Classy. Smart. Poised. The Toy Poodle earned a well-deserved worldwide reputation for being an excellent companion for dog lovers. Remarkably, he can sport classic hairdos that scream out luxury and style as he walks on the streets as if it is his runway. Not only does he possess a coveted appearance but he also flaunts his intelligence in several ways.
Photo from: kinako0122toypoodle (IG)The American Kennel Club recognizes the Toy Poodle as the smallest of its breed as he is only 10 inches at withers. Isn’t he a package? His size maintains the general temperament of the entire Poodle breed only that he’s more compact, lighter, and easier to put in a small bag!
Interestingly, many brands the Toy Poodle as a classic diva, but this stereotype is mostly based on his intimidating looks. If you’re considering getting this dog yet you haven’t seen one yet, we’ve got all the answers to your questions.
When Do Toy Poodles Stop Growing?
Photo from: poodle.in (IG)Toy Poodles grow quickly in just a short period. In only 6 to 7 months of their puppyhood, their full height is already completed. Feeding them properly in their early months would help a lot in their development. As expected, Toy Poodles will have to consume more than an adult dog at the time his growth spurts.
Therefore, if you have a Toy Poodle puppy, you have to provide him several meals in small portions throughout the day. Ideally, 4 meals daily should be consumed until he is about three months old. After that, you can lessen it to 3 meals and switch it to just 2 once he passes 6 months.
Toy Poodles pups will need all the nutrients and calcium they could get from their meals. Contrary to stereotypes, a smaller body does not always equate to lesser amounts of food requirements, not especially if it’s a puppy!
Toy Poodle Appearance
Just as how he was named, the Toy Poodle is indeed very minute. If you commute daily, bringing this dog to the train station is not hard work. He can fit into any of your bags and is much easier to manage than his larger counterparts.
In terms of looks, he shares the same build as the rest in his breed group. He has a well-proportioned body and a square head with ears that gracefully rests and flops down the sides of his head. He is also naturally petite but remains to be athletic as his working history includes rigorous games as a water retriever.
The most prominent feature you’d notice from the Toy Poodle is his slender but sturdy legs. Aside from that is his muzzle that is reasonably long. Also, the tail is docked but not entirely. If he springs happily in the garden, you’ll see his rear end reflect gaiety.
Height & Weight
What’s great about having a Toy Poodle is that even though he reaches adulthood, it will always feel like your pet is still a puppy. If you place him in a group of other dog breeds, you will surely let out an “aaawww” moment as you watch him being the smallest of the pack. If you own other pets in the house that is larger than him, you might even see him as the forever youngest member of the family who deserves all the favor in the world!
Toy Poodles grow anywhere between 9 to 10 inches and can ideally weigh at least 4 to 6 pounds. Imagine how light that is! Of course, male Toy Poodles will generally be larger and heavier than their female counterparts but they are less likely to surpass the maximum 10-inch mark at withers.
Coat Texture
The first thing that is worth mentioning about the Toy Poodle’s appearance is his coat which is considered to be his crowning glory. For those who plan to join their Poodles in dog shows, it is a prerequisite that the canine should have a specific clip.
In all honesty, coat styles are not merely for looks. Instead, these are designed to help the dog’s body regulate its temperature. Sometimes, owners would opt for cuts where thick coats cover the joints and the chest to keep the Toy Poodle warm, especially during the cold season. Very rarely, some Toy Poodles display a corded style where their coats form into long, tight curls like that of dreadlocks.
Generally, the coat type must be tight and curly unless you intentionally brush it too hard. The good news for prospective owners who suffer from dog allergies is that the Toy Poodle sheds less compared to other well-known canines! Instead of letting out dead hairs, the coat mats itself out. This is why grooming should be done regularly as matting can be painful for the pooch.
For Toy Poodle puppies, their coat starts smooth and soft and it gradually turns coarser as they mature.
Top 10 Toy Poodle Haircuts & Styles
Photo from: thattoypoodlekobe (IG)Poodles are known to have coats that have various options when it comes to style. Perhaps, this is why many people took a liking to this breed. Take note, however, that grooming is ideally done to fully grown Toy Poodles.
Of course, every dog owner wouldn’t want to be left behind when it comes to splurging on their pets. Once you bring home your Toy Poodle, it’s a good idea if you have already gone through the different haircuts he can show off. If you prefer doing the grooming yourself, you can do so, but opting for a professional groomer is always worth every penny.
Lion Cut
Also known as the continental cut, the lion cut is what most Toy Poodles in contests wear. The process of achieving this look is rigorous and requires intensive training and experience to perfect it. The chest up to the head is left with hair (it resembles the look of a typical lion, hence the name of the cut). Other areas such as the front and back paws are left with pompoms as well and the tail must be rounded.
Dutch Cut
This is a classic look which is also called the “sporting cut” by the British Kennel Club. The coat is uniform with no extreme or more prominent coat lengths all over the body except that the tail ends in an adorable pompom.
Modern Cut
The modern cut is one of the trendiest looks a Toy Poodle can parade. There are no extravagant coat features but rather the coat simply follows the shape of the body. The tail still ends in a pompom style and the ears and the head are emphasized, but the overall look remains natural yet professional-looking.
English Saddle Cut
This is quite close to the lion cut but the difference is that his hind legs are added with pompoms. Moreover, the pelvic area still has hairs that are as long as those on his chest.
Summer Cut
Not all dogs can have their coats shaved. Luckily for the Toy Poodle, you can go ahead and grab the razor! Poodles can adjust to any cuts and style. So, if it is summertime, it is better to give your pet the summer look. His whole body coat will be taken off but there will be aesthetic finishes so he can still confidently romp himself in public.
Puppy Cut
Toy Poodles who have this cut share the same famous style as the other smaller breeds like the famous West Highland White Terrier. This gives him a “more” puppy look which is natural and fresh in the eyes. The AKC encourages that the dog should still have his trademark (pompom tails) along with this easy-going cut.
Teddy Bear Cut
As the name suggests, this cut will make your Toy Poodle look like a real-life teddy bear! In perfecting this look, a professional groomer is needed. Scissors are the primary equipment for this and experience is necessary. Mainly, the coat is cut mid-length to emphasize more the curls of the Pooch’s coat.
Short Cut
The short cut is ideal for Toy Poodles who live in warmer countries. This is a style anyone can go for if you don’t have time to bring the dog to a groomer. The pooch’s coat will be shaved down with no other aesthetic touches.
Town and Country Cut
This is more common for Standard and Miniature Poodles but you can still try this out for your Toy dog. The cut is mostly about making the legs appear denser in a cylinder shape and the body coat much shorter to highlight the leg hairs. The head and the ears are typically rounded.
Cupcake Cut
This is the least popular look of all because of the odd finish it gives. The ears are so rounded and the head is shaped like a muffin with a pointy tip on the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Can My Toy Poodle be Groomed?
It is an exciting moment to bring your Toy Poodle to a groomer, but before you let anyone do anything with his coat, make sure that he is at least 11 or 16 weeks old. This is because his early weeks must be spent with his mother. Also, don’t wait for him to be an adult before you decide that he would need trimming. Starting too late will highly make him anxious and fearful about the grooming process.
Are Toy Poodles Prone to Weight Gain?
If the pooch gets little to no exercise, then yes, he’s prone to weight gain or worse, obesity. Other health factors such as hypothyroidism may also add up to this condition as this autoimmune disease can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and weight gain. On another note, mating two obese Toy Poodles also often result in offspring of the same nature.
Does Exercise Affect My Toy Poodle’s Physique?
Absolutely, but in the most positive way. Regular exercise that is not extremely exhausting avoids the onset of hip dysplasia and many other disorders. Also, not only does it keep the weight down, but the joints are also continuously lubricated and the muscles are strengthened to fully support the whole body weight without feeling any pressure.
How Much Sleep Does My Toy Poodle Need to Properly Grow?
Toy Poodles use up lots of their energy throughout the day especially that this is needed for further physical development. That means they would also need a proper amount of sleep which may range anywhere from 15 to 20 hours daily for pups and 13 hours for adults.
Do Toy Poodles Need Extra Care?
Yes, they do. Their cute size requires anyone to handle them gently. It is not a good idea to leave him with young kids as they can play rough with him. Also, avoid putting him in high places especially if the pooch is still a puppy as falling can cause unwanted injuries no dog owners would want their dogs to experience.
Conclusion
Toy Poodles grow up quickly in just a few months. Despite their small frame, they live exceptionally long which spans from 10 to 18 years. If you are an all-time Poodle breed fan and you’re having a dilemma about which type of Poodle version should you go for, any of them are perfect. However, with the Toy Poodle, you’ll surely be able to carry him around on your trips without breaking any sweat. Above all, other great Poodle qualities are not sacrificed just for his size!
