Yorkipoo Vs Toy Poodle: The Differences Explained

The decision between caring for a small dog or a big dog is one that reflects a lot about the owner. Big dog owners tend to crave adventure, the outdoors, and a trusty companion to join them on these activities. Small dog owners prefer a more caregiving form of companionship. Of all small dogs, there are few more lovable and fun to care for than Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos.  Which will you decide is the best fit for you…Yorkipoo Vs Toy Poodle?

Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles are both related to the Standard Poodle. Yorkipoos are a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier breed and Poodle breed, whereas Toy Poodles are simply a size variant of the Standard Poodle. There are many other differences between the two Poodle variants related to their physical and behavioral characteristics, including:

• Size
• Grooming Needs
• Fur Color
• Health Needs
• Intelligence
• Ease of Training

 Keep reading to learn more about the differences between Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles and ultimately decide which dog is right for you.

Yorkipoo Vs Toy Poodle:  Appearance

The first trait we will be using to compare and contrast Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles is generally the first trait you will notice when looking at any dog, their physical appearance. While there are certainly many additional factors to consider when choosing your beloved pup, appearance can go a long way in informing that decision.

As Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles are both miniature versions of the Standard Poodle, they possess relatively similar appearances. However, there are still several areas in which they differ. Let’s take a look at some of the differences and similarities between Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles regarding their appearance.

Height

As mentioned earlier in this article, Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles possess a similar physical frame. Male Toy Poodles tend to grow up to around 10 inches maximum at full maturity. Male Yorkipoos tend to grow up to around 7 to 8 inches at full maturity. While Toy Poodles are technically taller, this is a slight distinction, and both dogs are classified as small-sized dogs.

Weight

This similar physical frame also extends to the weight of Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles. Male Toy Poodles tend to weigh somewhere between 6 to 9 pounds at full maturity. Yorkipoos vary slightly more, weighing anywhere between 4 and 15 pounds at full maturity. This vast range in weight is due, in part, to the unusually vast weight range of purebred Yorkshire Terriers.

Purebred Yorkshire Terriers tend to weigh between 4 and 7 pounds, but there have been several documented cases of purebred Yorkshire Terriers weighing up to 15 pounds. Thus, it is possible, though unlikely, that your Yorkipoo could weigh up to 15 pounds. Still, even at max weight, both Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos fall under the small-sized dog categorization.

Hair Color

While the height and weight of Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are fairly set in stone, the range of possible hair colors for your Toy Poodle or Yorkipoo is much more dynamic. Both Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles may come in many different colors, but Yorkipoos tend to operate within one set of hair colors. In contrast, Toy Poodles operate under another, mostly different, set of hair colors.

The range of fur colors your Toy Poodle may come in includes:

• Black
• Brown
• Gray
• White
• Blue
• Red
• Silver
• Cream
• Beige
• Apricot

The range of fur colors your Yorkipoo may come in includes:

• Black
• White
• Brown
• Gray
• Red
• Cream
• Tan
• Silver
• Sable
• Apricot

There is some crossover among these colors, but these sets of colors also possess their differences.

Coat Style

In contrast to their wildly diverse range of hair colors, the coat styles of Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are relatively stagnant and predictable. Toy Poodles possess a signature coat style that is thick, curly, and extremely dense. On the other hand, Yorkipoos possess a coat style that, while still curly, is more silky, smooth, and soft to the touch than the coat of a Toy Poodle.

While each dog’s coat style is beautiful and elegant in its own way, these coat styles can impact the method and difficulty of grooming each type of dog. The following section will delve into the methods for grooming each individual style of coat.

Grooming

While more experienced dog owners certainly know a lot about grooming their pup, first time dog owners may presume dog grooming to be exclusive to dog shows and neurotic dog owners. However, grooming is an essential step in caring for any dog. While all dogs require grooming, all dogs differ in the type of grooming that they require.

Let’s look at the different types of grooming required of Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles.

Yorkipoo Grooming Information

Yorkipoos are a rarity in the Poodle world in that they are relatively easy to groom. This is primarily due to the coat of a Yorkipoo, which is much softer and silkier than other Poodles and Poodle variants. Additionally, Yorkipoos shed much less than the average dog, which is actually fairly typical of Poodles and Poodle variants.

Still, Yorkipoos, like all other dogs, must be groomed on a fairly regular basis. Let’s take a look at the basic steps you should take to groom your Yorkipoo.

How to Groom a Yorkipoo

The steps to grooming your Yorkipoo will vary depending on which method for grooming your dog you are employing. Some grooming methods should be done daily, while other methods only need to be done monthly or when absolutely necessary. Let’s take a look at the steps for completing each of these methods for grooming your Yorkipoo:

1. First, you must gather all of the materials you will need to groom your Yorkipoo: These materials will include a brush, nail clippers, cotton balls, dog shampoo, towels, and – in some cases – dog hair shavers or trimmers.
2. Then you should perform the preliminary steps to grooming your Yorkipoo: These include choosing a location to groom your dog. The best locations for doing so are either a spare bathroom or a backyard with access to a hose or an outdoor shower. Once you have picked the right location, you should inspect your dog for any bumps, lumps, dry patches, or hair loss that may indicate a health issue in your pet.
3. If your dog is looking good, you are free to start the grooming process: You should always start by brushing your dog, which should be performed daily. Be sure to brush out any tangles and knots that may have been accumulated throughout your dog’s body. Yorkipoos tend to experience knots and tangles around their beard area.
4. Then, after brushing your Yorkipoo, you should then bathe your Yorkipoo: This is where the bathroom will come in handy. Bathing your Yorkipoo is fairly simple. First, completely wet your dog’s coat. Then, thoroughly rub the dog shampoo through your dog’s coat. Then rinse off the shampoo completely and dry your dog with a spare towel. Do not let your dog roam free outside after a bath, as they may attempt to rub themselves in the dirt to recall their pre-bath musk.
5. Finally, you should take any additional steps that may be necessary for your dog’s grooming: These include trimming your dog’s nails, cleaning your dog’s ears, and even brushing your dog’s teeth. You can trim your dog’s nails with any pair of dog-friendly nail clippers. You can clean your dog’s ears by gently rubbing their ears with fresh cotton balls. You do not need to manually brush your dog’s teeth, but there are several methods for promoting good dental hygiene for your pup, such as teeth-cleaning treats.

If you follow these steps, you should be on the right track to grooming your Yorkipoo sufficiently, leading to a more hygienic and happier pup.

Toy Poodle Grooming Information

On the other hand, Toy Poodles require a lot of grooming work to maintain their coats properly. Toy Poodles are still basically Poodles, which means they also possess the same thick, curly, dense fur coats as Standard Poodles. These coats are infamous for being tricky to maintain, although if you can, the reward is a stunningly elegant-looking dog.

Additionally, Toy Poodles do not typically shed, so you will not have to worry about finding clumps of thick, curly, dense fur throughout the house. Let’s take a closer look at the methods you should take to groom your Toy Poodle.

How to Groom A Toy Poodle

As is the case with Yorkipoos and most other dogs, Toy Poodles will require some grooming tasks to be performed daily, while others need only be performed weekly, monthly, or whenever needed. Let’s take a look at the process of grooming a Toy Poodle, so you can see how it differs from that of the Yorkipoo:

1. First, you must gather all of the materials you will need to groom your Toy Poodle: These materials will include a hard brush, soft brush, nail clippers, cotton balls, dog shampoo, towels, and – in some cases – dog hair shavers or trimmers.
2. Then, you should perform the preliminary steps to grooming your Toy Poodle: These include choosing a location to groom your dog. The best location for doing so is a spare bathroom. You should not use an outdoor hose to wash your Toy Poodle as they require a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit for their baths. Once you have picked the right location, you should inspect your dog for any bumps, lumps, dry patches, or hair loss that may indicate a health issue in your pet.
3. If your dog is looking good, you are free to start the grooming process: You should always start by brushing your Toy Poodle, which should be performed daily. Be sure to use a hard brush first to remove any knots or tangles in your dog’s coat.
4. Then, after brushing your Toy Poodle with a hard brush, you should move on to the bathing process: This is where the bathroom will come in handy. Bathing your Toy Poodle is a little more complex than bathing your Yorkipoo. You will need to make sure that the water is approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit before beginning. Then start by thoroughly wetting your dog’s coat. Then, spread the dog shampoo through your dog’s coat using a sponge. Then, rinse off the shampoo completely and dry your dog by wrapping them in a thick towel.
5. Wait for several minutes, then dab off any excess water and wrap them in a second towel to continue drying.
6. Finally, you should take any additional steps that may be necessary for your dog’s grooming: These include trimming your dog’s nails, cleaning your dog’s ears, and even brushing your dog’s teeth. You can trim your dog’s nails with any pair of dog-friendly nail clippers. You can clean your dog’s ears by gently rubbing their ears with fresh cotton balls. You do not need to manually brush your dog’s teeth, but there are several methods for promoting good dental hygiene for your pup, such as teeth-cleaning treats.

If you follow these steps, you should be on the right track to grooming your Toy Poodle sufficiently, leading to a more hygienic and happier pup.

Behavior

While a dog’s appearance may be the first thing you notice about your dog, their behavior and personality will ultimately be the most critical factors in forming your bond with them. Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles may possess similar physical attributes, but their personalities and behavioral traits differ in many ways.

Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles are both relatively intelligent and affectionate dogs. They are easy to train, although Toy Poodles are particularly heralded for their trainability. Toy Poodles are more known for their instincts and dynamic nature than Yorkipoos. Yorkipoos are more known for their playfulness than Toy Poodles.

Let’s take a look at the many different behavioral traits and attributes of Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles and how they differ from one another:

Playfulness

When it comes to playfulness, both dogs show a jovial, perky side. However, Yorkipoos are generally just a little bit more playful than Toy Poodles. Yorkipoos love to play, so if you are looking for a dog to simply kick back and enjoy the good times with, a Yorkipoo is a perfect dog to do so. Toy Poodles also love to play, but they can be more serious and work-driven too.

Ultimately, Yorkipoos are the slightly more playful dog.

Affection Level

Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are both exceptionally affectionate dogs. They are both incredibly loyal and crave gentle pets and snuggles with their owners. Both dogs are particularly affectionate to children and senior citizens, making them very kid-friendly and senior-friendly dogs. Ultimately, Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are as affectionate as a pair of dogs can be.

Sociability

Although Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are both incredibly affectionate toward their owners, they are not necessarily as affectionate to other dogs, cats, or strangers. While neither Toy Poodles nor Yorkipoos are opposed to other dogs, Yorkipoos can be somewhat eruptive when encountering cats or strangers. Toy Poodles, on the other hand, are calm when meeting strangers or cats.

Thus, Toy Poodles have a slight edge in terms of sociability.

Yorkipoo Vs Toy Poodle:  Trainability

Both Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are reasonably receptive to training, but Toy Poodles are in a league of their own when it comes to trainability. Poodles are well-known as one of the most trainable dog breeds in the world. While Yorkipoos certainly possess much of that receptiveness to training, they are just not on the same level as Toy Poodles.

Thus, Toy Poodles have a slight edge in terms of trainability.

Barking Tendencies

If you are looking for a dog that will keep the barking down, Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are not your dogs. While most dogs tend to be fairly vocal on occasion, Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are serial barkers. This is not necessarily a bad thing in terms of their ability as watchdogs.

However, there may be many moments where your dogs think they are being watchdogs when, in fact, they are being a nuisance. Ultimately, it is worth considering the amount Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos bark before choosing to raise one or the other in your household.

Territorial Tendencies

As Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are both avid barkers, they can make decent alarm systems for your household. However, Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are both on the smaller side in terms of their physical stature. Thus, there is not much a Toy Poodle or Yorkipoo could physically do to defend your household.

Ultimately, you are probably not looking for a guard dog if you are considering raising a Toy Poodle or Yorkipoo in your household.

Adaptability

While Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles may not be the best guard dogs, they both excel in terms of their adaptability to new environments. Neither dog is finicky regarding their living environment or lifestyle changes. Both are excellent apartment dogs, as neither requires much space to roam.

Ultimately, both dogs are suitable for people who are prone to change.

Independence

When it comes to separation anxiety, both Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are susceptible to panicking, whining, and even crying when left alone. Most professionals recommend that you not leave Toy Poodles alone, even suggesting bringing your Toy Poodle into work if possible.

Yorkipoos are slightly better on their own but are still prone to whining and barking when left alone. Ultimately, Yorkipoos are slightly more independent than Toy Poodles.

Prone to Violence?

Finally, neither Yorkipoos nor Toy Poodles are prone to violent acts. It is very unlikely that your Yorkipoo or Toy Poodle will ever bite a human, and neither dog possesses much of that predator impulse that has been passed down to other dog breeds. Ultimately, both Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles are safe choices if you are looking for a non-violent pup.

Health

While this may not be an enjoyable aspect of owning a dog, it is important to consider your dog’s health issues before taking responsibility for it. Let’s take a look at the various health information and health issues related to both caring for Yorkipoos and caring for Toy Poodles, and examine how they differ from one another:

Life Expectancy

Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos both tend to live longer than the average dog. Toy Poodles have an exceptionally long average life span, living anywhere between 14 and 18 years. Yorkipoos do not live quite as long, but the average lifespan of a Yorkipoo, 12 to 15 years, is still quite long.

Hypoallergenic

If you are a prospective dog owner, you may have heard the term hypoallergenic without knowing precisely what it means. Hypoallergenic is generally used to describe something that is not known to cause an allergic reaction. This can be an extremely important quality in dogs, which are known to cause allergic reactions in some people.

This is also a major distinction between Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos. Toy Poodles are a hypoallergenic dog. However, Yorkipoos, as they are part Poodle and part Yorkshire Terrier, are not hypoallergenic dogs. Thus, if you or someone in your household has an allergic reaction related to dog hair, Toy Poodles are the only choice between the two for you.

Exercise Needs

While Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos both do not require a lot of room to roam, they do require frequent exercise. This typically means taking your dog for daily walks and keeping them active with playtime or obedience training. Toy Poodles respond particularly well to obedience training, whereas Yorkipoos respond much better to playtime.

Nutritional Needs

As small dogs, Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos do not require a large quantity of food. Neither dog is also very picky when it comes to the type of food they receive. Some professionals recommend picking out higher quality dry food for Toy Poodles, but most dry foods will suffice for your Toy Poodle or Yorkipoo.

Toy Poodles consume two meals per day that add up to roughly ¼ to 1 cup of dry food. Yorkipoos typically consume ½ to 1 cup of dry food per day, which is also typically fed in two meals.

Diseases

While proper grooming techniques will prevent most diseases or afflictions from harming your beloved pup, there are a few diseases that are more commonly present in Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles.

Some diseases that commonly afflict Toy Poodles are:

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Addison’s disease
• Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a particularly common affliction, which has to do with the amount of thyroid hormone being produced.

Some less common issues include von Willebrand disease and Hemophilia, which are both blood clotting disorders.

The diseases that commonly afflict Yorkipoos include:

• Patellar luxation
• Portosystemic shunt (PSS)
• Epilepsy
• Atopic dermatitis

Most of these diseases are typical of smaller dogs, although atopic dermatitis is an allergy-related skin condition.

Yorkipoos are also susceptible to hypothyroidism and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a degeneration of the head of the femur bone.

Some Overall Differences

With all of this information in mind, you may already have a choice between these two dogs in mind. Still, it is worth considering several more factors before deciding between these two dogs. Let’s take a look at some of these factors to summarize the differences between Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos:

Kid Friendly

Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are both very affectionate, non-violent, and playful. Ultimately, both Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos make excellent kid-friendly dogs.

Adult Friendly

Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are both very adaptable and loyal dogs. Ultimately, both Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos make excellent dogs for adults of any age or lifestyle to own.

Senior Citizen Friendly

Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos are both incredibly gentle and affectionate dogs. Ultimately, both Toy Poodles and Yorkipoos make excellent senior-friendly dogs.

Pet Friendly

Yorkipoos may be a little standoffish with other pets, while Toy Poodles cohabitate well with other pets. Ultimately, Toy Poodles are the slightly better choice if you are already housing – or plan to house – other pets in your household.

Service Capable

Professionals often recommend toy Poodles as excellent therapy dogs. Neither Yorkipoos nor Toy Poodles are typically used for any other types of service. Ultimately, Toy Poodles are adept as therapy dogs, making them the only of the two dogs that could be used as a service dog.

First Time Owners

While Toy Poodles are an incredible dog for any owner, Yorkipoos are slightly easier to care for. Ultimately, Yorkipoos may be slightly easier for first time owners to handle due to their more straightforward grooming methods.

Final Thoughts

We have covered the differences between Yorkipoos and Toy Poodles. But the debate over Yorkipoo Vs Toy Poodle will likely go on forever!  Have you come to a decision as to which dog is right for you? Both of these dogs make exceptional, loving, and loyal pets. Thus, it is hard to go wrong whether you choose either a Yorkipoo or a Toy Poodle.

Ultimately, the most important thing you can do is care for your dog the right way, no matter which dog you end up choosing. Do that, and it will become a major part of the family for many happy years and memories.