Let's talk about... Miniature Poodles: what are they?

• The Miniature Poodle originated in Germany, but it quickly gained popularity in France.
• Don't be fooled by their name—they may be small, but they are full of personality!
• These dogs were initially bred as water retrievers and have a natural affinity for the water.
• They are highly intelligent and are considered one of the smartest dog breeds.
• They have a sturdy and well-proportioned build, standing at about 28 to 38 centimetres in height at the shoulder.
• These adorable dogs typically weigh between 4.5 and 7 kilograms.
• Miniature Poodles have a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years.

What is the temperament of Miniature Poodles like?

• Miniature Poodles are renowned for their friendly and loving nature. They form strong bonds with their owners and are always eager to please.
• Miniature Poodles are generally good with children and can adapt well to family life. However, it's always important to supervise interactions between young children and dogs to ensure everyone's safety.
• These dogs can be reserved with strangers and may exhibit some initial caution. Proper socialisation from a young age can help them feel more at ease around new people and other animals.
• Miniature Poodles thrive on attention and companionship. They are not well-suited for long periods of solitude and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.

How much exercise do Miniature Poodles need?

• Despite their small size, Miniature Poodles are energetic and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
• As puppies they should only get 5 minutes of exercise per month of age until they are around 12 months old.
• As adults, aim for around an hour to an hour and a half of exercise per day for Miniature Poodles. This can include walks and playtime!
• They are versatile dogs and can adapt to various living environments, including flats. However, they still need regular outdoor exercise to burn off energy.
• Mental stimulation is equally important for Miniature Poodles. Engage their intelligent minds with interactive toys, obedience training, or even canine sports like agility or scent work, which they often do really well at.

Do Miniature Poodles require a lot of grooming?

• Miniature Poodles are known for their curly coats, which come in a variety of colours such as white, black, apricot, and silver.
• This beautiful, curly coat requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
• Their dense, curly fur is low-shedding, which can make them a good choice for people with allergies. Although remember that some people are allergic to the saliva or skin of a dog, not the fur, so always spend time with a breed before getting your own!
• Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy, so aim to brush your Miniature Poodle's coat at least every other day to prevent tangles and remove loose hair. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils, keeping their coat in good condition.
• Professional grooming is recommended every four to six weeks to maintain their coat and a good groomer can advise you further.
• Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
  

Are Miniature Poodles easy to train?

• Yes, miniature Poodles are highly trainable and love to learn new things. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training a rewarding experience.
• Be sure to start training from an early age to establish good behaviours and manners, using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to motivate and reward your Miniature Poodle.
• Training sessions should be short and engaging to maintain their interest and prevent boredom.
• When training a miniature poodle, consistency is key. Stick to a regular training routine and be patient, as it may take time for them to fully grasp commands and behaviours.
• They can excel in obedience training and love to show off their skills.

What do Miniature Poodles eat?

• Be sure to provide high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds and feed them measured portions, twice a day as adults. Look for options that meet their specific nutritional needs.
• As puppies, they should be fed 3-4 times a day until reducing it to two meals at 6 months. They should be on puppy food until around 10-12 months of age but your food supplier and vet can advise depending on brand etc.

Are Miniature Poodles generally healthy?

Miniature Poodles are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Here are a few to be aware of:

Bleeding Disorders

• Von Willebrand’s Disease - an issue with platelet function in the blood stream causing bleeding

Bones and Joints:

• Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: a hip condition that affects the blood supply to the head of the femur bone, leading to breakdown of the bone, pain and lameness.
• Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be

Eyes:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy - over time the back of the eye becomes damaged which can reduce your dog’s vision, eventually leading to blindness

Hormonal

• Addison’s Disease - a condition where your dog’s body doesn’t produce enough of a couple of necessary hormones from their adrenal glands.

This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Miniature Poodle is right for you, consult with your vet.

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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian.  Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive.  If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.

Oliver is a lovely and very friendly miniature poodle. He has boundless energy and loves to get out and chase his ball. Anyone that takes him for a walk will be a friend of his forever. He is great both on and off the lead and is extremely well behaved with other dogs.

Busby and Fergie are both miniature poodles. They are brother and sister but Busby is two years older. They are both extremely cheeky, love long walks and wrestling each other!

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