Toy Poodle

While we associate the Poodle with the French aristocracy, its origins are as a working water-retrieving dog. Smaller versions were created for those who were enchanted by their personalities and enthusiasm for all kinds of work but who didn’t want to deal with the large size and grooming needs of a Standard Poodle. You’re not imagining it—Toy Poodles have a charm and charisma refined by their time as circus dogs. Highly intelligent, easy to train, friendly, and hilarious, they were stars of the show.

Owners might not realize just how clever and active Toy Poodles can be. They have high grooming, entertainment, and exercise needs, but given their size, these are relatively easy tasks. They thrive on exercise and mental stimulation and need training—which they will love to partake in. These curly comedians can default to the stereotypical yapping fluffball if they are not stimulated enough. They crave companionship, the whole reason they were bred in the first place, so they are best suited for homes where they will be treated as such, or owners who can take them to as many places as possible.

Active, fun, and high energy, the Toy Poodle breed enjoys exercise. They adore games, training, interactive toys, and being involved in family activities. It might surprise you how into fetching your Toy Poodle is, or how quickly they can figure out puzzles. If under-exercised or bored, they can become noisy protesters.

Toy Poodles thrive in city and country environments so long as they have access to the outdoors for potty time and exercise.

Generally, Toy Poodles do not shed and are often (though not always) tolerated by people with allergies. Their beautiful curly coats do take a great deal of care, though, oftentimes more than their owners (and oftentimes at greater expense!). They generally require professional dog grooming, plus regular brushing at home. A good rule of thumb is to get your Toy Poodle professionally groomed every six weeks and to clean their eyes and ears regularly.

Toy Poodle dogs love training as they are clever, quick to learn, and love working and being with their owners. These Velcro dogs are surprisingly agile and love heelwork to music, obedience, and lots of games. The more they are with their families working on training, the more relaxed they are.

The Toy Poodle can make a fabulous family dog. They are better for older children and quiet households though, because they are very petite and easily injured by rough or boisterous play.

The cost of a Toy Poodle from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.