People often regard White Toy Poodles as fancy breeds. Being a commonly owned pet among the rich and famous, they’ve earned a reputation for being froufrou.
Nevertheless, Toy Poodles are low-maintenance dogs. They’re people pleasers and loyal to the bone. One of the most praised characteristics of the Toy Poodle is its intelligence.
It could be why they’re often present in dog shows and performances. That said, caring for the Poodle is relatively easy. Your main concern is to look after the dog’s luscious curly locks.
Stick around to learn more about the White Toy Poodle and why you should own one.
History
The breed started as a Standard Poodle. Hunters in old Germany famously used the standard-sized dog for hunting and retrieving ducks. Breeders have selectively mated Poodles into smaller sizes until the Toy Poodle came into the picture.
They became loveable members of the circus. Their intelligence has allowed them to breeze through tricks to please the crowd. Aside from performing, the Toy Poodle had made its mark in French royalty.
It had its place in King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette’s palace. Despite its German roots, the dog earned its spot as the French national breed.
Appearance
Toy Poodles are known for their small frames. They have triangle-shaped faces adorned with brown eyes. It has short legs that carry attitude with each strut.
At the end of their proportionate muzzle sits its dark-colored, button nose. Plus, who can forget the breed’s signature curly white coat?
Size
White Toy Poodles stand no taller than about ten inches.
Weight
Toy Poodles can weigh anywhere between six to ten pounds.
Facts
Whether you’re thinking of owning or researching the breed, check out some facts about White Toy Poodles below.
They Don’t Shed
Toy Poodles, like their standard and miniature counterparts, don’t shed. It’s because they have hair, not fur. The latter usually falls after a certain period.
Nevertheless, the breed’s hair continues to grow similar to ours. Subsequently, its infrequent shedding is perfect for owners with allergies.
They Sold as Ferrets
In 2013, an Argentinian man strolled an outdoor market in Buenos Aires only to be captivated by a couple of “Toy Poodles.” Upon closer vet inspection, it turned out that these white Poodles were ferrets on steroids.
They’re Not High-Maintenance
When you think of a Poodle, the first image you conjure could be a fluffy dog sitting on a plush pillow. You may also imagine the dog turning its nose to anything below it.
Well, that’s farthest from the truth. Poodles are all about fun times. They don’t mind getting muddying up their white coats. They’re still dogs at the end of the day.
Care Requirements
White Toy Poodles aren’t fussy when it comes to their care requirements. The main factor you’ll need to consider is their grooming lifestyle.
Caring for their hair can prove challenging. Aside from that, their diet and exercise routine are easy to follow.
Diet
White Toy Poodles need all the nutrition they can get, especially in their puppy months. Here’s how to go about their diet.
Puppyhood
You can free-feed your White Toy Poodle puppy during its first three months. Their nutrient intake needs to include healthy fats such as omega-3 and antioxidants.
You can supplement these minerals with an organic puppy formula. When choosing a kibble option, we suggest resorting to a dry choice.
Wet food can cause loose stools. On the other hand, dry kibble can improve dental health and ease digestion. As your puppy passes the three-month mark, you can restrict its intake to three meals daily.
Adulthood
During adulthood, you can feed your White Toy Poodle two meals daily. If you’re cooking the meals, we recommend incorporating animal protein, such as chicken and lamb. In addition, encourage your Toy Poodle to eat fish like salmon or cod.
You can also introduce fruits and vegetables into their diet. For example, sweet potatoes, blueberries, carrots, and lima beans are all healthy additions to your Poodle’s meals.
In some cases, you may be dealing with a fussy eater. In turn, you can use methods to encourage healthier eating habits, such as pouring chicken broth over the food.
Exercise
White Toy Poodles are energetic. One of the best forms of exercise you can provide is walking. These Poodles require at least an hour of activity daily. You can split the hour into two or three intervals throughout the day.
Besides walking, you’ll want to designate play time with your fun-loving pet. From playing fetch to tug of war, your Toy Poodle will appreciate the quality time.
Now, if you’re an exercise fiend, your white breed can join you for a 30-minute intense workout. Try not to overexert it to avoid any health issues. In addition to working out, Toy Poodles love to swim, thanks to their duck-hunting past.
Grooming
During their puppy months, Toy Poodles require a little more TLC for their hair. You can provide the necessary care by brushing their wavy and soft locks daily. Use up and down motions around the leg area, and be gentle around the ears and eyes.
You can ease off the brushing to every other day as your White Toy Poodle becomes an adult. Their hair forms tighter curls that don’t mat as easily. Aside from brushing, the breed needs a haircutting routine, preferably with a professional groomer.
You can schedule a visit every six weeks to get your pet’s hair trimmed to your liking. It can be a dog-show-worthy continental cut or an elegant German style.
Bathing
Toy Poodles need to shower at least every three weeks. Their coats can catch lots of debris and pollutants. Additionally, their skin accumulates natural oils, which can clog their pores and cause dermal issues.
Before you start a bath, brush your Toy Poodle’s white hair thoroughly to detangle any knots. Next, wet its hair and scrub a mild shampoo around its body. You can rinse and repeat until the coat and skin feel clean.
Afterward, condition their hair to keep them defined and moisturized. Rinse the product off and gently towel dry the coat. Lastly, you can blow dry their hair. Keep the dryer on a low setting since it may cause heat damage.
Temperament
White Toy Poodles are lively and clever dogs. They enjoy spending time with their owners and always aim to please them. Due to their sensitive nature, too much alone time can cause separation anxiety.
Nevertheless, giving them too much attention can bite you back. They could end up spoiled and think of you as less dominant. Even though it’s tempting to baby the little pet, avoid doing so.
Instead, use their intelligence by teaching them tricks and playing hide and seek. Overall, a balanced play time can make all the difference.
Socialization
Like some small breeds, Toy Poodles tend to be cautious around new people. Subsequently, exposing them to strangers and other pets will allow them to be more socially confident. Additionally, social training is most effective during puppyhood.
In the Poodle’s first two months, introduce it to at least seven new people and settings. You can also familiarize them with new toys or noises. The challenges will develop your Poodle’s resilience and prepare them to encounter changes.
Barking
Toy Poodles are moderate barkers. They’re usually barking because of a trigger. Luckily, you can find ways to reduce the loud sound.
Causes
Barking isn’t always a clear-cut way of communication. It could mean that your white Poodle wants your attention. Alternatively, it may be trying to alert you of danger, at least its idea of danger.
In addition, it might be because of separation anxiety, making it feel lonely. Finally, your Toy Poodle may need more exercise. In this case, the barking could follow destructive behavior.
Fixes
The good news is that you can cut the barking short. Thanks to the breed’s high trainability, you can teach them the quiet command. The trick involves putting your hand in a shushing motion and rewarding the dog when it stops barking.
Alternatively, you can tackle the root issue. For instance, if it’s barking from a lack of proper exercise, you can stretch the intervals out more so they feel more physically stimulated. Plus, provide them with more bonding time if they’re feeling anxious.
Now, if it’s only barking to get your attention, do your best to ignore it. Giving it a reaction will only worsen the situation. It’ll assume that the barking is working and keep on doing it.
Training
Toy Poodles love being mentally stimulated. They’re intelligent dogs with a knack for learning tricks and commands. You can use a reward-based system to train them or resort to clicker training.
Either way, they’ll pick up what you teach with little trouble. Your main concern should be to know what motivates your Poodle best. Some Poodles aren’t as motivated by treats. Instead, they value praise more.
Other Toy Poodles love receiving toys. That said, as your pet gets older, scale back on the rewards. Otherwise, it’ll assume that every menial task will give them a treat.
Generally, Toy Poodles require sociability and barking training. You can train them for 20 to 30 minutes daily. It’s critical to remain consistent with your commands and rules.
Do so by incorporating your taught orders throughout everyday activities, such as sitting before giving their food.
Health Considerations
Toy Poodles are vulnerable to certain illnesses. Preparing and accounting for these diseases can better their health in the long term.
Life Expectancy
Toy Poodles can live between 12 to 15 years.
Health Complications
Here are some health complications to look out for in your White Toy Poodle.
Addison’s Disease
The autoimmune disease attacks your Poodle’s adrenal glands. It hinders the glands’ cortisol production. Consequently, your dog can experience lethargy, increased urination, and vomiting.
While there’s no cure for this illness, vets treat the issue with hormone replacement therapy. The supplementation is lifelong.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
The illness often begins by targeting your Poodle’s night vision. Over time, it’ll become blind. The non-painful condition currently doesn’t have a treatment or cure.
Signs of PRA include shiny and dilated pupils. Once these signs appear, it could take about six months before your Poodle loses sight.
Hypoglycemia
The disease occurs when your Toy Poodle’s blood sugar levels drop severely. Causes include lack of eating and stress.
You can spot the signs of hypoglycemia when your dog appears dizzy, shivers, or falls. The life-threatening condition requires immediate vet care. Before you go to the vet, you need to raise your pet’s blood sugar levels.
Rub honey on its gums or allow it to drink water with dissolved sugar. Apart from that, your Toy Poodle is more likely to experience hypoglycemia as a puppy.
Price
White Toy Poodles are famously expensive breeds. Prices tend to go high because breeders spend lots of money on their care.
Toy Poodles generally birth a litter of two to three, which creates a low supply. To account for the high demand, breeders charge higher prices. On top of that, the breeding process is pricey since owners want to ensure optimum healthcare, especially during pregnancy.
White Toy Poodles can cost anywhere between $1,200 to $3,000 from a breeder. We suggest searching for a reputable facility. When visiting, make sure the area is in adequate condition.
On the other hand, if you want to adopt, you can expect to pay around $150 to $600. Prices depend on the Poodle’s age. Senior dogs tend to go for lower price tags.
Final Thoughts
White Toy Poodles are your best bet, whether you’re looking for a top-tier show dog or a companion.
They can make exceptional family dogs thanks to their sprite attitude and obedient nature. Plus, they’re easy to care for and trainable.
The graceful breed is hard not to fall in love with, from the adorable white fluffy coat to its bouncy struts. Overall, there’s never a dull moment with this charismatic canine.