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The Toy Poodle is an elegant, lively, small dog with a profuse, but well-groomed and clipped curly coat. The ears are long, flat and wide, laying close to the head. The head is long with dark, almond-shaped eyes that have an alert expression. The skull is a bit rounded, with a slight stop. The teeth should have a scissors bite. A good Poodle has a square silhouette, with approximately the same overall length as the height at the withers. The level top line has a slight depression behind the withers. The feet are small, oval and webbed, with arched toes. The tail is docked to produce a balanced dog. The coat may be groomed into three basic styles: the "pet clip" (or puppy clip), with relatively short hair all over the body, the "English saddle" clip, and the "Continental" clip with the rear half of the body shaved, bracelets left around the ankles, and pom-poms left on the tails and hips. All solid colors are permissible. The Poodle has a delightful springy gait.
Excellent 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 is an outstanding watchdog, but never becomes aggressive. Any effort the owner puts into training and socializing will be well rewarded. They are happy with children and are generally good with other pets and dogs.
Toy Poodle is very active, intelligent, well balanced and elegant looking dog with good temperament, carrying himself very proudly. The Poodles most outstanding characteristics are its intelligence and Sense of humor! Once most people have experienced a Poodle they seldom go to another breed.
Black poodles are even-tempered, but with the silver and apricot-colored poodles, their temper sometimes gets the better of them. The easiest ones to teach are the brown members of the breed.
Height: up to 10 inches (25.4 cm.)
Weight: 6-9 pounds (3-4 kg.)
These dogs are content in any environment. They are good for city life as well as country living. Good apartment dogs. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard.
They like to go for a walk, and will keep in better humor and be fitter if given regular opportunities to run free in a safe area. Toy Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes.
12-15 or more years.
Poodles must be bathed and clipped at least every 2 months, brushed every week to keep coat in good condition. The traditional clips were developed, but most owners opt for a plain lamb clip (the same length all over). Clean ears frequently. The Poodle shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers.