Miniature Poodle

also known as Barboncino Miniatura, French Poodle, Pudle, Carniche Moyen, Zwergpudel, Caniche, Chien Canne, Barbone

Pros Summary


The Miniature Poodle is a small-sized breed of dog that is a member of the Poodle breed group. Miniature Poodles stand at about 11 inches to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weigh between 12 and 20 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a square-shaped head, long, floppy ears, and a curly or wavy coat that is typically black, white, or apricot in color. Miniature Poodles are known for their intelligence and trainability, and they are often used in obedience and agility competitions. They are also popular as family pets due to their friendly and playful personalities. Miniature Poodles are energetic and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Breed Information


Type

Is Miniature Poodle a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Miniature Poodles originally used for?

Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Miniature Poodles Live? What is average life expectancy for a Miniature Poodle? How long can Miniature Poodles live?

14-16 years

The average Miniature Poodle lifespan is somewhere between 14-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Miniature Poodle Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Miniature Poodle?

What is the average height of a Miniature Poodle? How big is a Purebred Miniature Poodle height? Miniature Poodle dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 10-15 inches (25.4 - 38.1 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm)
Female 10-15 inches (25.4 - 38.1 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Miniature Poodle? How much should Miniature Poodles weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 10-15 pounds (5 - 7 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg) 9.0 pounds (4 kg) 15.0 pounds (7 kg)
Female 10-15 pounds (5 - 7 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg) 9.0 pounds (4 kg) 15.0 pounds (7 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Miniature Poodles get fat easily?

The Miniature Poodle is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Miniature Poodles Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Miniature Poodles are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Miniature Poodle personality? What are Miniature Poodle dogs best known for?

Active
Faithful
Intelligent
Alert
Instinctual
Trainable

Shedding Level

Are Miniature Poodles heavy shedders? How Much Does a Miniature Poodle Shed?

Miniature Poodle will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Miniature Poodle dog?

Miniature Poodles are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Miniature Poodle is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Miniature Poodles come from?

Germany

Ancestry

What are Miniature Poodles descended from?

Water Dog, Barbet

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Miniature Poodle breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Miniature Poodles first bred? How old is the Miniature Poodle breed?

1400s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Miniature Poodle?

Non-Sporting (AKC)
Companion Dogs (UKC)

Miniature Poodle Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Miniature Poodle eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Miniature Poodle nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Miniature Poodle coat be naturally?

Red
Cream
Fawn
Blue
White
Sable
Brown
Gray
Black

Coat Length

How long is a Miniature Poodles coat?

The coat of a Miniature Poodle falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Miniature Poodle Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Miniature Poodle?

Curly

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Miniature Poodle have in a litter? How many puppies can a Miniature Poodle have in her first litter?

14-16 puppies per pregnancy

A Miniature Poodle can have a litter of 14-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Miniature Poodles are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Miniature Poodle Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Miniature Poodles have a lot of health problems?

The Miniature Poodle is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Miniature Poodle?

Patellar Luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Miniature Poodles?

Addison's Disease
Mitral Valve Disease
Cushing's Disease
Idiopathic Epilepsy

Occasional Diagnoses

Various Eye Conditions

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Miniature Poodle breed?

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Blood Analysis
Cardiac Ultrasound
Complete Physical Examination

Miniature Poodle Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Miniature Poodles have a lot of energy?

Miniature Poodles are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Miniature Poodles need socialization? How social are Miniature Poodles?

Miniature Poodle have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Miniature Poodles get?

The Miniature Poodle dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Miniature Poodle have? Do Miniature Poodles sleep a lot?

Miniature Poodles dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Miniature Poodle drool a lot?

The Miniature Poodle is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The Miniature Poodle is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do Miniature Poodles exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Miniature Poodle dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Miniature Poodles mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Miniature Poodle running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Miniature Poodle dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Miniature Poodles enjoy doing? How do I keep my Miniature Poodle busy?

Go to Park, Walk, Run, Frisbee, Groom, Hike, Play, Nap, Chase, Fetch, Hide & Seek, Dog Parks, Eating Snacks, Yoga, Tug-of-war, Off-leash, Tag

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Miniature Poodle? How much energy does a Miniature Poodle have?

High

Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Miniature Poodle walk each week? How many miles should a Miniature Poodle walk every week?

9 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Miniature Poodle, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Miniature Poodle should exercise a day? How much activity does a Miniature Poodle need?

60 minutes

In general most Miniature Poodles usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Miniature Poodle?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Miniature Poodle?

Daily

Ideally, Miniature Poodle should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Miniature Poodles?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Miniature Poodle eat?

1.5 cups

For an average 10-15 pound (5 - 7 kg) Miniature Poodle feed 1.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Miniature Poodle Cost Daily?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Miniature Poodle is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Miniature Poodle Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Miniature Poodle is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Miniature Poodle Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Miniature Poodle?

The Miniature Poodle breed is considered highly intelligent and very easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Miniature Poodle dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Miniature Poodle dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Miniature Poodle do well in apartments? Are Miniature Poodles good indoor dogs?

Miniature Poodles are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Miniature Poodles good with kids? Are Miniature Poodles good around children?

A Miniature Poodles typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Miniature Poodles good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Miniature Poodles good with cats? How friendly Miniature Poodles are toward cats?

Miniature Poodles are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Miniature Poodle dogs get along with other dogs? Are Miniature Poodles OK with other dogs?

Miniature Poodles are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Miniature Poodle dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Miniature Poodles friendly with strangers?

Miniature Poodles are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Miniature Poodles like to play? Are Miniature Poodles playful?

The Miniature Poodle is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Miniature Poodle is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Miniature Poodle easily trained?

The Miniature Poodle is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
    Miniature Poodles, as a hypoallergenic breed, are less likely to cause allergic reactions in those prone to allergies.
  • Lack of odor
    The Miniature Poodle's tendency to produce a bad smell is low.
  • Intelligent and trainable
    Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent dogs that are known for their trainability. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement methods, which makes them easy to train.
  • Therapy Dog
    Therapy dog tasks are well within this breed's capabilities.
  • Cat Friendly
    Miniature Poodle dogs get along well with cats.
  • Low-shedding
    Miniature Poodles have a single coat that is curly and dense, which means they do not shed much. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies or who do not want a lot of dog hair in their home.
  • Apartment Friendly
    Living in an apartment is ideal for Miniature Poodle breeds.

Cons

  • High energy
    Miniature Poodles have a lot of energy and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They may not be suitable for people who do not have the time or energy to keep up with their needs.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    The Miniature Poodle's weight can become problematic if not monitored closely.
  • Barking
    This breed of dog tends to be loud.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    An office is not the best place for a Miniature Poodle.
  • Prone to separation anxiety
    Miniature Poodles can be prone to separation anxiety and may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
  • Health concerns
    Like all breeds, Miniature Poodles are prone to certain health issues, such as Patellar Luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Addison's Disease, Mitral Valve Disease, Cushing's Disease and Idiopathic Epilepsy, and skin conditions. It is important to work with a reputable breeder and be proactive about maintaining your dog's health to minimize the risk of these conditions.