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English Toy Terrier vs Poodle

Discover the differences between English Toy Terrier and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.

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English Toy Terrier
England

English Toy Terrier

Toy Group
Small

Lively, affectionate, and alert, this small companion thrives in active homes and loves close bonds with people. Sleek and graceful, it combines elegance with a spirited personality.

Poodle
Germany/France

Poodle

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.

Quick comparison

Size:

Small

Male:

2.7–3.6 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

12–13 years

Female:

2.7–3.6 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Medium

Male:

20–32 kg

Coat:

Curly, dense

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Female:

18–27 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

English Toy Terrier

Friendliness
3/5

Can be reserved with strangers, loyal to family

Intelligence
4/5

Quick to learn and eager to please

Energy Level
4/5

Active and enjoys regular daily exercise

Playfulness
4/5

Likes interactive games, fun-loving with owners

Adaptability
3/5

May struggle with major routine or environment changes

Poodle

Friendliness
5/5

Warm and sociable with family and guests

Intelligence
5/5

Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive playtime

Adaptability
5/5

Easily adjusts to new environments and routines

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

English Toy Terrier

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
30–45 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Patellar luxation, dental issues

Poodle

Grooming:
High grooming needs (at least weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

English Toy Terrier

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Responsive and intelligent but needs consistent training and socialization for best results

Apartment Living
5/5

Excellent fit

Small size and low exercise needs suit compact living spaces well

Active Lifestyle
3/5

Moderately suitable

Enjoys play but lacks stamina for very high-energy routines

Kids
2/5

Use caution

Delicate build may not tolerate rough handling from young children

Multiple Pets
3/5

Needs supervision

Can coexist with other pets if socialized early and properly

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Prone to separation anxiety and dislikes being left alone for extended periods

Poodle

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.

Apartment Living
4/5

Highly suitable

Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.

Kids
5/5

Very friendly

Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Gets along well

Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

English Toy Terrier

  • Alert watchdog instincts
  • Loyal and affectionate with owners
  • Compact size suits apartment living
  • Generally clean and low odor
  • Quick to learn basic commands

Poodle

  • Highly intelligent and easy to train
  • Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
  • Strong bond with family members
  • Adaptable to various living environments
  • Excellent performance in canine sports

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

English Toy Terrier

  • Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
  • Sensitive to cold temperatures
  • May be timid with unfamiliar people
  • Requires regular mental stimulation
  • Can be vocal if not properly trained

Poodle

  • Requires regular professional grooming
  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
  • Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
  • Susceptible to certain genetic health issues

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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