Toy Poodle History

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AKC registered Toy Poodles as a separate breed at least into 1943. In 1943 Toys were recognized to be a variety of the Poodle breed, which until that time had consisted only of the two varieties, Standard and Miniature. The door was then open for interbreeding between Toys and Miniatures. Toy Poodles are exquisite tiny replicas of the Standards and the Miniatures.

While white certainly dominated the Toy Poodle breed prior to this point, they were not exclusively white. Examples:  
Ch Little Sister III, born Feb 13 '25', was registered as black & white. Her sire was registered black & white also, while her dam was white & black. Ch Buddy T, wh. born Feb 5 '27 was white & black out of a white & black dam. 

The early colored toys were produced by breeding white males of the old type to small mini bitches of other colors. Since that time, toy breeders have made amazing progress in producing toys who truly resemble the larger varieties. More exotic color-crossing was done in Toys just prior to '43': Ch

Gremilin (wh Dec 2 '42' but not published as a Champion until Apr '46') was brown, by a white sire out of a brown dam).  

The high-set, flyaway ears; straight, silky coats; round eyes and short, broad muzzles still seen in some poor examples of Toy Poodles today are often attributed to a mix of Maltese Terrier, introduced to reduce size. Some also believe that Toy Poodles owe at least some of their early heritage to another toy breed, the Havanese. It should be kept in mind, though, that the earliest standards for actually called for a soft coat and large round eyes. 

If you have access to the first volume of Poodles in America, or any other book giving a history of the breed, you will see pictures of these dogs. They appeared to more closely resemble Maltese with slightly curly hair, which had been trimmed like a poodle.  

Poodle Sizes

There are three sizes of Poodles: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. They are alike in every way except for size. All Poodles originated from the Standard Poodle. Poodles are highly intelligent, loyal, proud, loving, and fun. They seem to understand our every mood. They enjoy the challenges of obedience training, which gives these intelligent dogs great happiness. They can also have a playful sense of humor.

The Standard Poodle and Miniature Poodle are members of the Non-Sporting Group. The Toy Poodle is a member of the Toy Group. The Poodle was first recognized by the AKC in 1887.

The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders will be disqualified from competition as a Toy Poodle.

Toy Poodles coat is an even and solid color at the skin. Toy Poodles come in white, blue, gray, silver, brown, cafe-au-lait, apricot, reds, and cream the coat may show varying shades of the same color. This is sometimes present in the darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. Parti-colored dogs are not allowed to be shown. The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid color at the skin but is of two or more colors..

Whatever the variety of poodle, it is well known for its lovely nature, intelligence, sensitivity, elegance and friendliness. It is also noted for being one of the longest living breeds of dogs. This is particularly true of the Standard poodle.

Send Comments or Questions to: mystique_poodles@bellsouth.net
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