The toy poodle is one of several different sizes of poodles, the second smallest being from the original poodle, the standard or giant poodle. It is a centuries-old breed that comes from France and was used for hunting aquatic animals and for the defense of territory and livestock. They were very popular with roy alty and the upper class from the 16th to the 19th century, a century in which they began to spread to other locations and to create different sizes.
Dwarf Poodles are dogs with an exceptional character, very affectionate, cheerful and intelligent, who love to play, plans and company. Education is easy, since they are very interested and have enormous intelligence. Although they are very resistant, strong and he althy, they are predisposed to certain eye and dermatological problems that can be solved with specific treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about the poodle, its origin, characteristics, character, care, education and where to adopt it.
Origin of the poodle or dwarf poodle
The poodle comes from the barbet dog, originally from France These dogs were used as guardians of livestock and for hunting, especially of animals aquatic animals such as swans or ducks, as they love water. Throughout its history, the poodle has also been used as a circus dog.
From the 16th century the rise and creation of the poodle really began after crossings with spaniels or M altese, which were considered to have great beauty and intelligence that amazed the French courts during those years. This fact was represented by works of art by Albrecht Dürer or Goya.
The breed spread in the 19th century during the Franco-Prussian War to aristocrats and millionaires. Hairstylists began to experiment and create the continental and British cut styles. During these last centuries, the smaller ones were crossed to get a smaller sized poodle, the toy poodle, especially in France, Germany and Russia.
Characteristics of the poodle or dwarf poodle
Miniature Poodles are small dogs, but larger than the smallest variety of poodle, the toy. They have a height between 28 and 35 cm at the withers and a weight that must be adjusted to the height.
The main characteristics of toy poodles are:
- Proportionate head, with a long, thin snout.
- Large, dark, almond-shaped eyes.
- Long, droopy ears.
- Sturdy legs of medium length.
- Tail raised to medium height.
The toy poodle's coat is the same as the other sizes. It can be presented in the form of strands formed by cords of hair up to 20 cm or loops of curly hair, fine and woolly to the touch.
Miniature Poodle Colors
The most common coat colors in toy poodles are as follows:
- Black
- White
- Brown and its shades
- Gray
- Tawny
Poodle Character
The personality of the toy poodle is not too different from that of the rest of the poodles, they are dogs faithful, intelligent, affectionate and lively They love it the company of his caretaker, who will not hesitate to follow you around the house. They are also playful, observant and cheerful dogs and very good protectors of the home.
They love activity, so they are ideal for any family that makes diverse plans that include them. For this reason, they can get desperate when alone and tend to be suspicious of strangers.
Care of the poodle or dwarf poodle
To care for a Toy Poodle, care must be taken to provide it with the love, stimulation and activity it needs on a daily basis. They are lively, cheerful dogs that cannot stay still and calm for long periods. It might be a good idea to sign him up for an activity that helps keep his mind active or go for a walk and play for a long time every day.
The hair care is another important thing to keep in mind, that it should be brushed frequently. Bathing will be necessary when the coat is dirty or the use of a treatment shampoo is needed for a dermatological condition.
Hygiene of the ear canal and teeth is also important to prevent oral, dental and ear diseases and infections. Veterinary check-ups are important for the prevention and early diagnosis of he alth problems. As part of prevention, it is important to maintain a vaccination and deworming schedule to reduce the risk of infection and the severity of infectious and parasitic diseases that can affect this species.
The diet must be adapted according to the specific characteristics of our dwarf poodle, but it must always be complete and intended for the canine species, in order to satisfy all the necessary nutrients in their correct proportions every day.
Poodle education
Poodles are very obedient and intelligent dogs, so they have an innate facility for learning commands and tricks. In addition, they love to have their mind stimulated in constant activity and hardly get distracted.
Education should be based on a type of conditioning called positive reinforcement, which seeks quick and effective teaching without being traumatic for the dog. In education, special attention should also be paid to correct socialization in the first weeks of life and to controlling that anxiety when they are separated from their caregiver.
Poodle He alth
Dwarf Poodles have a good life expectancy, reaching even 16 years It is a very strong and he althy breed but that may have a certain predisposition to the following eye and dermatological diseases that can be controlled and treated with veterinary check-ups:
- Glaucoma: a disease in which there is increased pressure inside the eye due to a lack of drainage of the aqueous humor, a liquid that bathes the interior of the eye that progressively ends with the fibers of the optic nerve, the one that sends light signals to the brain to allow vision.
- Entropion: occurs when the lower eyelid is drawn inward, causing the skin and lower lashes to rub against the surface of the eye, which irritates it, causes discomfort, ulcers and can even lead to blindness if left untreated.
- Cataracts: occurs when the crystalline lens, which is the lens of the eye, becomes cloudy, making vision difficult.
- Otitis: The characteristics of the ears and ear canal of miniature poodles predispose them to inflammation of the ear canal, which creates a warm, moist environment that encourages microbial growth and causes symptoms such as pain, scratching, head shaking, odor, redness, itching, and discharge.
- Sebaceous adenitis: skin disease in which the glands that produce oil, the sebaceous glands, become inflamed and destroyed. This fat or sebum has antimicrobial properties and lubricates and moisturizes the skin, so the reduction of this secretion leads to desquamation, hair loss, follicular cylinders, hyperkeratosis and follicular plugging.
Other dermatological problems that they may suffer from are fungal infections such as ringworm, Malassezia or sporotrichosis, pyoderma or allergic problems.
Where to adopt a toy poodle or poodle
Dwarf Poodles, like the other sizes, are already widespread throughout the world and it shouldn't be too difficult to get one up for adoption. If you think you can properly care for a toy poodle, the adoption process should begin by asking local shelters and shelters, seeking information, or researching and contacting poodle rescue associations.
