Contrary to the old toy poodle stereotype where they are called “cissy dogs”, toy poodles are brilliant pooches with a strong character. They are considered as one of the smartest dog breeds and also highly athletic. These toy poodle facts will show you how fascinating and capable these dogs are.
Fact #1: Bred to Hunt.
They may not look like it but these canines were primarily bred to work and hunt. Since they are great swimmers, they are tasked to catch waterfowls and other birds from the water while accompanying their owners in hunting trips. Moreover, they have “soft mouths” that allow them to gently take a dead or wounded game.
Fact #2: More than just fancy hairdo.
Photo Credit: Flickr
Toy poodles are also known for the trendy and, oftentimes, avant-garde hairdos they usually don. These hairstyles are not only meant to make them fashionable, but they also serve a significant purpose.
Back in the old times, they would regularly come in contact with the freezing water when retrieving waterfowls. Excessive dampness on their furs will weigh them down. Thus, the toy poodle owners came up with hairstyles that would prevent that from happening. For instance, the “lion cut”, a well-known toy poodle hairdo, was fashioned to warm the canine’s vital organs and joints while paddling through the water.
Fact #3: Allergy-free
Toy poodles are ideal furry companions for people who are allergic to dog fur but still want to have them as pets. Toy poodles shed less because they are single-coated dogs compared to other canine breeds that shed seasonally because they have double coats. Additionally, toy poodles are generally odourless which makes it easier for pet owners to eliminate unwanted animal smells.
Fact #4: Name Origin
Toy poodles are relatively named after the tasks they do in hunting. Poodle stems from the German word pudel or puddle. This breed was named so because they frequently splash in puddles of water when fetching waterfowls. In France, toy poodles are called “canishes” or duck dogs since they also catch ducks during their hunts.
Fact #5: King of Rock and Roll’s favourite.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Elvis Presley is a fan of dogs, most especially poodles. He was also known to give poodles to the women he loved. For instance, Elvis gave one toy poodle named “Little Bit” to a girlfriend.
Fact #6: Colourful breed
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognises ten standard toy poodles’ colours. These are black, grey, white, silver, silver beige, brown, red, apricot, cream and blue. AKC also provided a list of acceptable 18 two-tone coat combinations in their breed standard.
Fact #7: Circus sweetheart
Toy poodles have an endearing personality that makes people easily love them. They are affectionate towards their owners and love to please them. Pairing that trait together with their intelligence makes them easier to train. It made travelling troupes and circuses took an interest in them and soon toy poodles became performing dogs. In the 1800s, toy poodles were dressed in miniature human clothes and taught to execute elaborate scenes onstage.
Fact #8: Excellent athletes
Although they are smaller than their larger counterpart, toy poodles are also skilled in animal sports. They are extremely proficient in advanced obedience competitions. These events require jumping and retrieving skills and agility which toy poodles are capable of having through proper training.
Fact #9: Sensitive pooches
Toy poodles love peace and harmony. They may not take it well if your home is a cacophony of noises. Some of them even tend to flinch and get startled with loud noises.
However, it is not only their senses that are sensitive, but their feelings are too. If you tend to scold your toy poodles, stop that habit at once. Toy poodles do not like being reprimanded and would likely ignore you if you continue to do it.
Fact #10: Hard-working Canines
Aside from being hunting dogs, wagon-puller, and circus performers, toy poodles have also worked as mushroom hunters in the past. Work for toy poodles has also evolved as time passed by. In modern times, they are now tasked to be police dogs, guide dogs for blind people, and therapy dogs. It shows how toy poodles are versatile canines that can take any work given to them.
Fact #11: Peculiar Hairstyle
Photo Credit: Galanting Poodle
During the late 19th century, toy poodles sported bizarre corded coats. It means that their long tresses were kept entangled. But this hair trend was short-lived as the owners find it difficult to maintain. Later on, they switched to giving their pooches bouffant styles.
Fact #12: Time to change fur!
Once the toy poodles reach nine months old, their coat will gradually change to an adult coat. It will take another nine months for its completion.
Uniquely Skilled and Elegant
There is more to toy poodles than just their fancy hairdos. Some people tend to overlook that they are more than just fashion statements but also talented and hard-working dogs. And these facts say it all.
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