Personality

Poodles have a reputation for being “sissies.” They way their hair is cut for shows probably doesn't help that image, but Poodles are by no means fragile, shrinking violets. They are outgoing, friendly dogs who love to run and romp, and interestingly, they were originally used to assist hunters of water fowl. They are true family dogs who can play hard with children all afternoon, then curl up in the living room for an evening of relaxation. Toy Poodles make excellent watchdogs, they are alert and curious and will sound the alarm that a person or animal is approaching. They make an excellent choice for families of all sizes and ages, and are great for first time dog owners.

Activity Requirements

Toy Poodles can live as happily in and apartment as they can in a large home with a yard. Wherever they dwell, they do need daily walks and several chances to run every week. Poodles who aren't exercised enough can become high strung and bark excessively.

They are a smart breed who need to use their minds as much as their bodies, so it is important to give your Poodle lots of interesting activities to do during the day.

Trainability

Poodles are highly trainable dogs. They catch on very quickly to patterns and don't require much motivation beyond praise and a couple of treats. Poodles should never be treated harshly as they will simply stop listening to you. They are natural learners, however, so they shouldn't test your patience too far during training sessions.

Once basic obedience has been mastered, Poodles should graduate on to advanced obedience, trick training, or the agility course. They are thinking dogs and will appreciate the opportunity to learn new things.

Behavioral Traits

Indiscriminate breeding has led to unstable temperaments in many Toy Poodle lines. Make sure you are adopting from a reputable breeder to ensure your dog has all of the positive traits that make Poodles a joy to live with.

Toy Poodles bark. They are alert little watchdogs who will let you know that someone is approaching, a car is driving by or leaves are falling into your yard. Teaching your Toy Poodle to obey commands to stop barking can save your eardrums and save your relationships with neighbors.

Poodles are sensitive dogs who like to live in peaceful environments. If your house is full of chaos, it can cause your Poodle unnecessary stress. Though they are good with kids, they often don't do well in homes with lots of children where there may be a great deal of yelling and tension.