Are you looking for a dog breed that’s small, intelligent, and playful? Look no further than the Phantom Toy Poodle!
This distinctive poodle variety has a unique coat pattern that sets it apart from other poodle types.
A phantom poodle is a dog with a two-tone coat pattern of a solid base color and sharply defined markings of a second color on specific areas of the body. The most common pattern is black and tan, with black covering the main body and tan on the legs, muzzle, eyebrows, and a butterfly-shaped patch on the chest. This look is present at birth and remains throughout the dog’s life.
While Toy Poodles are already a popular breed, Phantom Toy Poodles take things up a notch with their stunning two-tone coat pattern.
But what is a Phantom Toy Poodle, and how does it differ from other poodle varieties?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of Phantom Toy Poodles, discussing their unique characteristics, temperament, grooming needs, and more.
Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a first-time pet parent, this guide will help you determine if a Phantom Toy Poodle is the right dog for you.
So, let’s get started!
Phantom Toy Poodles Vital Stats
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Variety: Toy
- Origin: Germany, France
- Other Names: Caniche, Barbone, French Poodle, Teddy Poodle, Pudel
- Coat Color: Phantom
- Average Price: $2240
- Price Range: $1520 to $3500
- 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 Phantom Toy Poodles?
The phantom toy poodle is a small breed that typically weighs between four and six pounds.
It has a solid base color, which is usually black or brown, and sharply defined markings of a second color appearing above each eye, on the sides of the muzzle, on the throat and forechest, or in a chin and forechest bowtie pattern, as well as on all four legs and feet, and below the tail.
These markings are what make the phantom toy poodle stand out from other toy poodles.
What’s fascinating about phantom toy poodles is that they come in a variety of acceptable color combinations.
For example, a phantom toy poodle can have a black base color with tan markings, or a brown base color with cream markings, or even a silver base color with black markings.
The possibilities are endless, and this makes them a unique and exciting breed to own.
One thing to note about phantom toy poodles is that the markings must be sharply defined, and any combination of acceptable colors is allowed.
A phantom toy poodle without clearly defined face markings or one that presents with its whole face colored in the second color is acceptable, as long as it maintains all the other specified body markings.
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, phantom 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.
Phantom 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!
Phantom 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.
Phantom 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 phantom 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.
Phantom 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 phantom toy poodle’s intelligence and willingness to please, every poodle parent should begin obedience training as soon as possible.
Are Phantom Toy Poodles Rare?
Phantom toy poodles are somewhat rare, as the pattern is not condoned by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
This means that breeders who specialize in producing poodles for show competitions may not be interested in breeding phantoms.
However, this does not mean that phantom toy poodles are not available, as there are still breeders who love the uniqueness of the phantom pattern and are dedicated to producing them.
When it comes to the rarity of phantom toy poodles, the color combination plays a significant role. For example, a brown phantom is considered more rare than a tan phantom.
This is because brown is not as common of a base color for toy poodles, and the phantom pattern on a brown coat creates a striking and rare appearance.
If you manage to find a breeder who specializes in producing brown phantoms, then you may be in luck as they are truly a rare and unique breed.
The intensity of the phantom pattern also plays a role in rarity.
Breeders who are dedicated to producing phantoms will want the markings to be as intense as possible, which means they will avoid introducing a greying gene into their line.
This is because the greying gene can dilute the intensity of the phantom pattern, making it less visible.
Therefore, breeders who are committed to producing intense and striking phantom toy poodles will take extra care to avoid the greying gene in their breeding lines.
Overall, while phantom toy poodles are not the most common poodle breed, they are still available for those who are interested in owning a unique and rare pet.
The rarity of the phantom pattern is affected by the base color and the intensity of the markings, which makes each phantom toy poodle a truly one-of-a-kind pet.
If you’re interested in owning a phantom toy poodle, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder who specializes in producing them.
Are Phantom 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 phantom toy poodle on your mind.
But are phantom 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 phantom 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 phantom 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 Phantom Toy Poodles Get?
You can tell a toy poodle from their larger relative, the miniature poodle, by size.
Phantom 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 phantom 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 phantom 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 phantom toy poodle stays in the weight range and does not get overweight.
How Long Do Phantom Toy Poodles Live?
If you’re thinking about getting a phantom toy poodle, you might be wondering how long they can live.
A phantom 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 Phantom Toy Poodles Change Color?
I recently spoke with a fellow poodle enthusiast, and we discussed the topic of phantom toy poodles and whether they fade over time.
According to her, the term phantom refers to the black and tan pattern that is found on breeds like Dobermans or Rottweilers.
The main body is black, while parts of the legs, muzzle, eyebrows, and a butterfly-shaped patch across the chest are red. This two-tone look is present at birth and remains throughout the dog’s life.
Fading, on the other hand, is essentially a greying gene that causes the dog’s coat to lighten over time.
If the dog starts out black, one copy of the gene will cause the dog to lighten to a dark grey over several years, while two copies will cause the dog to change quicker and end up a lighter, silvery grey.
Different parts of the dog may turn grey earlier than others, and the dog may look more brown than grey at certain stages.
However, my friend pointed out that it can get confusing because these colors are often called blue and silver in poodles, even though they are not the same color or gene found in breeds like Pit Bulls or Dobermans.
The fading gene found in poodles is actually the same gene that is found in Kerry Blue Terriers.
Additionally, when a dog starts out brown instead of black, the fading gene will change the dog to a shade of pale brown, like adding milk to coffee.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting – modifiers can sneak in and alter the basic colors.
For example, my friend’s dog, named Max, should have been a black and tan phantom, but instead, a modifier turned his red/tan patches to cream.
So Max ended up being a black and cream phantom. Another one of her dogs, a brown and tan phantom named Rosie, inherited a spotting gene that gave her big white parti spots.
So, in conclusion, while phantom toy poodles do not fade over time, other factors such as genetics and modifiers can alter their coat color and pattern in unique and unexpected ways.
Are Phantom Toy Poodles Healthy?
If you’re a phantom 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!
Phantom Toy Health Issues
Phantom 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 phantom 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 phantom 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 phantom toy poodle but it does not mean your individual poodle will suffer from one or more of these ailments is not guaranteed.
Phantom 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 Phantom Toy Poodles Need?
Phantom 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!
Phantom 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 phantom 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 phantom 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
Phantom 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 phantom 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 phantom 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 phantom 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 phantom 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 Phantom 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 phantom toy poodle?
Here’s a common grooming schedule you can follow for your toy poodle.
- Brushing: Brush your toy phantom 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 phantom toy poodle’s hair should go without being clipped.
- Eyes: Check your phantom 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 phantom 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 phantom 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 Phantom Toy Poodle Cost?
One of the most common questions people ask when considering a phantom toy poodle is how much they cost.
And the answer is, it varies. To get a better idea of the cost, we surveyed 33 different dog breeders and found that the average price for a phantom toy poodle is around $2240.
Of course, this is just an average, and the actual price can be higher or lower depending on a variety of factors.
For example, the lowest price we found in our survey was $1520, while the highest price was $3500. These differences in price can be due to several factors, such as the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s lineage, and the dog’s age and training.
It’s essential to note that while the price of a phantom toy poodle may seem steep, it’s important to remember that owning a dog comes with many expenses.
These expenses include regular vet check-ups, food, grooming, toys, and training. So, it’s important to budget for these costs as well.
When looking to purchase a phantom toy poodle, it’s essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder.
Reputable breeders will provide health guarantees and have their breeding stock tested for genetic diseases. They will also provide documentation of the dog’s lineage, which can help determine its quality.
In conclusion, the price of a phantom toy poodle varies depending on several factors.
On average, they cost around $2240, but the actual price can be higher or lower. When looking to purchase one, it’s important to budget for additional expenses such as vet bills and grooming.
Additionally, it’s crucial to find a reputable breeder who will provide health guarantees and documentation of the dog’s lineage.
Conclusion
- A phantom poodle refers to a coat pattern that features a solid base color and sharply defined markings of a second color on specific areas of the dog’s body, such as the legs, muzzle, eyebrows, chest, and throat.
- The most commonly recognized phantom poodle pattern is black and tan, resembling that of a Doberman or Rottweiler.
- The black color covers the main body while the tan color appears on the legs, muzzle, eyebrows, and a butterfly-shaped patch on the chest. This distinctive two-tone look is present from birth and remains throughout the dog’s life.
- The rarity of phantom toy poodles is affected by the base color and the intensity of the markings. For instance, brown phantoms are considered more rare than tan phantoms due to the uncommon base color.
- The intensity of the phantom pattern also plays a role in rarity, as breeders avoid introducing a greying gene to maintain the markings’ intensity. Thus, phantom toy poodles are truly one-of-a-kind pets that require research to find a reputable breeder.
- Fading can occur due to a greying gene that causes the dog’s coat to lighten over time. Different parts of the dog may turn grey earlier than others, and the dog may look more brown than grey at certain stages.
- But modifiers can also sneak in and alter the basic colors and patterns, resulting in unique and unexpected coat variations. Therefore, while phantom toy poodles may not fade, other factors such as genetics and modifiers can play a role in their coat color and pattern.
- According to our survey of 33 different dog breeders, the average price of a phantom toy poodle is $2,240, with the lowest price at $1,520 and the highest price at $3,500. The price can vary depending on factors such as the breeder’s location, reputation, and the quality of the dog’s bloodline.
