Toy Poodles 2024 – Price & Color Information

Introduction

If you want to know about toy poodles then you are in the right place. In this article, we discuss toy poodles’ price, size, weight, temperaments, grooming needs, breed, and everything related to these amazing creatures.

Toy poodles are the smallest and most popular dog breeds throughout the world. These poodles are tiny and highly energetic, however, they require proper care and training sessions to maintain mental and physical health. Let us discuss these little cuties in detail!

Overview of Toy Poodles

History of the Toy Poodle 

About 400 years ago, poodles were first bred in Germany to serve as duck hunters. Their thick curly coat protects them from the cold water that’s why they were also called water retrievers. There were 3 variations of the poodle such as standard, miniature, and toy poodles.

Standard poodles are the oldest poodles that were used as hunting dogs, while miniature and toy poodles are used for different purposes. Due to their high intelligence and athletic skills, small–sized poodles were mostly performed in circuses and streets. Now, many people buy these poodles and adopt them as pets due to their friendly behavior.

Toy poodles were first bred in the 20th century and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the poodles in 1886 whereas the British Kennel Club recognized these poodles in 1874. These poodles are commonly found in France as they are their national dogs. In France, they are called “Caniche” which means duck dog.

Until 1950, small-sized poodles were commonly found in Europe and France but rare in the US. However, after World War 2, small-sized poodles were imported from European countries resulting in a significant increase in the number of toy poodles in the US.

Appearance of Toy Poodles

Small-sized poodles are mostly similar to miniature and standard poodles. The only difference between these 3 is weight and height. These poodles have alert dark-colored eyes, squarish bodies, refined noses, sturdy shoulders, curly coats, long ears, and well-rounded skulls. These poodles require professional grooming to maintain their appearances.

Colors of Toy Poodles

Some solid-colored toy poodles are as follows:

Blue Poodles: These poodle’s coat color is black at birth. After one year, they start fading and result in a blue color coat. These small-sized poodles have black oval eyes, noses, and lips.

Gray Poodles: These poodles may have a gray coat or other coat colors at birth. Those poodles with other coat colors such as black or brown start fading and result in a gray coat color at five due to progressive graying gene. These poodles have black oval eyes, black eye rims, and lips.

Brown Poodles: These Poodles have an intense brown coat color at birth due to the BB gene. They have liver-colored noses and lips with dark oval eyes.

Black Poodles: Many small-sized poodles have a black coat color. Such poodles don’t fade their coat color and remain black throughout their lives. They have black eyes, noses, and lips. However, they are prone to several health issues and unable to see accurately in the dark.

White: This is another common color among small-sized poodles. However, this color is confused with cream and silver beige poodles. Such poodles sustain white coat color throughout their lives. It seems that many white small-sized poodles suffer from deafness than any other white poodle.

Silver: These poodles at birth have diluted gray color with marks of blue color. They start fading after 6 weeks of birth and after two years the coat color completely fades into silver color due to the silver allele V gene. These poodles have black noses and lips.

Size

Among three different variations of poodles, toy poodles are the smallest. Their average size is under 10 inches. If we compare the height of male and female small-sized poodles then there is not much difference. Male poodle’s height is between 6 – 10 inches while females have 6 – 9 inches maximum.

Weight 

The weight of poodles depends on their health and size. Toy poodles are smaller in size than other poodles that’s why they weigh less. Their average weight is around 4 – 6 pounds. Male small-sized poodles weigh more compared to females. Male poodles weigh between 4 – 6 pounds while females weigh between 3 – 5 pounds.

Coat

All poodles have a thick curly coat but they differ in coat size and density. In toy poodles, the coat size is moderate while they are less dense. This curly coat requires regular grooming otherwise these poodles shed more and result in allergies. As these poodles are small in size, so they are easy to groom. 

These poodles are hypoallergenic dogs. If you are a new pet owner and don’t know how to groom poodles then hire a professional man or take guidance from another pet owner.

Toy Poodle Benefits

Easy to Handle

These poodles are easy to handle due to their small size. Their grooming needs are medium and you don’t need to admit them to training centers as these little pups are trained easily.

Super Friendly

Small-sized poodles are super friendly with people and other dogs. They love to play with children and tend to spend time with the owner. They are best for families as these poodles obey their orders and are easy to handle.

Best Watchdogs

These poodles are included in the list of best watchdogs. Although they are small, but are very active and have sharp eyes. They even listen to the slightest sound and start barking when they see any stranger in the house.

Allergy Friendly Coat

These poodles have a moderate-sized and low denser coat that sheds little. These poodles are best for an allergic person as they cause almost no allergy compared to other dogs. However, if you are not grooming your poodle and don’t pay attention to mats and tangles in their coat then they start shedding more.

Best Companion

These poodles are considered to be the best companions as they love to follow and spend time with the owner. As their size is small, you can take them on long trips easily. They are very intelligent and playful, so they are one of the best pets.

5 Best Haircut Styles for Toy Poodles

Puppy Cut

This poodle cut is best for those owners who don’t want to groom their poodle regularly. In this style, the poodle’s coat is trimmed to about 1 – 2 inches all over the body. 

However, this cut is not recommended for those poodles who are suffering from any skin disease or have sensitive skin as this cut exposes their skin to various harmful elements. However, this cut is best for healthy poodles.

Teddy Bear Cut

If you want to change your poodle appearance to a teddy bear then this cut is best. In this style, hair on the face, legs, and tail are trimmed to a moderate size while the rest remains long. In this way, the poodle looks fluffy and cute. However, this style requires regular grooming to maintain the poodle look. 

Lamb Cut

In this style, hair on the face, legs, tail, and ears is kept long while the rest on the body is trimmed around 3 – 4 inches. This cut gives a poodle a lamb-like appearance. Poodles require regular grooming to maintain this style. 

Continental Cut

This style is older and the most popular cut for the poodles. In this style, hair on the body is trimmed to around 1 inch excluding, the face, legs, and tail. This style is recommended for those poodles who perform in dog shows. Proper grooming is required to maintain this style.

Summer Cut 

This style is beneficial for small-sized poodles in summer as they feel uncomfortable in long hair also the poodle owner doesn’t need to groom this cut regularly. In this style, hair on all over the body is trimmed to a very short length of about 1 inch. In this way, poodles feel comfortable during hot days. 

Health Problems in Toy Problems

Although, small-sized poodles are very active and energetic but they are prone to several health problems. These problems arise due to environmental factors or due to improper diet and negligence.

Before buying a poodle, inspect the test reports of the poodle’s parents and make sure that they are not suffering from any health disease otherwise the chances of their pup to suffer from any genetic disease increases. 

Some of the common health problems in small-sized poodles are as follows:

Bladder Stones

It is one of the urinary diseases in poodles in which nutrients such as calcium and magnesium accumulate resulting in big stones. These stones cause many infections in the urinary bladder and the poodle suffers from acute pain during pee. 

The symptoms of this disease are as follows:

• Blood in the urine
• Straining to urinate
• Acute pain 
• Infections

Initially, the vet recommends medicines to treat this disease. If the stone is big, then surgery is the only option to remove the stone from the urinary bladder.

Cataracts

It is one of the serious eye diseases in small-sized poodles in which the eye lens becomes cloudy or opaque. It is an inherited disease or may occur in poodles due to diabetes mellitus or as a result of eye injury.

The symptoms of this disease are as follows:

• Cloudy pupils
• Clumsiness
• Change in eye color
• Difficulty in seeing
• Blindness

Many vets recommend eye drops to treat this disease. However, in severe cases, surgery is performed to remove cataracts.

Diabetes

It is the most common endocrine disease in poodles in which the blood sugar increases due to low production of insulin from the pancreas. It is a life-threatening disease and needs lifetime treatment as there is no permanent treatment for this disease.

The symptoms of this disease are as follows:   

• Excessive drinking
• Increased urination
• Decreased appetite
• Skin and urinary infections

As we discussed above, there is no permanent treatment to cure this disease. Many vets recommend a moderate sugar diet and daily intake of insulin dose to treat this disease.

Dental Diseases

About 70% – 80% of dogs over the age of 3 suffer from any dental disease. It occurs when tartar and plaque build-up around the teeth. It results in the inflammation of tissues which leads to tooth decay.

The symptoms of this disease are as follows:

• Pawing at the mouth
• Head shaking
• Jaw chattering
• Discomfort
• Dropping food from the mouth
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Excessive drooling

To prevent poodles from this disease, vets recommend regular tooth brushing with poodles’ formulated toothpaste and regular checkups. Chew toys and some dog food also play an important role in preventing plaque and tartar.

Tracheal Collapse

It is one of the serious respiratory diseases in poodles in which the windpipe that carries air from the nose and mouth to the lungs collapses due to the weakening of C-shaped cartilaginous rings present in the windpipe. This disease is caused by heart enlargement, excessive fats in the body, or airway irritants.

The symptoms of this disease are as follows:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Fainting
• Retching
• Blue-tinger gums

Many vets used medicines such as hydrocodone which is a cough supplement or butorphanol which is a sedative in mild cases. In severe cases, surgery is performed to cure this disease.

Price of Toy Poodles

The price of small-sized poodles depends on various factors such as the breeder’s reputation, poodles’ quality, and health. The average price of a small-sized poodle is between $1000 – $3000. If you are buying a poodle from a reputable breeder who takes proper care of the poodle then he costs high for a poodle.

If a poodle is healthy and all their health reports are good or their pedigree is from a champion bloodline poodle then their costs are high. It is recommended to inspect the reports of poodles’ parents before buying them.

Lifespan

The lifespan of small-sized poodles is much higher compared to large-sized standard poodles. The lifespan of small-sized poodles is 10 – 18 years while the lifespan of standard poodles is 12 – 15 years. However, the lifespan of a poodle depends on its diet and health. If the poodle is suffering from any genetic disease or their diet is less nutritious, they become weak and their lifespan reduces. 

Temperaments

Toy poodles like other poodles are brilliant, super friendly, and active. They mostly attach to one person and want to spend their whole time with that person. They love to play games with children and adults. They are easily trainable due to their manageable size and intelligence. However, they are hesitant to learn potty training, so it is essential to remove their hesitation.

As poodles are family pets so they love to remain in the company of people. When small-sized poodles are left alone for a long period of time without assigning them any activity then their mental health is disturbed and they become the victim of anxiety. These poodles require the proper attention of the owner to remain mentally fit.

These poodles are small but they are very active and listen to even the slightest sound. Due to this reason, they are served as good watchdogs. These poodles are prone to several genetic and environmental diseases so it is important to take proper care of them with regular checkups at the vet.

Grooming Guide

A guide to grooming small-sized poodles is as follows:

Regular Brushing

Poodles have hair, not fur that grows throughout life and sheds little but this requires proper maintenance to prevent the hair from mats and tangles. To prevent mats, brush your poodle with a narrow sturdy brush. 

Coat Care

As small-sized poodles have a thick curly coat, they require proper care to remain hypoallergenic otherwise they start shedding more and cause allergies. Regular bathing while using dogs’ formulated shampoos protects their coat from mats and tangles. Regular brushing and proper clipping are also essential to prevent the coat.  

Eye Care

Poodles are prone to several eye diseases such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, so it is essential to take proper steps to care for their eyes. Cleaning the poodle’s eye with a clean moist cloth and trimming the hair around eye-rims protects the poodle’s eyes from debris and irritation.

Rinsing the poodle’s eye with saline protects them from many eye infections. However, in severe cases, take your poodle to the vet for proper treatment.

Ear Care

Many poodles are prone to several ear infections. Regular cleaning of the poodles’ ears with cleansers protects them from infections. Trimming the hair around the poodles’ ears saves them from irritation and debris.

Training

As poodles are considered to be the most intelligent dogs but proper training is essential to maintain their brilliance and activeness. As toy poodles are small, you can easily train them without hiring a professional trainer. However, if you are new then take guidance from the breeders.

It is recommended to start with basic training sessions so that the communication between you and the poodle increases. After that, moves to the advanced training sessions such as attention training, potty training, and pulse control training. Regular strolls and mental exercises are essential to keep them mentally and physically fit.

Food

The choice of the right poodle’s food is essential to keep them physically fit. At the age of 3 months, give your pup a meal three times a day or whenever they want. Make sure that the bowl in which you are giving food to the poodle is clean. Nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and fibers are essential for proper growth. Pups require 40 – 45 calories per pound they weigh.

Adult small-sized poodles require two meals a day. However, they need more carbohydrates to accomplish several tasks. Both dry and wet food are essential for poodles as both contain nutrients so they remain fit and healthy. Adult requires 30 – 35 calories per pound they weigh.

Popular Names for Small Sized Poodles

Some popular names for small-sized poodles are as follows:

• Curly
• Ivan
• Molly
• Porter
• Teddy

Conclusion

Toy poodles are small, brilliant, active, and super-friendly pets. They are easy to train and they occupy small space. They are playful, protective, and super cute. All these qualities make them superior to other dogs.

These poodles have a curly coat that requires regular grooming. Small-sized poodles are prone to several health problems but proper care protects them from all diseases. They are best for families. I hope you find this article information and get a complete guide about toy poodles.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Is a toy poodle a good pet?

Yes, small-sized poodles are good pets as they have friendly behavior. They are easy to manage and are very active and affectionate. They tend to please their owners. They are easy to train. All these qualities make them good pets.

Do small-sized poodles bark a lot?

Small-sized poodles bark when they see any stranger or they are suffering from anxiety otherwise they don’t bark.

What is the difference between toy poodles and other poodles?

The main difference between toy poodles and other poodles is size. Toy poodles are small-sized poodles while others have a large size.

Who is the smallest poodle?

The smallest poodle is a teacup poodle as their average size is 9 inches or less.

Do poodles chew a lot?

Normally, poodles don’t chew much however, if they are suffering from any anxiety they chew a lot. 

Meta description

Toy poodles are small-sized poodles that cost around $1000 – $3000. They are available in various coat colors. They require regular grooming of their coat.