Toy Poodle Breed Information and Buying advice

Why Toy Poodle Puppies are great

Toy Poodle puppies are extremely friendly and intelligent dogs. They are very sensitive and adaptable and make for wonderful companions. They have a desire to please that goes hand in hand with their impressive intelligence. This makes for an adaptable dog that learns well. They perform exceptionally well in obedience activities – but are quite good at agility too. They like to get out and have fun but are adaptable to their situation. They are very witty and love to be the centre of attention. If ever there was a funny dog, this would be the breed. Even though the breed is little, a Toy Poodle puppy will want to do any activity that their owner is doing. Some highlights:

1. Hypoallergenic: The Toy Poodle does not shed which helps a lot in dealing with allergies that some have. Do you or someone close to you love dogs but have allergies to when they shed? Breeds like these are viable solutions.
2. Emotional Support: Due to their sensitivity and adaptability, they are wonderful emotional support animals. If the owner must travel, the Toy Poodle is a very easy size to have in a carrier too. Furthermore, they can even be great therapy dogs.
3. Fast Learners: Their intelligence, friendliness and people-pleasing nature make for a good learner.
4. Entertaining: Funny, witty and very keen, they grab the spotlight and are very good at keeping attention. They often brighten up the day of any that they have exposure to.

 

Things to consider when looking at Toy Poodle Puppies for Sale

If their owner is timid and not assertive, the Toy Poodle puppy can think themselves to be the leader of the pack. These are not traits natural to a Toy Poodle, but traits that can easily be picked up. That is why confidence and assertiveness are key. Once the human is accepted as in charge, the Toy Poodle puppy is very sweet and lively. Some downsides to the Toy Poodle:

1. Grooming: Although they are hypoallergenic, getting the Toy Poodle professionally groomed is a cost that must be factored in.
2. Health: They are prone to more health issues than many. This can result in higher vet bills.
3. Entitlement: If you treat your Toy Poodle puppy-like royalty, they will embrace that. Be sure to keep training consistent and they will learn that they are not the boss. Do not be harsh in doing this
4. Curious: On walks, prey drive can lead to the dog taking off after livestock, birds or small mammals, and its keen sense of smell can see them wandering off to investigate. It is advised to take care when out with your Toy Poodle puppy.

 

History of Toy Poodle Puppies

Toy Poodle puppies are thought to originate in Germany, although there is uncertainty. The name ‘Pudel’ certainly originates from Germany though. Toy and Miniature Poodles were used as working dogs (to dig up valuable truffles). Additionally, due to their intelligence and love of performing, it was common for them to be circus dogs, even performing in some elaborate routines. These traits transfer over now to make the breed a great pet.  

Appearance

How big is the Toy Poodle Puppy?

A fully-grown Toy Poodle is 24-28cm at the withers.  

How heavy is a Toy Poodle Puppy?

A fully-grown Toy Poodle weighs 3-6kg.  

What Colour is the Toy Poodle Puppy?

According to the Kennel Club, the Toy Poodle puppy can be Apricot, Black, Blue, Brown, Cream, Red, Silver or White.  

Temperament

Do Toy Poodle Puppies make good guard dogs?

Toy Poodle puppies are small but loud. If they think something is wrong, they will inform their owner.  

Do Toy Poodle Puppies bark a lot?

A Toy Poodle puppy can bark quite a lot if this behaviour is not controlled from an early age.  

Are Toy Poodle Puppies easy to train?

These dogs are very intelligent, and they are fast learners which can make training easy. However, do note that an intelligent dog can get bored of repetition more quickly, so ensure that training sessions are short. Keep it interesting, calm and confident for the best results. A downside to being a fast learner is that they can just as easily pick up bad habits. As with other dogs, ensure that training is not harsh.  

Are Toy Poodle Puppies playful?

Yes, and they need stimulation, physical or mental. Toy Poodle puppies love being the centre of attention, and love to play with people.  

Are Toy Poodle Puppies good with children?

Toy Poodle puppies are described as being very good with families. However, due to their very small size, most breeders do not want them in a family with young children under 10 years – for the dog’s safety.  

Are Toy Poodle Puppies good with other pets?

Toy Poodle puppies are good with other pets, especially with early socialization. Although thy can be quite amicable with other pets, they can be a little more unpredictable with other animals.  

Can I leave a Toy Poodle Puppy Alone?

They can develop separation anxiety. In addition to this, they may look to appease their boredom in ways that their owners may not approve of. As with other dogs, daycare and dog walkers are potential options, every dog is different.  

Do Toy Poodle Puppies like water?

Despite their small size, they love the water. They are good swimmers and enjoy the activity. Take care if near water that does not look safe for the dog, as the Toy Poodle puppy might jump in.  

Health

How long do Toy Poodle Puppies live?

Average life expectancy for a Toy Poodle puppy is 14-15 years.  

How much exercise does a Toy Poodle Puppy need?

45-60 minutes with a good bit off the lead is more than enough. This helps keep them happy and restricts boredom. They can be destructive to relieve stress, so be sure to satisfy the Toy Poodle puppy’s physical needs.  

What are Toy Poodle Puppies Common health issues?

Although the Toy Poodle puppy is generally a healthy breed, they are susceptible to a few conditions, some hereditary. If one is to get a Toy Poodle, they ought to familiarize themselves with the health issues, listed as follows:

• Bladder stones
• Cataracts
• Cushing’s disease
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Distichiasis
• Ear problems
• Epilepsy
• Hyperadrenocorticism
• In-growing eye lashes
• Legg Perthes disease
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Skin Tumours
• Von Willebrand’s Disease

Despite the comparatively long list, the Toy Poodle puppy has a good life expectancy, with most issues being quite manageable. They are drawbacks, but the breed is healthy and happy – the vet bill may just be higher.  

Care

How much space do I need for a Toy Poodle Puppy?

The Toy Poodle puppy generally will adapt to however much space they have. Just try to ensure that the dog is not made bored. Outdoor exercise is recommended for any dog if possible.  

What should I feed my Toy Poodle Puppy?

A Toy Poodle puppy’s needs can vary. A 3kg dog requires noticeably less food than a 6kg dog. There are guides online for the exact weight and activity level of a Toy Poodle. An Inactive 3kg dog needs 60g a day, whereas an active 6kg dog could need up to 104g a day.  

How much grooming do Toy Poodle Puppies need?

Toy Poodle puppies need a lot of grooming. Clipping needs to be done every 6 to 8 weeks to keep their coat under control. As well as this your dog will need regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting.  

Do Toy Poodle Puppies shed?

Toy Poodles shed very little to almost nothing, they are categorised as hypoallergenic dogs and their coat grows continuously.  

Average costs

How much does it cost to keep a Toy Poodle Puppy?

As a rough guide in pricing: Cost to buy: £400-1000 for a well-bred Toy Poodle puppy. Other costs (Vet, Food etc): £40-80 per month  

Specific Buying Guide

You can read our general buying guide here (/advice-on-buying-a-puppy/), with the most important thing being going to view your Toy Poodle Puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder. More specifically, here is some Toy Poodle puppy buying advice:

1. Remember that this breed is extremely popular and can have questionable sellers. Always be cautious as to where your Toy Poodle puppy is bought from.
2. Docking a puppy’s tail was made illegal. If a puppy’s tail is docked without justification (in exceptional circumstances), that seller is breaking the law and is subject to a large fine.

 

Other reading, Adopting Toy Poodle Puppies and Rescue Organisations

A big thank you to the following sources who helped to shape this article: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=4099 https://www.poodlenetworkuk.org/