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Characteristics, History, and Health
Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is a breed of dog that originates from Germany and France. The breed has a long history, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, when it was primarily used as a water retriever. The name ""Poodle"" comes from the German word Pudel, meaning to splash in the water. While initially bred in three sizes (Standard, Miniature, and Toy) to suit a variety of roles and lifestyles, the Toy Poodle became particularly popular in France and was considered the breed of choice for French nobility and high society. Over time, the Toy Poodle became appreciated worldwide for its intelligence, hypoallergenic coat, and companionable nature.
Main Info
- Origin
- Germany, France
- Alternate Names
- French Poodles
- Life Expectancy
- 10-18 years
- Average Male Height
- No more than 10 inches
- Average Female Height
- No more than 10 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 4-6 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 4-6 pounds
- Coat Length
- Long
- Coat Type
- Curly
- Coat Colors
- Apricot, Black, Black & Brown, Black & Cream, Black & Gray, Black & Silver, Black & Tan, Black & White, Blue, Blue & White, Brown, Brown & White, Cafe Au Lait, Cream, Cream & White, Gray, Gray & White, Red, Red & White, Red & Apricot, Silver, Silver Beige, White, White & Apricot, White & Silver, Black & Apricot, Brown & Apricot
- Coat Pattern
- Black Points, Black Mask, White Mask, White Markings
Genetic Predispositions and Health
Toy Poodles can suffer from degenerative myelopathy and progressive rod-cone degeneration.They can also suffer from Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD), patellar luxation, GM2 gangliosidosis, neonatal encephalopathy with seizures, chondrodysplasia (CDPA) and chondrodystrophy (CDDY) with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) risk, and von Willebrand Disease.
Personality and Behavior
Toy Poodles are known for their intelligence and their lively, playful disposition. They are highly trainable and often excel in obedience and agility competitions. Despite their small size, they are alert and can make good watchdogs. They are generally good with children and other pets, but due to their small size, interactions should always be supervised to prevent injury.
Fun Facts
The American Kennel Club (AKC) states that poodles come in three size varieties: Standards should be more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder; Miniatures are 15 inches or under; Toys stand no more than 10 inches, and that all three varieties have the same build and proportions.
Toy Poodles have been popular pets for many famous people throughout history, including Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.
The Poodle's "lion cut" was originally designed to protect vital areas from cold water, while reducing drag.
Poodles rank as the second most intelligent breed in Stanley Coren's "The Intelligence of Dogs".
References
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/poodle-toy
https://www.purina.com/dogs/dog-breeds/poodle
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-toy/
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/POODLE-172.html
https://www.ukcdogs.com/poodle
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