Toy Poodle

Temperament and Personality

The Toy Poodle is a tiny dog with a mighty personality that’s hard not to fall in love with. They’re active, self-confident, spritely little dogs that thrive on human companionship. This, combined with their teddy bear good looks, has made them a favourite pet for many. 

They’re not just a pretty face though. Toy Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds on the planet, boasting brains that could challenge Einstein. They learn commands and tricks effortlessly, and inside every Toy Poodle you’ll find a natural entertainer that loves to roll over, dance on their hind legs, or perform other complex moves to garner applause and attention from their adoring fans (i.e. you). 

Toy Poodles are people pleasers down to the bone, and will do anything to make their owners happy. They love being around their humans, following them around like small, fluffy shadows – except there’s nothing ‘dark’ about these dogs. They’re affectionate, cheerful, upbeat pups that’ll brighten any room they enter. 

While they enjoy a cuddle on a comfy lap, or charming their way onto the best spot on the bed, Toy Poodles are playful pooches that take their entertainment very seriously! They need up to an hours’ exercise a day, including lots of mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp. Without enough toys to play with or puzzles to conquer, this breed can become bored, and a bored Toy Poodle is a destructive one. They can also have a bossy boots side, so it’s important they know who’s in charge and aren’t given free passes just because they’re adorable. 

If you want an unsuspecting watchdog, the Toy Poodle could be it. They’re super alert and will let you know if your kingdom is under threat (such as the postman delivering mail) but don’t expect their barks to turn into bites. While they can be a little reserved around strangers, it doesn’t take long for them to warm up and show their true, loving nature.

Being the people-oriented, sensitive souls they are, Toy Poodles hate being left alone for too long, and can develop separation anxiety. This stress can cause destructive behaviours like chewing through your favourite slippers or barking excessively. 

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a tiny companion that’s equal parts brain and beauty, the Toy Poodle could be the breed for you.

Toy Poodle paw-sonality traits

• Highly intelligent
• Affectionate and loving
• Playful, bright, and alert
• High-spirited and lively
• Eager to please and trainable
• Devoted to family
• Loves to learn tricks and perform
• Thrives on attention
• Always ready to entertain
• Fast learners
• Highly versatile and adaptable
• Forms strong bonds with owners
• Can’t be left alone for too long
• Can be reserved around strangers
• Active but doesn’t need lots of exercise
• Needs lots of mental stimulation
• Can be mischievous if bored
• High maintenance coat
  
  

Toy Poodle pros and cons

Are Toy Poodles good family dogs?

Yep, the Toy Poodle is a fabulous choice for families with older children. They’re affectionate, active, intuitive dogs that love joining in all the family fun. They form strong bonds with their family and love nothing more than being around them, often entertaining the household with all their cute tricks. However, they need someone home with them most of the day as they’re prone to developing separation anxiety.

Are Toy Poodles good with children?

Yes, the gentle Toy Poodle is generally good with children, but despite its name, it shouldn’t be treated like a toy. Rough or boisterous play could result in them being harmed or injured, and they might not tolerate the unpredictability of toddlers. Toy Poodles are also sweet, sensitive souls that can be anxious around loud noises and lots of activity. They suit quieter households with older children who know how to handle them with care. 

Are Toy Poodles good with other pets?

Yes, Toy Poodles usually get on well with other dogs, cats, and other small animals if they’ve been socialised properly from a young age. 

Care Requirements

We all want our dogs to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Toy Poodle properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Toy Poodle need?

Despite their diminutive size, Adult Toy Poodles need around 40-60 minutes of exercise a day, ideally split up into a couple of walks. They’re lively, energetic bundles of fluff that enjoy as much off-lead time as possible to run around and let off steam, so recall is essential. You should use a harness instead of a collar on walks to protect their delicate throats. 

Mental stimulation is also essential for the insanely intelligent Toy Poodle. They’ll need lots of puzzles, toys, and challenging tricks to keep them on their toe-beans! Tug-of-war is a fun game to release energy, or try hiding treats around the house to put their nose to the test and give their brain a good workout.

Without enough physical and mental exercise each day, Toy Poodles will become bored and destructive, as they’ll find other ways to entertain themselves. Exercise is key to raising a healthy and happy pooch.

How do you train a Toy Poodle?

Toy Poodles are incredibly smart, eager-to-please pups that absolutely love to learn, which is why they were commonly seen performing in circuses back in the day. If you start training early, and keep things fresh with new tricks and commands, training your Toy Poodle will be a delight. 

Unleash your Toy Poodle’s potential with some fun training tips.

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as our Duck & Rosemary Meaty Treats. Yum! Just be mindful of how many treats you dispense during training, as they’re only tiny dogs that need less calories than other breeds.

2. Avoid harsh corrections. They’re extremely sensitive to tone of voice, and won’t respond well to harsh corrections, so use a cheerful, upbeat tone, and a reward-based approach to training. 

3. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can cause them to develop unwanted behavioural issues. Set boundaries and stick to them, no matter how tempting it might be to give in. 

4. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for the sweet-tempered Toy Poodle. Expose them to new people, dogs, smells and situations to help them become calm and confident canines.

5. Be consistent. Be clear and consistent with your commands, ensuring the whole household is using the same word. 

6. Do trick training. Channel their inner performer by incorporating tricks into their obedience training. Teach them how to do ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’ to keep their sharp minds engaged – and the family entertained.

7. Keep sessions short and varied. Toy Poodles get bored easily, so keep training sessions short and sweet, and mix things up so it’s not too repetitive. 10 minute bursts should do the trick.

8. Get them used to being handled. Grooming will be a big part of their life, so get them prepared by frequently touching them behind the ears, legs, undercarriage, and feet.

9. Engage in canine sports. These clever canines excel at various dog sports such as mini agility, flyball, heelwork to music, obedience training, and tracking. Enrol them in some classes to let your Toy Poodle shine!

10. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Toy Poodles need?

A lot! Toy Poodles have a thick, curly, single coat of hair (rather than fur), that grows continuously but sheds very little. This makes them hypoallergenic and a paw-fect choice for some allergy sufferers, but it does mean a lot of grooming is needed. Daily brushing and regular trips to the groomers are essential to maintaining a healthy coat. 

The main Toy Poodle colours are apricot, black, blue, grey, brown, cream, white, silver, and red. You can get phantom Toy Poodles too, which are black with tan markings, however this colouring isn’t accepted by the Kennel Club. 

Here are some grooming tips to ensure your Toy Poodle looks pristine all year round. 

• Brush their coat daily with a slicker brush to prevent their curls from getting matted and tangled. This will also remove any dead hair that might be caught in the coat. A detangling comb might also come in handy for stubborn knots.
  
  
• They need to be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks, no matter what Toy Poodle haircut you opt for. This will include a bath, haircut, nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.
  
  
• There are different Toy Poodle grooming styles to choose from. The summer haircut is ideal for hot weather, the Toy Poodle teddy bear cut is famous for the rounded head and cuddly appearance, the puppy cut allows you to turn back the clock and make your pooch look younger again, the lamb haircut is short on the body but longer on the legs, and the continental cut features pom poms of hair on the ankles, tail, and hips.
  
  
• Clean their ears regularly and trim away excess hair to prevent infection.
  
  
• Bathe every 2 to 4 weeks or after muddy walks using a dog-friendly shampoo. Don’t overdo it though as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.
  
  
• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
  
  
• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent pongy Poodle breath.
  
  
• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the dog dentist at bay!
  
  

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Toy Poodle life span is between 14 and 16 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, they’re prone to a few health problems.

Common Toy Poodle health issues

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.
  
  
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease.
  
  
• Legg-Perthes Disease. This hereditary condition causes the head of the femur to receive less blood supply, eventually leading to necrosis where the femur and pelvis connect. It usually affects puppies around 6-9 months old. The most common sign is gradual lameness of the back legs, but it can be treated successfully through surgery.
  
  
• Addison’s Disease. Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, this condition occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone – essential hormones for stress response and electrolyte balance. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, and sudden collapse. Treatment involves hormone replacement therapy along with lifelong monitoring to manage stress and maintain stability.
  
  
• Tracheal Collapse. This condition affects the dog’s windpipe, causing a chronic cough and a reduced ability to exercise. It’s often seen in small dogs, especially those whose lead is attached to just their collar and not a harness. Treatment can include medication, surgery, or both.
  
  
• Ear Infections. Toy Poodle’s have excess curly hair in their long ear canals, which traps moisture and dirt. Regular cleaning can help reduce the risk of infection. 
  Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD). This is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot, often causing spontaneous or prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery. Other symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising, and in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Blood transfusions or special IV medications can treat vWD.
  
  
• Atopy. Canine atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis, canine atopy) is a hereditary condition affecting the skin. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.  Skin allergies in dogs tend to make themselves known between the ages of 1 and 3.
  
  
• Dental Disease. This is a common health issue that tends to occur as dogs age, especially small breeds like the Toy Poodle. Tartar and plaque buildup leads to inflammation of the gums, and eventually tooth and bone decay. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Toy Poodle a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Toy Poodle eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Toy Poodle will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity level and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

A good rule of thumb is to feed full grown Toy Poodles twice a day, choosing a food that’s specially designed for small breeds. The size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for their tiny teeth!

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Toy Poodle’s nutritional needs. Dry food can help prevent dental disease, as the kibble is abrasive and removes plaque build up. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.

Protect their joints
To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t over exercise your Toy Poodle. Also, consider adding Joint Supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.

Monitor weight
A healthy Toy Poodle weight is between 3–5 kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as extra weight on a pooch can reduce their quality of life.

Use a harness
Walking your Toy Poodle using just a collar can lead to tracheal collapse, so always use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.

Check their eyes
Regular eye tests can detect early signs of progressive retinal atrophy, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Clean their teeth
Regular brushing can help prevent the onset of dental disease, and ensure they have a pearly white smile. 

Protect their coat and skin
For dogs suffering from atopy, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like Pooch & Mutt’s Bionic Biotic, or dog food made specifically with allergies in mind. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.

Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Toy Poodle’s dream home.

Toy Poodle vs Miniature Poodle: Which is smaller?

The Toy Poodle is the smallest of the three Poodle sizes; standard, miniature, and toy. The size of a full grown Toy Poodle is no more than 28cm in height and 5kg in weight. Miniature Poodles should be no more than 38cm in height and 7kg in weight. Standard Poodles weigh between 20–32 kg, and measure up to 40cm in height. You can also get teacup Toy Poodles, but this isn’t a recognised Poodle size.

They weigh 2–3 kg and measure 22cm in height. The term ‘teacup’ is used to describe a Toy Poodle that’s smaller than the breed standard. They’re the result of two naturally small dogs mating, but some breeders have resorted to using unethical practices – such as breeding runts or malnourishment – in order to produce these teeny tiny pups. 

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Toy Poodle is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Toy Poodle puppy?

The price of a Toy Poodle can cost anywhere between £1,200 and £3,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The monthly total cost for owning a Toy Poodle can be up to £60, depending on food and insurance levels.  

Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training.

If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, feeding a Toy Poodle costs between £20 and £30 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs
It’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Toy Poodle should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a Toy Poodle without any pre-existing conditions is around £266. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Toy Poodle even more with these titbits and tales about everyone’s favourite curly canine!

• Toy Poodles descend from the original, standard Poodle, which was bred in Germany to hunt and retrieve ducks from water. However, this tiny variation of the breed found its home performing in circuses, due to their high intelligence, trainability, and flamboyant, exhibitionist nature.
  
  
• The Poodle’s fancy haircut featuring a shaved body with random pom poms of hair is actually a practical trim. It was designed to protect their joints and organs from cold water and improve their swimming performance while working.
  
  
• During the French Renaissance, Toy Poodles were primarily companion dogs for the rich and elite. These wealthy owners liked to carry their pooches in their oversized sleeves, earning Toy Poodles the moniker of ‘sleeve dogs’.
  
  
• Toy Poodles (and Poodles in general), have hair instead of fur. This means just like humans, they have a single coat of hair that grows continuously and needs to be cut. Fur on the other hand, develops in cycles, falling out periodically to then grow again.
  
  
• Toy Poodles are geniuses. They’re right there at the top with Border Collies in terms of intelligence, and it takes less than five repetitions for them to master a new command. For context, most dogs need between 25 and 40 repetitions!
  
  
• Poodles carry a gene known as the ‘Progressive Greying’ gene, causing their coats to change colour and lighten as they age. Some people call it the Poodle Fading gene.
  
  
• Up until 1907, Poodles smaller than the standard were simply all called Toy Poodles. However, as selective breeding produced even smaller versions, dogs under 28cm were known as Toy Poodles, and dogs over 28cm but under 38cm were known as Miniature.
  
  
• You can get Toy Poodle cross breeds. The Bichon Frise Toy Poodle mix is called a Poochon, a Shih Tzu Toy Poodle cross is called a Shipoo, and a Maltese Toy Poodle mix is called a Maltipoo. 

History and Origin

You might be surprised to know that the tiny Toy Poodle actually has roots in duck hunting. While many picture the Poodle as a prim and proper pooch strolling around Parisian palaces, they were bred to retrieve waterfowl in Germany. The word ‘Poodle’ comes from the German word ‘pudel’, which means ‘to splash’, which is literally what these dogs were doing – but in a more sophisticated, professional way, of course. 

Prized for its intelligence and water-resistant, hypoallergenic coat, the standard Poodle made its way over to France where it became popular amongst French nobility. However, there slowly became a desire for a smaller version of this beloved breed. People wanted all the personality and enthusiasm of the Poodle wrapped up in a tiny bundle. While the standard Poodle continued to handle the tough duck retrieving work, Miniature and Toy poodles were bred for companionship and…entertaining! Circuses had a big influence on the development of smaller Poodles, as they wanted an easy-to-train dog that was funny, friendly, and more lightweight. 

By the 18th century, Toy Poodles were showing off their smarts and style all over Europe, performing circus tricks for audiences galore. Eventually, they danced and pranced their way into the hearts and homes of dog lovers worldwide, where they’ve remained one of the most beloved canine companions to this day. 

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Toy Poodle. 

1. Research the breed. Toy Poodles need regular grooming and can’t be left alone for too long, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Toy Poodle puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Toy Poodles and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Toy Poodle, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Toy Poodles in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.