Poodle (Toy)

Coat and looks how to spot one

single, curly or corded, low-shedding

The coat keeps growing and is dense and tightly curled, with a springy, woolly feel. It can also be left to form long even cords. Because loose hair stays caught in the curls, very little ends up on the floor. The body is small, square-built and elegant, with a proud head carriage and light, springy movement.1895

Personality what they are like

A bright, cheerful little dog that bonds closely with its family and enjoys being part of everything that happens at home. It picks up new tricks and routines fast, is eager to please, and usually gets on well with visitors and other pets once properly socialised. Playful and confident, with a sense of dignity that shows in how it carries itself.7618

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Daily walks plus indoor play are usually enough, up to about an hour a day in total. It enjoys fetch, trick training and dog sports such as obedience, agility and scent work, and needs mental challenges as much as physical ones.9765

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

High. Brush and comb every day or every other day right down to the skin to keep the curls from matting. Most owners book a professional clip every 4-6 weeks. Hair inside the ears may need plucking or trimming, and nails, teeth and ears should be checked regularly.9762

Home where they are happiest

Well suited to flats and apartments as well as houses, in town or country. Needs to live indoors with the family, with a safe space for play. Supervise around small children and large dogs because of its tiny size.97

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, good quality small-breed dog food. Adults do well on 2-3 small meals a day and puppies on 3-4. Portion sizes depend on the individual dog, so ask your vet and keep treats modest.6

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and happiest with company for much of the day. Thrives on reward-based training, games and attention, and often enjoys therapy or obedience work. Generally friendly with other dogs and pets.756

The story where it all began

The Poodle began as a curly-coated water dog that fetched ducks and other waterfowl for hunters, and it is closely related to the Barbet. Its German name Pudel comes from a word for splashing in water. By the 1700s, smaller Poodles were being bred in France and other European cities for town life, and they became favourites of the French aristocracy and performers in travelling circuses. The toy size was refined in the late 1800s and early 1900s by breeders who kept shrinking the Miniature while keeping its proportions; in the United States, white toys were bred from American lines from about 1880. The AKC admitted the Toy to its studbook in 1912 and approved its standard in 1928, and the Poodle Club of America accepted it as the third variety in 1943. From the late 1950s the Toy's popularity rose sharply, helping make the Poodle the most registered breed in America from 1960 to 1982.12374

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard no. 172 (Poodle), Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs, Section 2 Poodle; the Toy is one of four size varieties (Standard, Medium, Miniature, Toy). Current standard dated 05.04.2024, valid from 01.08.2024.1

AKC

Poodle recognised in 1887; the Poodle Club of America accepted the Toy as the third variety in 1943. Shown in the Toy Group under the shared Poodle standard.3

AKC (studbook history)

Toy Poodles entered the AKC studbook in 1912 and their first official standard was approved in 1928.4

AKC (standard)

Toy Poodle defined as 10 inches or under at the shoulder; adult show dogs are presented in the English Saddle or Continental clip.8

The Royal Kennel Club

Listed as 'Poodle (Toy)', a separate breed within the Utility group; Breed Watch Category 1.9

Popularity Poodle (all three AKC varieties combined) ranked No. 6 among AKC-registered breeds in the US10