Poodle (toy)

General Information - Poodle (toy)

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History

The Toy Poodle is the smallest of the three sizes of Poodles. The breed shares the same ancestry as the Standard and Miniature Poodles whose relatives have been known in Europe as capable water dogs since the 16th Century. The modern Toy Poodle was primarily developed this century by breeders who recognised the international success of the Miniature Poodle and saw that an even smaller dog would be just as popular. Smaller Miniatures were mated, and it is also suggested that a cross with the Bichon Frise or the Maltese helped speed up the miniaturisation process. By the late 40s and early 50s, the Toy Poodle was well established and was officially granted a separate breed status. This breed makes a good companion for the less active set and fits easily in smaller living quarters.

Temperament

Toy Poodles are a good tempered breed and are devoted to their families. Affectionate with their owners, Toy Poodles can be timid around strangers.

Upkeep

Poodles need a lot of interaction with people. They also need mental and physical exercise. The toy Poodle’s exercise needs can be met with a short walk or even indoor games. This is not a breed that should ever live outside, although it enjoys access to a yard. Its coat should be brushed every day or two. Poodle hair, when shed, does not fall out but becomes caught in the surrounding hair, which can cause matting if not removed. Clipping should be done at least four times a year, with the face and feet clipped monthly. Although most poodles are professionally groomed, owners can learn to groom their own dog.

Poodle (toy)

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Poodle (toy)

The Poodle (toy) should be in every respect a replica, in miniature, of the Poodle (standard) and Poodle (miniature). Height at shoulder should be under 28 cm (11 in).
Copyright Dogs New Zealand
19 Dec 2013

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.