CHAPTERS

Chapter 2: Things to Know Before Getting a Toy Poodle

Have you always wanted a Toy Poodle but were unsure whether or not this breed is right for you, your home, and your lifestyle?  Are you doubtful about whether or not you can afford to keep a Toy Poodle – given the costs included in their food, vet checkups, and even grooming?  In a way, this is a good sign.  It means that you care enough about a potential puppy to look at yourself and your capacity to care for them objectively.  After all, even if you want a Toy Poodle more than anything, you would certainly be short-changing them if it turns out that you are not really in the best position to care for one.

In this chapter, we look at some of the more pragmatic and practical aspects involved in caring for a Toy Poodle.  We also take a closer look at the pros and cons of this breed, to help you determine whether or not this really is the right breed for you.

Do You Need a License? 

The laws on dog licenses vary depending on your area or region – some states require licenses, others don’t.  The only way to be sure is to inquire with your local legislature regarding their most recent laws on dog ownership.

Even if licenses aren’t required in your area, there will usually be a provision for voluntary licensing and registration.  If this is available, it is highly recommended that you take advantage of it.  Not only does this register your dog in your name – your Toy Poodle himself will be identified with the proper tags so that he can be easily identified should he ever get lost.  Such dog tags usually include your contact details as those who may have found him attempt to trace him back to you.  Make it easy for them to do so by getting a license.

Please remember that licenses are usually issued only after proof of a current vaccine, and are usually coterminous with your dog’s vaccine shot, and generally expires at around the same time.  In a way, this is also a good way for you to keep track of your dog’s rabies vaccinations, and make sure that this is always kept current.

How Many Toy Poodles Should You Keep?

Whether or not you can keep more than one Toy Poodle directly depends on your capacity to care for them.  Obviously, two Poodles mean twice the cost in food and equipment, as well as twice the amount of time spent in training, housebreaking, grooming, and medical expenses.  And while Toy Poodles don’t take up as much room as a larger breed would, two Poodles also mean a larger area set aside for their beds, crates, and play area.

If you feel that this is something you can reasonably do, then by all means go for it.  One good thing about keeping more than one pet is that they can keep each other company during those times when you are out of the house.  This also ensures continuing socialization skills, as well as the avoidance of needy puppies or dogs developing separation anxiety.

Do Toy Poodles Get Along with Other Pets?

Toy Poodles are notoriously friendly, whether with humans, other dogs, or other pets.  For this to happen, however, they must be properly socialized when they are young.  Proper behavioral training will also keep them from displaying unwanted behavior such as excessive barking.  And as long as you give them enough physical and mental stimulation, their high-strung nature may not even manifest.  As long as you give them enough opportunities to expend their excessive energies in productive activities such as exercise, play, or training, they probably won’t develop aggressive tendencies, nor would they take it into their heads to bully other pets.

How Much Does it Cost to Keep a Toy Poodle?

In this section, we cover the potential costs of keeping a Toy Poodle.  Please remember that the breakdown presented below are only general estimates, and might be higher or lower depending on the prevailing costs of goods and services in your area or region.

Initial Costs

The average purchase price of a Toy Poodle puppy from a reputable breeder can range from a low of $750 to as high as $2,000 or more.  Yes, this can be an expensive breed, particularly when you factor in their regular grooming needs.  If you adopt a Toy Poodle from a shelter or a rescue, however, you can probably expect to pay around an average of $150-250.

Other initial costs to factor in include:

Add in the initial purchase price, registration or licensing fees, food and water bowls, dog toys, and various other supplies and accessories, and look to shelling out upwards of $1,000 on one-time costs for your first year, quite apart from the yearly costs such as food, vaccinations, medical checkups and grooming supplies.

An average breakdown of these yearly costs of owning one Toy Poodle can be seen in the table below:

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