Are you looking for a new furry friend to bring into your life?
If so, have you considered a gray toy poodle?
Gray Toy Poodles are a striking and distinctive variation of the popular poodle breed. They boast beautiful gray coats that can range from a pale silver to a deep charcoal color, complemented by black noses, eye-rims, and lips that contrast beautifully against their fur.
These pint-sized pooches are gaining popularity for their charming looks and delightful personalities.
With their striking gray coats and cute button noses, it’s no wonder why so many people are falling in love with these pups.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything there is to know about gray toy poodles, from their origins to their grooming needs.
So, let’s grab a cup of coffee and get ready to learn about these lovable little dogs!
Gray Toy Poodles Vital Stats
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Variety: Toy
- Origin: Germany, France
- Other Names: Caniche, Barbone, French Poodle, Teddy Poodle, Pudel
- Coat Color: Gray
- Average Price: $3320
- Price Range: $3300 to $4400
- Height: Under 10 inches
- Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
- Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
- Coat: Curly, Long
- Rarity: Rare
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- 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 Gray Toy Poodles?
Gray toy poodles are a unique and stunning variation of the poodle breed.
As their name suggests, they have gorgeous gray coats that can range from a light silver to a deep charcoal.
One distinguishing feature of these dogs is their black noses, eye-rims, and lips, which contrast beautifully against their gray fur. They also have black or self-colored toenails and very dark eyes, adding to their striking appearance.
It’s important to note that the term “gray” is actually reserved for poodles that are born with a blue-gray coat.
These pups have noses and eye-rims that match their coat color, and they are incredibly rare. Silvers and blues, on the other hand, are born with black coats that gradually fade to their signature colors over time.
Some dogs may end up in a “gray zone,” where their coloring is somewhere between a dark silver and a very pale gray.
In these cases, you’ll need to pay attention to the rate of color change to determine whether to call them silver or blue.
When they’re well-trained, they walk with their heads held high and they’re super active and smart. They also have a special look that makes them stand out.
To compete in shows, gray toy poodles need to be under 10 inches tall at their highest point. If they’re taller than that, they won’t be able to compete.
Gray toy poodles have a fluffy, curly or frizzy coat that feels dense and rough. Their eyes are dark, oval-shaped and far apart, making them look alert and smart. Round, sticking out, big, or light eyes are not good.
Did you know that toy poodles have a unique coat? It’s dense and rough, and it can be curly or frizzy. They look pretty cool, don’t you think?
And have you seen their eyes? They’re really dark, oval-shaped and far apart, making them look smart and alert. But if their eyes are round, sticking out, big, or light, that’s not good. That’s what people in the dog show world call a “fault.”
Overall, toy poodles have a pretty special look that sets them apart from other breeds. If you’re looking for a pet with a fun personality and a cool appearance, a toy poodle might be the perfect choice for you!
Gray Toy Poodle History
Did you know that the poodle has its roots in Germany and was once known as the “Pudelhund”? The name is a combination of “Pudel,” which means to splash around, and “hund,” which means dog.
The French are credited with creating the three different sizes of poodles we know today – standard, miniature, and toy. The Toy Poodle was bred from the Standard Poodle.
In the 18th century, poodles became popular among royalty, and during the Second French Empire in the 1850s and 1860s, these little dogs were the talk of the town!
However, experts still don’t agree on how breeders were able to produce these small dogs that were often seen sitting comfortably in the laps of important ladies in pictures from that time period.
One theory is that the first Toy Poodles were created by breeding small poodles with tiny Cuban breed dogs imported to France, possibly mixed with Maltese Terrier or Spaniel breeds.
It’s amazing to think about how these tiny dogs have evolved and become such a beloved breed today!
The Toy Poodle, which we know and love today, likely came from the tiny poodles popular during the Second French Empire. Poodles were originally from Germany but it was the French who made them into the dogs we recognize today.
They were used for a variety of tasks like retrieving game from water, finding arrows that missed the target, and even sniffing out truffles!
At one time, Toy Poodles were trained to perform in circuses and street shows. However, these practices have been banned because of the cruel methods used for training.
Nowadays, these little dogs are mostly kept as cherished pets.
Gray Toy Poodle Temperament
Toy Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason.
These pint-sized pups are not only cute, but they also have a delightful personality that makes them a joy to be around.
First and foremost, Toy Poodles are known for being very intelligent. They are quick learners and are eager to please their owners, making them easy to train.
This makes them great dogs for first-time dog owners or families with children.
Toy Poodles are also known for being very sociable and friendly, which means they love to be around people and other pets.
They make great companion dogs and are great for families who are looking for a friendly, loving pet.
Another great thing about Toy Poodles is that they are very active and playful.
They love to play and run around, making them great dogs for families who love to spend time outside and stay active.
They are also great for families who live in apartments or small spaces, as they don’t require a lot of room to run around in.
Despite their small size, Toy Poodles have a lot of energy and are always up for a good game of fetch, hide and seek or tug-of-war.
Toy Poodles are also known for being very affectionate and loving towards their owners. They are great dogs for people who are looking for a pet that will provide them with a lot of love and affection.
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 gray 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.
Gray 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 gray toy poodle’s intelligence and willingness to please, every poodle parent should begin obedience training as soon as possible.
Are Gray Toy Poodles Rare?
First off, the AKC technically recognizes the color gray for poodles.
However, exhibitors often mislabel gray dogs as silver or blue.
So, what’s the difference?
True “gray” poodles are born with a blue-gray coat and matching nose and eye-rims, which makes them super rare.
Silvers and blues, on the other hand, are born with black coats that fade to their respective colors over time.
Some may even end up in a “gray zone,” making it tricky to determine whether they’re silver or blue.
Because gray poodles are so unique, they can be a bit more difficult and pricey to get your hands on.
Plus, it can be tough for breeders to establish breeding lines that consistently produce gray toy poodles, which can result in long waiting lists for interested buyers.
But, if you’re willing to be patient and put in the effort, owning a gray toy poodle can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Are Gray Toy Poodles Hypoallergenic?
If you’re allergic to dogs, but you want to add a furry friend to your family, you’ve probably got a gray toy poodle on your mind.
But are gray toy poodles really 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 gray 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 that have hair 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 ‘poodle 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.
Given how popular toy poodles are, some breeders see it as an opportunity to cash in by stretching the truth to sell more puppies.
Like saying Toy Poodles don’t shed a single hair or are totally hypoallergenic when that just isn’t fair to anyone who’s thinking about adding a Toy Poodle to their family.
While gray 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 Gray Toy Poodles Get?
You can tell a toy poodle from their larger relative, the miniature poodle, by size.
Gray 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 chart to show you how big a gray toy poodle will get and how fast it will grow.
| 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 gray 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 gray toy poodle stays in the weight range and does not get overweight.
How Long Do Gray Toy Poodles Live?
If you’re thinking about getting a gray toy poodle, you might be wondering how long they can live.
A gray 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 Gray Toy Poodles Change Color?
If you’re thinking about getting a gray toy poodle, it’s important to know that their coat color may change over time. In fact, almost all toy poodle colors will change to some extent.
For gray toy poodles, this may happen as they reach around 2 years of age.
Now, you may have heard about different shampoos, vitamins, dyes, henna, and other solutions that people try to prevent their poodle’s coat from fading.
But let me be real with you – there’s no guarantee that any of these will work 100%. Some may have some effect, but the color change is a natural process that can’t be completely stopped.
So, what can you do if you want to minimize the color change in your gray toy poodle? Well, one thing you can do is to see the parents of the dog and check their coat color and age.
If the parents have a faded coat, there’s a good chance that their offspring will have a similar coat. But keep in mind that even if the parents have a strong coat color, there’s still a chance that your toy poodle’s coat will fade to some extent.
At the end of the day, it’s important to accept that some color change will likely happen and to adjust your expectations accordingly.
But don’t worry, your gray toy poodle will still be just as cute and loveable, no matter what color their coat ends up being!
Are Gray Toy Poodles Healthy?
If you’re a gray toy poodle owner, you want your furry friend to be healthy and happy!
They have an average lifespan of 12-18 years, which is pretty long for a dog.
To make sure your poodle stays healthy, there are a few things you can do:
- Visit the vet regularly – Two times a year is recommended. This way, your vet can keep an eye on your poodle’s health and catch any issues early on.
- Consider health insurance – If your poodle gets sick or injured, it’s helpful to have insurance so it’s not a financial burden. Some insurance plans even cover routine vet visits, which is a bonus.
- Stay on top of vaccinations – There are core vaccines that all poodles need, like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Then there are non-core vaccines that may be needed depending on where you live and the threats to your dog. Talk to your vet to figure out what’s best for your poodle.
- Give your poodle a check-up – Regularly check your poodle’s body, legs, paw pads, ears, eyes, and so on. This way, you can spot any issues and get them treated early on.
It might seem like a lot, but once you get into the routine, it’s not so bad. And the peace of mind knowing your poodle is healthy is worth it!
Gray Toy Health Issues
Gray 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 gray toy poodle is no different.
Here are all the major health issues 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 gray 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 gray toy poodle but it does not mean your individual poodle will suffer from one or more of these ailments is not guaranteed.
Gray toy poodles are generally considered healthy and are one of the longest living dogs.
Related: Are Toy Poodles Healthy? [Poodle Experts Answer]
How Much Exercise Do Gray Toy Poodles Need?
Gray 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!
Gray toy poodles are very energetic and do best with at least 30 to 40 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 gray 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 much long walks to wear themselves out.
If most play takes place indoors, however, give them more time outside exploring new spaces and smelling 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 poodle off-leash when they are outdoors.
The reason being bigger dogs, which are pretty much all the dogs at the park, may end up hurting your toy poodle even if they don’t mean to.
When you take your gray 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
Gray Toy Poodle Nutritional Requirements
Toy poodles are an energetic breed, and as such, they need proper nutrition.
To provide these cute dogs the energy they need, a gray 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 gray 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 gray toy poodle a protein-rich diet can help keep their body functioning properly, promote healthy hair and nails, boost muscle development, and tissue repair.
Next on the label is food filler which typically is corn, wheat and 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 gray 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 Gray 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.
But what about their color? Does that make a difference?
Well, this is where things get interesting.
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 gray toy poodle?
Here’s a common grooming schedule you can follow for your toy poodle.
- Brushing: Brush your toy gray 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 gray toy poodle’s hair should go without being clipped.
- Eyes: Check your gray 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 gray 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 gray 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 Gray Toy Poodle Cost?
Are you thinking about bringing home a gray toy poodle? If so, you may be wondering how much these cute and fluffy pups cost.
The good news is that gray toy poodles are generally affordable compared to other purebred dogs, with an average price of around $3320.
However, the actual cost of a gray toy poodle can vary depending on several factors, including where you live and the gender of the pup.
Based on our research of different kennels and breeders in various states across the United States, the price range for these puppies is typically between $3300 and $4400.
One factor that can affect the price of a gray toy poodle is the location. The cost of living in different states, as well as the popularity of the breed in that area, can play a significant role in the price of these puppies.
For example, if you live in a state where gray toy poodles are in high demand, you may end up paying more for one.
Another factor that can affect the price is the gender of the pup. While not always the case, female gray toy poodles may be more expensive than their male counterparts.
If you’re looking for a gray toy poodle with a champion bloodline, you can expect to pay a little more. Puppies from champion bloodlines tend to be more expensive than those without this pedigree.
When considering the cost of a gray toy poodle, it’s also important to factor in any additional expenses, such as vaccinations and microchipping.
If the pup you’re interested in hasn’t received these treatments yet, you’ll need to cover these costs as the new owner.
Some breeders may offer health guarantees or include a health certificate with the pup, which can provide peace of mind for new pet owners. However, keep in mind that these extras may increase the price of the pup.
Ultimately, the cost of a gray toy poodle can vary greatly, but with an average price of $3320, they’re still an affordable option for those looking to add a new furry member to their family.
Make sure to consider all the factors that can affect the price and ensure you’re comfortable with the cost before making your final decision.
Conclusion
- Gray toy poodles are a unique and visually appealing variation of the poodle breed with striking features. These dogs have a beautiful gray coats, with black noses, eye-rims, and lips that contrast stunningly against their fur.
- The term “gray” is reserved for poodles with a blue-gray coat, while silvers and blues have black coats that gradually fade to their signature colors over time.
- Gray toy poodles are known for their dense and rough curly or frizzy coat, dark oval-shaped eyes that are far apart, and alert appearance. These dogs are well-suited for dog shows, where they must be under 10 inches tall to compete.
- If you’re searching for a pet with a unique appearance and a lively personality, a gray toy poodle could be an excellent choice.
- Gray toy poodles’ coat color may change over time, typically around 2 years of age. While some solutions may have some effect in minimizing the color change, it’s a natural process that can’t be completely stopped.
- If you’re considering a gray toy poodle, they typically live 12-18 years, which is longer than other poodle varieties. Factors that can affect their lifespan include exercise, nutrition, and a stable living environment. By following these guidelines and showing your poodle love, they can enjoy a long and happy life.
- Gray toy poodles’ coat colors may change over time, which is a natural process that cannot be completely prevented. While certain measures like using shampoos, vitamins, or dyes may have some effect, there is no guaranteed solution.
- Checking the coat color and age of the dog’s parents may give an indication of the likelihood of color change, but it’s important to accept that some fading is likely to happen. Regardless of the color of their coat, gray toy poodles are just as cute and loveable.
- Gray Toy Poodles are generally affordable compared to other purebred dogs, with an average price of $3320. The cost can vary depending on factors such as location, gender, and pedigree. The blog advises considering additional expenses such as vaccinations and health guarantees before making a final decision.
