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Most Toy Poodles have either brown or apricot coats, but there is a variation of this breed that is becoming more well-known, the Red Toy Poodle. This dog has the Rufus gene, which is thought to darken apricot and brown-colored coats, making them look deep red.
Breed Overview
Height:
Under 10 inches
Weight:
6 to 9 pounds
Lifespan:
14 to 16 years
Colors:
White, cream, brown, black, apricot, silver, red
Suitable for:
Families with older kids, apartments, houses, many different types of people
Temperament:
Lively, loving, playful, energetic, intelligent
The Red Toy Poodle is just like any other Poodle — the only difference is their coat color. Here is more information about the Red Toy Poodle’s origins and history, as well as a few important facts that every dog owner should know.
Toy Poodle Characteristics
The Earliest Records of the Red Toy Poodle in History
The Red Poodle, whether Standard, Toy, or Miniature, was developed by breeding a Miniature Apricot Poodle (female) with a Standard Poodle (male). The resulting dog had a stunning red coat that caught on quickly. Careful breeding practices have resulted in the Red Toy Poodle, along with Red Poodles of other sizes. It is not clear exactly when the Red Poodle came into existence, but it was after the Poodle was created.
Many cynologists believe that the Poodle originated in Germany. There are engravings, writings, and drawings from the area that seem to indicate the dog was known as far back as the Middle Ages. Other cynologists believe that the Poodle originated in France, where the breed was a prized water dog. Still others think that the breed originated in Russia or even northwest Africa.
How the Red Toy Poodle Gained Popularity
The Red Toy Poodle gained popularity as soon as the dog was created. Everyone was enthralled with the red coat that was different from the other coat colors found on Poodles. The color is still quite rare, but Red Toy Poodles are much more readily available today than in the past. Therefore, they continue to gain popularity.
Formal Recognition of the Red Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887, and it seems that the red coat has been recognized since its inception. The reason that many people have not heard of the Red Poodle, let alone the Red Toy Poodle, is simply because they are much less prominent than any other colored Poodle.
Top 3 Facts About the Red Toy Poodle
The Red Toy Poodle is becoming better known but is still quite rare. Here are the top three facts to know about the Red Toy Poodle.
1. They’re the Same as Any Other Poodle
Some people have the misconception that Red Toy Poodles are a special breed, but there is no difference between a Red Poodle and any other colored Poodle when it comes to health, longevity, temperament, personality, loyalty, intelligence, and lifespan.
2. Red Poodles Come in Three Sizes
Red Poodles don’t only come in toy sizes. You can find this coat color in Miniature and Standard-sized Poodles too. The red coloring is rare among all sizes, although it used to be tough to find a red Standard Poodle for a while because breeders focused on the smaller sizes. Nowadays, even Red Standards are regularly bred.
3. They Were Bred as Companions Unlike Their Standard Counterparts
The Standard Poodle was originally bred to hunt. The Toy and Miniature versions were mostly bred as companion dogs for royalty. Nowadays, all sizes of Poodle are bred for companionship, and it’s not just royalty who proudly call themselves Poodle owners.
Does the Red Toy Poodle Make a Good Pet?
Red Toy Poodles can make excellent pets for households of almost all shapes and sizes. They get along well with kids and other pets. They can live in apartments and houses, they do well with singles and seniors, and they don’t require a large amount of exercise like large dogs do. They do, however, prefer spending their days with company rather than being left at home alone.
Conclusion
Red Toy Poodles are adorable, outgoing, loyal, and intelligent, just like their larger counterparts. Even though they are small, they still require daily exercise and proper nutrition to stay healthy and happy throughout their lives. Make sure you’re prepared to commit to a lifetime of care before deciding whether to adopt a new dog of any kind, including the Red Toy Poodle.
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Featured Image Credit: Jagodka, Shutterstock
