Basics on Toy Poodle Puppies Leave a comment
Poodles require a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. They must also be groomed regularly, especially if their coats are long.
Poodles that are small in size don’t need much exercise but benefit from regular walks and play sessions. They’re intelligent and eager to learn. But they can be sensitive to specific allergies and health conditions.
Appearance
Poodles may have a reputation for being snobbish, but these smart dogs love to please their people. When fully grown, they fall into the “toy” category at around 11 inches (27 cm) or less to the shoulder.
Like other poodles, toy poodle puppies are devoted companions and excel at obedience and agility. They’re also playful and love tricks. They’re friendly energetic personalities typically gets along well with other dogs, cats, and children.
Toy poodles make good watchdogs for families, alerting you to visitors without being aggressive. But they are lively dogs that enjoy regular walks and mental stimulation, such as playing games with their owners. Some are prone to several health issues, including hip dysplasia and eye disorders. To prevent the onset of the conditions, responsible breeders should routinely test breeding stock for these conditions. They’re also at risk for tracheal collapse and Cushing’s disease, which is a malfunction of the adrenal glands. Obtaining a dog from a trustworthy breeder is best to avoid these conditions.
Health
Unlike some breeds, toy poodles are usually healthy dogs that can live up to 15 years. However, they’re predisposed to several genetic conditions. New owners should be prepared for potential risks before housing one of these adorable pups.
Toy poodles are generally observant dogs making excellent watchdogs. They’re prone to barking at every new sight or sound, irritating the owners and neighbors. This behavior is a result of their compassionate and loyal personality.
Common health issues associated with toy poodles include ear infections and urinary tract stones. These can be caused by the excess hair in their ear canals that trap moisture and debris. Trimming the ear hair regularly helps to avoid these problems.
Another concern is sebaceous adenitis, which causes your dog’s skin to dry and flaky. Various reasons may cause the condition, so discussing the symptoms with your vet is essential.
Training
Toy poodles are highly intelligent and respond well to positive, reward-based training. They learn quickly and usually bond closely with their owner. They’re eager to please and enjoy participating in obedience, agility, and tracking.
Most toy poodles tend to be calm and friendly with children but should always be supervised around small children. Because of their welcoming nature, toy poodles make a great family pet.
Housetraining is usually easy for poodles but, like any dog, training to go outside when needed requires consistency. They should be taken to their toilet spot regularly, especially first thing in the morning and last thing at night. It’s recommended to reward them for using the correct spot and never punish them for accidents in the house. Punishment can teach them to associate going to the bathroom indoors with being punished and could cause them to revert to the old behavior.
Care
Toy poodles make excellent companion dogs for people who have the time to devote to them. They need daily walks, mental health exercises, and attention to their grooming needs. They’re also prone to certain health conditions that require regular monitoring.
Good breeders screen for common health issues, and canine geneticists have identified genes for inherited diseases. Taking your pet to the vet every six months and keeping up with vaccinations, worming, and treating parasites helps you keep your puppy healthy and happy.
Toy poodles are generally eager to please and can learn new commands more quickly than most other breeds. However, they have large egos and may become jealous of other pets or children if not trained with patience and positive reinforcement. Regardless, toy poodles are one of the best breeds to choose from when considering a family pet. You won’t regret finding a one of these puppy as your new best friend!