Toy Poodle health: what owners should know

The breed is known to be prone to slipping kneecaps (patellar luxation), a hip condition called Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, inherited eye disease such as progressive retinal atrophy, and dental disease caused by crowded teeth. Responsible breeders have knees assessed, get eyes examined by a veterinary eye specialist, and use the DNA test for prcd-PRA before choosing which dogs to breed.

Keeping your dog slim, brushing teeth daily and booking a dental check once a year are the habits that pay off most. See a vet if your dog skips or hops on a back leg, starts bumping into furniture in dim light, or has red, bleeding gums or breath that stays bad after cleaning.