Mini Poodle Dog Breed Information

Group

Non-sporting

Weight

12-14 kg

Height

28-38 cm

Lifespan

13-15 years

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About the Mini Poodle

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

The Miniature Poodle is arguably one of the most recognisable doggos in the world.

With a surprising history, the Poodle found its way into the hearts of monarchs. The Miniature Poodle took well to its regal role, and still carries itself like a prince or princess. Loyal, elegant, independent, and smart, the Miniature Poodle turns every home into a castle.

What is the history & origin of the Mini Poodle?

The word Poodle is a derivative of the German word “Pudel,” which means “to splash.” Both Germany and France claim to be where the Poodle was originally bred.

As unbelievable as it may seem, Poodles were bred to be hunters, specifically duck hunting dogs, which is the foundation for their German name. In the 20th century Toy and Miniature Poodles were developed as the breed transitioned from hunting to the perfect family companion.

What is a Mini Poodle breed?

There are three recognised sizes of Poodle:

Standard Poodle
Miniature Poodles
Toy Poodle

Though one of the dog breeds that were originally for hunting, today’s Poodles are classified as a Non-Sporting Group.

The Miniature Poodle has a few traits that distinguish it from other dogs. Specifically, it is considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. And unlike other breeds, their coat is made of hair, not fur!

The Miniature Poodle’s coat can be very diverse, depending upon the specific pedigree and the dog’s purpose. Show dogs must be a solid colour:

Brown
White
Cream
Apricot
Black
Red
Silver Beige
Gray
Silver
Blue

However, a Miniature Poodle that is not bred as a show dog can have a combination coat:

White and Apricot
White and Silver
Brown and White
Brown and Apricot
Black and White
Black and Cream
Black and Apricot
Black and Brown
Black and Red
Black and Gray
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Blue and White
Red and Apricot
Red and White
Cream and White
Gray and White
Café Au Lait

The Miniature Poodle is a purebred dog recognised by the American Kennel Club.

Who is a Mini Poodle best for?

Simply stated, Miniature Poodles make wonderful pets, especially as puppies. Many owners call them a dream dog to own.

They do require a daily walk and prefer long walks, as they love both the activity and being outside. So, they are amazing pets for active families. Puppies especially tend to dart away, so you need to keep an eye on them!

They are very loyal, have a protective instinct, love to play, and relish the attention, making them perfect for families, couples, older adults, and individuals alike.

Their small size means they do fine in an apartment, so long as you can get them outside every day to exercise. They are not a great choice for households where someone is not home with the dog most of the day.

Mini Poodle Grooming & Shedding

All Poodles tend to be a high maintenance breed, and the Miniature Poodle is no different when it comes to grooming. With that said, this is considered a non-shedding breed of dog. Their coat can be any length of curly hair (long, medium, or short) and grows continuously.

These dogs have a show breed appearance, which can be time consuming and expensive to maintain. The curly coat is prone to tangle and mat, and requires regular brushing. In addition, a Poodle requires clipping and scissoring that typically needs to be left to a professional to handle. You should factor in the cost of grooming as a part of the cost of raising a Miniature Poodle.

This breed is also prone to eye staining. Additionally they will need their nails trimmed and teeth brushed.

Do Mini Poodles bark a lot?

Poodle varieties, in general, are considered moderate barkers. The biggest factor in regards to barking is both proper training and understanding why your poodle is barking.

The common triggers for barking are:

Being left alone
People entering the home
Loud weather events, especially thunder
People or cars passing by
Getting excited
Protecting you
Feeling threatened

Barking is more about a lack of training than anything else, though. These are intelligent dogs, and with proper training and care, the barking should not be a problem.

What is the average weight & height of a Mini Poodle dog?

An adult Miniature Poodle tends to average:

Height: between 28 to 38 cm
Weight: between 12 to 14kg

Are Mini Poodles easy to train?

The Miniature Poodle is an extremely intelligent breed of dog and fairly easy to train as they love and need mental stimulation. Also, the fact that they are very eager to please their owner helps in their training considerably.

The Miniature Poodle can be trained as a show dog or even for dog sports, as they are nimble and active enough for tricks and stunts. They have even been used as circus dogs.

They do require a lot of mental stimulation, so training from a young age is highly recommended and should continue throughout the dog’s life.

How do Mini Poodles behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Miniature Poodle, like most small breeds, is an active and attention-seeking dog. The Miniature Poodle temperament can best be described with words like playful and mischievous.

They are generally friendly but can be wary and shy of strangers. This can lead to barking, but only until they are relaxed around their new friend.

Socialising your dog from the beginning is important, which won’t be difficult as they love human interaction and attention.

Does the Mini Poodle have any common health issues?

While this tends to be a healthy breed, the Miniature Poodle does suffer from some health issues that are common in smaller breeds. With that said, the Mini Poodle is a healthy dog and relying upon a reputable breeder in combination with regular veterinary visits does a lot to keep your Poodle healthy.

Health concerns to monitor and watch for include:

Eye Disorders
- Entropion: Eyelid rolls inward, causing the lashes to irritate the eyeball, leading to discomfort and potential damage.
- Distichiasis: Abnormal eyelash growth from the eyelid’s inner surface or edge. This results in eye irritation due to the lashes rubbing against the cornea.
- Cataract: Opacity in the eye’s lens, causing blurred vision. It can lead to blindness if not addressed.
- Trichiasis: Misdirected eyelashes rubbing against the eyeball. It can cause pain, redness, and corneal damage.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Genetic condition causing the retina’s gradual degeneration. Leads to diminished vision and eventual blindness.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve. Early detection is crucial to prevent vision loss.
- Lacrimal Duct Atresia: Congenital condition where the tear duct is narrow or absent, leading to excessive tearing or dryness.
Addison’s Disease: Adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones leading to symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, and weight loss.
Epilepsy: Chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Severity and frequency can vary.
Legg Perthes Disease: Degeneration of the femoral head in the hip joint. Causes lameness and pain in the affected leg.
Patellar Luxation: The kneecap slides out of position, causing discomfort or lameness. Surgery might be required in severe cases.
Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD): Genetic disorder affecting blood clotting. Can result in prolonged bleeding after injuries.
Mitral Valve Disease: A cardiac condition where the heart’s mitral valve leaks. It can lead to heart murmurs and, in severe cases, heart failure.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland leading to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, skin problems, and hair loss.

What is the lifespan of a Mini Poodle?

The average Miniature Poodle lifespan is 13 to 15 years

How much does a Mini Poodle need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. Avoid boutique diets such as raw and grain-free, as these have been linked to infection and heart disease.

Most owners feed two to three meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour. Additionally, fresh water should always be available.

How much can you expect to pay for a Mini Poodle in Australia?

As this breed is often considered a show dog, it can be a very expensive breed. It is possible to find a Miniature Poodle breeder who sells dogs for around AUD 800 – 1,500. However, the best breeders with access to a very select breeding stock and a variety of colors have been known to charge upward of AUD 7,000.

It’s essential to recognize that the initial cost of the puppy is only a small part of the total expenses. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

Be sure that you find a breeder who follows responsible breeding practices and utilizes appropriate testing and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies.

You can always visit your local animal shelter or seek out a breed-specific rescue to adopt a puppy or an adult dog – rescue dogs can make fantastic pets too!

Mini Poodle FAQs

Is a Mini Poodle ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Yes, these are great dogs for first-time dog owners. As intelligent and playful dogs, they are especially good for families. However, the one thing to consider is that they do require a lot of activity, so they may not be a good choice for those with a more sedentary lifestyle.

Do Mini Poodles suffer from separation anxiety?

These little dogs will do well if left alone while you go to work. However, after that, they may begin to exhibit the signs of separation anxiety.

Are Mini Poodles hypoallergenic dogs?

It’s worth noting that no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. However, some breeds like the Poodle, produce fewer allergens than others, which makes them a better choice for allergy sufferers. The Poodle coat does not stop growing and they shed infrequently, so you need to be sure to follow a regular grooming program with this breed.

Will a Mini Poodle need professional grooming?

This breed requires constant grooming, which includes bathing, shaving, and scissoring. This is not something that an average dog owner has the skill or the equipment to do. Professional grooming is recommended simply due to the specialisation involved.