Description. The Toy Poodle is a small dog, as the name suggests, with a height of less than 10 inches and a weight of just 6-9 pounds, although for show standards the height is the important factor. Its body is about as long as the dog is high, with a square look to it. Their skull is a little rounded with a finely defined stop leading to their long straight nose. The Toy Poodle eyes are oval in shape somewhat wide set and a dark color normally brown or black. Their flat ears hang to the side of the head and are somewhat large in proportion. The legs are of an apparently normal size for the dog with the rear ones being more muscular than the front. Toy poodles have a level top line that leads to the tail which is carried high. Having a long tail normally looking out of proportion to the rest of the dog and is often docked, in countries that allow it, to half its length. Docking of the tail in this fashion gives the dog a better overall look. They can have a cord or curly coat in a variety of colors, if showing then check local or national standards.

History. As a breed the poodle has been around a very long time. They appear in reliefs' from as early as the 1st century AD and have been reproduced in paintings from the 1400s’. There are many claims to the original dogs of this breed being France, Denmark, Germany, and undoubtedly others. However the AKC allow Germany this prestigious claim, saying it was used there as a water retrieving dog. It is known that the extinct French water dog is the strongest ancestor of the poodle. The unusual, and some may say odd looking, cut of this breed was actually designed for ease in hunting so the fur did not get entangled but still provided warmth around the joints. The poodles were often used as gundogs and were very trainable. As a result of the trainability of the breed they were used in circuses to perform tricks and dance. The French started breeding them down in size to obtain what is today known as the toy poodle, which were seen as cute when performing. They then went on to be a popular dog, as they were fairly easy to care for and some may say they were a good fashion accessory.

Temperament. Poodles in general are very intelligent dogs and the toy poodle is no exception to this. They are reputed as being one of the easiest breeds to train, with their high level of intelligence and excellent responsiveness. They are cute and cheerful dogs but you must remember they are dogs and do not do well when treated as a human baby. They are happiest when they are well trained and know their place in the household hierarchy. The Toy Poodle require the same firm, gentle treatment as any other dog and if this is not given and they are treated as a baby or a fashion accessory they will probably suffer small dog syndrome. Whilst they are tiny and fragile looking they are actually robust and energetic. The Toy Poodle dog is much happier being a pet and having nice walks and playtime. Small dog syndrome is caused by the humans and is not a trait of any dog breed. When they have a good pack leader (you) they are happy and active, enjoying their exercise.

Health issues. Due to some of the problems in the past, with unscrupulous breeders, the poodles are subject to several genetic problems. Now that the bad breeders have been mostly weeded out the problems do not appear to be getting any worse. Toy poodles can suffer IMHA, slipped stifle, diabetes, eye problems epilepsy, eye disorders and some gastric problems. However they are a fairly long lived breed at 12-15 years as an average.

Grooming. It depends a little on what you are doing with the dog as to what cut you give your toy poodle. If you show them then obviously more care needs to be taken. They require regular brushing and untangling of the coat. Clipping is probably best done professionally, unless you are suitably experienced to do this yourself. If showing you need to check the standard for cutting, dependant on whether it is a local or national show.

Living conditions. The toy poodle is a good all rounder. They can live in an apartment, in a busy city, or in a big housed in the country. You must remember that wherever they live they are from a working breed and need good exercise and mental stimulation. It is not a good idea to let the Toy Poodle dog off the leash in unsecured areas, as they are natural hunters.