Toy Poodle

Temperament:
The Toy Poodle is sensitive and remarkably intelligent. Highly responsive, they are said to be one of the most trainable breeds. Pleasant, happy, perky and lively, they like to be with people. Demanding and delightful; very amusing and clever, but they are reserved with strangers and should be socialized as a puppy. It makes a very good watchdog for its size. Any effort the owner puts into training and socializing will be well rewarded. Some bloodlines may be high-strung and timid. They may snap if they are teased or surprised. They do best with older, considerate children and are generally good with other pets and dogs. Unless trained, this breed tends to bark a lot.

Grooming:
Poodles must be bathed regularly and clipped every six weeks. Clean and check the ears frequently for wax or infection and pull out hairs growing inside the ear canal. The traditional clips were developed to lighten the weight of the coat for swimming and to protect the joints and major organs from cold, but many pet owners opt for a plain lamb clip (the same length all over). The teeth need regular scaling. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. (See description for different styles of clips.)

Exercise:
These are active little dogs, who need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.

Living Condition:
Toy Poodles are good for city life as well as country living. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Origin:
Although the Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years, its origin is controversial. Whether it was developed in France, Germany, Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont, is uncertain. Despite the claims of several other countries, France has now been officially recognized as its country of origin, and the breed occupies a special place in the affections of the French. It is certain that the Poodle is descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name 'Poodle' probably derives from the German word "Pudel," which means: one who plays in water. The Poodle is used as a gun dog. They were originally used in Germany and France as a retriever of waterfowl. Hunters clipped the dog's thick coat to help them swim, leaving hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The French capitalized on the breed's high intelligence, trainability & innate showmanship and made the Poodle into a circus performer. His great popularity in that country led to the breed's common name "French Poodle." In France, however, the Poodle is called the "Caniche," or duck dog. The Poodle has been used to sniff out truffles lying underground in the woods. Poodles are depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. Toy Poodles became royal favorites, particularly in the 18th century. The Toy and Miniature Poodle varieties were bred down from larger dogs, today known as Standard Poodles. The three sizes are considered as one breed, and are judged by the same standard. Today, the Poodle is primarily a companion and show dog, though he can learn almost anything.