Dog Breed Guide: Toy Poodle

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Thanks to their diminutive size and fancy haircuts, Toy Poodles might be the ultimate froufrou companions. While Toy Poodles are small in size, the breed has an impressive list of traits that make them great companions.

Toy Poodles are consistently ranked as one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds. The little dogs are active, affectionate, playful and intelligent and—admit it—it's hard to resist their adorable “poodle cuts" and the bobbing pompon at the base of their tail.¹

History and Origins

Poodles are the national dog of France and often go by the moniker “French Poodle," but the breed didn't originate in France. Poodles have German origins. In fact, the name “Poodle" comes from the German word “pudelin"—which means “splashing in the water"—in honor of their heritage as a hunting breed.¹

Standard Poodles were bred to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl from the water, and their excellent swimming skills made them ideal for the role.¹ Standard Poodles were the original version of the breed, but as European aristocrats fell in love with their friendliness, intelligence and low-shedding coats, lap-size (toy) versions of the Poodle were developed.²

In the 1700s, Toy Poodles were popular companions for the upper class, who were known to color and style their dogs' coats. The pup's small size, adorable appearance and ability to easily master complicated tricks helped the Toy Poodle go from lapdog to entertainer; the breed was often used in circus acts and performed for audiences under the big top.²

Today, Toy Poodles are popular companions known for being affectionate, smart, athletic and good with children.¹

Physical Characteristics

There are three types of Poodles: Standard, Miniature and Toy. With a height of 10 inches or less and a weight range of just four to six pounds when fully grown, the Toy Poodle is the smallest of the Poodles.¹

Poodles have either curly or corded coats. A curly coat is dense with light curls, while corded coats consist of fur that hangs in tight cords of varying lengths.³ In addition to different coat types, Toy Poodles can have several coat colors, including:¹

• Apricot
• Black
• Blue
• Brown
• Cream
• Gray
• Red
• Silver
• White

Although Toy Poodles don't shed much, their hypoallergenic coats should be groomed every three to six weeks. Daily brushing is essential if their coats are kept natural, but most Toy Poodles are regulars at the grooming salon.⁴

The "puppy cut" is a popular style that clips their entire coat to one short length. Other popular cuts include:⁵

• Teddy bear cut: Longer hair on the face for a soft, teddy-like look.
• Continental cut: Shaves the face, throat, feet and part of the tail, leaving tufts of hair around the ribs and chest and pompons on the ankles. This cut is popular in the show ring and might be one of the reasons Toy Poodles are considered froufrou.

Personality and Temperament

Toy Poodles are outgoing and social. The breed is good with kids and welcoming to strangers.¹

It's a mistake to think their small size means Toy Poodles want to be carried around or won't need much exercise. Toy Poodles are active and playful. The breed has an above-average energy level, so plan for lots of walks and games. Poodles of all sizes are natural swimmers that tend to love the water, and their origins as hunting dogs means they often enjoy a good game of fetch.¹

Toy Poodles are smart and have a high need for mental stimulation. Their intelligence also means Toy Poodles train quickly and can master basic commands and advanced tricks, as long as training is fast-paced, fun and filled with positive reinforcement.¹

Suitability for families

Toy Poodles can make great family pets. They are social, playful and adaptable to different living environments. They also have lots of energy and love going for walks, learning tricks and playing games of fetch. Due to their small size, Toy Poodles should always be supervised to prevent injuries when spending time with young children.¹

Health and Care

Toy Poodles have an average lifespan of 10 to 18 years.¹ They can experience a few common health issues during their lifetime.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

PRA is caused by a recessive gene that affects the retina. The symptoms are often mild and can include night blindness and eye dilation, eventually leading to complete blindness.⁶

Periodontal disease

Dental disease is a common health issue in all dogs, but it tends to be worse in smaller breeds. It happens when plaque affects the surface of the tooth above and below the gumline, causing inflammation of the gums and damaging the tissues between the tooth and gum and beneath the gums. Periodontal disease can be painful and lead to tooth loss, but there are often no symptoms, which makes it challenging to diagnose before it reaches an advanced stage. Brushing your Toy Poodle's teeth and seeing the vet for regular oral exams (and professional cleaning when needed) can help prevent periodontal disease.⁷

Idiopathic epilepsy

The cause of this seizure disorder is unknown. Seizures can last a few seconds to several minutes and can cause a range of symptoms, from restlessness, whining, shaking and salivating to a complete loss of consciousness and bodily functions. Medication could be helpful.⁸

Patellar luxation

The condition, also known as slipped kneecaps, occurs when slight abnormalities make the kneecap slide in and out of place, causing pain and occasional lameness. Most dogs don't need treatment, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.⁹

Degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD)

As dogs age, it's possible for the valve that moves blood through the heart to thicken and allow blood to leak backward into the heart, leading to heart enlargement. A heart murmur is the earliest sign of MVD. In the early stages, dogs can experience mild leakage with no heart enlargement, but as it advances, medication is often prescribed to prevent the onset of congestive heart failure. The disease is common in older, small breed dogs.¹⁰

Training and Socialization

Training and socialization are essential for all dogs, and Toy Poodles are no exception. Training is a great way to keep Toy Poodles active and meet their need for mental stimulation. It can also help address unwanted behaviors, like their tendency toward barking.¹

Toy Poodles are eager to please and form strong bonds with their families, so it's important to prioritize praise, treats and other forms of positive reinforcement during training.¹

Pets Best Is Here To Help

Toy Poodles need regular vet care, an appropriate diet, exercise, training and mental stimulation. Wondering if a Toy Poodle is the best breed for your lifestyle? Look for a reputable breeder or search for breed-specific rescues that can share information about the temperaments and health needs of the Toy Poodles available for adoption.

Pets Best offers dog insurance plans that may help you pay for unexpected health issues that arise with your Toy Poodle. You'll also gain access to veterinary experts through the Pets Best 24/7 Pet Helpline, so you can get answers to questions to help ensure your Toy Poodle receives the best care.

Sources/ Citations

1. “Poodle (Toy)," (n.d.), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-toy/
2. “Toy Poodle," (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-breeds/toy-poodle
3. “Official Standard of the Poodle," (3/1990), American Kennel Club, https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Poodle.pdf
4. “Standard Poodle," Hilary Braaksma (4/2024), Daily Paws, https://www.dailypaws.com/standard-poodle-dog-breed-7493494#toc-care
5. “6 of the Best Poodle Haircuts That Are Too Cute Not To Try," Yvonne Villasenor (6/2024), Daily Paws, https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-grooming/poodle-haircuts
6. “Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs," Tammy Hunter et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/progressive-retinal-atrophy-in-dogs
7. "Periodontal Disease," (n.d.), Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/periodontal-disease
8. “Seizures in Dogs," Malcolm Weir et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/seizures-general-for-dogs
9. “Luxating Patella in Dogs," Malcolm Weir et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/luxating-patella-in-dogs
10. "Cardiology: Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease," (n.d.), NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, https://hospital.cvm.ncsu.edu/services/small-animals/cardiology/degenerative-mitral-valve-disease-in-dogs/