Contents
Breed Profile: Toy and Miniature Poodles
Where to Get a Toy or Miniature Poodle
Gear for Your Toy or Miniature Poodle
How to Feed Your Toy or Miniature Poodle
How to Groom Your Toy or Miniature Poodle
Toy and Miniature Poodle Healthcare
How to Socialize Your Toy or Miniature Poodle
How to Train Your Toy or Miniature Poodle
How to Fix Toy and Miniature Poodle Behavior Problems
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- The best places to find and adopt a poodle
- The gear and care you need to make sure your poodle settles in at home
- Feeding, grooming, and training tips to keep him healthy and well-behaved
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Breed Profile: Toy and Miniature Poodles
Although poodles are most often associated with France, historians now believe they were originally developed in Germany, where standard poodles were bred as rugged hunting dogs who excelled at retrieving game fowl from marshes. The elaborate styles in which modern poodles’ coats are cut originally designed for efficiency when hunting, as they kept the chest and joints protected in icy waters while leaving the rest of the body clean for easier movement.
A miniature version of the poodle took root in France and became a favored companion to the elite during the reigns of Louis XIV and XV. The toy poodle—even smaller than the miniature—was first bred during the reign of Louis XVI. The poodle was popularized further throughout Europe by dogs performing with traveling circuses during the early 1800s. The American Kennel Club registered its first poodle in 1887. The breed’s popularity in the United States reached a peak during the 1960s, and it remains one of the most popular breeds in the country today.
Appearance
The following description is of an “ideal” toy or mini poodle. Not all poodles will fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.
- Height: Height for miniatures ranges from 10–15" (25–38 cm) and is under 10" (25 cm) for toys.
- Weight: Weight ranges from 12–18 pounds (5–8 kg) for miniatures and 6–9 pounds (3–4 kg) for toys.
- Coat: The coat can be a variety of colors but is always solid-colored and should be dense and curly, with a harsh texture resembling lamb’s wool. The hair is not shed but is retained in the coat until brushed out, making the poodle a desirable house pet. Unlike many other breeds, poodle hair never stops growing and must be trimmed regularly.
Temperament and Personality
Throughout history, poodles have been jacks-of-all-trades, filling various roles and performing just about any duty successfully. Today, toy and mini poodles serve as companion dogs, therapy dogs, and entertainers, among other capacities.
Traits
Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a toy or miniature poodle is going to fit in with you and your family.
Companionability
Toy and mini poodles are generally friendly, affectionate, and perceptive, with a strong desire to please their owners. They are highly intelligent and require a great deal of attention and activity. Poodles in general have wonderful dispositions with children, as long as children are taught the proper way to interact with a dog. Due to their small sizes, however, toy and mini poodles are usually not recommended for families with very young children.
Environment
The toy or mini poodle can be highly active but does not require large indoor or outdoor spaces in which to expend energy. He requires very little living space and can be content even in an apartment with little or no yard. A poodle needs lots of time and attention—not space—to stay happy. This trait makes a poodle a good traveling companion, well suited for owners whose careers require a lot of travel.
Exercise Requirements
Most poodles have a moderate to high level of energy and are not content to lie around for hours at a time. For poodles with moderate energy levels, 20 minutes of exercise per day should be enough to keep them happy and healthy. Dogs with more energy require at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. Poodles do not require outdoor exercise if they can receive enough exercise indoors.
Trainability
Toy and mini poodles’ extraordinarily high degree of intelligence, coupled with a strong urge to please their owners, makes them an easy breed to train. They learn quickly and have a great memory. They are relatively easy to housetrain, excel at obedience training, and are capable of learning many different skills.
| Text & Photos Copyright © 2007 TFH Publications, Inc. | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
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