Canis lupus familiarisDogsSmall

Miniature Poodle

The Miniature Poodle is the medium version of the three Poodle sizes — larger than the Toy, smaller than the Standard.

intelligentactivealerttrainablefaithful
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Miniature Poodle

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Origin

France

Lifespan

14–17 years

Weight

7–8 kg (15–17 lbs)

Height

28–38 cm (11–15 in)

Diet

Omnivore — quality small-breed formula

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

The Story

The Miniature Poodle is the medium version of the three Poodle sizes — larger than the Toy, smaller than the Standard. It combines all the intelligence, trainability, and hypoallergenic coat of the Standard Poodle in a more apartment-friendly package. The Miniature Poodle consistently ranks among the most intelligent small breeds and is one of the most versatile competitors in dog sports at the small size level.

Also Known As
Mini PoodleCaniche Nain
Miniature Poodle

Quick Facts

BreedPoodle (Miniature)
Breed GroupNON_SPORTING
SizeSmall
ActivityHigh
TrainabilityVery High
CountryFrance
Lifespan14 - 17 years
Good with KidsGood with PetsHypoallergenic
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Physical Profile

Miniature Poodle

Source: wikimedia

Identical in type to the Standard Poodle in every way except size. The same curly, dense, non-shedding single coat, the same elegant proportions, and the same colour range. The Miniature stands 28–38 cm — between the Toy (under 28 cm) and Standard (over 38 cm).

Grooming

Very High

Shedding

None

Coat Colors

blackwhiteapricotcreamsilverbluebrownredcafé au lait

Recognized By

AKCFCIUKCKC
Image Available

Source: wikimedia

Temperament & Personality

Miniature Poodles share all the positive traits of the Standard — high intelligence, eager trainability, affectionate nature, and sociability — in a smaller package. They tend to be slightly more reactive and alert than Standards. They are excellent in obedience, agility, and circus-style trick training.

intelligentactivealerttrainablefaithfulplayful

Living Profile

Activity LevelHigh
TrainabilityVery High
Noise LevelModerate

Care & Wellness

Professional Care Protocol

Ear Cleaning
Nail Trimming
Special Eye Care
Teeth Care
  • The non-shedding coat requires professional grooming every 4–6 weeks and daily brushing between appointments. Daily exercise of 45–60 minutes. Teeth need daily brushing.

Vaccination Schedule

Vaccination Schedule

CoreRabies, DAP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus)
Non-CoreBordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza
Adult BoosterRabies: 1 year after puppy series, then every 1–3 years. DAP: annually then every 3 years. Bordetella: annually for social dogs.
Species NotesTitre testing can replace triennial DAP boosters in many regions. Leptospirosis recommended for outdoor/water exposure. Lyme for tick-endemic areas.
Puppy / Kitten Schedule6–8 weeks: DAP; 10–12 weeks: DAP + Leptospirosis; 14–16 weeks: DAP + Rabies + Leptospirosis; 18 weeks: DAP booster if high-risk

Health Overview

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) occurs with DNA testing available. Patellar luxation is more common in Miniatures than Standards. Addison's disease and hypothyroidism are seen. Epilepsy occurs at elevated rates in some lines. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease affects small individuals.

Common Conditions

Name: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) • Severity: HIGH • Prevalence: OCCASIONAL • Description: Inherited retinal degeneration. DNA testing available.
Name: Patellar Luxation • Severity: MEDIUM • Prevalence: OCCASIONAL • Description: Kneecap dislocation — more common in Miniatures than Standards. Grades 3–4 require surgical correction.
Name: Addison's Disease • Severity: MEDIUM • Prevalence: OCCASIONAL • Description: Adrenal insufficiency. Manageable with lifelong hormone supplementation.
Name: Epilepsy • Severity: MEDIUM • Prevalence: OCCASIONAL • Description: Elevated rates in some Miniature Poodle lines. Manageable with medication.

Fun Facts

01

Miniature Poodles consistently outperform most breeds in competitive obedience at the small dog level.

02

The Poodle's curly coat grows continuously, does not shed in cycles, and can theoretically be grown to any length.

03

Poodles have been used as truffle-hunting dogs for centuries — their gentle mouth and exceptional nose made them ideal.

Also Known As

Mini PoodleCaniche Nain

Related Tags

#hypoallergenic#apartment-friendly#intelligent#easy-to-train#non-shedding#needs-grooming#long-lived#allergy-friendly#athletic

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