Toy Poodles: Complete Guide to the Tiny Yet Mighty Companion

by Sharon Glazzard September 4, 2025

Toy Poodles are one of the most beloved small dog breeds in the world. Standing 10 inches or less at the shoulder and weighing 4–6 pounds (2-4kg), these pint-sized pups are known for their intelligence, affectionate temperament, and non-shedding curly coats. Despite their small size, they have huge personalities and thrive as loyal companions in families, singles, or city households.

History of the Toy Poodle

The Poodle breed originated in Germany as a skilled water retriever, but it was in France that it became associated with elegance and sophistication. The Toy Poodle variety was developed in the 18th century by selectively breeding smaller Poodles, creating a lap dog perfect for French nobility and aristocrats across Europe.

Over the centuries, Toy Poodles became highly prized as companion dogs for their charm, trainability, and affectionate nature. Today, they remain a popular choice worldwide, celebrated for their intelligence and adaptability.

We asked Maureen about life with Loki, our Toy Poodle best pal

Hi Maureen, thank you for talking to us about owning a Toy Poodle.

Our pal Loki...

What is it Like to Own a Toy Poodle Puppy?

"Do not be deceived by the cute bundle of fluff that comes into your life. Once the Toy Poodle Puppy becomes familiar with you & its environment it can give the Duracell bunny a run for its money. Poodles are very lively & affectionate, they thrive on attention and due to their high intelligence need lots of mental stimulation. Although only small in size ( a toy poodle is 10" or less to the shoulder) they are very energetic and require up to an hour a day exercise. They have a curly non-shedding coat which makes them ideal if dog hair is a problem. However this coat does need regular grooming."

Energy levels: High — they need up to an hour of daily exercise.
Mental stimulation: Essential due to their high intelligence.
Grooming needs: Their non-shedding, curly coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming every 6 weeks.

Toy Poodles may be tiny, but they are active, curious, and thrive in a busy household that can provide both physical and mental enrichment.

Toy Poodle Personality

"Toy Poodles love human companionship and as a result they are affectionate and eager to please," says Maureen.

"This desire to please means that they can excel at training and dog sports. They are friendly, lively and affectionate and love being part of family activities. They love nothing more than being the centre of attention."

Toy Poodles are

Affectionate and eager to please — they love human companionship.
Highly trainable — excelling in obedience and dog sports.
Social and lively — happiest when part of family activities.

They adore being the centre of attention and will reward you with endless love in return.

Toy Poodle Playtime & Favourite Games

Maureen says that "puzzles are very good for Toy Poodles. Their high intelligence means they consistent mental challenges to prevent boredom. Soft latex squeaky toys are also very popular. They love to play with toys that they can throw about, due to their size puppy toys are usually the best bet. I have owned 5 toy poodles now & not one would chase & retrieve a ball more than once. I am sure that some toy poodles do enjoy this game, but it is not unusual for them to look at you as though to say " I have brought this ball back to you once, if you throw it again you can go get it yourself"

Because of their intelligence, Toy Poodles need interactive play and puzzle games to prevent boredom.

Puzzle toys: Great for mental stimulation.
Squeaky toys: A favourite due to their playful, bouncy energy.
Small toys for throwing about

Tip: Stick to puppy-sized toys for safety and comfort.

Check out our selection of toys and treats perfect for small breeds

Dachshunds & small dogs – Be More Bob

Are Toy Poodles Good With Other Dogs?

"Toy Poodles if socialised correctly are good with other dogs," explains Maureen. "They have a sociable, friendly nature so can be good with other pets including cats. As they are only a small dog the introduction to larger breeds needs to be handled carefully. They can become anxious if care is not taken."

- Toy Poodles are friendly with other dogs and even cats. Because of their small size, introductions to larger breeds must be handled carefully to avoid stress or anxiety.

Loki and a pal, plus Loki and his sisfur Jezebel

Are Toy Poodles Good With People?

Maureen say 'as mentioned earlier love people. They are deeply attached to their families and thrive on human interaction. They are excellent companion dogs and due to their small size can be easily taken most places."

- Toy Poodles thrive on human interaction and are deeply bonded with their families. They’re also highly portable thanks to their small size, making them easy travel companions.

Loki works as a therapy dog and he visits a school to listen to children read.

Challenges of Owning a Toy Poodle

"The coat of the Toy Poodle needs a lot of care. Some people choose to groom their dogs themselves and the grooming tools can be easily obtained. This does help build the bond between dog & owner and it will certainly save money. However it is very time consuming & is a skill that needs to be developed. There are plenty of excellent groomers available on the high street, but make sure you choose the right one for you and your dog.

A Toy Poodle will need grooming approximately every 6 weeks or so it is important that both of you are happy with the groomer you choose. In between grooming sessions you will need to give them a really good brush through at least once a week.

As a result of their high intelligence toy poodles can become easily bored and they can then become mischievous or destructive. Therefore, they should be provided wth enough interaction, exercise and mental stimulation.

Due to their close bonding & love of people, Toy Poodles should not be left alone for long periods. They can be prone to developing separation anxiety. This can be alleviated by potentially hiring a dog walker or sitter.

Grooming demands: Their coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming.
Separation anxiety: They dislike being left alone for long periods.
High intelligence: Without mental stimulation, they may become mischievous or destructive.

Solutions include:

Establishing a grooming routine or hiring a skilled groomer.
Hiring a dog walker or sitter if you’re away often.
Providing puzzles, training, and plenty of interactive play.

Toy Poodle Sensitivities & Barking

Dislikes: Some may find larger dogs intimidating, though generally they adapt well.
Barking: They can be vocal watchdogs, but consistent training helps manage excessive barking.

Health & Training Tips

"Due to their high intelligence Toy Poodles can sometimes appear stubborn for example when training a toy poodle, constant repetition doesn't always work. They will learn a command very quickly and if you continue to repeat the request, they will think they have done it wrong so they will give you something else. This then appears as though they are being stubborn & not obeying the command.

Like other breeds there are some genetic issues that you need to be aware of when buying a Toy Poodle. Eyes disease is probably the most notatble and always ensure that the parents are both PRA tested.

Toy Poodles are excellent family dogs but due to their small size they are probably better suited to families with older children.

Training: Because of their quick learning, avoid excessive repetition—they may interpret it as confusion and offer different behaviours.
Genetic concerns: Eye diseases are notable, so ensure parents are PRA tested before buying a puppy.
Best family fit: Due to their small size, they are often better suited to families with older children.

Why Choose a Toy Poodle?

Toy Poodles are:

Loving and loyal
Playful and hilarious
Long-lived (up to 18 years!)

Maureen is enthusiastic about Toy Poodles and says "These dogs may be small, but they will bring endless joy, laughter, and companionship for many years."

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dog that is intelligent, affectionate, and fun-loving, the Toy Poodle might just be the perfect fit. With the right care, grooming, and attention, they will become a treasured member of your family, keeping you entertained and loved every single day.

Loki's favourite loot from Be More Bob

Loki sports Ruffwear harness, collar and lead from Be More Bob. Both the Front Range and the Hi & Light harnesses work well. The Hi & Light harness goes down to the smallest size - so may suit your small breed.

Ruffwear Hi & Light Lightweight Harness – Be More Bob

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness – Be More Bob

Loki in his Front Range harness and lead.