When you’re in the market for a new toy poodle, it can be hard to choose.
There are so many colors to choose from, and they all look so adorable!
One of the most popular toy poodle varieties is the black toy poodle.
These dogs are cute as can be, with their soft black fur and sweet faces.
But there’s more to them than just their looks—they’re also great companions!
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about black toy poodles: their personality, how big they get, care tips and grooming tips for keeping them healthy and happy.
Black Toy Poodle Vital Stats
- Origin: Germany, France
- Other Names: Caniche, Barbone, French Poodle, Teddy Poodle, Pudel
- Coat Color: Solid black
- Size variations: Black toy poodles, Black miniature poodles, and Black standard poodles
- Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
- Coat: Curly, Long
- Rarity: Common
- Exercise: > 30 minutes
- Personality: Intelligent, Versatile, Eager to Please, Active, Energetic, Confident, Agile, Loyal, Shy, Sharp
- Traits: Intelligent, Highly Energetic, Non-Aggressive, Decent with other dogs, Good with children, Highly affectionate with family members, Low Shedding (Hypoallergenic), Require Regular Grooming, Less Likely to Drool, Highly Playful, Highly Trainable, Very Vocal, Needs a lot of Mental & Physical Stimulation, Highly Open to Meeting New People
What Are Black Toy Poodles?
Black toy poodles are arguably the most popular toy poodle color. These toy poodles have a jet black coat, black-colored nose, black lips, black eyeliners, and black paw pads. A fully grown black toy poodle weighs 6 to 9 pounds, reaches a height of under 10 inches, and lives for an average of 12 to 18 years.
The eyes of a black toy poodle is very dark, not as dark as a white toy poodle, but still dark enough to be described as ‘black brown’ and not just brown.
Black toy poodles have a solid black colored coat that is even throughout.
They have long curly hair that is dense and has a naturally harsh texture.
Black toy poodles are arguably the most popular color for this breed.
Although white toy poodles and red toy poodles may be just as loved, black is still the epitome of what people think when they hear “toy poodle.”
It can be difficult to distinguish between black toy poodles and blue toy poodles or silver toy poodles because both silver and blue toy poodles are born with a black coat.
In fact, the only way to tell that you’re looking at a silver or blue toy poodle and not a black toy poodle is either by waiting a few weeks for the coat color to clear a bit, or a DNA test.
A true black toy poodle has no fading factor.
What this means is a true black toy poodle shows no shading or graying and has a solid jet-black coat that is even throughout.
A true black toy poodle does not have any white hair as they approach the 5th, 7th, and even the 9th years of their lives. However, some graying at the muzzle is only natural.
Black toy poodles are excellent performers at show rings and have won numerous prizes over the years.
While a spectacular performance at a show ring comes down to a poodle’s training, I believe a dark black coat hides any faults which makes the dog flawless and even more stunning.
Black Toy Poodle History
The poodle originated in Germany, where it was called the “Pudelhund,” a combination of two words: ‘Pudel’, meaning to splash around, and ‘hund’— which means dog.
French breeders are credited for creating the three sizes of poodles: standard, miniature, and toy.
The Toy Poodle was bred down from the Standard Poodle.
In the 18th century, poodles became popular among royalty.
During the Second French Empire in the 1850s and 1860s, toy poodles were all the rage.
The experts cannot agree on how breeders were able to produce these small dogs seen in pictures of the period, which appear to be sitting comfortably in the laps of important ladies.
The first toy poodles may have been bred by crossing small poodles with very tiny Cuban breed dogs that were imported to France for the purpose, possibly along with an infusion of Maltese Terrier or the Spaniel Breed.
The Toy Poodle, as we know it today, probably developed from these tiny poodles known during the second empire.
Poodles are believed to have originated in Germany but it was the French who standardized these dogs where they were used to retrieve game from water, retrieve arrows that missed the targets, sniff out truffles underground, etc.
Trained to perform in circuses and street shoes, toy poodles were once the performers of choice. But these practices have since been banned given how cruel the methods for circus training could be.
In modern times, these tiny dogs are generally kept as companions.
According to experts, the black coloration is said to be one of the original coat colors available to poodles.
Other ‘original’ colors are believed to be white and white & black which is also known as the parti coloration.
Black is also the most dominant and basic color in toy poodles which would explain the abundance and popularity of this toy poodle color.
Black Toy Poodle Temperament
If you’re looking for a friendly, energetic dog that’s easy to train, consider the black toy poodle.
This is a small dog with a big personality—they are one of the most intelligent dogs in existence and they love to learn new tricks.
Toy poodles are suitable for agility, obedience, and even advanced games like hide-and-seek.
They are also great with kids and are devoted family pets.
Too devoted, at times.
They love being the center of attention, so much that they can get resentful if you don’t include them in family activities.
If you leave a toy poodle alone for too long or don’t give the dog enough attention, it may develop stress behaviors associated with separation anxiety—including snappy barks and passive-aggressive acts like chewing up furniture.
Owners of black toy poodles must resist the temptation to baby their tiny dogs.
The cute size and silky hair of these little guys is a magnet for people who want to coddle them, but that’s not how they were bred to be.
Black toy poodles who are carried on their owners’ shoulders or in handbags will develop a habit of wanting to be carried all the time.
To make the most of their black toy poodle’s intelligence and willingness to please, every poodle parent should begin obedience training as soon as possible.
Are Black Toy Poodles Rare?
Black toy poodles are one of the most popular toy poodle colors out of all the toy poodle colors available.
What this means is there is no ‘shortage’ of these toy poodles, and you can add a black toy poodle fairly easily as compared to some of the rarer toy poodle colors such the apricot toy poodles.
What makes this toy poodle color more common than other toy poodle colors is the fact that colors such as black, white, and parti are believed to be the original toy poodle colors.
Another reason why black toy poodle are not rare is the fact that the genes responsible for the black coat coloration is a dominant gene.
What this means is that if you were to breed two different colors, say a black toy poodle and a brown toy poodle, the chances of black toy poodle puppies in the litter would be very high.
Are Black Toy Poodles Hypoallergenic?
If you’re allergic to dogs, but want to add a furry friend to your family, you’ve probably got black toy poodles on your mind.
But are black toy poodles truly hypoallergenic?
No, they are not.
Let me explain.
According to a study conducted by the researchers at Henry Ford Hospital, there were no findings that could support the claim that households with hypoallergenic dogs had fewer allergens as compared to homes with non-hypoallergenic dogs.
So why is it a widely accepted ‘fact’ that black toy poodles are hypoallergenic dogs and they don’t trigger any allergies?
Here are a few theories as to why that may be.
Toy poodles have hair instead of fur.
The main difference between dogs that have fur and dogs such as toy poodles is the fact that fur is denser, grows quickly, and sheds often.
Whereas a poodle’s hair grows out very slowly, which means they shed far less than dogs with fur.
Unlike breeds that have fur instead of hair, such as Huskies and German Shepherds who are known for shedding a lot – toy poodles don’t shed nearly as much.
Notice I said don’t shed nearly as much instead of poodles don’t shed at all – this is exactly the part that breeders fail to mention.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies.
In fact, allergies are one of the top six chronic illnesses causing conditions in America.
Breeders see these numbers as an opportunity to make money so they twist the facts to make wild claims such as poodles not shedding at all, or poodles being 100% hypoallergenic dogs that won’t trigger any allergies.
But that’s not how it should be and this needs to change.
While black toy poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs, there are no previous allergy studies that could confirm this claim.
So, if you or someone you live with suffers from an allergy, I highly recommend talking to a qualified medical professional to get their opinions before welcoming your new furry friend to your family.
How Big Do Black Toy Poodles Get?
You can tell a toy poodle from its larger relative, the miniature poodle, by size.
Toy poodles are less than 10 inches tall and weigh between 6 to 9 pounds.
Toy poodles are the perfect size for apartment living because they don’t require a lot of space.
Here’s a growth chart to help you gauge the size and get an idea of how quickly a black toy poodle grows.
| Toy Poodle Age | Height |
|---|---|
| At birth | few inches |
| 1 month | 4 to 5 inches |
| 2 to 2.5 months | 7-9 |
| 6 months | under 10 inches |
| 12 months | under 10 inches |
It’s important to remember that according to AKC’s standard for toy poodles, there are no restrictions on the weight of these dogs.
Here’s a table to help you get an idea about how much a black toy poodle weighs as they grow up.
| Toy Poodle Age | Male Toy Poodle Weight Range | Female Toy Poodle Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 2 to 4.5 pounds | 1.8 to 4 pounds |
| 4 months | 2.5 to 6 pounds | 2.3 to 4.8 pounds |
| 6 months | 3.5 to 8 pounds | 3.3 to 7.4 pounds |
| 8 months | 4 to 9.4 pounds | 3.8 to 8.6 pounds |
| 12 months | 4.5 to 10.6 pounds | 4.4 to 10 pounds |
| 24 months | 5.4 to 11.5 pounds | 4.8 to 9.6 pounds |
You can use this information to make sure your black toy poodle stays in the weight range and does not get overweight.
How Long Do Black Toy Poodles Live?
If you’re thinking about getting a black toy poodle, you might be wondering how long they can live.
A black toy poodle lives about twelve to eighteen years on average.
That’s quite a long time for a dog.
Toy poodles are among the three different varieties of poodles, and they tend to have longer lifespans than their other two counterparts—the standard poodle and the miniature poodle.
According to a study done on 74 different dog breeds in North America, “large dogs die young mainly because they age quickly”.
However, there are some factors that play into how long your toy poodle will live.
For example, you’ll want to make sure they get regular exercise and are given plenty of opportunities to run around and play outside.
You should also ensure that they’re eating well-balanced meals full of nutrients like vitamins A and C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
And remember that even though these dogs are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, they still need plenty of love from you!
If you follow these guidelines along with providing your dog with stable living conditions, then there’s no reason why your pet won’t enjoy a long life filled with happiness and fun!
Do Black Toy Poodles Change Color?
All toy poodle colors except for white toy poodles and some of the dominant poodle color genes.
Toy poodle owners always ask how they stop their poodle from changing their coat color, and the unfortunate reality is, you cannot.
With age, toy poodles fade to a different color and that is perfectly natural. Unless the change in coat color is due to a medical condition, there is nothing for you to worry about.
However, the case of black toy poodles is particularly interesting.
Silver, blue, and black toy poodles are all born with a black coat. This means it is very difficult to tell them apart and it alarms the owners when their ‘black’ toy poodle all of a sudden starts to change their coat color.
There are ways that can help you determine if your toy poodle is black, blue, or silver.
You can wait for the puppy to reach the age of at least 8 weeks, to then shave their face and look for a different color underneath or you can get a DNA test to be sure of what color you toy poodle puppy is.
One thing to note is that blue toy poodles transition to their coat color a lot slower than silver toy poodles, so, you may have to wait a bit longer than 8 weeks to be sure.
Another way of finding out what color you toy poodle is to look at their parents and see what color their coat color is.
It is also possible for a black toy poodle to change their coat color to a brownish color. This mainly happens because of excessive exposure to the sun.
The UV rays from the sun may end up essentially bleaching your toy poodle’s coat if you leave them out in the sun for long periods of time.
Are Black Toy Poodles Healthy?
Black toy poodles are generally healthy dogs, but they’re not immune to all health problems.
Toy poodles have an average lifespan of twelve to eighteen years, which is one of the longest out of all dog breeds.
When you own a toy poodle, there are certain things that you can do to ensure your pet stays healthy and lives a long life.
The first step is to schedule regular checkups with your vet. This will give your vet the best chance to make sure your poodle is healthy and catch any health issues early on before it develops into something that’s more difficult to treat.
The typical recommendation for taking your black toy poodle to a vet used to be once a year but has now been increased to twice a year.
Visiting your vet also gives you the chance to ask them questions about your poodle’s health.
The second step is to consider buying health insurance for your black toy poodle so that if they do get sick or injured, it won’t be too much of a financial burden on you or your family.
Some pet insurance plans also cover routine vet visits, so you don’t have to worry as much about costs while sticking to your toy poodle’s check-up schedule.
The third step is to stay updated on your toy poodle’s vaccinations.
Vaccinations for black toy poodles can be classified into two categories: Core Vaccines and Non-core Vaccines.
Core vaccines protect your poodle from deadly diseases and are always given to a dog.
Only a few years ago there used to be a lot more core vaccines than there are today.
However, a lot of those vaccines caused severe reactions and were removed.
As of now, there are only a handful of core vaccines such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.
Non-core vaccines also protect your dog from diseases but your poodle may not need all of them.
The non-core vaccines your black toy poodle needs usually depend on the area you live in and what sorts of diseases are likely to threaten your dog based on the breed.
It’s important to talk with your veterinarian about which vaccines are right for your black toy poodle.
Lastly, check your poodle regularly.
Gently run your fingers over your black toy poodle’s body, legs, and underside to check for any bumps or lumps that shouldn’t be there.
Check her paw pads to make sure nothing is stuck.
Check the inside of your poodle’s ears for any redness, swelling, or discharge.
Check your poodle’s eyes and look out for excessive tearing, squinting, twitching, yellow or greenish discharge, excessive tearing, redness, rapid blinking, or any noticeable wounds on or around their eyes.
It may seem like a lot at first, but once you create a schedule and stick to it, the rest will be easier.
In addition, knowing that your poodle is in good health brings a great sense of satisfaction.
Black Toy Poodle Health Issues
Black Toy poodles are adorable, but even the best-looking ones aren’t perfect – health-wise, that is.
Every dog breed has their own set of health concerns and the black toy poodle is no different.
Here are all the major health issues black toy poodles are prone to:
- Hypothyroidism
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Hydrocephalus
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
- Bloating (GDV)
- Epilepsy
- Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
Apart from these health conditions, a black toy poodle can also develop other health issues such as ear infections, skin irritation, allergies, and gastrointestinal issues.
These are all the major and common health conditions that can affect a black toy poodle but it does not mean your individual poodle will suffer from one or more of these ailments is not guaranteed.
Black toy poodles are generally considered healthy and are one of the longest-living dogs.
Because your dog’s breed is the most likely factor influencing his health, it’s a good idea to know what diseases are common in the breeds you own.
How Much Exercise Do Black Toy Poodles Need?
Black toy poodles are just one of those dogs that are more of a companion than a working dog.
That’s not to say they don’t need exercise, though!
Black toy poodles are very energetic and do their best with at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
They love to play fetch and run around in the backyard with their human companions, but they also make great indoor pets if you don’t have space for long walks or runs outside.
If you have a fenced yard where your black toy poodles can play, that’s even better. If your poodle is getting short on exercise, letting them run around in your backyard can give them the workout they need.
A well-balanced exercise regimen considers both physical activity and mental stimulation—if you do lots of fun training with your dog, they probably won’t need as many long walks to wear themselves out.
If most play takes place indoors, however, give them more time outside to explore new places and smell interesting things.
Toy poodles love to exercise, but they are also fragile and may get hurt if you push them too hard. So make sure that when exercising your poodle you don’t overdo it.
If you take your toy poodle to a park where there are a lot of dogs, it is important to be careful.
Many toy poodle owners that I see at my local park never let their toy poodles off-leash when they are outdoors.
The reason being bigger dogs, which are pretty much all the dogs at the park when you have a toy poodle, may end up hurting your dog even if they don’t mean to.
When you take your black toy poodle out for walks in icy cold winters or hot summers, make sure they are wearing boots that will protect their feet from hot sidewalks in summer or icy cold ones in winter.
Here’s one that I recommend: Dog Shoes for Small Dogs
Black Toy Poodle Nutritional Requirements
Toy poodles are an energetic breed, and as such, they need a lot of exercise.
To provide these cute dogs with the energy they need, a black toy poodle needs a balanced diet that includes high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
In addition to these essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals—such as B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid), vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and iron—are needed to make the food balanced.
When buying food for your black toy poodle, always make it a point to read the food label so that you’ll know what’s in there.
The first five ingredients listed on a dog food label are the most important and are typically listed according to the quantity present, from most to least.
Meat protein should be among those first five ingredients, preferably as the first ingredient.
Feeding your black toy poodle a protein-rich diet can help keep their body functioning properly, promote healthy hair and nails, and boost muscle development, and tissue repair.
Next on the label is food filler which typically is corn, wheat, soy, or rice.
Each filler has its own pros and cons, here are some quick facts.
- Corn is widely used in dog food because it is inexpensive.
- Wheat and soy are also commonly used but are known to cause allergies among some dogs.
- Due to its health benefits and lack of allergens, rice is becoming one of the most commonly used fillers in dog foods.
To choose a good dog food for your toy poodle, consider a few things:
- How active is your dog?
- Is he overweight?
- Does he have any allergies?
As a general rule, the more active a black toy poodle is, the more protein he needs to keep his body functioning properly.
As for the amount of fat present, lower fat levels are recommended for overweight poodles.
Grooming a Black Toy Poodle
When it comes to the long, curly, and beautiful coat of the toy poodle, there’s good news and bad news.
The good news is that these dogs are hypoallergenic which means they do not shed nearly as much as other dogs.
The bad news is that a toy poodle’s hair keeps on growing and requires regular grooming to tame those curly locks.
However, if you make grooming your toy poodle a regular part of your schedule, it is possible to keep them well-groomed without a lot of effort.
DIY Grooming vs Professional Grooming
The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to handle this on your own or not. Here are some pros and cons of grooming your toy poodle at home.
Pros
You won’t have to pay upwards of $90 every 4 weeks or so to get your toy poodle groomed.
Reduces anxiety for the toy poodle.
It’s an opportunity to bond with your pup.
Cons
You will have to buy equipment such as clippers, different clipping heads, grooming scissors, and a non-slip table for grooming among other things.
Grooming a toy poodle requires less time than grooming a standard or a miniature poodle but it would still take you about 3 hours to bathe, dry, and trim your toy poodle in the beginning.
Requires serious commitment to learning how to properly groom your toy poodle.
After you have decided whether you want to DIY or seek help from a professional groomer, it’s time to get familiar with the whole grooming schedule.
If you are considering grooming your own poodle, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Grooming a toy poodle is time-consuming and requires patience.
- Investing in some good quality grooming equipment is key to a good grooming session.
- It’s okay to make mistakes in the beginning.
- Even if you clip a poodle’s hair too short or if it didn’t turn out exactly how you had hoped it would – it’s important to understand that a poodle’s hair will grow back and it’s not permanent.
How Often to Groom a Black Toy Poodle?
When it comes to toy poodle grooming, there’s no one-solution-fits-all answer!
The frequency of your toy poodle’s grooming will depend on a number of factors—including the type of cut they have and the color they are.
If you’ve got a show clip, you’re going to want to groom them every 4 weeks or so.
If you’ve got a pet clip, you can probably get away with grooming them every 6 or 8 weeks.
Darker-colored poodles need less frequent attention than lighter ones—because they don’t get as dirty!
Light-colored poodles will need more frequent baths and brushes, but even then that depends on how much time they spend outside running around on the beach or in the park.
So how often should you groom your black toy poodle?
Here’s a common grooming schedule you can follow for your black toy poodle.
- Brushing: Brush your toy black poodle’s coat three to four times a week to keep tangle free. If your toy poodle’s trim is very short, brushing them every two to three days should do the trick.
- Bathing: If your poodle is staying clean and doesn’t have any poop incidents, then you can probably get away with bathing them once every 7 to 10 days. But if they do get dirty or have a poop incident, then you’ll want to bathe them more often.
- Clipping: If you clip your poodle’s hair at home, clipping their hair once every 4 weeks or so should be enough. 8 weeks is the maximum amount of time that a black toy poodle’s hair should go without being clipped.
- Eyes: Check your black toy poodle’s eye every week to make sure there are no visible issues. You may also need to wipe the area underneath their eye to keep it free of tear stains.
- Ears: Check your black toy poodle’s ears once a week. Remove excess hair and check for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge. Earflaps keep air out of the ear canal, making yeast infections more likely than in other breeds.
- Teeth: Brush your black toy poodle’s teeth daily for a sparkling smile. Twice or three times weekly will also do the trick. Once a week brushing is alright too.
- Nails: Each toy poodle’s nails grow at different rates, but it is a good idea to trim them once a week.
How Much Does a Black Toy Poodle Cost?
Adding a black toy poodle can be more of an emotional decision than one that is strictly based on logic.
However, it’s important to consider the financials before committing to a black toy poodle.
These costs will not only include the initial price of purchasing the toy poodle but also day-to-day expenses.
Day-to-day costs include food, toys, beds, crates, leads, monthly grooming costs, and other costs such as health insurance and routine vet visits.
You might also have to pay for training classes or professional help if your dog has behavioral issues.
The average price of a Black Toy Poodle is $2500. However, prices can range from as low as $1800 to over $3200 depending on the gender and perceived quality of each poodle.
Generally, you have to pay a deposit fee that comes to around $1000 to $1500. Think of the deposit fee as a type of ‘reservation fee’ that you have to pay when you first get matched with the black toy puppy.
A good breeder will take the time to understand what you’re looking for and matches you with the right puppy based on your preferences of size, gender of the toy poodle, color, and even personality.
The rest of the amount you will have to pay when you pick up the puppy.
Because of their popularity, toy poodles are often bred in less-than-ideal conditions by people who want to make a quick profit.
This brings me to 5 things you need to keep in mind while shopping for a black toy poodle:
- Make sure the dog is registered with a reputable registry body such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), or the United Kennel Club (UKC).
- Make sure the breeder provides a health certificate to prove that your puppy is safe from common toy poodle health issues.
- Make sure the puppy’s tail is not docked too short.
- Most breeders will be happy to welcome you to their facility, take advantage of that and make sure you visit the breeder and see for yourself how they keep the puppies as well as their breeding dog.
- Toy poodles and miniature poodles are two separate lines based on their size. Responsible breeders do not mix the two sizes to avoid wild size variations in the litter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Black Toy Poodles Rare?
No, black toy poodles are not rare. In fact, black toy poodles are one of the most common toy poodle colors available.
How Much Does a Black Toy Poodle Cost?
On average a black toy poodle costs $2800, however, the price could range from as low as $1800 to over $3200 depending on factors such as pedigree, health checkups, training offered, gender of the dog, and the reputation of the breeder.
Do Black Toy Poodles Turn Gray?
True black toy poodles do not turn gray. However, they are expected to fade to a lighter color as they get old.
Do Black Toy Poodles Turn Silver?
Yes, black toy poodles can turn silver. This happens because silver toy poodles are born with a black coat that matures to a platinum silver color as they age. One can start to see the color change as early as 6 to 8 weeks.
Conclusion
Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve learned about black toy poodles so far.
- Black toy poodles have a jet black coat that does not have any gray or white hair.
- The coat coloration is a solid black with no graying or shading.
- Poodles born with a black coat can change to a different coat as they age.
- A fully grown black toy poodle can weight 6 t0 9 pounds and is under 10 inches tall at the highest point of the shoulder.
- Black toy poodles live on average for twelve to eighteen years and live longer than miniature or standard black poodle.
- A black toy poodle costs $2500 but the price can range from $1800 to $3200 depending on various factors such as pedigree, gender, trainings, health checkups, etc.
I hope you found this guide to black toy poodles helpful. If you have any questions about these dogs, please leave them in the comments below!
