Poodle Miniature
Group 7: Non Sporting
Height: 28 – 38 cm
Energy Level: Moderate to high
Original Function: Hunting
Lifespan: 10 – 15 yrs
Recommended for: Most people/families, people with allergies.
About This Breed
The Miniature Poodle was developed from the Standard Poodle as a smaller version which was easier to care for and more economical to feed. This size of poodle was known to exist at least 500 years ago. They became well known in circuses due to the fact that they are easy to train, extremely intelligent and eager to please. They were so popular during the 1950’s and 1960’s that some genetic problems began to occur. This seems to have been fixed by more selective breeding processes.
These dogs are extremely intelligent and eager to please, they are unusually sensitive to vocal tone, probably one of the reasons they are so easy to train. Many pet owners, using gentle and consistent training methods, have seen their poodles excel in obedience trials and agility.
They get along with children, cats and other pets. Lively and affectionate, they make wonderful companion dogs, they enjoy a busy life and love to be included in all family pursuits. Miniatures adapt to life in more confined quarters as long as they get adequate exercise. They can be good guard dogs, announcing visitors but never being aggressive.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Small sized body. Dark eyes. Well coated long ears that hang down. Tail medium length.
Temperament & Characteristics: A very active, intelligent, well balanced and elegant looking dog with good temperament, carrying himself very proudly.
Colour: All solid colours.
White and cream poodles should have black nose, lips and eye rims, black toenails desirable, brown poodles to have dark amber eyes, dark liver nose, lips, eye rims and toenails.
Apricot poodles should have dark eyes with black points or deep amber eyes with liver points.
Black, silver and blue poodles should have black nose, lips, eye rims and toenails.
Cream, apricot, brown, silver and blue poodles may show varying shades of the same colour up to 18 months. Clear colours preferred.
Coat: Very profuse and dense of good harsh texture without knots or tangles. All short hair close, thick and curly. It is strongly recommended that the traditional lion clip be adhered to.
Non-Show-Dogs: May be clipped in styles to suit your lifestyle or taste.
Grooming: Poodles do not shed and are often tolerated by allergic people. Their coats do take a great deal of care though, generally requiring professional grooming, as well as regular combing and brushing at home. A poodle should be taken to a groomer about every 6 to 8 weeks for a clip of your choice.
A poodle’s ears need frequent cleaning or they will become infected and, especially in the smaller poodles, daily teeth brushing is recommended or tartar will build up rapidly and lead to gingivitis.
Exercise: a fairly active breed that likes to get out on walks and particularly enjoys games.
Health: This breed can suffer from many genetic diseases, eye problem and skin problems. Check with breeders to see if tests have been done. Check ears regularly for infection and mites.