The Miniature Poodle is one of three sizes available in this breed. Standard and Toy Poodles are also common, and all three share similar traits. All are considered Poodles, and are not separate breeds. The active Miniature Poodle is known for their intelligence and loyalty. They make an excellent companion for children and love to play games with them. They also have a strong desire to please so they learn quickly and easily when trained properly.
Miniature Poodle Breed Overview
The Poodle is active and quick to learn. The miniature-sized and toy poodles are known as little companion dogs and are highly popular in the French Court between Louis XIV and Louis XVI's reigns. Breeders introduced small poodles to the U.S. in the late nineteenth century. This breed is one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. The coat is non-shedding, and many pet parents suffering from allergies may consider this lively canine.
Origin and History
This breed originated in Germany, and the name poodle is from the word "pudel," which means to "splash in the water." This canine shares a similar heritage with the Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, and Hungarian Water Hound. The poodle was popular in France during the eighteenth century and is known as the "duck dog." The French Federation Cynologique (FCI) recognizes France as the breed's country of origin.
Miniature Poodle Temperament
The Poodle is playful, good with children, and easy to train. This breed is a great family pet for dog owners with an active lifestyle. Most Poodle enthusiasts describe the breed as charismatic and full of character. Miniature Poodles are not good guard dogs because they are friendly with everyone they meet.
They do not like being left alone for long periods of time, so they need plenty of human companionship in order to stay happy in their homes. If you want an active dog that will keep you entertained with their antics, then this breed may be a good choice for you.
Appearance
The Poodle is available in any solid color. The coat is non-shedding and needs regular brushing. Poodles come in any solid coat color, including black, white, apricot, cream, sable, black and white, grey, blue, brown, silver, and red.
Miniature Poodle Weight and Height
This smaller-sized Poodle is a wonderful companion pet for anyone living in a small home or apartment.
- Weight: The miniature is between 15 and 18 pounds.
- Height: This poodle is between 11 and 15 inches tall.
High-Maintenance Grooming
The Poodle clipping styles vary, but this is an article about poodles! The clipping may be high-maintenance for some novice pet owners. Pet parents need to clip this breed's coat as the canine does not shed hair. In most clips, some parts of the coat are left long, while others are shaved. The original styles for working Poodles protect the legs from the undergrowth and keep the vital organs warm, and groomers shave the dog's face, hindquarters, and upper legs for cleanliness and ease of movement.
Health Concerns
Pet parents need to work with reputable breeders to ensure the puppy you bring home is healthy and happy. This poodle is a generally healthy breed, but there are a few health concerns.
- Prone to cataracts: Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of your dog's eye that may lead to blindness.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative eye disease that causes the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, to deteriorate.
- Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: A disease that affects the immune system, causing it to attack red blood cells. This can lead to anemia, which is when there aren't enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
- Heart disease: Can be caused by a number of factors, including obesity, high cholesterol levels or blood pressure, or even diabetes.
- Ear infections and allergies
Exercise
The Poodle is an excellent gun dog and loves the water. The breed was developed as a water-retrieving dog and loves any water activities. If you live near a lake and your poodle can swim for a few hours, eventually, this active dog will tire out.
Caring for Your Senior Miniature Poodle
The lifespan of the miniature Poodle is over 12 years. This life expectancy is long for a dog! Small senior breeds need to visit the vet at least twice a year to ensure he remains healthy and happy. As active dogs age, some need supplements or pain medication from a vet. If you want a more natural route, checking with a holistic veterinarian regarding a quality diet can be beneficial in maintaining health and reducing inflammation within the body.
Work With a Reputable Breeder
You want to know that your puppy is healthy, that it has been raised in a safe environment, and that it comes from parents who were cared for well themselves. The United Kennel Club may be an excellent resource for pet parents when you start to look for a breeder. Pet lovers may also look for a breed rescue group or breed club, including The Poodle Club of America.
Keep an eye out for puppy mills that will sell a puppy without any questions asked. A reputable breeder will ask you questions about your lifestyle and what kind of dog would fit in with it. They'll also want to know whether you have children at home or other pets, so they can make sure that the puppy will get along with them.
Reputable breeders should be able to provide excellent references and should offer to let you meet their other dogs. If they don't seem interested in answering your questions or meeting your family, it could be a sign that they're not as concerned about finding good homes as they are about making money off of puppies.
Miniature Poodle Versus Toy Poodle
The difference between the two is only in height and weight!
- Height: The toy Poodle is up to 11 inches tall.
- Weight: This tiny-sized pooch is between 7 and 9 pounds.
Miniature Poodles Are Great for Apartment Life
The Miniature Poodle is an intelligent, loyal, and spirited canine. These dogs have the personality and energy to keep you on your toes. This elegant breed needs pet parents with an active lifestyle! The Poodle's coat is non-shedding, and they are good candidates for anyone suffering from allergies. Keep in mind, however, that no dog is completely hypoallergenic, and even low-shedding dogs may create issues for allergy sufferers. Pet parents need to work with a reputable breeder from the UKC or the Poodle Club of America if living with a Miniature Poodle is a goal.
