Poodle (Toy)

Poodles began as German and French water retrievers, and as the type was refined in France it was progressively bred smaller, first to the Miniature and then, by the early 1900s, to the Toy, developed mainly as a companion for city and salon life rather than any working role. The Toy retained the sharp intelligence of its larger relatives while losing the size needed for serious retrieving work, and it quickly became fashionable among people who wanted a portable, clever dog that could live comfortably in small households.

Living with a Toy Poodle means managing a dog with a big personality in a small body. They are quick learners, often excelling at tricks and obedience, and form close bonds with their owners, sometimes becoming anxious if left alone too often. The curly coat sheds very little, which helps some allergy sufferers, but mats easily and needs professional clipping every six to eight weeks plus regular home brushing. Because of their small size, Toy Poodles are vulnerable to injury from rough play, falls, or larger dogs, and need careful supervision around young children.

Today the Toy Poodle is a popular companion breed and one of the most common Poodle sizes used in "doodle" crossbreeding for a low-shedding, small-statured mix. It suits owners after a portable, intelligent dog who can commit to regular grooming and gentle, consistent handling.