Toy Poodle
Also known as Poodle, Toy Poodle
- Height at the withers
- 24 to 28 cm
- Weight
- 2 to 4 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 30 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
The smallest Poodle variety (24 to 28 cm at the withers according to the FCI standard), with a dense, curly coat that barely sheds and a lively, attentive temperament. An elegant, proud companion, it is known for being easy to train and for its skill at exercises and tricks.
History and origins
The Poodle descends from European water dogs, notably the Barbet, and originally retrieved waterfowl; the FCI recognizes it as a French breed. Its English name, “Poodle,” comes from the German “Pudel” (to splash about), which says nothing about its origin. The toy variety was bred down from the Miniature Poodle for companionship and the show ring.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Tracheal collapse
- Periodontal disease
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, curly coat. Almost no shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very easy, 5 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Toy Poodle FAQ
How big does the Toy Poodle get?
The Toy Poodle stands 24 to 28 cm at the withers and weighs 2 to 4 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Toy Poodle shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a great deal of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Toy Poodle live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Toy Poodle need each day?
Allow about 30 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Toy Poodle good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Toy Poodle live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy.
