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Poodle (Miniature) Mobile

Miniature Poodle

The Miniature Poodle is a noble-looking dog with a slender muzzle and long neck. The coat is profuse and curly and is often styled. They can be seen in many colours.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
  • Basic training required
  • Enjoys gentle walks
  • Enjoys walking half an hour a day
  • Small dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming daily
  • Hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • Great with other pets
  • Great family dog

Key Facts

Lifespan: 13–15 years
Weight: 12–14kg
Height: 28–38cm
Colours: Black, white, blue, grey, silver, brown, apricot, red, silver beige and cream
Size: Small
Kennel Club Group: Utility

Ratings

Family-friendly: 4/5
Exercise needs: 4/5
Easy to train: 5/5
Tolerates being alone: 1/5
Likes other pets: 4/5
Energy level: 4/5
Grooming needs: 2/5
Shedding: 1/5

Personality

The Poodle is a lively, sociable and affectionate dog who is both intelligent and amusing, and makes a wonderful and fun companion. They love to be included in all family pursuits and can be good watch dogs, announcing visitors without being aggressive. They bond closely to their owners and so do not like to be left home alone.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Germany

The original Poodle is the Standard Poodle - who was a water retrieving dog so this is a breed who was always very much a worker. The Miniature Poodle was created as a smaller version of the original Poodle for owners who didn’t want such a large dog but were enchanted by their personalities and enthusiasm for all kinds of work. The major influencers in this desire for a smaller Poodle were circuses - who were using this highly intelligent, easy to train, friendly and even comical dog in their shows with great success but found the Standard Poodles just a bit too big.

Up until 1907, the Miniature Poodle was called the Toy Poodle but as even smaller versions of the breed were becoming popular due to selective breeding, these smaller dogs (under 11 inches) became known as Toys, and Miniature was used to describe dogs 11-15 inches.

Did You Know?

  • Poodles - especially the ones you see in the show ring - seem to have all kinds of crazy hairdos but these often flamboyant-looking styles all started off with a purpose. Poodles were originally water-retrieving dogs but their coats could easily get water-logged and pull them down. The answer was to clip off all their hair but leave some around their vital organs to keep them warm, and around any vulnerable joints to protect from injury.
  • Miniature Poodle’s were incredibly popular in circuses because of their small size, cute looks and high intelligence.
  • The breed is currently one of the most popular dogs in the show ring.
  • A Poodle’s coat never stops growing, which is one of the many reasons they need regular grooming.
  • Poodles were one of Elvis Presley’s favourite dog breeds!

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