The Pros & Cons of a Toy Poodle

If the idea of owning, loving and looking after a toy poodle makes you feel passionate, make sure you know as much about the furry cuties as possible -- pros and cons included. Successful ownership of one of these lively, faithful little pooches involves a daily commitment of time and dedication, sometimes for as long as 18 years.

Toy poodles are tiny canines -- the littlest of all poodles. Miniature and standard poodles are both bigger than toy poodles. At maturity, toy poodles generally weigh between 5 and 10 pounds, with heights of no more than 10 inches at the shoulder. They can manage well in residences of varying sizes, according to the American Kennel Club website. If you're looking for a dog who can thrive in a tight urban apartment, a toy poodle might be the one for you. At the same time, a toy poodle can thrive in a sprawling rural abode. Because of toy poodles' smallness, they're versatile in terms of where they can live -- a definite plus for prospective owners.

If your household includes little children, you might want to wait on welcoming a toy poodle into it. Since these dogs are so tiny, it doesn't take much to frighten or perturb them. Particularly young kids might not understand how to be delicate toward toy poodles. If a young child is aggressive in handling a toy poodle, the dog might bite. This type of defense is fueled by apprehension. Because of these potential issues, little children and toy poodles aren't strong matches. They often do well, however, with older kids.

Poodles don't shed much. Owners of these curly pooches don't usually have to clean up as much old hair on their furnishings as do owners of most other breeds. Poodles' coats also are called hypoallergenic. They're not wholly hypoallergenic, but they can minimize allergies. If you regularly experience allergic responses to canine saliva and dander, a toy poodle is one of a few breeds to consider as a personal pet.

When it comes to family members, toy poodles are generally extremely loyal, affectionate and spirited creatures. They're also extremely clever and trainable. It isn't uncommon, however, for them to be cautious in the presence of new people. If your household always has people coming in and out of it, it might not make an ideal environment for a toy poodle. They are naturally vigilant dogs. Toy poodles often are big on barking, although not in all cases. If barking and cautious temperaments aren't your thing, a toy poodle might not be your canine soul mate.

Poodles across the board are capable of experiencing medical issues. Because of size differences in the three kinds, however, their typical problems frequently differ. oy poodles are particularly susceptible to diabetes and food allergies, according to Tammy Gagne, author of "Poodles." Miniature poodles are susceptible to diabetes and food allergies. Hypoglycemia is a common ailment in the toy poodle world, too -- reduced blood sugar. When toy poodles don't consume food for extended stretches of time, hypoglycemia becomes a risk for them. Other problems that commonly appear in toy poodles include patellar luxation, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Since toy poodles have tiny mouths, they're often prone to plaque accumulation, too.