Poodle (Toy)
Male: 3-4 kg, Female: 2-3.5 kg
Under 28 cm at the shoulder
14-18 years
Germany/France
About the Poodle (Toy)
The Toy Poodle is the smallest iteration of one of the world's most intelligent dog breeds. While often associated with luxury and show rings, they retain the athletic build and keen mind of their water-retrieving ancestors. They are exceptionally responsive to training and possess a 'joie de vivre' that makes them entertaining companions for all ages. Despite their small size, they are sturdy and active, often excelling in agility and obedience trials. Their non-shedding, wool-like coat makes them a popular choice for allergy sufferers, though it requires significant maintenance. As a companion, the Toy Poodle is deeply loyal and thrives on human interaction, often forming an intense bond with their primary caregiver. They are alert watchdogs, though their size makes them strictly 'alarm' dogs rather than protectors.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
The Toy Poodle carries itself with an almost regal self-assurance that belies its diminutive stature. In the ring, the breed is defined by its light, springy movement and a silhouette that represents the height of canine artistry. Their coat, whether corded or curly, must be dense and harsh to the touch, providing the perfect canvas for the intricate Continental or English Saddle clips.
Bred For
Companion animal and trick performer, descended from larger water-retrieving Poodles.
Temperament
Highly intelligent, alert, vivacious, and deeply affectionate with family.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
, (), , , , and due to tooth overcrowding.
Exercise Needs
Moderate; requires daily walks and plenty of mental stimulation through puzzles and play.
Grooming Needs
Very high; professional grooming is required every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting, plus daily brushing.
Living Suitability
Excellent for apartment living due to their size, provided they receive daily mental and physical exercise. They do not require a large yard but enjoy access to a secure outdoor space.
Good with Kids
Good with older, respectful children; their small frame makes them fragile and potentially fearful of rough handling by toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Generally good with other dogs and cats, though they can be assertive and may prefer the company of their own kind.
Trainability
Very high; they are among the most intelligent breeds, eager to please, and capable of learning complex tricks and tasks quickly.
Coat & Colours
Dense, harsh, curly or corded, non-shedding, and hypoallergenic.. All solid colors including Black, White, Blue, Grey, Silver, Brown, Apricot, Cream, and Red.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Toy Poodles are more likely to experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, as they are deeply people-oriented; this can be managed with early independence training. They are prone to dental disease due to their small mouths and overcrowded teeth, so daily dental care or appropriate raw meaty bones are essential. As a vocal breed, they may bark at passersby or strange noises, though consistent training can help moderate this. Their lack of shedding means their hair grows continuously, making them predisposed to severe matting and skin infections if not groomed professionally every few weeks. Like many toy breeds, they are prone to luxating patellas (kneecaps that slip), which can require veterinary management or surgery. Additionally, they may develop tear staining or ear infections due to hair growth inside the ear canal, requiring regular cleaning. While they are sensitive and intelligent, they can sometimes be prone to digestive sensitivities on standard commercial kibble; many Toy Poodles thrive on a fresh, limited-ingredient diet to maintain optimal gut health.
Feeding Guide for Your Poodle (Toy)
Healthy Weight
2.5-4.0 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
60-100 grams
Toy Poodles thrive on a fresh, raw diet consisting of lean proteins and finely ground bone. Appropriately selected raw meaty bones may provide chewing enrichment, but they do not replace veterinary dental care and can present choking, tooth-fracture or gastrointestinal risks. Adult Toy Poodles typically require 2-3% of their body weight daily, split into two meals to maintain stable energy levels.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, nutrient-dense diet suited for high-metabolism small breeds, with an emphasis on dental health support.
A balanced raw diet for a Toy Poodle should prioritize highly digestible proteins such as Majestik chicken, turkey, or lean kangaroo. Given their predisposition to tear staining, a clean diet free from artificial additives is beneficial. For a 3.5kg adult, a daily portion of approximately 85g of Majestik's premium raw blends, divided into two servings, provides the necessary caloric density for their high metabolic rate.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Poodle (Toy) Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Poodle (Toy)? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Oldest Recorded
Seamus, 20 years
Average Litter Size
3 puppies
Poodle (Toy) Owner Feedback
Real experiences and tips from Poodle (Toy) owners
Other Toy Breeds
References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.
