Trying to decide between Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles? Well, choosing between these two adorable dogs is a tough decision for anyone to make. Both of these breeds can be similar in many ways.
I babysit a Miniature Poodle and although he is definitely considered a small dog, ideal for apartment living; he is not quite as small as a Toy Poodle.
RELEVANT: Top 10 Best Apartment Dogs
Let’s explore the similarities and differences between Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles. Read on and find out which of these popular dog breeds is the perfect dog for your lifestyle!
Vital Stats About Toy and Miniature Poodles
Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles are the same dog, they’re just different sizes. Let’s take a look at some vital stats of Poodles:
| Stats | Toy Poodle | Miniature Poodle |
| Dog Breed Group | Non-sporting dogs | Non-sporting dogs |
| Purpose | Companionship | Companionship |
| Temperament/ personality | Sweet, Intelligent, Friendly, Playful, Alert, Active | Sweet, Intelligent, Friendly, Playful, Alert, Active |
| Average Height | Stands up to 10 inches tall | Stands 11 to 15 inches tall |
| Weight Range | 6 to 9 pounds | 15 to 17 pounds |
| Energy level | High | High |
| Good with | Children, seniors, other pets, families | Children, seniors, other pets, families |
| Overall grooming needs | Medium to high | Medium to high |
What’s the difference between Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles?
When comparing the Toy Poodles vs Miniature Poodles, you may think that the Toy Poodle is simply a smaller version of the Standard or Miniature Poodles. They are very similar in appearance. Aside from their size, Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles have a lot in common.
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Poodle: Appearance
Size is the most obvious difference between Toy and Miniature Poodles. Other than their size difference, Toy and Miniature Poodles look nearly identical. Both have a similar bone structure, a round head, a pointed muzzle, and dark eyes.
- Toy Poodle: stands up to 10 inches tall and weighs about 6 to 9 pounds.
- Miniature Poodle: stands 11 to 15 inches tall and weighs 15 to 17 pounds.
Both Toy and Miniature Poodles generally have extremely tight curls covering their body. Their coat comes in many colors, including black, white, gray, blue, silver, silver beige, brown, café-au-lait, apricot, red, and cream.
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Poodles: Temperament
Bath Toy and Miniature Poodles are intelligent, loving, loyal, and mischievous dogs. Beneath the low-allergen beautiful coat is an elegant, athletic, and playful companion. They are natural-born clowns with a terrific sense of humor. They love spending time and playing with their humans.
Toy and Miniature Poodles are very loyal to the family. Both are gentle and affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship. They will enjoy making you laugh with goofy antics, or simply sitting with you watching the world go by.
The temperament of Toy and Miniature Poodles is affected by many factors including genetics, how they are raised, and how much they have been socialized. Smart dogs like Toy and Miniature Poodles can learn good and bad habits fast and they remember everything.
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Poodle: Grooming requirements
Both Toy and Miniature Poodles are high-maintenance dogs. Their trademark coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. Both are low-shedders and produce less dander, hence they’re good for allergy sufferers. Make grooming a positive experience for Toy and Miniature Poodles, filled with praise and rewards.
While their coat is the same, and there is no difference in frequency needed for grooming, the Toy Poodle is less volume when you brush because there is just less dog to groom!
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Poodle: Exercise requirements
Toy and Miniature Poodles benefit from daily exercise that provides good mental and physical stimulation. Try to make the training interesting with lots of fun, toys, treats, and prizes.
You can meet their exercise requirements with walks and playtime each day. When the weather doesn’t permit outdoor activities, take the time to play indoor games like hide-and-seek and tug-of-war inside.
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Poodle: Training
Training a Toy or Miniature Poodle will likely be your greatest delight as both of them are intelligent. Basic obedience training should start as soon as a Toy or Miniature Poodle puppy is brought home for the first time. Positive reinforcement training can go a long way to ensure that your Toy or Miniature Poodle is well-mannered. Due to their small size, Toy Poodles can easily be trained in small places like a living room.
Toy Poodle vs Miniature Poodle: Apartment living
All Poodles can live in apartments and are able to adapt to new settings. Toy and Miniature Poodles make excellent indoor pets due to their high intelligence and small size.
According to their size, Toy Poodles are a great match for your apartment. Toy Poodles don’t need as much space and they’ll be satisfied to simply sit by you. Both Toy and Miniature Poodles should be housetrained, regularly exercised, and well-groomed to acclimate to apartment living properly.
Which is better: Toy Poodles vs Miniature Poodles?
Both Toy and Miniature Poodles are simply heart stealers! They both are lovely, friendly dogs, who adore human companionship. Before purchasing or adopting a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle, you must take a look at your lifestyle and how accommodating it would be for the Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle.
Whether you own a Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle, you’d have a hard time finding a more loving companion. There is no right or wrong choice, only what is right for you based on your personal taste and lifestyle. The one that you choose comes down to the size of the dog that you want and are able to take care of as.
Final thoughts
We hope this focused comparative article has helped you choose between the Toy Poodle or Miniature Poodle for your next pet dog! Some people want to choose a Toy Poodle just because they look cuter, which is fine as long as they use an ethical breeder. Toy Poodles still carry a big commitment in terms of time, training, and energy.
Whichever dog you decide on, buy your puppy from a responsible breeder who has conducted essential health screening of the puppies and their parents. You can expect Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles to have the same type of temperament and personality.
We’d love to hear which one of these lovable dogs you’ve decided to bring home.
For information and content on Poodles, check out our other blog posts.
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How To Throw Your Poodle A Posh Birthday Party
10 Ways To Make Your Poodle’s Birthday Awesome
Do Poodles Get Along With Rabbits?
Why Do Poodles Have Tear Stains?
Insanely Cute Poodle Cake Ideas For Hosting An Amazing Dog Party
