The Small Critter House
Specializing in King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, Toy & Teacup Poodles, & Pembroke Welsh Corgi's
Toy Poodle
DescriptionThe Toy Poodle is an elegant, lively, small dog with a profuse, but well-groomed and clipped curly coat. The ears are long, flat and wide, laying close to the head. The head is long with dark, almond-shaped eyes that have an alert expression. The skull is a bit rounded, with a slight stop. The teeth should have a scissors bite. A good Poodle has a square silhouette, with approximately the same overall length as the height at the withers. The level top line has a slight depression behind the withers. The feet are small, oval and webbed, with arched toes. The tail is docked to produce a balanced dog. Dewclaws generally are removed. The coat may be groomed into three basic styles: the "pet clip" (or puppy clip), with relatively short hair all over the body, the "English saddle" clip, and the "Continental" clip with the rear half of the body shaved, bracelets left around the ankles, and pom-poms left on the tails and hips. All solid colors are permissible. The Poodle has a delightful springy gait.
Temperament:
The Toy Poodle is sensitive and remarkably intelligent. Highly responsive, they are said to be one of the most trainable breeds. Pleasant, perky, happy, and lively, they like to be with people. Demanding and delightful; very amusing and clever, but they are reserved with strangers and should be socialized as a puppy. It makes a very good watchdog for its size. Any effort the owner puts into training and socializing will be well rewarded. Some bloodlines may be high-strung and timid. They may snap if they are teased or surprised. They do best with older, considerate children and are generally good with other pets and dogs. Unless trained, this breed tends to bark a lot.
Height: up to 10 inches (25.4 cm.)
Weight:
6-9 pounds (3-4 kg.)Health Problems:
Some are prone to ear infections, digestive tract and heart disorders, runny eyes, skin conditions, slipped stifle and PRA. Also IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia)
Living Conditions:
Toy Poodles are good for country as well as city life. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Exercise:
They like to go for a walk, and will keep in better humor and be fitter if given regular opportunities to run free in a safe area. Toy Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes.
Life Expectancy: 12-15 or more years.
Grooming:
Poodles must be bathed regularly and clipped every six weeks. Clean and check the ears frequently for wax or infection and pull out hairs growing inside the ear canal. The traditional clips were developed to lighten the weight of the coat for swimming and to protect the joints and major organs from cold, but many pet owners opt for a plain lamb clip (the same length all over). The teeth need regular scaling. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers.
Origin:
Although the Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years, its origin is controversial. Whether it was developed in France, Germany, Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont, is uncertain. Despite the claims of several other countries, France has now been officially recognized as its country of origin, and the breed occupies a special place in the affections of the French. It is certain that the Poodle is descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name 'Poodle' probably derives from the German word "Pudel," which means: one who plays in water. The Poodle is used as a gun dog. They were originally used in Germany and France as a retriever of waterfowl. Hunters clipped the dog's thick coat to help them swim, leaving hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The French capitalized on the breed's high intelligence, trainability & innate showmanship and made the Poodle into a circus performer. His great popularity in that country led to the breed's common name "French Poodle." In France, however, the Poodle is called the "Caniche," or duck dog. The Poodle has been used to sniff out truffles lying underground in the woods. Poodles are depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. Toy Poodles became royal favorites, particularly in the 18th century. The Toy and Miniature Poodles varieties were bred down from larger dogs, today known as Standard Poodles. The three sizes are considered as one breed, and are judged by the same standard. Today the Poodle is primarily a companion and show dog, though he can learn almost anything.
Group: Gun Dog, AKC Toy
Toy Poodle For
