If you’re a first-time dog owner, your primary concern is properly caring for them.
While you may have a basic idea of owning one, understanding how they behave and what conditions they require can be daunting.
It’s because characteristics and personalities vary from breed to breed.
So, Are Toy Poodles Good For Novice Pet Dog Owners?
Yes, but you might need to offer them the attention and time they naturally crave. Poodles are highly intelligent and active, which is why your time and attention are crucial to making them feel at home. Understanding their traits and tendencies starts by learning their history.
Toy Poodle History
Of all dog breeds existing now, the poodle is one of the oldest.
They have existed since the 15th century, but where they came from remains a mystery. According to some studies, poodles are believed to originate from France.
Other researchers argue that they came from Germany.
The argument stems from the fact that some soldiers from Germany moved with poodles to France during the war.
Since then, toy poodles have become popular in the US and Europe.
Originally, poodles were more like military dogs that accompanied soldiers because they were large and highly witty.
At the time, some royal and affluent families used them for shot games from ponds.
It was not until the 18th century that people started adopting them as pets.
Consequently, breeding hobbyists developed the current breed by choosing miniature dogs.
Breeders slowly decorated the dog to achieve its present-day miniature (thickly curled coats) to appeal to the prosperous and high society.
It is no wonder royal ladies in the 19th century kept them as lap dogs.
To this day, toy poodles are still seen as assistance dogs, thanks to their witty character. From agility tournaments and show rings, you can tell that they are the popular choice.
Toy Poodle Physical Characteristics
Toy poodle pups are 24-28cm tall from the shoulder and weigh between three and six kilograms.
Unlike other breeds, they have curly fur that hardly sheds, making them perfect for people with allergic problems.
However, their furs might require regular trimming to beautify them.
They also need grooming every six weeks to prevent matting, which is an added responsibility.
Choosing which toy poodle pup to adopt can be confusing because they come in many brown, blue, gray, and other shades.
To make your purchasing decision easier, go for the black or red toy poodle since they are the most popular choice.
Depending on the breeder’s pricing policies, they cost between $1,200 and $2,000.
Toy Poodle Personality Traits
Bred initially as assistance dogs, toy poodles enjoy being around humans.
If you’re a first-time dog owner, prepare to go almost everywhere with your newly-adopted puppy.
As expected, they are pretty loyal to everyone in the household but won’t withstand abuse.
They have strong instincts, making it easy to identify strangers who don’t like pets, in general.
Other dog breeds don’t mind a belly rub from a stranger, but a toy poodle might not warm up to it.
Even though they’re always friendly and eager to please humans, they remain aloof to strangers.
So, before introducing an unfamiliar face to them, make sure you prepare them for the first-time encounter because they’re privy to sudden changes.
Like other breeds, toy poodles are easy to train.
They can play fetch, dance, and do many humanizing activities. Some toy poodle owners say they are mischievous, typical of breeds in that category.
However, don’t mistake it for a trouble-making dog. It’s just how eager they are to learn new tricks to keep you entertained.
Toy Poodle Training Tips
No matter how busy your lifestyle is, you need to understand that a toy poodle needs to be trained while still young.
Even though they are indoor pets, constant training is mandatory.
They are excellent learners and can take any assignment you give to them, provided it’s within their capability.
Daily walks and 45-minute exercises are also mandatory to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
The best way to get your toy poodle to learn new tricks is by offering treats.
They learn better from positive reinforcements.
Doing so makes them alert during the training, hoping to be rewarded for passing their exams.
Like other dogs, respect is two-way traffic.
There is no way a toy poodle will behave if you raise your voice or spank them to correct lousy behavior like aimless barking or destruction.
As mentioned earlier, toy poodles have a high sense of smell.
They can pick scents of objects up to 100 miles away.
That’s an excellent beginner’s training guide you should take advantage of.
For example, if you want them to find their treat hidden behind the couch, all you need to do is use a language they can understand.
They will locate the treat in no time because you have engaged them in a mental stimulation exercise.
Toy Poodle Grooming Tips
Upon close observation of a toy poodle, you might notice how excessively furry they are.
Their fur can pick debris, twigs, and other small objects when left ungroomed.
Also, if your yard is prone to ticks or any other parasite, it’s easy for them to get infested because these pests may hide deep into their skin and cause diseases.
This breed is high maintenance, so grooming is a must every six weeks and daily brushing.
The best part about grooming a toy poodle is that it’s a perfect time to bond with them.
Therefore, it’s best to start grooming them when still young to get used to it.
Remember, not all dog shampoos and brushes suit the grooming needs of a toy poodle.
Consider asking your vet which products are suitable for your dog to avoid compromising their fur or making them vulnerable to infections due to the toxicity of unsuitable products.
When washing a toy poodle, make sure you use warm water to prevent respiratory problems. Schedule the grooming for a warm day.
If this isn’t an option, bath them in a temperature-controlled room. Make sure their fur is thoroughly dry and trim their nails if need be.
If they seem fussy, wave a treat and promise another one after the grooming to set them in the mood.
Four Reasons To Adopt A Toy Poodle Pup
The perks that come with having a toy poodle are as follows:
- They have a remarkable affinity to owners, making them the perfect companions
- They’re good at initiating daily physical activities to keep you active and in shape
- They are perfect for allergic people because they shed little-to-no fur
- Their long history with wealthy royals accentuates a status symbol to their owners
Four Reasons NOT TO Adopt A Toy Poodle
Avoid buying a toy poodle if:
- You’re a lazy bone who won’t keep up with daily physical activity
- You have a busy lifestyle hence don’t have time for regular vet and groomer visits
- You have a child too young to know how to handle small pets
- You’re not a dog lover
Conclusion
Having a toy poodle as a first-time pet owner may seem daunting, but once you learn their traits, it’s easy for both of you to bond.
If you have a busy lifestyle, at least get someone to keep them company lest they get bored.
Remember, they can be loyal to familiar faces only when treated with love.
Considering how intelligent and playful they are, it’s never a dull moment having them as a pet.
Related
References
Complete Toy Poodle Guide: What To Know Before Buying
Toy Poodle: Is this the Right Breed for You?