While the Toy Poodle’s origins are a bit unclear, it is believed that the breed originated in Germany, where they worked as water retrievers. Of the three sizes of Poodle, the Toy was the last to develop. However, it didn’t take long for the Toy Poodle to become a crowd favorite. These dogs were especially popular among royalty, namely King Louis XVI. In fact, the King was so smitten with the Toy Poodle that the breed unofficially became France’s national dog. In 1886, the Poodle was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Since then, the Toy Poodle has retained its popularity, and all three sizes are among the most popular dog breeds.

 

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This dog has been popular as far back as the 16th century when it was bred down from a Standard Poodle, probably in France, to become a companion for wealthy aristocrats. Lords and ladies treasured the snuggly pups’ ability to keep them warm in drafty manors and chilly castles. In fact, they earned the nickname “sleeve dog” because women carried them about inside the full sleeves favored in attire of the 1600’s and 1700’s.

This smallest member of the Poodle family has also been called a Teacup, Caniche, Barbone, Chien Canne, French Poodle, Pudle, or even Teddy Poodle. No matter what you call these intelligent pooches, they have been popular in the U.S. and Europe for hundreds of years. In fact, the American Kennel Club ranks Poodles as the seventh most popular out of 193 recognized breeds.