It’s a common misconception that toy poodles don’t bark. In reality, they just have a much lower pitch to their bark than other breeds, and because of this people often can’t hear them.
If you’re wondering why your toy poodle doesn’t seem to be barking as much, as usual, there are some things you should know about the breed.
Here at Any time Dogs, we’ve compiled a list of 5 reasons why your dog might not be barking:
1. What are the different types of dog breeds?
Toy poodles are one of the most popular types of dogs in America. They’re known for being relatively small in size, and for their distinctive look.
Most toy poodles weigh somewhere between 6-9 pounds, with an average height of 9 inches tall when measured at their withers (the point where their neck meets their back).
Today, there are three different types of poodle breeds: the standard poodle, the miniature poodle, and the toy poodle.
The miniature and standard sizes were bred from a cross between a larger water dog breed, a pointer-hound mix, and a smaller terrier-type dog.
Toy poodles, on the other hand, were bred from the standard poodle.
This means that standard poodles are considered to be the ‘original’ type of poodle breed, whereas toy poodles, mini poodles, and teacup poodles are all originated from the same stock.
2. Different physical traits of a toy poodle:
Toy poodles are often confused with other dog breeds such as the Yorkie, which is a small breed of terrier originally from Yorkshire.
However, toy poodles and Yorkies actually have many differences. For instance, toy poodles typically have longer legs than Yorkies (the average height for a standard-sized male toy poodle is 9 inches tall, whereas a Yorkie’s average height is only 7 inches tall).
In addition, toy poodles have almond-shaped eyes which are dark brown in color. On the other hand, Yorkies typically have circular-shaped eyes that are usually light brown or blue in color.
Another difference between a toy poodle and a Yorkie, is the distinctive ‘puffball’ look that toy poodles possess.
Yorkies (and other terriers) only have a coat that covers their top half – meaning they typically have long fur on their legs, but very short fur on their head, face, and belly.
Toy poodles have thick cords of fur that cover their legs, tail, and stomach (which is why they’re often called ‘corded coats’).
3. Why do toy poodles lack undercoat hair?
Toy poodles are also known for not having an undercoat, which means that they typically don’t shed in the same way other breeds do.
This is because they have an extra layer of hair, called the ‘guard hairs’ which are longer than fur found in most other breeds.
These guard hairs coat the toy poodle’s body and protect them from both hot and cold temperatures.
4. Do Toy Poodles bark or whine?
Yes, Toy Poodles do bark! Although toy poodles are known for being relatively quiet, they are still capable of barking when needed.
Toy poodles are known for making a unique ‘yodel’ sound when they bark rather than an overall loud bark that is characteristic of other types of dogs.
This distinct yodeling sound can be due to the toy poodle’s small size and its tendency to carry its voice.
In other words, since they’re smaller, toy poodles often have a higher-pitched bark that is not as loud as their larger counterparts (such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers).
Toy poodles also tend to be very inquisitive and alert – which means they’ll let out a bark when they come across something new or are trying to get your attention.
A toy poodle’s bark is also often characterized by a “yip-yodel” sound, which means that it starts low and goes up in pitch at the end of its bark (similar to light yodeling).
This is not only unique among dog breeds, but it’s actually quite rare for dogs to bark like this.
5. Why does my toy poodle not bark as other dogs do?
Since toy poodles are small, they are less likely to bark in response to stimuli – which can be a good thing.
Smaller breeds tend to have lower energy levels than larger dogs, and barking is often associated with high-energy behaviors.
For instance, if you live in an apartment or other smaller space, the lack of barking can be helpful.
But if you’re looking for a dog who will bark in response to the doorbell ringing, it’s important to make sure that your toy poodle is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation (e.g., playing with dog toys) – otherwise, they may not bark at all!
6. How to train your toy poodle not to bark excessively?
Toy poodles are quick learners and very intelligent – so training them to stop barking excessively is much easier than it would be with other dog breeds.
When starting the behavior modification process, it’s important to understand why your toy poodle is barking in the first place.
The most common reasons that dogs bark include: greeting people or other dogs, separation anxiety, fear of people or other dogs, and boredom.
Once you can pinpoint the reason behind your toy poodle’s excessive barking, it’s a lot easier to address the problem and put a stop to it altogether.
Before beginning training, however, make sure that your dog knows how to “speak” on command. If your toy poodle knows how to bark on cue, it will make training much easier!
After you know the proper command and your dog has learned the skill, you’ll want to gradually reduce barking as much as possible.
To do this, begin with a high rate of reinforcement (such as praise or treats), and then gradually increase the time between barking and receiving reinforcement.
For example, if you notice that your toy poodle barks every time the mailman comes around to deliver mail, try giving praise or a treat immediately after they bark.
After this has been successful for several weeks, you can begin waiting one minute before providing reinforcement – then two minutes, then five minutes, etc.
Once you’ve reached the point where your dog doesn’t bark for ten to fifteen minutes at a time, it’s often time to move on to the next step.
If you notice that your toy poodle barks again after you thought they had stopped, try increasing their time between treats or praise (to 30 minutes instead of 5).
Conclusion:
Toy Poodles are a domesticated dog breed that come in two sizes, toy and miniature. They have many different physical traits including having an undercoat of hair instead of fur, being hypoallergenic so they don’t shed as much or at all, lacking the ability to bark but do whine when distressed or feeling threatened like other dogs might howl.
And finally you should train your toy poodle not to bark by using positive reinforcement such as treats for good behavior; however if it’s barking excessively then look into getting professional help from a trainer who can teach it better habits!
