Mini Poodle Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Mini Poodle?

The word Poodle is a derivative of the German word that means to 'splash in water'. Both Germany and France claim to be where the Poodle was originally bred, which accounts for the names Standard Poodle and French Poodle (the National Dog of France).

However, they are all the same breed, simply differing in size. As unbelievable as it may seem, Poodles were bred to be hunters, specifically duck hunting dogs, which is the foundation for their German name. However, they quickly transitioned from hunting to show dogs.

Who are Mini Poodle dogs 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 attention, making them perfect for families, couples, older adults, and even singles.

They are 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.

How much grooming does a Mini Poodle need?

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.

These dogs have a show-breed appearance, which can be time-consuming and expensive to maintain. Their grooming schedule should be based upon 6-week cycles and needs to include dental inspections and cleaning.

However, the curly coat is prone to tangle and matted and needs regular brushing. Also, they are a breed that is also prone to eye staining, which needs to be monitored.

It is also very important to clean your Poodle's ear weekly.

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.

Do Mini Poodle bark much?

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 primary reason that Poodles bark is called Trigger Barking. This is rather self-explanatory, but it simply means there is something that causes your dog to bark.

Their most common triggers 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 will not be a problem.

Do Mini Poodle bite?

This is a breed of dog that can be nippy. Most smaller dogs use biting as both a defensive mechanism as well as a form of play. This is most common amongst young dogs, but it can extend into the adult years without the proper training.

This is a smart breed, and with basic but early training, biting can be mitigated and even eradicated.

What is the temperament & personality of a Mini Poodle?

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 the new human.

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

What is the weight & size of a Mini Poodle?

As their name suggests, this is a smaller dog, and there isn't much variation in size between the genders.

An adult Miniature Poodle tends to average:

• Height: between 28 to 38 cms

• Weight: between 12 to 14kgs

How much training does a Mini Poodle need?

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, but they also enjoy learning from other dogs.

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Mini Poodle?

While this tends to be a healthy breed, the Miniature Poodle does suffer from some health issues that are common to smaller dogs. 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

  • Distichiasis

  • Cataract

  • Trichiasis

  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

  • Glaucoma

• Lacrimal duct atresia

• Addison's disease

• Epilepsy

• Legg Perthes disease

• Patellar luxation

• Urinary stones

• Hip dysplasia

• von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)

• Bloat

What is the lifespan of a Mini Poodle?

This is a breed with an average to above-average life expectancy.

Miniature Poodle lifespan:

• 13 to 15 human years

• Dog's age of 91 to 105

How much should you feed a Mini Poodle?

Due to their pedigree and excellence in dog shows, you should feed Miniature Poodles only high-quality dog food. Also, it is best to feed them 2 or 3 times a day. They only need approximately 120 grams of food per day, and it should be evenly divided between their meals.

What is the price of a Mini Poodle in Australia?

As this breed is as much a show breed as a purebred dog, it can be a very expensive breed. It is possible to find a Miniature Poodle breeder who sells dogs for around AUD 1,100 - 1,700.

However, the best breeders with access to a very select breeding stock have been known to charge upward of AUD 7,000.