The Toy Poodle
“Teacup Poodle”

Dog breed info
Toy Poodle
Teacup Poodle
Weight: 4 — 8 lbs
Height: — 10”
AKC Rank 2008 #9
Lifespan: 15—18 yrs
Group: Toy
Origin: France or Germany

• Dog Health, Dog Illness, Medical Problems

Dog Breed Info – The Toy Poodle

Breed Overview

Poodle’s are probably of French origin, although that’s not clear. Anyway, France is recognized as the country of origin and the “French Poodle” is known around the world.

Perhaps the earliest incarnation of the Poodle was the Barbet, a curly-coated dog distributed in France, Russia, Hungary, and elsewhere. It is the German version, however, that exerted most influence on the modern Poodle. In fact, the word “Poodle” comes from the German word “pfudel,” meaning “puddle” or “to splash” which suggested dog’s interest in water. In France, the Poodle was known as “caniche” or “chien-canard,” both referring to the dog’s duck hunting abilities. The intelligent little Poodle was used as a circus performer at one time. The Poodle found favor as an elegant combination for fashionable ladies. It became favored by French aristocracy and eventually became the national dog of France. It’s characteristic “clip” was accented and a successful effort was made to prevent the smaller specimens.

At some point the Toy Poodle was crossed with other breeds to arrive at the “Teacup” size. However, all three size Poodles are still grouped together under one description by the AKC.

All Teacup Poodles need a LOT of interaction with people.

The original function of the Toy Poodle was that of a lap dog. Today, it still serves as a lap dog.

9 week old Toy Poodle

Very easy to train. Intelligent little dog. Learns quickly, especially with clicker training and positive reinforcement. Pick up a clicker for around $3 at a pet store and start using it. They really work wonders.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Toy Poodle? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

The Toy Poodle puppy is usually pretty easy to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

Toy Poodle

The pert and peppy Teacup Poodle is one of the brightest and easiest breeds to train. It’s alert, responsive, playful, lively sensitive, and eager to please. The dog is devoted to its family. Some can be reserved to strangers, some may bark a lot. While not known for it, some Poodles have a problem with separation anxiety which can be dealt with, given a little time and effort on your part.

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Somewhat. Picks and chooses his friends.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Somewhat. A bit standoffish, but can learn to live with other pets.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Quite friendly. Wants to be with people.

Playfulness

Yes. Toy Poodles are very playful.

Yes! Very affectionate.

Not really. Very young children can be a problem. The Teacup Poodle is tiny and delicate. Get a little larger dog such as the Miniature Poodle.

Good with Seniors over 65?

The Toy Poodle is excellent for the senior citizen. Watch out for the longevity though. A Toy Poodle can live 18 years. Find a Toy Poodle rescue for an older dog, considering the longevity.

Living environment

Apartment, farm, condo, all OK. Can’t tolerate much heat or cold. You can take a Teacup Poodle anywhere.Toy Poodle must live indoors and will appreciate air conditioning in summer.

Toy Poodle puppy

Energy level

Only moderate to low exercise needed. Some play time and a short walk is plenty.(A brief but challenging obedience or play session plus a walk is necessary daily.)

Excellent watchdog. Will bark at mailman, anything around the house.

NO. Bark worse than bite.

Yes. See professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks.

Or — give your Toy Poodle a regular “dog” grooming and forget about all the big puffs of fur. Much easier to take care of. That’s what everyone around here does!

Brush dog several times a week. Toy Poodles like to be handled and brushed. Good way to bond. Use a stiff bristle brush.

The book on the right is by the American National Red Cross and deals with dog emergencies, illnesses and injuries. It is a valuable reference manual for all dog owners. Vol 2, 2008, includes a DVD. ________________________________________________

In the event you decide to go looking for Toy Poodle puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Toy or Teacup Poodle Breeders with puppies for sale.

Toy Poodle Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of a Toy Poodle and are looking for a rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Dog Rescue – (Nationwide) You might find Toy Poodle rescue results here. Petfinder lists all Poodles under “Poodle.”
Adopt A Pet This is an interesting site that may give you some ideas. For more dogs available, check Toy Poodle rescue, pets, foster and kennels.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Tracheal collapse—The tracheal (air pipe) rings, made of cartilage, can become weak and “collapse” as the Toy Poodle ages, reducing the air supply to the lungs by failing to keep the trachea open wide. This is most likely to be a problem during excitement or exercise when more air is needed in the lungs. This only affects small dogs, and particularly small, obese dogs. Treatment depends on the severity and ranges from diet to medicine to surgery.