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The name Poodle is probably derived from the German word pfudel that means puddle. The origin of the Poodle is generally assumed to be France. It probably was actually first seen in Russia and Germany. The standard size in Russia and Germany were used as water retrievers. In France the Poodle is known as the National Dog of France. The standard version of the Poodle originated in the fifteenth century. The Toy variety came 300 years later.

The ancestors of the Poodle were probably the Barbets and other ancient curly-coated breeds.

The Toy Poodle's original purpose was that of a companion and friend and in France it was sometimes used as a truffle-scenting dog. Its tightly curled coat was developed to capture shedding hair, making the dog a very clean house companion.

The British Poodle club was established in 1886. The Poodles were seen in America soon thereafter. In the American Kennel Club standards for the Poodle there are three varieties listed. The Toy Poodle's height is stated to be less than 10 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Toy Poodle has emerged as one of the finest companions available. Normal-sized Toy Poodles are robust little dogs that make excellent pets for older children and adults of all ages. The Toy Poodle is probably not recommended for a household with toddlers or as a toddler's pet.

Personality

The Toy Poodle is said to be 'super intelligent,' playful and active. The Toy Poodle is sensitive and bonds quickly to its family and may be reserved toward strangers until properly introduced. The Toy Poodle responds well to handlers and is sociable with other dogs and small household pets. Toy Poodles are often 'barkers,' but with appropriate training the barkers can be curtailed. The Toy Poodle is loyal and affectionate. Because of the Toy Poodle's inherited scenting abilities he succeeds very well at hide-and-seek games and retrieving. One of the best uses of a Toy Poodle is as a therapy dog. They are quite sociable.

Appearance

The Toy Poodle stands less than 10 inches tall and weighs about 8 to 10 pounds. They have a long, straight muzzle and bright, dark eyes. Pigmentation of eyelids, lip margins and nose rubber are either black or dark in color, depending on the coat color. The back is short. The body is muscular and athletic. The legs are straight. Colors are all solids in shades of blue, gray, silver, brown, caf' au lait, apricot and cream.

Exercise Requirements

The Toy Poodle is capable of providing its own exercise provided it has a backyard to play in. The Toy Poodle needs people contact to balance and enjoy life. They do not do well all alone for long periods of time. They enjoy playing toss the ball, tug of war games and because of the inherited scenting abilities they also enjoy hide-in-seek games.

Grooming

A Toy Poodle's coat should be trimmed and shaped every five or six weeks by an experienced groomer if you want it to look like a traditional poodle. At home, the Toy Poodle requires brushing and combing every few days to prevent matting and knotting of the coat. Many Toy Poodle owners like keeping their Toy Poodles in a puppy or sporting pattern, which is done by clipping the dog's coat to the same length all over its body, then shaving the face a little shorter and trimming the topknot, tail and ear hair with the scissors. This is probably most practical for the pet Toy Poodle everyday appearance if you have no interest in dog shows.