truth is that’s probably the same for many people as Toy Poodles are a seriously underrated breed.
• They have a longer lifespan compared to other Poodle breeds, living up to 16 years on average.
• Toy Poodles shed very little and are considered close to hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies.
• They can be prone to health conditions such as patellar luxation and bone deformities, requiring regular vet check-ups.
• Toy Poodles can be quite expensive, with an average cost of $1,200-$2,000, and reputable breeders can be found through organizations like the American Kennel Club.
In addition to being cute to look at, they’re also a breed suited to various homes, from apartment dwellers to large mansions. Not forgetting their friendly, affectionate, love animals and humans. While some excellent characteristics are not always highlighted, there’s even more about the Toy Poodle that deserves to be recognized; keep on reading to learn them!
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Fun Facts
- Did you know a woman once cloned her Toy Poodle? Amy spent $50,000 cloning her old Toy Poodle, who passed away. The somatic cells used for cloning allowed her to produce three identical Poodles to her former one Buhner.
- Toy Poodles love to perform tricks! It’s not uncommon for them to jump through hoops, shake hands, rollover, and more.
- The phantom toy poodle is one of the most popular color coats.
Toy Poodle origin
To understand the Toy Poodle, we have to look at its more senior sibling, the Standard Poodle. Regarding the Standard Poodle, they were initially bred in Germany to be hunting dogs and retrieve birds. Their dense, curly coat was practical for the Standard Poodle as it allowed them to become streamlined in the water, making them fast swimmers.
Following this, the Poodle’s popularity spread through to France, and soon enough, many people wanted a Standard Poodle. It actually became the national dog of France as so many people loved this breed!
Also, in France in the 19th century, many circus performers wanted a breed to perform tricks. Therefore it’s believed that the Toy Poodle was bred in the 20th century to perform and entertain many people. It’s also thought this dog was bred to be a companion dog for those who wanted a smaller breed. Basically, in its time, the Toy Poodle was a breed equivalent to what a Frenchie or a Pug is now!
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How big do Toy Poodles get?
If you live in a tiny home or an apartment, then you’ll be in luck with this canine. A Toy Poodles dimension is small, growing up to 10 inches / 26cm once they’ve become an adult.
When does a Toy Poodle stop growing?
At around 6-9 months, Toy Poodle will reach their full-grown height. Following this, they will start to fill out and gain more weight. Finally, after an entire year, they will stop growing altogether.
How much does a Toy Poodle weigh?
A Toy Poodle’s weight can fluctuate based on various factors such as age, exercise, and diet. On average, though, you can expect a Toy Poodle to weigh 4-10lbs / 1.8-3kg once fully grown. To give you a better idea of their weight, here is a typical timeline of what to expect:
| Age | Male weight range | Female Weight range |
| 3 months | 2.1-4.5lbs / 1-2kg | 1.9-4.3lbs / 0.86-2kg |
| 4 months | 2.7-5.9lbs / 1.2-2.7kg | 2.4-5.4lbs / 1.09-2.5kg |
| 6 months | 3.5-7.9lbs / 1.6-3.6kg | 3-7lbs / 1.4-3.2kg |
| 8 months | 4.0-9.3lbs / 1.8-4.3kg | 3.4-8.0lbs / 1.5-3.6kg |
| 12 months | 4.5-10.7lbs / 2-5kg | 4.0-9.0lbs / 1.9-4kg |
| 2 years | 5.2-11.6lbs / 2.4-6kg | 4.8-10.0lbs / 2.2-5kg |
How long does a Toy Poodle live?
On average, a toy Poodle can live a healthy life of 16 years; however, their life can span from 14-18 years. They tend to have a longer lifespan than the other Poodle breeds; it’s often believed they have a longer lifespan as they’re smaller and have fewer health problems.
Does a Toy Poodle shed?
Toy Poodles are genuinely a low-maintenance breed to own as they shed very little. Due to them having a single coat and one that’s not prone to heavy seasonal shedding, they’re seen as close to hypoallergenic as a breed could get.
If you suffer from allergies, a Toy Poodle is a safe dog to own.
This is because they shed infrequently and in small amounts preventing any dust or dander from triggering your sinuses.
However, to reduce the chances of shedding still, you might wish to have their coat cut shorter to limit their fur from matting and make it easier for grooming. You can either choose to do this yourself or take them to a professional groomer every six weeks.
If you are considering getting a Poodle as a pet, you may be wondering whether a Miniature Poodle or a Toy Poodle would be a better fit for your lifestyle. To help you make an informed decision, check out this informative article on “Miniature Poodle Vs. Toy Poodle: Which Is Better For You?” It provides a comprehensive comparison of the two breeds, highlighting their similarities and differences, temperament, exercise needs, and grooming requirements.
Are Toy Poodles hyper?
High amounts of energy are typical for Toy Poodles, especially when they’re a puppy! However, the hyperactive nature is somewhat playful and pleasing, instead of mischievous like a Pit Bull. Not only this, but Toy Poodles are one of the world’s most intelligent dogs that means their energetic nature can be handled easily through appropriate training conducted from a young age.
Are Toy Poodles healthy?
There’s no such thing as a dog being entirely healthy; due to the environment they live in and a range of biological problems, they can experience episodes of unhealthiness in their lifetime. With Toy Poodles, though, they generally don’t have many health issues. On the contrary, though, they can be prone to some health conditions like the following:
Patellar luxation
Small dog breeds like the Toy Poodle can have a luxating patella. This is a bone situated above their kneecap and in this condition, their kneecap becomes dislocated or put out of the place. Physical therapy and exercise are usually the common treatments for this.
Bone deformities
Sometimes a Toy Poodle can have musculoskeletal problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis. Most of these joint conditions are often inherited and caused by the joints developing improperly.
Alongside these two main conditions, a Toy Poodle can also be prone to cataracts, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease, bladder stones, and more. Therefore if you plan on owning a Toy Poodle, it’s essential to take them to a vet a couple of times a year for a routine check-up and keep them in good health.
Are toy poodles good family dogs?
If Toy Poodles are socialized properly from an early age, then they can be a good family dog to own. However, if they’re not familiar with children, they could be territorial towards them. In addition to this, they’re very sensitive dogs that can be disturbed by the slightest noise, making them ready to bark. Moreover, they can get upset easily, so they’re not the best dog to own if you’ve got young children who play rough.
If you are interested in Toy Poodles, you may also want to learn more about their smaller cousins, the Teacup Poodles. Check out this informative article on “The Teacup Poodle: A Miniature Poodle Breed” for an in-depth look at this adorable and affectionate breed. The article covers their origin, size, personality, health concerns, and grooming needs.
Are they clingy?
Toy Poodles are definitely one dog breed that falls into the “velcro dog” category. If you’re not familiar with this term, it means they love to stick or cling to you. If you leave them for long on their own, they will easily develop separation anxiety and go into self-destruct mode out of boredom. This breed loves to have constant affection and be the center of attention.
What is the temperament of a Toy Poodle?
Toy Poodles are very lively and playful dogs. They are also highly intelligent and obedient, making them easy to train. They are gentle, affectionate and enjoy being around people, which makes them a great family pet.
Are Toy Poodles easy to groom?
Yes, Toy Poodles are easy to groom. They have a curly, hypoallergenic coat that requires regular trimming. It is recommended to brush their coat daily to prevent matting and tangling.
How much should a Toy Poodle eat?
On average, a Toy Poodle should have 1/3 cup of dog food a day if their weight is 3lbs. If they weigh 6 lbs, they should have 1/2 cup of dog food per day. Up until 3 months old, a Toy Poodle should be eating 4 meals a day, and after that, till 6 months, they should have 3 a day, then following this only 2 per day.
What toy poodle can’t eat?
If you plan on owning a Toy Poodle, some foods are dangerous, so you should avoid feeding them the following:
- Chocolate
- Gum
- Candy
- Products with xylitol in
- Avocados
- Onions
- Macadamia nuts
- Raw yeast dough
- Salt
- Alcohol
- Fatty foods
These are just a few foods and ingredients that are poisonous for Toy Poodles. To know more about their diet and the best dog food to give them, you should speak to a veterinarian who can advise the right formulated food according to their lifestyle.
How many puppies can a toy poodle have?
As Toy Poodles are the smallest Poodle breed, they have the smallest litter with only 3 puppies at maximum. It’s also not uncommon for them to have a singleton litter, meaning they only have a litter with one puppy at a time. Similarly, if you plan on owning a Toy Poodle and want to breed it, you shouldn’t breed them more than 4-5 times in their lifetime. After 5 times, the litter may hurt them and increase the risk of post-birth injuries and a unhealthy litter.
How much are Toy Poodle puppies?
So, if you wonder how much do toy poodles cost, you’re in the right place. The price of Toy Poodles can vary based on your location, breeders’ reputation, and their availability in your area. But, they’re not a budget breed though; they’re pretty expensive to buy, costing on average $1,200-$2,000. Therefore, if you plan on owning one, make sure you have enough money to pay for it and its maintenance, such as vet bills, food, toys, etc.
Where can I find a Toy Poodle breeder?
You can find a Toy Poodle breeder through the American Kennel Club or a local kennel club. It is important to do thorough research and ensure that the breeder is reputable and follows ethical breeding practices.
Conclusion
Overall, while the Toy Poodle might be the smallest Poodle breed, they tend to be the one that lives the longest with lesser health problems. Even though they can look cute and low maintenance with their grooming, they’re not the best dog to have around children.
This is because they have a highly sensitive nature and can be upset easily if played roughly. Moreover, they can be quite a clingy breed that does not do too well on its own. Given their characteristics, would you own a Toy Poodle? Let us know in the comments down below.
Marko is the founder and author at PoodleHQ, where he blends profound expertise with formal training in Animal Behavior and Canine Genetics. With multiple generations of poodles under his care, he’s a breed connoisseur, honored with the Canine Care Excellence Award and lauded by the International Pet Enthusiasts Association.
I actually own two Toy Poodles. I am wondering how old this article is?
The reason I ask is because the purchase price range you give falls very short of what the actual purchase price is today.
Also many Toy Poodles have quite large litters these days, with quite a few having between 5 to 8 puppies in a litter.
The Toy Poodle weight range also differs considerably, my girl weighs 4.2 kg at 12 months of age and my boy weighs 6kg at 17 months of age. Neither of them are over weight.
I would be interested to hear your opinion on why/how these changes in the Toy Poodle have come about over the period of time?
Hi Sheila. I have updated this article this January (2022). What price range did you get your toy poodles at? While researching this article, I’ve contacted several breeders and toy poodle owners from the east and west coast and got this pricing range.
I’d be more than happy to include your thoughts and findings on this topic.
Marko