Toy Poodle 101
- all about the breed
A little bit of history
Although the Poodle is strongly associated with France (and is even the country’s national dog) its history is closely connected to the European water dogs that were used for retrieving waterfowl.
The characteristic poodle coat was not originally about fashion. Its dense curls offered protection from cold water, while traditional clipping helped make movement and swimming easier.
Over time, smaller varieties were developed as companion dogs. Today, the Poodle is found in four sizes under the FCI breed standard: standard, medium, miniature and toy.
Despite their differences in size, they are all Poodles and share the same essential breed characteristics.
Are Poodles hypoallergenic?
You will often hear Poodles described as hypoallergenic. Their low-shedding coat can indeed make them more suitable for some people with allergies.
However, no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Allergic reactions can also be caused by proteins found in a dog’s skin cells and saliva, rather than the coat itself.
For someone with significant allergies, spending time around Poodles before bringing one home is always sensible.
Size and temperament
The Toy Poodle is the smallest Poodle variety.
According to the FCI breed standard, an adult Toy Poodle should measure over 24 cm and up to 28 cm at the withers, with an ideal height of approximately 25 cm.
Their small size makes them wonderfully portable and adaptable, but it is important not to mistake small for fragile decoration. A well-bred Toy Poodle should still be an elegant, harmonious and active little dog.
One of the things we love most about Poodles is their character.
Toy Poodles tend to be highly intelligent and quick to learn. They are eager to interact, learn and participate
They often form very close relationships with their family and generally prefer being part of whatever is happening rather than spending long periods alone.
Their intelligence is wonderful, but it also means they need more than a pretty bed and a short walk around the block. Training, exploring, sniffing, playing and learning are important parts of keeping a Poodle happy.