Search for “black toy poodle” online, and we’re 100% certain that the search results will come back with millions of links – links that show millions of videos, illustrations, images, and stock photos of these adorable, seemingly high-maintenance, prissy puppies.
Sadly, the millions of quality images, videos, and stock photos fail to show what these tiny toy poodles are ALL about. Good thing, Dog Food Guide is here to tell you EVERYTHING there is to know about these teddy bear-like, little dogs.
So search or explore no more. Instead, be ready to take screenshots of IG-worthy images of these dogs and jot down all the must-know facts about black toy poodles – the whys behind their coat color, their temperament, and more.
Poodles & Must-Know Facts About This Breed
Often looking graceful, poised, and elegant in their stock photos, videos, and images, poodles, in general, are the bluebloods of the canine world. Their quirky and striking updos just prove that. So, what else is there to know about these doggy royalties?
Well, for one thing, they’re not the lazy, snobbish, spoiled four-legged creatures that many depict them to be. Unknown to many, poodles were initially bred as hunting dogs with a knack for waterfowl retrieving. So you can just imagine how athletic these dogs are.
Besides that, these water-doting dogs are also fun-loving, people-oriented, and smart – far from what most illustrations and stock photos show them to be.
Poodle Varieties
Poodles come in a range of shades and sizes. When it comes to color, you can see them in more than a handful of options. However, American Kennel Club (AKC) only considers the following as the acceptable poodle coat colors:
Besides the different colors, poodles also come in different sizes – 3 to be exact. This includes the following:
Standard Poodle. The largest among all three, a standard poodle is over 15 inches tall. Their average weight is around 40 to 70 pounds.
Miniature Poodle. This type of poodle is small yet it’s not the tiniest of the breed. Miniature poodles measure 10 to 15 inches in height and weigh around 10 to 15 pounds. This came about when breeders thought of breeding the smallest of the standard poodles from various litters. The result is a miniature dog that was used to search for truffles in the woods.
Toy Poodle. The smallest of the bunch, toy poodles stand no more than 10 inches and weigh around 4 to 6 pounds. A result of breeding the smallest miniature poodles, toy poodles were no longer bred for mushroom gathering. Looking so cute and cuddly, people just wanted them as a pet or companion.
Toy Poodle Vs Teacup Poodle
Teacups would technically fall under the toy poodle category (according to the American Kennel Club). However, some say that they’re smaller in size than toy poodles and that their category is yet to be recognized.
Black Toy Poodle 101
As the name suggests, black toy poodles are toy poodles that show off a solid black coat – a color deemed as the most common in the poodle dog-dom. And since upkeep is easy for most dogs with black coats, black poodles are also favored by practical, poodle-loving dog owners.
What Makes A Black Toy Poodle “Black”?
Black toy poodles carry a dominant black color gene. However, if you’re in search of a “true” black toy poodle, these poodles will also carry three types of enzymes.
Besides producing dark eumelanin enzyme that makes a dog’s hair brown or black, true black toy poodles also produce two accessory enzymes, namely TRP1 and TRP2.
How To Tell If Your Pet Or Puppy Is A True Black Toy Poodle?
Just like any other dog, a black toy poodle puppy’s coat tends to change to gray or blue as they grow older. So, how can you tell which among the black toy poodle puppies is a “true” black toy poodle?
Well, true black toy poodles remain black even when they’re all grown up. To know for certain if the puppy is a true black toy poodle puppy, watch out for any sign of silver, blue, or white hair tinting. True black poodles will have a deep ink black fur all-over.
Besides that, true black toy poodle puppies also have dark-colored eyes, black lips, noses, and eye rims, and deep black-colored skin when shaved.
8 Things To Expect From Black Toy Poodles
Black toy poodles are not just about looking regal with their hard-to-miss trademark Continental clips. There is a lot more to these royalties than meets the eye.
Below you’ll find a list of interesting facts about these plush-looking puppies, including their love-its and could-be-betters.
Black Toy Poodles Are Easy-To-Train And Highly-Intelligent
Preconceived ideas about these dogs being all glitz but without brains are wrong. The fact is, poodles are among the most intelligent breeds. You’ll probably be surprised at how quick they are in learning a new command.
These Tiny Dogs Are Friendly & Affectionate
If you think these dogs are snobbish, think again. A black toy poodle is highly sociable and thinks everyone is his or her best friend (even strangers).
They Can Become Destructive When Left Alone
One downside of being overly affectionate is that these dogs may experience separation anxiety when left alone for a long time. When this happens, your pet might choose to act out, whine, bark, and do stuff they don’t normally do.
Poodles Are Athletic & Playful
Yes, you read it right. Since toy poodles are essentially the same as the regular ones, they’re equally athletic, energetic, and playful. As such, regular mental stimulation and exercise are a must for these dogs.
So, if you’re planning to be a future poodle owner, make sure to schedule regular play dates with your dog. Leaving a poodle with nothing to do will make them bored and anxious, and this often spells trouble.
They Can Bark Excessively
These dogs might be graceful and elegant, but they can be very vocal. Some owners may not mind, but a few dog owners see this as a pet peeve. If this is you, don’t say we didn’t warn you. Nevertheless, there is still hope. This behavior can be minimized with proper training.
Expect Minimal Shedding & Dander
If you’re allergic to dogs but love them still, getting a poodle as a pet is a great option. Unlike other dog breeds, toy poodles don’t shed much and produce the least amount of dander.
Regular Grooming Is Required
Despite the non-shedding coat, black toy poodles still need daily brushing to keep their coats matt-free. Your dog may develop skin infections if you fail to do so. Owners who can’t commit to brushing their dog’s fur daily often opt to cut their dogs’ coats short.
They Are Quite Expensive
Price-wise, you’ll need to pay quite an amount for these pups. They may not be as expensive as a French Bulldog, but they still cost a lot – think $1500 to $3000. Of course, their cost or the amount you need to pay will vary depending on their breeding rights, bloodlines, and whether they are AKC-registered
NOTE: It’s a must to buy from reputable breeders who prioritize the dog’s health. This way, you’re assured that you’re getting high-quality, purebred, and healthy toy poodle puppies.
To know if the breeder is reputable, don’t hesitate to ask about the dog’s lineage and health condition. You can also ask if the breeder is part of an AKC-affiliated club.
Black Toy Poodle Care & Training Tips
As mentioned, getting puppies from reputable breeders ensures that your puppies are high-quality and free of any genetic problems. However, like all other dog breeds, health issues may still arise.
And since all owners would want their pups to, not only look good but also to grow and live their life to the fullest (think 18 years), you’d want to do the following care and training tips:
Health issues like hip dysplasia, orthopedic problems, and eye disorders are common in this dog breed, so make sure to get your dog checked regularly.
Train your dog as early as possible. Besides strengthening dog-owner bonds, this will also help minimize bad behavior and establish good manners.
Remain positive and always use positive reinforcement when training your dog.
Be consistent. Inconsistencies will just confuse your dog and lengthen the training process.
Food For Thought
The black toy poodle, like other types of poodles, is known for its intelligence, friendly demeanor, and hypoallergenic coat. Poodles, including toys, minis, and standards, share common characteristics such as agility, trainability, and a distinctive curly coat.
Their versatility makes them popular as both companions and working dogs. The black toy poodle, specifically, is prized for its compact size and charming appearance, making it a beloved choice for families and individuals alike.
Now that you know the real deal behind these furry canine companions, surely you’d agree that these cuties are amazing despite their minute size. Yes, the millions of quality images, illustrations, and stock photos indeed fail to show the true character that lies behind their regal stance.
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Sheena is a graduate of BS Psychology. While her course is not related to her new-found role, her time at the university helped her develop the skills and attitude she needs to write high-quality content.
