Whether you’re looking for a show dog or a small companion, black toy poodles are your best bet. The breed’s fun size is perfect for apartments and small living spaces.
It’s also low maintenance regarding diet, exercise, and training. The only struggles you may face with the breed are its excessive barking and grooming needs.
Toy poodles may also need to warm up to strangers first. The breed tends to get jumpy.
Aside from that, you’ve got an energetic, assertive, and loyal pet. Stick around to learn more about black toy poodles.
History of Black Toy Poodle
Toy poodles didn’t start so tiny. Their origins stem from a standard-size poodle bred for hunting ducks. Their name originates from the German term “pudel.” The word translates to “to splash.” Despite the belief that poodles have a European background, experts believe that poodles also have Asian roots.
They could stem from the Central Asian curly-coated dog. Aside from that, the poodle is traced back to over 400 years ago in Germany. During that time, they were hunters and retrievers. Poodle owners shaved the breed’s unruly hair to allow for better movement.
They trimmed off the breed’s neck, tail, and leg hair while leaving the chest hair for warmth. Afterward, breeders came up with toy poodles in the early twentieth century. Their athletic nature and intelligence landed them a place in the circus.
French aristocracy enjoyed owning the adorable breed as well. Subsequently, poodles became France’s national dog breed. Afterward, toy poodles became more popular in small households.
They reached a decline in ownership during the 1920s but quickly popularized once more, thanks to their successful companionship.
Appearance
The little fellas are smaller versions of their larger brothers and sisters. Toy poodles have triangle-shaped heads and relatively long muzzles. The French breed usually comes with dark-colored eyes and noses.
Additionally, their ears are large and rest on the sides of their head, giving them a cute pigtail appearance. When it comes to their coats, they’re tightly packed and curled.
During puppyhood, your toy poodle may appear black, but as they grow up, their coat could lighten. In this case, dog genres are to blame. Consequently, we suggest consulting your breeder regarding the dog’s family history.
Size
Black toy poodles are around eight to ten inches in height. The American Kennel Club recognizes the breed as one of the smallest in the world.
Weight
The small breed weighs approximately six to nine pounds.
Facts
Toy poodles are more than just tiny, cute dogs. Check out some facts below to know more about this exceptional breed.
They’re not French
Despite what popular opinion says, toy poodles don’t have French roots. They come from a German background. The “Duck Dog” was bred for hunting and retrieving rather than looking cute.
After becoming miniaturized, French circuses began enlisting the charming breed to perform several tricks.
They’re Fierce
Don’t let their toy size fool you. The breed can get feisty when feeling threatened, which happens often.
They don’t trust strangers and tend to act hostile toward them. For this reason, toy poodles can alert you in instances of danger.
They Don’t Have Fur
Unlike hair, fur grows and sheds after reaching a certain length. Meanwhile, hair doesn’t stop growing.
Poodles have hair like humans. Puppy toy poodles initially grow with wavy hair. As they grow older, it becomes denser and curlier. Since poodles don’t shed, they need regular grooming sessions.
They Can Swim
Toy poodle ancestors used to swim and hunt for ducks. In turn, swimming is in their blood. They love to get wet.
Their webbed feet allow them to power through the water. You can use treats and a shallow body of water to teach them how to swim.
Care Requirements
Although they hail from an aristocratic background, black toy poodles are no more high-maintenance than other breeds. They’re relatively easy to care for because of their small stature.
Diet
You’ll need to consider your black toy poodle’s age in terms of diet and nutrition. You’ll need to focus on the frequency of feeding and the nutrients provided.
Puppyhood
You can feed your black toy poodle four times per day during the first three months. Once they reach between three to six months, you can lower their food intake to three meals.
Puppyhood requires a lot of protein and calorie consumption. Minerals like calcium are also integral to your puppy’s growth and development. Aside from that, you’ll want to opt for dry and small-sized kibble to promote dental health.
Adulthood
As your puppy toy poodle passes the six-month mark, it’s time to feed them twice a day. We highly recommend a diet rich in whole foods and veggies. Avoid overfeeding the toy poodle because they’re more vulnerable to being overweight due to their small frame.
Exercise
Black toy poodles are little energy balls. In other words, they need physical stimulation unless you want them tearing into your pillows and shoes. That said, toy poodles require around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day.
You can split the walking into three or two intervals. Besides walking, toy poodles enjoy retrieving, swimming, and doing tricks. As a general rule of thumb, exercise your breed for five minutes every month they age until they reach six months to one year old.
Grooming
Black toy poodles are single-coated breeds. Subsequently, they’re fitted with one coarse curly coat. The best part about these poodles is that they don’t shed.
It could be because they don’t have fur but hair. In turn, it grows like humans and responds to hormonal changes.
Either way, this makes them the perfect breed for those with allergies. Now, you should brush your toy poodle daily using a fine-toothed comb. If you’re too busy, you can groom them every other day instead.
That way, it’ll keep you from dealing with fussy matting and tangles. Aside from brushing, toy poodles need professional trimming sessions.
We suggest visiting a groomer every six weeks. The best part is that you can choose between multiple styles, such as a daring lion cut.
Alternatively, you can opt for an adorable cupcake cut. It’ll make your pup look like a teddy bear. Make sure to train your toy poodle to behave well at the groomer.
Temperament
Like most small dogs, toy poodles are a pugnacious and confident breed. They usually stay alert and energetic. In addition, they’re incredibly loyal but intelligent dogs.
Socialization
Socializing comes easy to toy poodles when it comes to their owners. Nonetheless, their skittish nature can make them “fear biters.” They tend to snap at strangers who try to carry or pet them.
Their fear is understandable; imagine being approached by a giant person and they try to grab you. Black toy poodles are also prone to separation anxiety because of their companionable temperament.
For this reason, you should designate a set time with your furry friend and give them all the attention they need.
Barking
Black toy poodles excessively bark if not trained well. They love communicating with humans to seek attention. Luckily, the outspoken breed is easy to command.
Its obedient and intelligent nature can allow it to detect your body language. That said, who needs alarms when you have a toy poodle?
Training Your Black Toy Poodle
One of the best methods to train your black toy poodle is through positive reinforcement and rewards. When you unleash their full training potential, you can teach them as many as 400 words and commands.
Toy poodles need consistent mental stimulation. Try to mix up your training methods to keep them entertained and engaged. Remember, the circus trained the breed’s ancestors.
Health Considerations
Black toy poodles can live a long and healthy life compared to several other breeds. Generally, small breeds tend to outlive larger ones. Large breeds are more susceptible to developing mobility issues and other health conditions like hip dysplasia.
Life Expectancy
A black toy poodle’s life expectancy can range anywhere between 12 to 18 years.
Health Complications
Toy poodles may develop health risks such as ear infections and hypothyroidism.
Ear Infections
Floppy-eared dogs, like toy poodles, are more vulnerable to ear infections. It’s mainly because their ears trap moisture, causing more room for bacterial infection.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder in dogs. It symptomizes weight gain, drowsiness, and hair coat changes.
Treating the illness involves consistent oral medicine administration. The medicine works by restoring a balanced thyroid hormone circulation.
Addison’s Disease
The disease originates from a deficiency in hormones created by the adrenal glands. It causes vomiting, lethargy, and excessive urination. Fortunately, Addison’s disease is rare and only affects 0.06% to 0.28% of dogs.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an eye condition affecting toy poodles. The inherited eye disease progressively leads to blindness.
It usually starts with dim nighttime vision before slowly scaling to complete visual impairment. The condition is not painful, but there’s no treatment for it.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s Syndrome causes your toy poodle’s body to produce too much cortisol. In turn, the health condition can weaken the breed’s immune system.
A low-performing immunity can make the poodle more susceptible to diseases and infections. Symptoms of the disease include increased thirst and urination, hair loss, and a surge in appetite.
Price
If you’re finally considering purchasing a black toy poodle, you can go through two routes. Either through a breeder or an adoption agency.
From Breeder
When buying from a breeder, prepare to drop a hefty sum. Toy poodles can cost you anywhere between $1,200 to $4,000.
Now, you’re probably wondering why the breed is so expensive. Well, toy poodles are notoriously challenging to breed. Additionally, the dog breeds a small quantity of litter at a time.
Toy poodles are more likely to require a c-section than other breeds, increasing the breeder’s costs.
A high-priced toy poodle could indicate that the breeder is ensuring high-quality care for the dog. This care is essential to produce healthy pups in the future.
How to Purchase Toy Poodle from Breeder
Firstly, you need to make sure you find a reputable breeder. You can do so by getting a referral. It can be from a close friend or a veterinarian.
Once you contact the breeder, agree on a time to meet. Insist on meeting at their facility. That way, you can inspect the place’s condition.
Afterward, ask the breeder for the necessary documents. These can include vaccination and family history files.
Lastly, the breeder should ask you to sign a contract. One of the conditions will oblige you to return the dog if you can’t care for it.
From Adoption Center
Adopting a toy poodle is much more affordable than going to a breeder. On average, adoption can cost around $150 to $600.
Adoption costs cover vet, vaccination, and other care fees. The price primarily depends on your location.
FAQs
Are black toy poodles rare?
Black is one of the most common colors found in toy poodles.
Do black toy poodles turn silver?
Some black toy poodles turn silver after they turn two years old. In turn, this means that they weren’t originally black toy poodles in the first place.
Do black toy poodles get lonely?
Yes, they’re highly affectionate breeds. They can get lonely when not given enough attention.
Are toy poodles suitable for beginner owners?
Yes, first-time dog owners can own toy poodles. They’re highly trainable and low-maintenance.
Final Thoughts
Black toy poodles are adaptable and friendly toward their owners. They offer multiple benefits, such as being a companion and alerting you of any strangers outside your home.
The tiny breed is perfect if you have small living quarters. Plus, minimal shedding keeps you safe if you have allergies. Aside from that, toy poodles, like most other dogs, need exercise and adequate nutrition.
Additionally, you’ll want to keep their hair coat in good shape by brushing them daily. That way, you’ll avoid any matting messes.