A Complete Guide To The Fluffiest, Cutest & Smallest Poodle
When it comes to Poodles we know there are three, or technically four sizes. Poodle types are Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Toy Poodles. The Toy Poodle is the smallest of them all, but what size is a Toy Poodle full-growndog, and when do they stop growing?
If you’re wondering why we said that there are technically four sizes. Well, that’s because there’s also the Moyen Poodle or medium Poodle. In size, they are somewhere between the Standard and Mini Poodle, but the AKC doesn’t recognize them.
But, that’s not today’s topic. In this article, we’ll talk about the size and traits of the smallest of all Poodles. The Toy Poodle.
Toy Poodle full grown – When do they stop growing?
Firstly, we need to make something clear. The Toy Poodle is not a breed. It’s just one category of the Poodle breed. So, it has all the traits that every Poodle has, just in a smaller package.
Besides this, it’s important to note that, even though many people believe the Poodle originated from France, that’s not the case. The Poodle is from Germany! It’s hard to imagine, but there they were bred as retrievers! So, their job was to fetch ducks and other waterbirds.
What do adult Toy Poodles look like?
The biggest difference between all Poodles is their size. But, let’s take a closer look at how big does (or small) the Toy Poodle get.
Poodles that are smaller than 10 inches are considered Toy Poodle, and they usually weigh between six and ten pounds.
As a comparison, a Miniature Poodle is between 10 and 15 inches tall and weighs between 15 and 20 pounds. On the other hand, a Standard Poodle is over 15 inches tall in full height. Females weigh between 40 and 50 pounds, males weigh between 45 and 70 pounds.
Toy Poodles are very well proportioned dogs with dark, oval eyes and ears that hang close to their heads. They also have a distinctive coat.
Breed Origin
To understand better how we got the Toy Poodle, we need to get back to Standard Poodle. Although recognized as “the dog of France“, their roots are actually in Germany.
It might sound strange, but they were first used as gun dogs, used mostly for retrieving purposes. Later on, in accordance with their beauty, elegance and hypoallergenic features, they will not be used in hunting any more.
The Coat
Their coat is curly or wavy and quite dense, but soft. The thing with Poodles is that they don’t shed, this means their fur just keeps on growing. So, this is why grooming and regular groomer’s appointments are a must. Besides this, you have to brush their coat every day. Otherwise, it will get matted.
The Poodle’s coat can be in ten colors:
- apricot
- black
- blue
- brown
- cream
- gray
- red
- silver
- silver beige
Also, the AKC recognizes two-colored Poodles as well.
When do they stop growing?
Now, let’s answer a more serious question. When do Toy Poodles stop growing? When is your Toy Poodle considered full grown?
Toy Poodles stop growing at around six or seven months. But, they will keep gaining weight. After the sixth or seventh month, they usually start gaining a bit more weight. This will go on until months nine to twelve, with which they reach their full size.
Every dog is unique, and this goes for Toy Poodles too. Not even the Toy Poodle puppies from the same litter will be the same size and weight. But what is it that affects their size? So, what determines how big an individual Toy Poodle full-grown dog will be?
What affects their size
How big will my Toy Poodle be? As already mentioned many factors determine a Toy Poodle’s size and weight. As well as how big a Toy Poodle full-grown dog will be.
Factors that determine the size:
- Genetics – A dog’s genetics probably play the biggest role in how big a Toy poodle will get. This is why it’s good to know how big the parents and grandparents are. With that info, you’ll be able to estimate how large your Toy Poodle could be. But, take this statement with a grain of salt. This approach won’t be completely accurate.
- Nutrition – We always stress that you should feed your dog healthy, high-quality food. This is because food doesn’t only keep your dog from starving, but it plays a big part in how big your dog will get. So, pay attention to which food you’re feeding your poodle. Also, buy them food that has the right percentage of proteins and fats. Both are very important for your dog’s growth.
- Physical activity – Exercise boosts your dog’s immune system. So, the more exercise they get, the healthier they will be. You’re also making sure they don’t become obese and you’re increasing their muscle and bone strength. Also, regular exercise can even prevent health problems like diabetes. And obviously, the healthier your dog is, the more will they grow.
Be careful since this is not a sports dog. The good news is this is an intelligent breed but do not get carried away. it is still a miniature variety
- Health – Only healthy dogs can grow. So, if your dog’s body is struggling with some illness, then they won’t have the energy to grow. Hip dysplasia is common, as well as with other official breeds.
How much sleep does my Toy Poodle need?
Well, this is different for a puppy and for a full-grown dog that has reached its sexual maturity. Interesting facts are that puppies might sleep from 15 to 20 hours. Seems almost too much, right?
But, for a full-grown dog, you can expect anywhere between 10 and 15 hours, although 13 hours seems like the perfect number.
Exercise requirements
Okay, we covered sleep, but what about training and exercise? Although these are small size dogs, this poodle, as well as other poodle varieties, needs to burn that accumulated energy.
But, since they have tiny size limbs, do not push it too far. Walks and plays in total of 30 minutes a day will be just enough even for the adult size dog.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Toy Poodle full-grown dog is not taller than 10 inches and doesn’t weigh more than six to 10 pounds. Which is very small!
Toy Poodles might be small, but they have big personalities too. Once you meet them, you’ll fall in love forever. And this goes for all Poodle sizes!
So, in this article we only touched upon the size of Toy Poodles and when they stop growing. But, if you want to learn more about Poodles, then check out our other articles on the Poodle breed and Poodle mixes.
Useful articles on Poodles:
Also, find out more about Poodle mixes.
Lastly, Toy Poodles are adorable. But, they are also a lot of work. Just like any dog is. So, if you’re thinking about getting one read our articles about them. Surely, it will help you learn how to be a good dog owner.