Toy Poodle health guide
Also known as: Poodle, Teacup Poodle, Teddy Bear Poodle
About this breed
Toy Poodles are clever, low-shedding companions and one of the most popular apartment dogs in Macau. They stay playful well into their teens, but their fine bones and small joints need lifelong protection.
Living in Macau's climate
The dense curly coat traps humidity, so keep it clipped shorter through the wet season and dry your dog thoroughly after rainy walks to prevent skin infections. Small bodies also chill quickly in strong air conditioning, so avoid cold drafts straight after grooming.
Common health conditions
Patellar luxation
Signs: Sudden skipping or hopping on a back leg that settles after a few steps.
Prevention: Keep weight lean, discourage jumping off sofas and beds, and have the knees graded at every annual exam.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Signs: Night blindness first, then bumping into furniture in dim light with dilated pupils.
Prevention: There is no cure, so book an eye examination promptly if vision seems to fade and avoid breeding affected dogs.
Dental disease
Signs: Bad breath, brown tartar, red gums and dropping food while chewing.
Prevention: Brush daily and schedule professional cleaning as advised, often yearly in toy breeds.
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Signs: Gradual hind-leg lameness and thigh muscle loss in dogs under 18 months.
Prevention: X-ray early if a young dog keeps limping; surgery has excellent outcomes when caught early.
Daily care tips
- Brush the teeth daily; toy breeds lose teeth years earlier than large dogs without it.
- Book grooming every 4 to 6 weeks so the curly coat never mats in the humidity.
- Use ramps or steps instead of letting your dog leap off furniture.
- Keep body weight lean; even half a kilogram of extra weight strains toy joints.
Screening schedule
8 to 16 weeks
Vaccination course with patella and heart checks at each puppy visit.
1 to 6 years
Annual exam with dental scoring, knee grading and weight review.
7 years and up
Twice-yearly senior checks with blood work and an eye examination.
Book a breed-savvy check-up
Our vets see Toy Poodle patients every week and know exactly what to screen for. Call +853 6677 6611 or book online.
Book a check-upRelated breeds
This guide is general information for the breed as a whole and does not replace an examination of your individual pet. When in doubt, always call the clinic.
Reviewed by the Royal Veterinary Center veterinary team.