
Other Names:
Caniche, Barbone, Chien Canne, Carniche Moyen, Barboncino Miniatura, French Poodle, Pudle, Zwergpudel
Price Range:
$1,000 – 1,500 (average) $1,700 – $2,200 (high end)
Size:
Small
Dog Group:
Non-sporting
Coat Length:
Short
Energy:
High
Kid Friendly:
High
Life Expectancy:
14-16 years
Available in these colours:
Miniature Poodles come in a variety of colours, including Apricot, Blue, Brown & White, White, Red, Cream, Black & Tan, Silver and Red.
Characteristics & Tendencies:
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
APARTMENT FRIENDLY
HYPOALLERGENIC
About the Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles were originally bred as a smaller version of the Standard Poodle, standing at a height of 28 – 38cm. Despite their small size, they are highly energetic breeds, which require a fair amount of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy. Mini Poodles are miniature athletes, and love obstacle course competitions to keep them active.
This breed generally possesses a friendly and eager-to-please temperament, making them highly trainable dogs. They are very loving and loyal to their owners, but also make great guard dogs, often being distrusting towards strangers.
Miniature Poodles are great for anyone looking for a intelligent, trainable breed of small size, but with a big personality! This breed is also very adventurous, so are great to take almost anywhere.
Top health issues
What are the most common health issues for Miniature Poodles?
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Collapsed Trachea
- Blepharitis
IN DETAIL
Common Miniature Poodle diseases & conditions, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in detail:
Mitral valve disease is a common cardiac disease affecting smaller dogs, although larger breeds may also be affected. It occurs when the valve between the two left chambers of the heart (the “mitral” valve) fails to form a tight seal, resulting in regurgitation of the blood back into the atrium. Breeds that are most susceptible include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dachshunds, among other breeds. Development of mitral valve disease is usually evidence by a heart murmur of a low-grade severity, as well as exercise intolerance, increased respiratory rate and a cough over time. Treatment of this condition will depend on its severity – mild leakage with minimal to no heart enlargement may generally be monitored regularly without treatment. Dogs with heart enlargement require medication to delay the onset of the condition.
Tracheal collapse is a chronic, irreversible disease of the trachea, or “windpipe”, a tube made up of sturdy rings of cartilage through which air is transported to and from the lungs. Small breed dogs are particularly prone to the disease, such as Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, Poodles and Chihuahuas. Affected dogs are generally middle-aged or older, although it may occur in some young dogs as well. Some signs of a collapsed trachea include a honking cough, exercise intolerance, laboured breathing and a bluish tinge to the gums. These signs may also be provoked by excitement, eating, drinking, tracheal irritants such as smoke or dust, obesity, exercise and hot or humid weather. A collapsed trachea is generally revealed through radiographs or fluoroscopy, and in most cases is treated with cough suppressants, bronchodilators corticosteroids and/or antibiotics. If medical management produces no response in two weeks, or if severe signs begin to appear, surgery is recommended. A procedure called tracheal stenting may benefit dogs who suffer from advanced forms of the condition. This procedure involves permanent placement of a rigid structure inside of the windpipe to hold it open.
Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelid in canines, often indicated by swelling and redness. It may affect the surrounding tissue in and around the eye, causing the dog to squint or blink spasmodically. Blepharitis can affect any age or breed of dog, however breeds that are more prone include Border Collies, Shih Tzus, English Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Poodles, Pugs and Shar-Peis. The condition may be caused by a range of factors, that may be congenital, bacterial or allergic in nature. Affected dogs will generally develop scaly skin around their eyes, which will usually become flaky, or have discharge fluid from their eyes. If you are noticing any of these symptoms, it is best to check with a veterinarian to conduct an eye examination and determine the best treatment moving forward.
Feeding
How much does a Miniature Poodle eat?
As Poodles are generally intelligent and active breeds, it is important to feed them a diet that addresses their nutritional needs adequately and keeps them healthy at all stages in their life. As Miniature Poodles are prone to tartar build-up, it is best to feed this breed dry dog food. Whilst it is recommended Minitiature Poodles require approximately half to one and a half cups of dog food daily, the amount you feed your dog will still be subject to factors including their age, activity level, individual metabolism and health status. For Miniature Poodles, beware of calories to ensure they do not become overweight, as breeds with smaller frames such as the Mini Poodle should not be carrying extra weight as it only worsens their health issues. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Shedding
How often does the fur fall off?
The Miniature Poodle does not shed and has a wool coat similar to a sheep, rather than a dog hair coat. He will not shed but his hair will keep on growing as long as you let it. Every four to six weeks the Poodle needs clipping. If you don’t brush and comb his coat it will end up like a matted sheep and may need to be shaved off. The breed’s relatively non-shedding coat makes the breed a good choice for people with allergies.
Grooming
Are Miniature Poodles high maintenance?
While they do not shed, a Miniature Poodle’s coat will require professional grooming to ensure that he looks his best. Their coats need to be clipped every six to eight weeks as well as regular brushing in between clips. Their coats should be groomed at a minimum of once a week. Minitature Poodle’s ears will also need frequent cleaning to prevent infection. Daily teeth brushing is also recommended to prevent build-up of tartar and even gingivitis.
Unless you plan to keep your Minitature Poodle clipped in a short trim, you will need to learn how to brush him daily to keep his coat from matting. If you do not brush and comb a full-coated Miniature Poodle completely to the skin, the hair will mat near the roots and will have to be shaved off to start all over with new growth. Most pet owners opt to keep the Mini Poodle in a shorter trim. Some owners learn to do this clipping and trimming themselves, while others choose to take their dog to a professional dog groomer every four to six weeks for a bath, grooming, and nail trim.
Exercise
How much exercise does a Miniature Poodle need?
The Mini Poodle, like almost all other dogs, requires daily exercise. It is recommended to establish a routine that includes walks and fun activities like games to keep your pooch mentally and physically stimulated. Standard Poodles will generally need about 40 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. Most Mini Poodles love to swim, so do take care when near water to ensure their safety.
Vet Visits
How often should a Miniature Poodle visit the vet?
Unfortunately, inbreeding is extremely high in this dog breed, which has led to a range of health problems being embedded in their gene pool. Miniature Poodles are generally most prone to eye disease, skin diseases, digestive diseases and more.
Veterinary care is essential to a dog’s health and wellbeing, however the frequency of treatment and checkups will depend on the dog. Scheduled six-monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure your Miniature Poodle is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. In these annual visits, your vet will complete a physical examination, take your dog’s temperature and check his heartbeat, among other things. Routine maintenance for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog’s growth and development and discuss any concerns with your vet, and forms a key part of preventative care.
Family Suitability
Are Miniature Poodles kid-friendly and sociable with humans?
Minitiature Poodles love human companionship, so they are suitable for single owners or the elderly. They have a loving, caring and ntelligent personality, and love to feel part of the family. Mini Poodles may get along extremely well with children, as long as they are raised together and introduced properly. However, be careful when letting them near children, as they are still small and delicate in size. They are also the most hypoallergenic of all coated breeds, making them great for owners with allergies.
Trainability
Are Miniature Poodles difficult to train?
Like Standard Poodles, Mini Poodles excel in agility and obedience training. They are one of the smartest and most trainable of all breeds, and are considered a ‘thinking’ dog who pays focused attention to you. As they may get nervous and sensitive around boisterous children, it is recommended to train them well from an early stage.
Compatibility with other pets
Do Miniature Poodles get along with other dogs or cats?
As well as smaller children and adults, Miniature Poodles also get along well with other pets in the household. They are generally peaceful and accepting of other animals.
Need for company
How often do they need to be around humans?
Like Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles also require a great deal of companionship. This makes them a great breed for owners who stay at home often, or work from home. They are quite dependent dogs, and may develop undesirable behaviours if left for too long. This breed is prone to separation anxiety, meaning regular and quality human contact is essential. However with enough companionship, Mini Poodles will lay next to you and offer comfort and sympathy.
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