Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Toy Poodle is the smallest variety of the Poodle, descended from the miniature and dwarf types developed in France and Germany. Originally, Poodles were used as hunting dogs for waterfowl, prized for their intelligence and excellent memory. Over time, they gained decorative status and became favorites among the aristocracy. During the 18th–19th centuries, breeders aimed to reduce their size while maintaining the intelligence and proportions of the standard Poodle. Thus, the Toy Poodle emerged — a refined yet active companion. Today, it is valued worldwide for its intellect, obedience, and elegant appearance.
General Appearance
The Toy Poodle is a miniature, proportionate, square-built dog of elegant and noble appearance. The body is compact and muscular, with a straight topline and slightly tucked abdomen. The head is refined, in proportion to the body, with expressive almond-shaped eyes and long, low-set, hanging ears. The limbs are fine but strong, allowing for light and springy movement. The tail is set high, carried gaily, slightly raised. The coat is dense, curly, and elastic, forming uniform curls across the body. The Toy Poodle combines grace, liveliness, and nobility, emphasizing the intelligence and harmony of the breed.
Important Proportions
The Toy Poodle’s proportions are based on balance and harmony. The height at the withers is approximately equal to the body length, giving the breed a square outline. The head is proportional, its length about 40% of the dog’s height. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull, tapering smoothly toward the nose. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows. The limbs are straight and parallel, matching the body’s height and creating a compact outline. The tail continues the topline, and all parts of the body should appear balanced, showing both elegance and strength.
Temperament and Behavior
The Toy Poodle is an intelligent, cheerful, and well-balanced dog with a high level of intelligence and emotional awareness. It learns quickly, remembers commands easily, and is eager to please. Friendly, affectionate, and loyal, it also retains a touch of independence and dignity. Highly sensitive to human emotions, it gets along well with children and other animals. Active and playful, the Toy Poodle enjoys attention, walks, and games. Aggression and shyness are undesirable traits. It is a joyful, alert, and devoted companion, combining elegance, intelligence, and kindness.
Head
The head of the Toy Poodle is elegant and proportionate, with clean lines and a noble expression. The skull is moderately rounded, with a smooth transition from forehead to muzzle. The muzzle is straight and slightly tapered toward the black nose (dark brown in brown Poodles). Lips are tight and pigmented, with a neat chin and firm jaw. Eyes are oval, dark, expressive, and intelligent. Ears are long, low-set, lying close to the head, covered with dense, wavy hair. The overall impression is one of refinement, harmony, and intellect.
Facial Part
The muzzle is fine and straight, nearly parallel to the skull line, tapering slightly toward the nose. The nose is large with open nostrils — black in black, white, and silver dogs, dark brown in brown dogs. Lips are tight, pigmented, and dry. The bite is scissor-shaped, and the chin is neat but defined. The facial part gives an impression of nobility, intelligence, and kindness, typical of the Poodle’s balanced expression.
Eyes
The eyes are oval, slightly slanted, and medium-sized, with a lively and intelligent expression. They are dark brown to nearly black; warmer shades are acceptable in brown and apricot dogs. The eyelids are well-pigmented and close-fitting. The gaze is kind, alert, and expressive — one of the Toy Poodle’s defining features.
Ears
The ears are long, hanging, and set just below eye level. They lie close to the head and are covered with thick, wavy hair. The base is broad, the tips rounded, reaching the corners of the mouth or slightly lower. In alertness, the ears are mobile and slightly lifted.
Neck
The neck is medium-length, elegant, strong, and slightly arched, blending smoothly into the shoulders. It is carried high, giving the dog a proud and graceful appearance. The skin is tight, with no looseness. The neck emphasizes the Toy Poodle’s balance and refinement.
Body
The body is compact, proportionate, and well-muscled. The back is short and straight, the loin strong and slightly arched. The chest is deep and oval, reaching the elbows. The croup is slightly sloping and rounded, the abdomen tucked up. The body forms a square silhouette, exuding elegance and balance.
Tail
The tail is set high, medium in length, and covered with dense, curly hair. It is carried at an angle, not curled over the back. When relaxed, the tail may be lowered, but when alert or moving, it lifts gracefully. Docking is not permitted.
Forequarters
The forelegs are straight, parallel, and proportionate to the body. Shoulders are long and well-laid back, elbows close to the body. Paws are small, oval, with tight toes and firm pads.
Hindquarters
The hind legs are strong, well-muscled, and balanced, with defined joints and low-set hocks. They provide good propulsion and flexibility.
Gait and Movement
The movement is light, springy, and graceful, with smooth, rhythmic steps. The topline remains steady; the gait should reflect confidence, balance, and natural elegance.
Coat
The coat is dense, curly, and resilient, covering the entire body evenly. It may form tight curls or soft waves, creating volume and shine. There is no undercoat. The coat must be well-maintained and regularly groomed.
Acceptable Colors
Solid, rich colors only: black, white, brown, silver, apricot, and red. The color should be uniform, without markings or fading. The pigmentation of the nose, lips, eyelids, and claws must match the coat color.
Size
The Toy Poodle is the smallest variety of the breed. Height at the withers: 24–28 cm (ideal 25 cm). Weight: 2–3 kg. The body is proportionate, compact, and elegant, without signs of frailty.
Faults
Faults include lack of balance, weak chest, soft coat, pale eyes, poor pigmentation, or incorrect proportions. Behavioral faults such as timidity or excitability are also undesirable.
Disqualifications
Disqualifications include height outside the range (below 23 cm or above 28 cm), incorrect bite, missing teeth, light or blue eyes, depigmented nose or lips, white spots (except in white dogs), straight or sparse coat, and docked tail.
Conclusion
The Toy Poodle is a refined, intelligent, and well-balanced miniature dog that combines elegance with vitality. Its expressive eyes, curly coat, and cheerful, loyal temperament make it one of the most sophisticated companion breeds. With proper care and attention, it remains healthy, active, and charming for many years — a true embodiment of grace, intellect, and devotion.
